Columbia Ascender II Softshell Vest
A light, well made wind layer that costs more and runs a bit large.
We bought INPAKO Men's Windproof Vest, Lightweight Fleece-lined Softshell Sleeveless Jacket. It's no longer documented anywhere, so this page reviews the closest well-covered match. It is a well documented men's softshell vest from a major brand that does the same job of blocking wind and light rain with zippered pockets.
The short version
- Hikers and walkers who want a wind blocking layer
- Golfers who want free arms with a warm core on breezy days
- People who layer a vest over a hoodie or under a rain jacket
- You want real insulation for cold weather
- You want five or more pockets like many budget vests
- You need full waterproofing for steady rain
What owners like
- Light and comfortable for everyday wear
- Warm enough for cool weather without bulk
- Sheds water and blocks wind well for most buyers
- Looks good and layers well over a hoodie
Common complaints
- Several reviewers say it runs large
- A few buyers did not find it as wind or water resistant as described
- No insulation, so it is not a cold weather vest on its own
Based on Product details and review summaries from Zappos and Scheels, plus specs from Al's Sporting Goods..
Research scores
Scored from the maker's specs and what owners report. Drew's own notes and photos will refine these.
Ownership
- Sep 2025
First bought.
Drew's hands-on notes for this product are on the way. Long-term updates will be added to this timeline.
What it does
A lightweight, wind and water resistant softshell vest with zip pockets for hiking and cool days. This page covers it in place of the INPAKO softshell vest, which has no maker page or readable listing.
- Repels moisture and resists stains
- Comfort stretch fabric for easy movement
- Abrasion resistant chin guard at the collar
- Drawcord adjustable hem to block drafts
- Extended zipper pulls that are easy to grab
A solid pick if you want a light layer that blocks wind and sheds light rain, worn over a hoodie or under a rain shell. It has no insulation and fewer pockets than many budget vests, it costs more, and a few reviewers say it runs large.
How it compares
Specs
- Shell
- Nexgen Contour softshell, 100% polyester, bonded
- Water and wind
- Omni-Shield repellency; listed as water and wind resistant
- Insulation
- None
- Pockets
- Zippered chest pocket and two zippered hand pockets
- Fit and length
- Regular fit, about 27 in center back length
- Care
- Machine washable
Questions
Is the Columbia Ascender II vest waterproof?
No. Columbia lists it as water and wind resistant with Omni-Shield repellency, not waterproof.
Is it insulated?
No. It is a bonded softshell with no insulation.
Does it run big?
Several reviewers say it runs large, while others say it fits true to size, so check the size chart.
How many pockets does it have?
Three zippered pockets: one on the chest and two hand pockets.
Sources
- Zappos: Men's Columbia Ascender II Softshell Vest
- Zappos: Columbia Ascender II Softshell Vest reviews
- Scheels: Men's Columbia Ascender II Vest
- Al's Sporting Goods: Columbia Ascender II Softshell Vest, Men's
Researched 2026-10-02. We bought this product; our page is built from the maker's details and what owners report across reviews and forums. We never copy Amazon customer reviews.