Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Insulated Jacket Review

Bottom Line

The Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Insulated Jacket is an affordable and stylish option for those in need of a long, mild-winter coat. Whether you’re out running errands or casually strolling, it’s great for urban environments and temperate zones where you don’t need a super heavy-duty coat but still want something cozy. We throw it on for short walks in the spring and fall in Montana.

Omni-Heat technology reflects body heat to keep you warm without the bulk of down insulation. However, if you’re cold-blooded like some of our gear analysts (joking) and don’t run like a furnace, it won’t keep you toasty in sub-30°F temps unless you’re moving around or layering underneath. For colder days or climates, you’ll want to add some low-density base layers to make it more versatile or see if one of our other favorite winter jackets would be a better fit. 

Finally, the synthetic insulation will keep you warm even when it gets wet, and that’s a good thing because the jacket isn’t very weather-resistant, beyond the light dusting of snow or gentle rain showers. It does dry quickly, which helps if you get caught in some weather.

How We Tested

We’ve had many CleverHiker gear analysts sport the Columbia Heavenly over the years from Oregon to Montana. This year, we rocked it as long as we could in the fall/early winter in NW Montana. We carried firewood, dog walked in the neighborhood, ran errands, and wore this long jacket to work. We also lab-tested the insulation and water-repellency.

Warmth

The Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket is a mild-winter hero. Thanks to its synthetic insulation and Omni-Heat reflective lining, the jacket keeps you warm for casual everyday winter activities in temperatures above 30°F. We found that it provides a nice balance of warmth without overheating, which is perfect for running errands or taking short walks.

It’s not a true deep-winter jacket, but it does a solid job of keeping you warm without the bulkiness of heavier coats. In our warmth test, the internal temperature of the coat took 37 minutes to drop 30 degrees to ambient temperatures, the fastest drop in all our favorite jackets. That tells us this coat needs a warm body to work as the design and technology intend. The thin synthetic is best for more active outings or for when it is cool but above freezing.

Weather Resistance

While the jacket’s water-resistant shell does its job against light rain and snow, don’t expect it to hold up in a full-on downpour for more than a few minutes to get from the office to your car.

We put it to the test and it soaked through in about 10 minutes, which was in part due to the sewn-through baffle stitching. The synthetic insulation and Omni-Heat lining still provided some warmth even after it got wet, but you’ll want a more waterproof option if you’re in consistently rainy or wet conditions. Thankfully, if you are caught in some serious precipitation, the coat dries quickly.

Comfort & Functionality

What we really loved about this jacket was its fit. The feminine cut is stylish and flattering without feeling too tight or constricting.

The Heavenly jacket is best for cool but not cold temperatures, so it has a nice balance between a tailored look and comfort, making it great for casual wear. The soft fleece-lined hood is cozy, but it doesn’t have a cinch so it isn’t functional if the wind picks up. The jacket sits above the knee, offering enough coverage without being restrictive when you’re on the move.

Features

Omni-Heat Technology in the Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket is a standout feature. The reflective lining traps and bounces your body heat back to you, making the jacket feel warmer than you’d expect for its insulation level. It’s efficient without adding bulk and has a flash of reflectivity to make it easy to spot in a pile of winter jackets at a party.

The fleece-lined hood adds cozy warmth around your head and neck, though a cinch cord would make it even better.

The water-resistant shell sheds light rain and snow, making this jacket ideal for casual winter outings, not for extended exposure to heavy weather. We thought the wrist gaskets with thumbholes on this jacket were the most comfortable in the lineup of our favorites. 

With its minimalist design, the Heavenly jacket lacks many technical features. It has basic pockets for hands and small items like a phone or keys, but not much else.

Should You Buy the Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Insulated Jacket?

If you want a stylish, affordable winter jacket for mild-to-moderate winter temps aka fall and spring then yes, this jacket is a win. It’s perfect for those who live in temperate climates or for casual wear in colder months.

It won’t work for folks in colder zones where winter is consistently below freezing, but if you’re looking for something comfortable, flattering, and practical for everyday use, the Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket does a great job.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

If you want to do a little more research, take a look at similar recommendations below or read about the full lineup in our guide to the best winter jackets for women.

REI Stormhenge Review: Stormhenge is a similar length and cut as the Heavenly, but with more versatility because of its insulation and waterproofing. 

The Patagonia Down With It Review: For a winter that is a little more full-on, the Down With It parka doesn’t sacrifice a stylish silhouette for warmth and coverage. It also doesn’t like being in wet conditions for very long, but this is a better option for colder weather.

Rab Deep Cover Parka Review: If you’re looking for a down jacket that has a similar cut that also dries quickly but has better insulation, the Rab Deep Cover is a solid choice.