I love that you re-made this video. Years ago I watched your video on this jacket and got the PHG version. I have recommended it to fellow workers or hunters. Def my go to hunting/every day wear in colder weather!
I bought 2 of the Columbia ascender jackets from one of your last videos awhile back, and I can honestly say that they are the real deal. I love mine, and won't part with either of them. Thanks Jason for the tip on this.
I got a brown version after watching one of your videos recommending them and what a major difference for a wind block, plus it's just comfortable as can be. Thanks again for the awesome video! The shed looks great btw!
Thanks! The shed turned out great I think and we love having all the stuff that was in storage now here at the house. And your right the jacket offers a lot of punch especially for the price.
I picked up a green ascended jacket on sale for $39 after your video 4 years ago. Definitely my favorite jacket for hunting or everyday wear. Still looks new as well!
Wear mine most of the season. But after a few seasons mine seems to have started to lose their water resistance. Still great jackets and my go to. As you said its great for layering. I work outdoors all winter and layer up under my jacket and stay nice and warm.
I believe nirwax or something like that will replace the water repellentcy. I've used it before on a pair or gloves that lost thier water repellentcy and it worked awesome
I know Jason is not a fan of camo jackets. But, just an FYI, I see they now make the Ascender in a PHG version that includes Realtree and Bottomlands camo. The PHG also has a great Flax and Iron color for waterfowl and tree stand hunters. All the PHG versions do have a camo trim though on the inside collar.
I have this jacket, though it's a model with a hood in black. Now I'll try to order it in blue without a hood (just like in the video). That's not so easy at all since the Columbia brand is only represented to a limited extent in Germany. This jacket is actually a rarity in Germany (at least without a hood). Odd, somehow...
What is a harsh winter in Alabama? Lol I'm from Canada 🇨🇦 but deff think some good layering and a heated sweater under that might get me thru the fall anyway
I'm in ga now. But spend the last 30 years hunting northern Michigan. Have hunted in this jacket in sub zero Temps with a couple layers under it and a vest over it.
I bought a few of these based on your recommendation. They are great for the price point. I did buy one that has a slightly "sticky" zipper near the collar, but it's only a minor annoyance. I have a "PHG" version as well and it is the only one I have with a true YKK zipper. People should take a close look at the pictures online before buying. I have one with a fleece lined collar, which I love, but all the others just have the outside material on the inner collar. Again, no big deal, but the fleece lined collar is a bit more comfy. Anyone know the name of the non-Ascender model Jason is wearing?
I still can not find the name of the green one. I actually called the outlet I bought it from and they told me columbia has a few versions and change the name based on country they are ment to be sold in and ones that go to outlets. Not sure how true that is. But I can not find the name of it online.
Hey did you hear Donnie Vincent gave you props during his gear breakdown video? I think I would really like this jacket and may buy it. But does anyone make a similar jacket in size/material weight that has 1)harness pass thru 2) pit zips 3) drop in the back (or a tall size)?? Thanks for all you put out there Jason.
I did. That was cool. He made that video last year. Was cool to chat with him and help him get set up. Glad he is gonna take his safety to the next level when tree stand hunting. I have never seen a jacket with those features. some rain gear has pit zips though!
Very good. I also consider another Columbia softshell jacket named Cruiser Walley, it seems pretty similar to Ascender and it is available in shop nearby... Do you know more about that model and what is the difference between your and that one jacket?
@@lawrencefranck9417 you might be surprised. Unless you are hunting in a carhart this is a pretty great jacket. I hang over 100 stands a year and not a mark on the inside of the sleeves.
Thanks for the review I was considering this jacket for a 10 day hiking trip Was wondering how is the breathability with this jacket While walking for long duration does it tend to build up heat and make you sweaty from inside ?
i love mobility and comfort! Thats why I dont use a saddle...lol just kidding. Reason I dont use a saddle is I dont like facing the tree all day and I can not shoot as good as I can from a stand.
@@SamkoTradBow oh yes. You shoot long bow I call it, traditional. I see your point. I shoot cross bow since 2010 when Georgia legalized. 76 y.o. I love facing the tree and using it for camo in the expected deer direction. Love the rifle rest on either side of the tree. Even my climbers are facing tree. Gear hanger handy on tree as well. I just counted, and I have a 15 coats, jackets, windbreakers and vests in my closet. No more coats for me. 😂
I wash it in the washing machine and dry it in the dryer. Cold water and low heat on all my hunting clothes. Works perfect. The water repellent that's on it last for years. Matter of fact the grey wone has been washed atleast 200 times and is still very water resistant
Hi, thank you for the video. I have ordered 2xl, however it is a bit narrow at the shoulders, the rest is OK. Is the 3xl much larger? I need just a bit more at the shoulders.
@wronski11 no idea the model of the green have searched and searched and no idea what it's called. I found it at a Columbia outlet. But they do now make the acender in camo also.
I would stick with your regular size first and use it as an early to mid-season jacket. I can get a mid-weight fleece under mine easily in my regular size. See how that works and if you really like it just save up for an oversized one too.
Pro Tip: Don't buy in Blue. I always get asked for things by customers when I'm in Walmart, or Best Buy. They think I work there. So don't get blue unless you want people to come up and ask you where things are in those stores.
I love that you re-made this video. Years ago I watched your video on this jacket and got the PHG version. I have recommended it to fellow workers or hunters. Def my go to hunting/every day wear in colder weather!
Such a great jacket
I bought 2 of the Columbia ascender jackets from one of your last videos awhile back, and I can honestly say that they are the real deal. I love mine, and won't part with either of them. Thanks Jason for the tip on this.
Glad they are working great for you too. The jacket packs alot of punch for the money.
Agree 100% your old video about these jackets convinced me to buy one now I have a few of them, best jacket ever!!
Happy to hear they work great for you too. Love this jacket
I got a brown version after watching one of your videos recommending them and what a major difference for a wind block, plus it's just comfortable as can be. Thanks again for the awesome video! The shed looks great btw!
Thanks! The shed turned out great I think and we love having all the stuff that was in storage now here at the house. And your right the jacket offers a lot of punch especially for the price.
I picked up a green ascended jacket on sale for $39 after your video 4 years ago. Definitely my favorite jacket for hunting or everyday wear. Still looks new as well!
Such a great jacket! Glad you like it too.
Wow, and the comments rave about this jacket too. I went ahead and just got one based on all this, thanks from Louisiana, man!
You will love it.
Wear mine most of the season. But after a few seasons mine seems to have started to lose their water resistance. Still great jackets and my go to. As you said its great for layering. I work outdoors all winter and layer up under my jacket and stay nice and warm.
I believe nirwax or something like that will replace the water repellentcy. I've used it before on a pair or gloves that lost thier water repellentcy and it worked awesome
Early spring and late winter is best time to find those types of deals especially in Academy and Field and stream.
Thank you for letting us know. Always good to find it on sale.
I know Jason is not a fan of camo jackets. But, just an FYI, I see they now make the Ascender in a PHG version that includes Realtree and Bottomlands camo. The PHG also has a great Flax and Iron color for waterfowl and tree stand hunters. All the PHG versions do have a camo trim though on the inside collar.
I saw that! such a great jacket! glad they are making it camo now.
I have this jacket, though it's a model with a hood in black. Now I'll try to order it in blue without a hood (just like in the video). That's not so easy at all since the Columbia brand is only represented to a limited extent in Germany. This jacket is actually a rarity in Germany (at least without a hood). Odd, somehow...
It’s awesome. And it packs down to the exact same size as my First Lite Uncompahgre puffy. And way quieter. I wish they made one with a hood.
They do now make the ascended with a hood! Called the hooded ascender.
That chest pocket would be perfect for phone or compus. My kind of jacket to also wear for everyday. Thank You.
Yep great point! I also have 2 of these in black and tan that I do use as normal everyday jackets. love this jacket!
I have a bit of a gut as well so seeing you wear it makes me wanna get one.
Fits perfect. You will love it
I love mine. Got it after your video a few years ago.
Glad you like yours too. It's my all time favorite hunting jacket by a long shot!
What is a harsh winter in Alabama? Lol I'm from Canada 🇨🇦 but deff think some good layering and a heated sweater under that might get me thru the fall anyway
I'm in ga now. But spend the last 30 years hunting northern Michigan. Have hunted in this jacket in sub zero Temps with a couple layers under it and a vest over it.
How is this compared to tnf apex bionic?
No idea. Don't own that one. Sorry couldn't help
Should try out some of the magellan fish gear jackets and pants wind resistant stretchy and very quite at a good price at academy
Will do
I bought a few of these based on your recommendation. They are great for the price point. I did buy one that has a slightly "sticky" zipper near the collar, but it's only a minor annoyance. I have a "PHG" version as well and it is the only one I have with a true YKK zipper. People should take a close look at the pictures online before buying. I have one with a fleece lined collar, which I love, but all the others just have the outside material on the inner collar. Again, no big deal, but the fleece lined collar is a bit more comfy.
Anyone know the name of the non-Ascender model Jason is wearing?
I still can not find the name of the green one. I actually called the outlet I bought it from and they told me columbia has a few versions and change the name based on country they are ment to be sold in and ones that go to outlets. Not sure how true that is. But I can not find the name of it online.
I think its called Bowen Lake, theres not much information for it on the internet
Hey did you hear Donnie Vincent gave you props during his gear breakdown video?
I think I would really like this jacket and may buy it. But does anyone make a similar jacket in size/material weight that has 1)harness pass thru 2) pit zips 3) drop in the back (or a tall size)??
Thanks for all you put out there Jason.
I did. That was cool. He made that video last year. Was cool to chat with him and help him get set up. Glad he is gonna take his safety to the next level when tree stand hunting. I have never seen a jacket with those features. some rain gear has pit zips though!
Very good. I also consider another Columbia softshell jacket named Cruiser Walley, it seems pretty similar to Ascender and it is available in shop nearby... Do you know more about that model and what is the difference between your and that one jacket?
I still dont know what the new jacket I got is called but its basically an ascender. but have not found it or any info on it.
I like the one you have on, what’s it called?
No idea and couldn't find it online. Found it in a columboa outlet
IF we already have a softshell, but want to add a layer; which would you add first, the fleece under or softshell vest over?
Could do either and I do. often both. a fleece or extra layer under the jacket (it stretches) and a vest (usually my kuiu guide vest) over the top.
Cool jacket. I’ll have to keep a look out for the sale. How to they hold up against thorns? My arch enemy when it comes to hunting.
thorns usually only wreck my pants. so far the jacket has been great and lasted flwalessly against tree abrasion. not sure about thorns though.
It’s not making two hunts where I hunt before being ripped to shreds. This isn’t considering if you have to blood trail through a cutover.
@lawrence you know my pain. I hunt in Maryland and hunt through a lot of thorns. The last deer I killed decided to die under a huge bush not fun.
@@definit1on119 yep thorns suck!
@@lawrencefranck9417 you might be surprised. Unless you are hunting in a carhart this is a pretty great jacket. I hang over 100 stands a year and not a mark on the inside of the sleeves.
I got mine for 50USD in the US, in India they are 100USD, they are made in India.
Isn't that crazy how that crap works
Thanks for the review
I was considering this jacket for a 10 day hiking trip
Was wondering how is the breathability with this jacket
While walking for long duration does it tend to build up heat and make you sweaty from inside ?
It breathes well. It's like any other soft shell.
@@SamkoTradBow thanks for confirming... cheers!
Thought you would be a saddle hunter by now since you like mobility and comfort.
Coweta County Georgia
i love mobility and comfort! Thats why I dont use a saddle...lol just kidding. Reason I dont use a saddle is I dont like facing the tree all day and I can not shoot as good as I can from a stand.
@@SamkoTradBow oh yes. You shoot long bow I call it, traditional. I see your point. I shoot cross bow since 2010 when Georgia legalized. 76 y.o.
I love facing the tree and using it for camo in the expected deer direction. Love the rifle rest on either side of the tree. Even my climbers are facing tree. Gear hanger handy on tree as well.
I just counted, and I have a 15 coats, jackets, windbreakers and vests in my closet. No more coats for me. 😂
Saddle hunting is da bomb for me... 👍
"Aero" Joe
@@joaxe12 a great many people agree with you. Saddles are definitely a great light weight hunting system
@@joaxe12 Dryad Drey 2
How do you wash it? Im having nikwash goretex and dont know if theyre compatible
I wash it in the washing machine and dry it in the dryer. Cold water and low heat on all my hunting clothes. Works perfect. The water repellent that's on it last for years. Matter of fact the grey wone has been washed atleast 200 times and is still very water resistant
@@SamkoTradBow no need for specialized washing powder for waterproof fabric at all?
@@inputname000 I have not ever used any of that stuff.
Hi, thank you for the video. I have ordered 2xl, however it is a bit narrow at the shoulders, the rest is OK. Is the 3xl much larger? I need just a bit more at the shoulders.
No idea. But If you bought it thru Amazon it should be easy returns and reordering.
@@SamkoTradBow Yes I ordered via amazon. I really like it though. Which model is the green jacket you ware in the video, i might order it as well.
@wronski11 no idea the model of the green have searched and searched and no idea what it's called. I found it at a Columbia outlet. But they do now make the acender in camo also.
Do you think it will hold up to north dakota ~40 cold
Nothing is gonna hold up to -40 cold
What size is yours?
Large
How is the sizing? Should I size up for layering?
I dont think you need to. its a little stretchy.
I would stick with your regular size first and use it as an early to mid-season jacket. I can get a mid-weight fleece under mine easily in my regular size. See how that works and if you really like it just save up for an oversized one too.
Pro Tip: Don't buy in Blue. I always get asked for things by customers when I'm in Walmart, or Best Buy. They think I work there. So don't get blue unless you want people to come up and ask you where things are in those stores.
P.S> Ive had mine with the hood for at least 8 years and looks new. I don't hunt but just to let people know the jacket is for sure the best.
Great point!😂
I think Columbia has good products but cannot buy any of their clothes as they are too baggy for me.
Nice thing about this jacket is it's got a little stretch to it. So it sizes pretty easy
Those jackets can claim crazy body counts 😂
Too bad they don’t make pants to go with it.
Would be a great pant material!