How to Choose Insulated Jackets

Loaded with snow-ready features, the men's Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 jacket lets you choose between a fully waterproof shell or an insulated liner—or both for serious snow and cold.
Imported.
View the Columbia Whirlibird Product LineView all Columbia Men's Synthetic Insulation Jackets| Best Use | Snowsports Downhill Skiing Snowboarding |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% nylon |
| Lining Fabric | 100% nylon 210T taffeta |
| Windproof | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Type of Waterproofing | Critically seam-sealed Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable shell |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| Warmth | Warmer |
| 3-in-1 Jacket | Yes |
| Hood | Yes |
| Powder Skirt | Yes |
| Ventilation | Pit Zips |
| Back Length | Hip-length |
| Back Length (in.) | 31 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | Unavailable |
| Removable Liner Fabric | 100% polyester |
| Removable Liner Insulation | Thermarator 100% recycled polyester |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 4XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 4X | 5X | 6X | L Tall | XL Tall | XXL Tall | XXXL Tall | XXXXL Tall | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 32 - 35 | 35 - 38 | 38 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 53-56 | 56-59 | 46 - 49 | 48-50 | 52-54 | 55-57 | 59-61 | 63-65 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | 57 - 60 |
| Sleeve Length | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 39 | 39 |
| Waist | 26-29 | 29 -32 | 32-35 | 36-39 | 40-43 | 44-47 | 47-50 | 50-53 | 40-43 | 44-47 | 48-51 | 51-54 | 55-58 | 59-62 | 36-39 | 40-43 | 44-47 | 48-51 | 51-54 |
| Hip | 32-34 | 35-37 | 38-40 | 41-43 | 44-46 | 48-50 | 51-53 | 53-55 | 44-46 | 48-50 | 52-54 | 55-57 | 59-61 | 63-65 | 41-43 | 44-46 | 48-50 | 52-54 | 55-57 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Short pant inseam = 30
Regular pant inseam = 32
Tall pant inseam = 34
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I really like this jacket. It's well made and keeps me warm on cold rainy/snowy days. My only criticism is the hook side of the velcro that may be used to fasten the jacket together sticks to the jacket fabric and causes it to become noticably fuzzy and worn. This is especially a problem with the collar velcro. I would give it five stars except for the velcro issue.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As someone who trusted Columbia for reliable winter gear, I was disappointed with the Whirlibird™ V Interchange Jacket during a recent trip to New York City. Despite layering appropriately, I still felt the cold seeping through, especially when the wind picked up. The thermal reflective lining and insulation just didn’t hold up in the kind of chill you expect this jacket to be built for. While the 3 in 1 Interchange system sounds great on paper (it can be worn as a shell, liner, or combined), the overall feel was bulky and awkward. The fit felt boxy and movement was restricted, which is surprising for something marketed toward active winter wear. The most unexpected letdown was the stitching and construction quality. For a Columbia product, I expected a level of durability that simply wasn’t there. Some of the seams looked sloppily done, and the overall finish felt like a step down from what the brand usually delivers. Sure, it has the bells and whistles: underarm vents, adjustable hood, decent pocket space. But none of that really matters if the core job of keeping you warm and feeling well protected isn’t handled. In short, this jacket looked good on paper but didn’t perform when it counted. If you’re expecting serious warmth and high quality construction, you might want to keep looking.
Rather than bringing a puffy, a winter coat, and a raincoat with me when I travel to hike next month, I thought this one (3-way) coat might cover all the bases. It will! I tested it in heavy rain yesterday; the inside of the shell was still totally dry after a two mile walk. Today I tested it while it was windy (20 mph) and cold (mid-20s F). The coat kept the wind out and after walking two miles I even felt a little too warm (I had on three underlayers). I am pleased! Minor annoyances: The shell zipper is small and hard to zip in the dark, and the snaps that attach the sleeves of the puffy to the sleeves of the shell tend to unsnap when you pull your arm out.
Great coat. Definitely mid-weight, so as a stand-alone, not much for cold temps but I bought it for layering and it's perfect for that. It's also slightly oversized, which is perfect. I fit an XL in Columbia just about perfectly in their coats/jackets, and this fits with enough room for a sweater, hoodie or light down layer underneath. Perfect for layering in cold Utah winters. It's also a great jacket to wear for work trips or other more social, less outdoorsy, types of environments. I haven't tested the waterproofness yet, but so far it's just what I wanted in a warm-ish, waterproof, snow/rain shedding winter layering coat.
The coat is very comfortable and warm. Very nice feature the interior coat can be removed. Nice vents, pockets, and zippers. Great length, was difficult to fit a coat that wasn’t too long. Perfect coat at a great price.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Miss the Gortex jackets from Columbia. These Poly jackets are not as warm and not nearly as water resistant. 10 minutes in a Seattle rainstorm, and I can feel the water starting to soak through the jacket.
Its definitely a good jacket. However im very disappointed with the size guide that columbia offers. First of all size calculator that takes Height (183cm) , Weight (90kg), Age (39) and Pant waist(39in) as an input suggested that i should choose XL and here i felt something is wrong. Cause according to the size chart my body measures falls somewhere between M and L. And what is also interesting that when i change the age to 16 in calculator it suggests size L instead of XL. So i didin't risk to get M and choose L instead. L is a bit loose on me so probably i dint made a mistake here but again not sure if it was a best fit cause sizing is not clear even according to the chart.
overall the jacket is well made. The shell is well made, the liner puffy is well made The Jacket has one large pocket inside, no cell phone pocket. Exterior pockets are nice and deep. The liner will cut off the snow skirt and the inside pockets, this is bad design, specialty for use of the snow skirt. The zip in liner puffy installed cuts off use of the liner pockets. Cuffs on sleeves could have been better intergraded at attachment points. I purchased this coat for use in Seattle, rainy days shell; cold or cool dry days liner, and rain snow with cold( yes it does get cold in Seattle). liner could use a better collar or hoodie, as the stand alone version has. the 3 stars reflects the above, I purchased this on sale so the value and price point Great for what the coat offers.
I love this jacket! Super comfortable, and keeps me nice and warm no matter what. I love the utility of the 3-in-1, and its very easy to use, though it is pricey, so I would suggest waiting for a sale.
I bought this Interchange coat for a recent trip to Japan and it did not disappoint. The pockets are all thoughtfully placed, the mirrored coating on the inside of the inner jacket increases the warmth, and Columbia's M is actually a somewhat small L, so I was able to get it with a bit more of a tailored fit for me. Then, just yesterday, I wore the inner, puffer coat under my skiing shell for a day on the slopes and it once again kept me toasty warm. I would definitely buy this coat all over again.