Shopping for a winter coat can be an overwhelming process—long, short, down, synthetic, color, and price are all factors that need to be considered. Then, once you have narrowed down your needs, you have to find a coat that meets your expectations. While the process may be daunting, having a warm coat that can withstand whatever winter throws your way is a key component for enjoying and not just getting through the cold winter months.
If you are looking for an all-in-one jacket that can multi-task all season, then Columbia’s Heatzone 1000 TurboDown Long Hooded Parka is it. This jacket is full of bells and whistles that can take you from city to slopes and everywhere in between.
The best feature of this jacket is its warmth. It is built with Columbia’s trademarked Omni-Heat reflective lining that covers the inside of the jacket, adding another layer of warmth technology. It also features 1000 TurboDown Wave Insulation. This wave construction prevents heat from escaping the jacket at the seams, resulting in maximum warmth retention. Columbia’s Heat Seal technology also prevents traditional seaming, maximizing heat retention and breathability. This jacket performs best at temperatures below freezing, but anything over 40 degrees was too warm for this jacket to be comfortable.
The Heatzone 1000 is feature intensive. It has two top down chest pockets and two side access chest pockets, two fleece lined hand pockets, and an internal chest pocket. While the pockets are plenteous, I really only used the hand pockets, so I would eliminate a few pockets if I had the option. Especially the breast pockets, which are an aesthetic challenge for most women. The cuffs on the jacket are easily adjustable with velcro, successfully eliminating windy drafts from making their way up my arms.
The Heatzone 1000 has a drop tail hem in the back but the length in the front is a bit short for maximum thigh coverage. I am 5’8” and this jacket is way too short for me on the front. This is an ideal jacket for women 5’6 and under. Shorter women will especially love this jacket as their petite frame will be thoroughly covered. I never used the cinch cord on the hem of the jacket, as it never occurred to me to use it, even in windy conditions.
The down-filled collar and hood are also favorite features. Initially, I was weary of the synthetic fur around the edge of the hood, but after experiencing multiple windy storms, I am a firm believer in the benefit of faux-fur.
Overall, this jacket’s warmth and versatility make it a fantastic option for novice and experienced winter adventurers looking for a multi-tasking jacket for cold winters.
Pros: The warmth and features on this jacket are its best assets. The details are well thought out and maximize comfort in little ways, like the fleece lined pockets and adjustable hood. The two-way zipper was a stand out feature and made temperature control a breeze. It also allowed for adjustments when biking, driving, and for other times when freedom of movement was needed.
Cons: My biggest complaint about the Heatzone 1000 is the length. Two additional inches in the front would make this jacket one of my all time favorites. This jacket might also be over-featured for some. I still can’t dream up a situation when I would need even half of the pockets available for use, and I’m a mom. Finally, because the construction and the fabric don’t lend themselves to stretch, the size can feel small. Best to order up if you want a more roomy feel.
Where I Took It: This jacket accompanied me on urban and rural adventures during a brutal midwestern winter in temperatures ranging from single digits to around freezing. It also accompanied me on the front range and in the high country of Colorado.
