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Columbia Steens Mountain / Benton Springs Fleece Jacket Review

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At more than a pound, this is a heavier fleece. We recommend using it in the frontcountry for shorter hikes and around campfires at night. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Bottom Line

We’ve been wearing the Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 (men’s) and Benton Springs (women’s) jackets for decades and love their classic style and affordable price tag. These jackets are solid all-around: reliable, comfortable, and warm. Plus, they come in many sizes and color choices, so finding one that suits you is a cinch. When the chill starts to hit in the fall as the seasons tip towards winter, we reach for this cozy fleece.

The Steens Mountain/Benton Springs jackets aren’t as packable or performance-oriented as other top-performing fleeces on our list, but they’re still excellent for work, day trips, and everyday wear. We’ve also trusted them for cold-weather backcountry trips with no complaints. 

Quick Specs

Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs

Best Budget Fleece


Price:

$46


Measured Weight:

1 lb. 3.2 oz.(Men’s M)


Fleece Weight:

Mid-heavyweight

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Quick-drying
  • Easy to layer
  • Lots of color and size options available
  • Inclusive sizing

Cons

  • Not as warm as some
  • On the bulky side for backcountry use
  • Not as durable as some

A man wearing a blue fleece's back as he faces a lake.
We tested the Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 on day hikes and around town and found it works great for keeping you warm. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Warmth

The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 offers exceptional warmth for its price point. Its material and construction made it one of the toastiest options we tested. We put it through its paces on a chilly fall morning at a high alpine lake, where it shrugged off the misty air and kept us comfortably warm. While not the absolute warmest in our lineup, it performs well for its mid-heavyweight class. It transitions seamlessly into a mid-layer under a shell for bitter winter days. Overall, the Steens Mountain 2.0 delivers sufficient warmth without breaking the bank.

The front of a man wearing a blue fleece.
The full-zip Steens Mountain fleece is soft and comfortable but does not breathe as well as other fleeces on our list. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Comfort

The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Jacket is very comfortable thanks to its ultra-soft 100% polyester MTR filament material. It is considered a classic fit that is true to size, so it is not too tight or restrictive. The design includes a collared neck and zippered closure that keeps you warm and comfortable. However, if you start to generate heat during a high-energy hike or walk, this fleece is not breathable and won’t be comfortable once you start sweating. 

A man stands by a lake wearing a blue fleece.
The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 is very comfortable. It is made using an ultra-soft 100% polyester MTR filament fleece that makes it warm and cozy. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Durability

The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 stood up to our testing without issue. However, like most gear, the material and seams may wear out with extensive use and frequent washing. We wore this primarily on the trail and in light brush and bushes. The 100% polyester MTR filament fleece is soft but also may be susceptible to wear. We wash this one on warm or cool and air-dry as recommended. This is a perfect jacket for someone who doesn’t put their gear through the wringer.

A man wearing a blue fleece looks down while walking on a trail.
The 100% polyester MTR filament is soft but also may be susceptible to wear. It held up to our testing on short hikes and around town. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Weight

At more than a pound, this is a heavier model but a few ounces lighter than Patagonia’s Better Sweater. It is bulky and does not pack down well, so it is better for front-country use on day hikes, around camp, or in town. We suggest a lighter-weight technical fleece for those longer backcountry trips where a mid-layer needs to stuff into a pack and not bog you down.

A close up of the logo on a blue fleece.
The Columbia Steens fleece is a good deal for the price. It is warm, fits well, and is comfortable. Weighing in at more than a pound it is a heavier option that does not pack down easily. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Features

The Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 has the basic features expected of an affordable mid-layer fleece. It has two zippered side pockets (no chest pocket). A nice pull tab loop on the full-length zipper makes it easier to use if you wear gloves.

A hand in the pocket of a jacket.
The Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 has two zippered side pockets. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

Should You Buy The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs?

The Columbia Steens jacket is a steal for the price. It is warm, fits well, and is comfortable. It is ideal for a cool fall hike or a layer on a cold winter’s day. While this option is a staple jacket, it is not ideal for longer hikes or trips where weight and packability are a concern. Also, for high-output activities, it does not breathe well. If you’re in the market for a casual, athletic midweight layer, you won’t be disappointed.

The shoulder of a blue fleece close up.
The Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 is made of an ultra-soft 100% polyester MTR filament, making it a comfortable warm fleece. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)

What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?

Patagonia Better Sweater Review: Another heavier option, the Better Sweater is a great day hike or around town jacket similar to the Steens. It is built stronger than the Columbia and likely last longer for a bit more money.

KUHL Interceptr: Like the Columbia Steens, the KUHL is a denser material that works great for front-country adventures. It’s warm, but won’t pack down for an ultralight hike. But for hanging around the campfire it looks great and holds warmth. 

A hand pulls on the zipper of a fleece pocket.
The zippers on the Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 have a pull cord making it easier to grasp. – photo credit: David Young (cleverhiker.com)



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