The Columbia Flash Forward - Women's is made of 100% polyester. It has elastic cuffs, two exterior zippered pockets and comes in five colors. It weighs 5.6 ounces (158 g).
This jacket did resist light winds but it's not the ideal layer for cold, windy days. It has a drawstring hood and hem, which helps seal out the wind, but is better suited for outdoor activities in warm to moderate temperatures.
This wind breaker lets some air in, so in that sense, it breathes well. The silk-like polyester is also soft to the skin's touch and this jacket feels great over a tank top. If your body temps run on the warm side and a comfortable fit is appealing, this jacket may be for you.
During our water tests, the Columbia Flash Forward - Women's repelled some water thanks to its Omni-Shield water and stain repellent coating. However, it quickly saturated through and was slow to dry. The Patagonia Houdini is a much better choice if you are looking for some additional protection from the elements.
This jacket was neither the lightest nor the heaviest of the wind breakers that we tested. At 5.6 ounces (158 g), it won't weigh you down or take up a lot of space in your pack, but it also doesn't provide much protection from the elements either. The slightly heavier The North Face Flyweight Hoodie - Women's offers superior protection in a similarly sized package.
Because this jacket does not stow in a pocket, it is not ideal for the everyday outdoor adventurer. Also, the drawstring hood cinches down around your face and blocks peripheral views, so it's not the best choice for anything involving a helmet, like cycling, mountain biking or rock climbing. For these reasons we've given it a lower score for versatility. However, we did appreciate the full front zipper, which lets you unzip completely to help ventilate when you are hiking up steep terrain, and the zippered hand pockets are nice for holding a camera and snacks.
The outer lining on this model is made up of a satiny feeling 100% polyester. We've given it a low rating for durability as well, because after a few wears the seam threads started shredding. The hem around the hood and waist are only single stitch, and we question the long-term durability of this jacket if used in rugged terrain.
This jacket is best for the occasional adventurer who ventures outside in warm to moderate conditions. Because the silky fabric is comfortable next to the skin and is lightweight, this is a nice jacket to have in your day pack, travel duffel, or city satchel, as long as the going is not too tough.
At $60, this jacket will comfortably protect you in the summer winds without depleting your bank account. For the same price though, you can purchase our Best Buy winner, the The North Face Cyclone Hoodie - Women's, which performs better in colder temps and is more durable and versatile.
