Columbia Whirlibird IV 3-in-1 Jacket Reviewed in 2025

Versatile 3-in-1 Jacket

The Whirlibird IV jacket gives users a versatile wearing experience. If the weather calls for a coat in any shape or form, this Columbia jacket is up for the challenge. The Whirlibird is a jacket for any cold weather condition during any activity.

The Whirlibird can be worn as a rain shell, thermal jacket, or together for winter storm protection. The versatility is due to the removable insulated inside liner that zips to the waterproof outside.

There is waterproofing and warmth when both layers are zipped together. The Whirlibird can handle cold wind well when it is worn together. However, there are better choices than the Whirlibird when the temperature drops below 20F.

If it is warmer and wetter, just wearing the outside layer will bring you enough protection. It acts as a rain jacket or wind shell; the pit zips are there if you need more temperature adjustment. Wearing the Whirlibird this way is similar to the Jack Wolfskin JWP raincoat.

Let’s say it is a cold night by the fire; wearing the inner layer as a puffer jacket is super cute, comfortable, and warm. This inner layer is not waterproof, so don’t get caught in the rain. The only thing I do not like about the thermal layer is that there is no adjustable draw cord around the hem.

Utility Sports Performance

The Whirlibird IV performs well in every cold weather activity. This Columbia jacket is designed for making turns in the snow but also for shoulder season hikes, climbs, and bike rides. But, this is not the top-performing athletic jacket, as it moves a little stiff; it leans more towards utility than top-tier performance. The Outdoor Research Snowcrew jacket has a softer feel.

While skiing or snowboarding, the Whirlibird coat has many pros with only a couple of cons. Columbia implemented a few features to make this a great performing snow sports jacket. It also performs well for shoulder season activities like hiking and climbing.

The first pro that stood out was how the Columbia jacket allows the athlete to bend in any direction comfortably. Overall, this jacket complements both skiing and snowboarding movements with minimal resistance. This freedom of movement can be attributed to the regular fit and the jacket’s activity-based patterning.

The outer layer has a powder skirt attached. This is a scrunchy belt that buttons in the front to help keep the jacket down; it can also be buttoned out of the way while using it for other purposes. The powder skirt is helpful during powder skiing so that snow does not get into your pants or back.

Something that resort riders can’t get enough of is pockets. The Whirlibird jacket delivers what the people want. This Columbia two-piece jacket has 4 zippered hand pockets, 1 zippered chest pocket, 1 zippered ski pass pocket, 1 zippered inside chest pocket, and 1 inside goggle pocket. Umm, that is 8 pockets!

Personally, I am a rider that doesn’t love a hood. I love it when jackets offer the simple option of unzipping the hood. Because this is one of Columbia’s most versatile jackets, having a removable hood could have upped the ante.

Columbia does include underarm zips in the outer layer for warmer days. During activities in cold weather, having the option to unzip your pits is glorious. Because the inner layer is made from polyester, I prefer to keep my pits unzipped so the thermal layer doesn’t catch odor when I wear both.

Although this jacket works well while skiing or snowboarding, the Whirlibird jacket’s style is catered slightly more to skiers’ fashion. Click here if you’re more interested in a snowboard jacket.

Materials

The Whirlibird Jacket is constructed with several different materials. As an athlete who has used many activity jackets, this Columbia jacket stacks up well with higher-end jackets, like the Nita Down Arc’teryx ski jacket.

I was impressed with how the jacket materials performed while skiing and snowboarding. The materials kept me at a comfortable temperature and allowed me to move freely.

The shell material is fabricated out of a few different materials. The outer layer is made of 72% Nylon and 28% polyester. The inside liner is 100% polyester and is not my favorite material to wear directly against your skin, especially if you’re sweating.

The shell is equipped with Columbia’s 3-layer Omni-Tech laminate for waterproofing and breathability. When it rains or you spill, you can watch the water droplets drip down without attaching to the jacket material. Thanks to the waterproofing Omni-Tech, stay dry inside and out all day.

The inner jacket is constructed with 100% polyester material. This layer can be referred to as a puffer or thermal jacket. While this layer will keep you warm, it does not have waterproofing, so on its own, it will not keep you dry.

The Omni-Tech thermal reflective lining of the inner jacket uses silver dots to reflect your body heat back to you. Columbia uses their synthetic insulation technology, Thermarator™, to keep this jacket lightweight and warm, even if it gets a bit wet.

This removable inner liner is so warm and soft to the touch. The inner liner can be worn with a short sleeve during leisure activities. However, it is best to wear a moisture-wicking base layer before doing an activity with the thermal jacket; this polyester liner does not wick sweat well and can retain odor.

High Product Value

The value the Whirlibird IV Columbia jacket brings to the table is unbeatable. Columbia strives to bring affordable outdoor gear to the price-gauged market.

For the $200 price, this Columbia jacket doesn’t have a competitor in terms of value. You get three different jackets for more than half the cost of the other ski jackets on the market.

Both layers of the jacket are durable and ready for strenuous activity. If a tree branch snags you, the chances of getting a tear are lower due to the strong material. Wearing this jacket for multiple winter seasons won’t be a problem. Columbia is known for durability and quality, and the Whirlibird jacket is a model Columbia product.

We Recommend this 3-in-1 Jacket

The Whirlibird IV Columbia 3-in-1 jacket brings you a multitude of possibilities. If the weather calls for a coat, this Columbia jacket can match the conditions and temperatures with one of its 3 different configurations. This is an impressive athletic jacket.

Whether it’s warm and raining, cold and dry, or cold and snowing, there is a Whirlibird jacket combination that will provide adequate protection. However, layering under this jacket is necessary to avoid being cold if it gets below freezing.

No matter your activity, the Whirlibird performs well. The regular fit and Columbia’s jacket patterning give freedom of movement. The waterproof shell with pit zips and the removable puffy thermal layer is the best combination for versatility. Ski, snowboard, hike, climb, and chill all in the same jacket.