Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange Review

This jacket keeps you warm and dry enough and has features to enhance your day on the slopes. However, it won't provide the same style, features, or comfort as the more advanced options on the market.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Columbia Whirlibird V is a relatively warm ski jacket compared to other jackets we reviewed. It can't compete with the high-end down or synthetically insulated jackets, but it gets the job done with a burly outer shell jacket with a hanging mesh lining and a synthetically insulated inner sweater layer with an “Omni-Heat” thermal reflective material on the inside of the inner layer. Since this jacket combines multiple layers into one product, there is plenty of room for warm air to be trapped inside.

Weather Resistance

The Whirlibird V is moderately weather resistant. It features Columbia's OmniTech waterproof membrane, which works well. The jacket's zippers are not waterproof, including the long chest pocket zipper, which is located in an area most likely to get wet. The DWR treatment wore off quickly with light rubbing during our shower test, which led to the outer fabric getting soaked, although the membrane seemed to keep water out. The hood is fixed but can be cinched down around the face in bad weather, though it's on the small side. A powder skirt helps keep snow from getting up into the jacket through the hem.

Comfort and Fit

Our testers did not fall in love with the fit of the Whirlibird V. It feels boxy, unrefined, and generic. Other 3-in-1 jackets are more comfortable and well-tailored, but not much more so. Furthermore, the 3-in-1 construction produces a bulky feel, with friction that leads to restricted movement. A fleece chin guard protects skin from the shell material and zipper closure, which is a nice touch.

Ventilation

All 3-in-1 jackets can adjust to their surroundings with more versatility than single-piece ski jackets. If you get too hot, you can remove one of the layers and voilà. Alternatively, the Whirlibird V offers average-length pit zips without mesh backing, allowing good airflow. The pit zips help, but they do not continue through the inner layer. The outer shell breathes well enough, but if worn with the synthetic sweater layer, it does not breathe all that well, even with the vents open. The culprit may be the Omni-Heat thermal reflective fabric on the inside of the insulated sweater. The fabric traps heat well but does not feel that breathable.

Style

Style is not this jacket's strong suit. It features a neutral style with a non-specific fit, standard length, and straight cut. One tester mentioned that they felt like a middle-schooler wearing this jacket. The wide, boxy cut even suggests that this jacket is not styled specifically for skiing, and compared to the competition, the Whirlibird V seems to scream “beginner skier.” The upshot is that the jacket will match the style of a variety of winter situations, from cold trips to town to blustery bus stops and train platforms to the occasional cold day at the ski area. It seems like the style of this jacket takes into account that the user will probably wear the jacket more often on the streets than on the ski slopes.

Features

Other jackets have more refined features, but this jacket provides more than enough features to be convenient while skiing.

Should You Buy the Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange?

The Whirlibird V is a good value, like most 3-in-1 jackets, as you essentially get three jackets in one. This jacket, in particular, is less expensive than most other 3-in-1 options. It isn't the best option, but it works well enough for those who only make it out skiing a few times per year. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on your ski kit, you should strongly consider this jacket since it's not only one of the cheapest ski jackets you can get, but it also has enough versatility to be used as a winter jacket when you're not on the slopes.

What Other Ski Jackets Should You Consider?

If you are intrigued by the 3-in-1 jacket style, we recommend the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated, which costs a bit more but delivers better performance. Other good options for price-sensitive shoppers also include the GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining, which is even less expensive but isn't a 3-in-1 jacket, and the Obermeyer Foundation, which is in the middle of the pack in terms of price, but offers above-average performance in an insulated ski jacket. The Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft is our overall favorite, providing greater weather resistance, comfort, style, and ventilation, but for a premium price.