As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors and also values comfort in day-to-day wear, I recently picked up the Steens Mountain 2.0 and I’ve been pleasantly pleased with how well it hits the basics—especially for the price.
First impressions
Right out of the box the fleece looks and feels solid: full zip front, zippered hand pockets, elastic cuffs, and a hem drawcord adjuster for a tighter seal if needed. Columbia describes it as a “soft, durable, rugged fleece” designed “from camp to trailhead.” The fabric is 100% polyester MTR (Maximal Thermal Retention) filament fleece.
Fit & comfort
The jacket’s cut is fairly typical and true to size, offering enough room for layering if needed. According to real-user reports it fits well, though some reviewers noted the arms and sleeves may have extra material or appear a bit bulky in some positions.
- The fleece is soft against the skin and does a good job of delivering warmth for everyday use (or casual outings) when the temperatures dip.
Performance
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Warmth: For its category, the Steens Mountain 2.0 delivers respectable warmth. It’s not ultra-high-performance for expedition-level cold, but it’s more than adequate for fall walks, day hikes, or as a mid-layer in cooler weather .
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Breathability & layering: On the flip side, it’s not the most breathable fleece out there—if you’re doing high-output activity (sprinting up a trail or skiing), you may find yourself getting too warm or sweaty. OutdoorGearLab dubbed it “bulky” and less ideal for layering under shells.
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Durability: Many users appreciate the build for everyday use. But some caution about zipper quality and wear over time. For example one Amazon reviewer:
“Out of the five I own … three of them have come out of the dryer with shattered zipper ‘heads’.”
So while the fleece fabric tends to hold up, you might want to be gentle with wash/dry routines. -
Features: It has zippered hand pockets (handy for phone, gloves), drawcord at hem to reduce drafts, and elastic cuffs to keep the jacket snug. No hood, no chest pocket, no thumb loops—so it’s a simple, straightforward fleece rather than a feature-rich shell.
Value for money
This is where it really shines. For a mid-priced fleece jacket, the Steens Mountain 2.0 offers solid performance and decent styling without the premium price tag of mountain-specialist brands. If you’re buying it for everyday warmth, commuting, or light outdoor use, it’s a smart buy.
Final thoughts
If I were summing up: the Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 is a trusted, comfortable fleece jacket for casual outdoor adventures, everyday wear, and cold-weather layering (with the caveat you won’t get ultra-technical performance). It’s not the lightest, not super breathable for high exertion, and lacks some advanced features—but for general use it does the job very well.
Would I recommend it? Yes. If you’re looking for a reliable, good-value fleece that’ll keep you warm for trail walks, travel, or urban wear, this one checks the boxes. If you’re planning serious mountaineering, ultralight backpacking, or very high-output activities, you may want something more technical.
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