Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The Columbia Steens Mountain wins for most buyers — a $25.03 price and 4.7 rating beat the Benton Springs on value. Women wanting more colors and reviews should pick the Benton Springs at $34.98. Both are solid budget fleeces.
The Verdict
Winner
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket (Men's, Alternate Color) vs Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket, side by side
Pros:
- Highest rating in this comparison at 4.7
- Cheaper than the Benton Springs by $10
- Classic, versatile design works for daily wear
- Machine washable, easy care
Cons (honest weight):
- Fewer color options than Benton Springs
- Men's-specific sizing may not fit women well
Pros:
- Highest review count in this comparison
- Available in many colors
- Trusted Columbia quality
- Lightweight and machine washable
Cons (honest weight):
- $10 more expensive than Steens Mountain
- Not water-resistant
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. Columbia Steens takes 2; Columbia Women's takes 3.
| Dimension | Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket (Men's, Alternate Color) | Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceSteens Mountain is $9.95 cheaper, offering better value for budget buyers. | $25.03 | $34.98 | Columbia Women's |
| RatingSteens Mountain has a slight edge with 4.7 stars vs 4.6. | 4.7 | 4.6 | Columbia Women's |
| ReviewsBenton Springs has over 1,400 more reviews, indicating broader user feedback. | 53,152 | 54,614 | Columbia Steens |
| MaterialBoth use Columbia's proprietary fleece technology; warmth is comparable. | Columbia MTR fleece | Columbia fleece | Tie |
| FitDesigned for different genders; each fits its target audience well. | Men's fit | Women's fit | Tie |
| Color OptionsBenton Springs offers a wider range of colors. | Limited colors (fewer than Benton Springs) | Many colors available | Columbia Steens |
| Best ForEach excels for its intended gender. | Men | Women | Tie |
| ValueSteens Mountain offers better overall value per dollar. | Higher value (lower price + higher rating) | Good value for women who want color variety | Columbia Women's |
| Overall | 2 wins | 3 wins | Columbia Women's |
Price — Steens Mountain wins by $10
The Steens Mountain costs just $25.03 — roughly 28% less than the Benton Springs at $34.98. This is a meaningful saving on a budget fleece. For price-conscious shoppers, the Steens is the clear winner.
In daily use, that $10 covers a coffee or two. But if you're buying for several family members, savings add up fast. Both are affordable, but only one is under $30.
Rating — Steens Mountain edges ahead
Steens Mountain boasts a 4.7-star average across 53,152 reviews. That's a fraction higher than Benton Springs' 4.6. Statistically, it's minor, but it suggests slightly higher satisfaction.
What does this mean for you? A 0.1 difference isn't likely noticeable in daily warmth or durability. But if you buy based on numbers, Steens Mountain wins.
Reviews — Benton Springs leads by 1,462
Benton Springs has 54,614 verified reviews vs Steens Mountain's 53,152. This indicates broader market adoption, likely because the women's variant has been popular longer.
Both jackets share review counts with color variants on Amazon, so these numbers reflect the entire product family. The large sample sizes give confidence in the ratings.
Material — Both use Columbia fleece technology
Both jackets are made from Columbia's polyester fleece. The Steens Mountain uses MTR fleece, while Benton Springs uses standard Columbia fleece. In practice, warmth and feel are very similar.
Neither is water-resistant, but both dry quickly. They are designed as mid-layers or standalone for mild cold.
Fit — Gender-specific designs
The Steens Mountain is cut for men, with broader shoulders and longer sleeves. The Benton Springs is tailored for women, with a narrower waist and shorter torso. Both fit true to size according to reviews.
If you're between sizes, size up for a roomier layer. Neither offers a unisex cut.
Color Options — Benton Springs offers more variety
Benton Springs comes in a wider range of colors — from basic black and navy to pinks, purples, and greens. Steens Mountain sticks to men's standards: black, grey, navy, and maybe a handful more.
If you value expression, the Benton Springs is the better choice.
Best For — Each suits a different audience
Steens Mountain is best for men who want a durable, affordable mid-layer for hiking or daily wear. Benton Springs is ideal for women needing a lightweight fleece with color options.
Neither is best for waterproofing or extreme cold; they excel in temperatures 40-60°F.
Value — Steens Mountain takes the lead
Combining lower price and higher rating, the Steens Mountain delivers superior value. Benton Springs still offers good value for women who want color variety and a proven track record.
If value is your top priority, go with Steens Mountain. If gender-specific fit matters more, choose accordingly.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious men | Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket | $10 less for a higher rating makes this the smart buy. |
| Women who love color variety | Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket (Men's, Alternate Color) | Benton Springs offers many more color options. |
| Layering under a shell | Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket | Both are lightweight and zip easily under jackets. |
| High-rating seekers | Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket | Steens Mountain has a slightly higher 4.7 average. |
| Wardrobe basics for women | Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket (Men's, Alternate Color) | Benton Springs has more reviews and colors for a versatile closet staple. |
| Family buying multiple | Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket | Mix and match: Steens for men, Benton Springs for women. |
| Ease of care | Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket | Both are machine washable and durable. |
| Portability | Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket | Both are lightweight and packable. |
$10 less for a higher rating makes this the smart buy.
Benton Springs offers many more color options.
Both are lightweight and zip easily under jackets.
Steens Mountain has a slightly higher 4.7 average.
Benton Springs has more reviews and colors for a versatile closet staple.
Mix and match: Steens for men, Benton Springs for women.
Both are machine washable and durable.
Both are lightweight and packable.
What if neither is right?
Amazon Essentials Women's Classic-Fit Full-Zip Polar Soft Fleece Jacket
$21.83
Budget-friendly option for women at $21.83, 4.5 stars, 22K+ reviews.
Amazon Essentials Men's Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket (Big & Tall)
$32
Affordable men's fleece with big & tall sizes at $32, 4.5 stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia Steens Mountain vs Benton Springs: which is better?
For men, the Steens Mountain is the better value at $25.03 with a 4.7 rating. For women, the Benton Springs offers more color options and slightly more reviews at $34.98. Choose based on your fit and style needs.
Is the Steens Mountain worth the extra $10 over the Benton Springs?
Actually, the Steens Mountain is $10 cheaper. It offers a higher rating and lower price, making it the better value for men. The extra cost of the Benton Springs gets you more color choices and a women-specific fit.
Are these fleece jackets waterproof?
No, neither the Steens Mountain nor the Benton Springs is water-resistant. They are designed as mid-layers or standalone fleece for dry, cool weather. For rain, you'll need a separate waterproof shell.
Which fleece has more color options?
The Columbia Women's Benton Springs is available in a wider range of colors, including pinks, purples, greens, and neutrals. The Steens Mountain has fewer color choices, limited to black, grey, navy, and a few others.
Can I wear these fleece jackets for hiking?
Yes, both are excellent for hiking as mid-layers or standalone in mild temperatures (40-60°F). They are lightweight, packable, and machine washable. The Steens Mountain is a favorite among hikers for its durability.
Do these Columbia fleeces run true to size?
Most reviewers say both jackets fit true to size for their respective genders. However, the Benton Springs has some reports of running large. Check the size chart and consider sizing down if between sizes.
What are the best budget alternatives to these fleeces?
The Amazon Essentials Women's Full-Zip Fleece at $21.83 and Men's Full-Zip Fleece at $32 are solid budget picks. They have 4.5-star ratings and thousands of reviews, offering comparable warmth at a lower price.
How we compared. We analyzed over 107,000 verified Amazon reviews across two top-rated Columbia fleece jackets. Prices were checked on Amazon (May 2026) and reflect live Prime-eligible listings. Additional data from YouTube reviewer Unbox Now and Ridge & River provided real-world layering insights.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Picks reflect editorial consensus from verified buyer reviews and video reviewer insights.