Finding a fleece that doesn't make you look like a marshmallow is surprisingly hard. You know the struggle. Most outdoor gear is built for utility, which is great if you’re summiting a mountain, but kinda overkill if you’re just trying to survive a drafty office or a brisk walk to the coffee shop. Enter the Columbia women's benton springs ii long hoodie.
It’s a mouthful of a name for what is essentially the "big sister" to the classic Benton Springs jacket we’ve all seen for decades.
Honestly, it’s one of those pieces of clothing that people buy because they’re tired of their backside getting cold. That’s the real selling point. The extra length makes a massive difference when you’re sitting on cold bleachers or waiting for a train. But is it just a longer version of the same old fleece, or is there something more to it?
The MTR Filament Factor
Let’s talk about the fabric. Columbia uses what they call MTR (Maximum Thermal Retention) filament fleece. It’s 250g weight.
What does that actually mean?
Basically, it’s a mid-weight fleece. It isn’t that thin, flimsy stuff you find in the discount bin, but it’s also not a heavy-duty Sherpa that’ll make you overheat the second you step indoors. The "filament" part is key. It means the fibers are long and continuous, which helps prevent that annoying pilling that happens after three washes. If you’ve ever had a fleece turn into a ball of fuzz, you know why this matters.
Why the "II" Matters in the Columbia Women's Benton Springs II Long Hoodie
You might see the "II" and wonder what changed from the first version.
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The updates were subtle but impactful. Columbia tweaked the fit to be slightly more "active." It’s not tight, but it’s also not a box. The princess seams—those vertical lines running down the front and back—are strategically placed to give the garment some structure. Without them, a fleece this long would look like a bathrobe.
Nobody wants to look like they’re wearing a bathrobe at the grocery store.
The hood is another point of contention for some. It’s a basic hood. No toggles. No fancy drawstrings. It’s designed to lay flat against your back when you aren’t using it, which is actually a plus if you’re layering it under a heavier shell. If the hood were too bulky, you’d feel like you were wearing a neck brace.
Real-World Warmth and Layering
I've seen people try to wear this as their primary winter coat in Chicago or Minneapolis.
Don't do that.
The Columbia women's benton springs ii long hoodie is a layering piece. It’s wind-resistant to an extent, but it’s not windproof. Because it’s a knit fleece, air can still move through the fibers. That’s a feature, not a bug—it’s what makes it breathable. If you’re active, you won't get that swampy, sweaty feeling. But if the wind is whipping at 30 mph, you’re going to feel it.
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Pair it with a light windbreaker or a quilted vest, and you’re golden.
The length is the real hero here. It usually hits around mid-thigh depending on your height. This provides a "seat heater" effect. If you’re wearing leggings, that extra coverage isn't just about modesty; it’s about keeping your core temperature up by protecting your femoral arteries in your thighs. Science, right?
Let’s Talk About Those Pockets
The pockets have zippers.
This sounds like a small detail, but it’s actually huge. Most casual hoodies have those kangaroo pouches where your phone slides out the second you sit down. The Benton Springs II has deep, zippered hand pockets. You can actually put your keys and a large smartphone in there and move around without fear.
One thing people often miss is the internal "stow" area. While not official "pockets," the way the external pockets are sewn creates these deep pouches on the inside of the jacket. It’s a great spot to tuck a hat or a pair of gloves when you’re indoors.
Sizing Can Be Tricky
Columbia tends to run a bit large, or "generous" as they like to call it.
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If you want that snug, athletic look you see on the models, you might actually need to size down. However, if you plan on wearing a thick sweater underneath, stay true to size. The sleeves are usually plenty long, which is a relief for those of us who hate it when our wrists are exposed to the cold.
- Pros:
- Covers the bum (great for leggings).
- Two-way zipper (crucial for sitting down without the fabric bunching at your neck).
- Easy to wash—just toss it in the machine.
- Cons:
- Attracts pet hair like a magnet.
- No thumbholes (some people really miss these).
- The hood can feel a bit "floppy" because it lacks structure.
Practical Maintenance Tips
If you want this thing to last five years instead of one, stop using fabric softener.
Seriously. Fabric softener coats the fibers in a waxy film that actually reduces the fleece’s ability to trap heat. It also makes it less breathable. Just use a mild detergent and, if you can, hang it to dry. If you must use a dryer, keep it on the lowest heat setting possible. High heat is the enemy of polyester fleece; it can literally melt the tips of the fibers, making the jacket feel scratchy rather than soft.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often confuse this with the Steens Mountain line. While similar, the Benton Springs is specifically cut for women’s proportions. The Steens is the more "unisex/men's" equivalent and has a much boxier fit.
Another misconception is that the "Long" version is just for tall people. It’s not. It’s a style choice. Even if you're 5'2", the long hoodie provides that cocoon-like feeling that a standard waist-length jacket just can't match.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re looking to pick up a Columbia women's benton springs ii long hoodie, check the tag for the "MTR" label to ensure you're getting the authentic high-filament version. Measure your favorite well-fitting jacket from the shoulder to the hem; this hoodie typically measures about 32-34 inches in length. If that length works for you, focus on color choice—the darker "Charcoal" and "Black" tones tend to hide the inevitable lint and pet hair better than the lighter "Sea Salt" or "Peach" options. Finally, always test the two-way zipper when you first get it; unzip it from the bottom up just a few inches when you’re driving a car to prevent the jacket from riding up toward your chin.