Is the Steens Mountain Vest warm enough on its own?

It is a light to mid-weight fleece, so it works in cool dry weather but not in cold or wind on its own. Most owners wear it as a layer under a shell or jacket.

Does it run true to size?

It has a regular fit that many owners find roomy and boxy. If you want a closer fit or plan to wear it over a thick sweater, consider sizing down.

Is it waterproof or windproof?

No. The fleece is not water resistant and only the high collar blocks wind. It is a layering piece, not a rain or wind shell.

How does it compare with Columbia's other fleece vests?

It is the simpler, lighter option versus Columbia's grid-fleece and lined vests. Those add stretch or more warmth, while the Steens Mountain stays basic and casual.

What sizes and colors are available?

It comes in sizes S through 3XL and in solid colors including black and buffalo tan combinations. Availability varies by color and size.

Can it be machine washed?

Yes, it is machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Wash it inside out and skip fabric softener to limit pilling.

Where is the Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest cheapest?

At Kohl's, for $36.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 1,800 ratings.

Where can I buy the Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest?

14 stores we checked sell it, including Columbia, Zappos, Backcountry, Academy Sports, Scheels.

Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest

Best price now

$36.00at Kohl'sChecked 52 min ago

Compared across 15 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Kohl's

Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest

Best price now

$36.00at Kohl'sChecked 52 min ago

Compared across 15 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Kohl's

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Lowest price today: $36.00 at Kohl's (checked Nov 10, 2026).
Checked at 15 stores.

Our take on the Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest

The Steens Mountain Vest is a simple fleece layering piece from Columbia with a full front zipper, a high cold-blocking collar and hand pockets. It is not water resistant and has no stretch, so it works as a mid layer under a shell or on its own in cool, dry weather. It is a long-running budget fleece vest, and owners rate it highly for warmth per dollar against pricier branded fleece vests. It suits casual everyday wear more than technical outdoor use.

Best forLayering under a rain shell in cool weatherCasual everyday wear in fall and springHikers and campers who want a cheap mid layerMen who prefer a roomy regular fit

Pros

Soft polyester fleece traps warmth without bulk
High collar blocks wind at the neck
Full-length zipper makes it easy to vent or remove
Hand pockets for small items
Wide size run from S to 3XL
Simple solid colors that pair with anything

Cons

Not water resistant, so it soaks through in rain
No stretch, which limits movement in the shoulders
Fleece pills and sheds over time
Boxy regular fit runs large for some wearers
Thin fabric offers little warmth on its own in cold

Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest prices at every store

Kohl'sNew
In stock
$36.00Checked 52 min ago
Visit Kohl's
BelkNew
In stock
$39.99Checked 52 min ago
Visit Belk
ZapposNew
In stock
$42.00Free shippingChecked 52 min ago
Visit Zappos
Macy'sNew
In stock
$42.00Checked 52 min ago
Visit Macy's
Cabela'sNew
In stock
$42.00Checked 52 min ago
Visit Cabela's
Eagle Eye OutfittersNew
In stock
$42.00Checked 52 min ago
Visit Eagle Eye Outfitters
Academy Sports + OutdoorsNew
In stock
$42.00Checked 52 min ago
Visit Academy Sports + Outdoors
Bass Pro ShopsNew
In stock
$42.00Checked 52 min ago
Visit Bass Pro Shops
ColumbiaNew
In stock
$42.00+ $6.00 shippingChecked 52 min ago
Visit Columbia
Historic Oakwood CemeteryNew
In stock
$49.50Checked 52 min ago
Visit Historic Oakwood Cemetery
BackcountryNew
In stock
$59.99Free shippingChecked 52 min ago
Visit Backcountry
Backcountry.comNew
In stock
$59.99Checked 52 min ago
Visit Backcountry.com
Academy SportsNew
In stock
$60.00Free shippingChecked 52 min ago
Visit Academy Sports
ScheelsNew
In stock
$60.00Checked 52 min ago
Visit Scheels
ScheelsNew
In stock
$60.00+ $9.99 shippingChecked 52 min ago
Visit Scheels

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest price history

Lowest price we've seen: $36.00 on Nov 10 at Kohl's. Tracked across 15 stores since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

5 / 51,800 ratings

Owners rate the vest very highly, mostly for warmth, comfort and value as a layering piece. Complaints center on fit running large and the fleece showing wear after repeated washing.

What people mention

WarmthPraisedOwners say it adds noticeable warmth as a layer under a jacket.
FitCriticisedMany say it runs large and boxy, so sizing down is common.
ValuePraisedBuyers call it a solid fleece vest for the money compared with pricier brands.
DurabilityMixedSome report pilling and thinning after repeated washes, while others wear it for years.
Weather protectionCriticisedIt blocks some wind at the collar but is not water resistant and soaks in rain.

Specifications

Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Sleeve Style: Sleeveless
Fastening Style: Zipper
Dimensions: Pit to pit 26", Length 28"
Dimensions Length: 27.0 in / 68.6 cm (Center Back Length)
Dimensions Width: 13 inches
Fit: Regular

Questions and answers

Is the Steens Mountain Vest warm enough on its own?: It is a light to mid-weight fleece, so it works in cool dry weather but not in cold or wind on its own. Most owners wear it as a layer under a shell or jacket.
Does it run true to size?: It has a regular fit that many owners find roomy and boxy. If you want a closer fit or plan to wear it over a thick sweater, consider sizing down.
Is it waterproof or windproof?: No. The fleece is not water resistant and only the high collar blocks wind. It is a layering piece, not a rain or wind shell.
How does it compare with Columbia's other fleece vests?: It is the simpler, lighter option versus Columbia's grid-fleece and lined vests. Those add stretch or more warmth, while the Steens Mountain stays basic and casual.
What sizes and colors are available?: It comes in sizes S through 3XL and in solid colors including black and buffalo tan combinations. Availability varies by color and size.
Can it be machine washed?: Yes, it is machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Wash it inside out and skip fabric softener to limit pilling.
Where is the Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest cheapest?: At Kohl's, for $36.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 1,800 ratings.
Where can I buy the Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Vest?: 14 stores we checked sell it, including Columbia, Zappos, Backcountry, Academy Sports, Scheels.