REVIEW: Sun Mountain’s Colter II Vest is Like Coffee – Great Hot or Cold!

When Sun Mountain reached out a few months ago to see if I was interested in trying their Colter II Vest, there was only one option: Yes. As someone who enjoys looking the part on the golf course, a vest is a great way to tie your style together. The thing is, it is tough to find a vest as versatile as this one because it is suitable for layering during a late Winter or early Spring round, and it’s even good for a mid-Summer trek around your favorite track.

I was sent the Steel Black colorway, which features a very cool design on the inside that captures an interesting pattern with various shades of blue and black. But where this vest really shines is its 37.5 insulation, which Sun Mountain says is “chemical-free, and provides an extreme weight-to-warmth ratio and never washes out or grows tired.”

When it arrived, it felt thin. Not so thin that it was your typical Summer vest that would look great with a pair of shorts and a polo, but thin like, “This feels good for Spring and 50 degrees, but not for late Winter and 35, which is no issue for me to play in.

I was pleasantly surprised that it kept me warm during rounds when it was chilly outside. Yes, I did have a base layer and a quarter-zip underneath, but this really helped my core stay warm, comfortable, and loose without being overly restrictive. I give a lot of credit to the elastic-like sides of this vest, which allow you to twist and rotate through your swing.

I then decided to throw it on during a round I played recently, and in Pennsylvania, it is that time of the year when it is hot and humid. To my surprise, the 37.5 insulation remained breathable and was not too much to keep on throughout my round.

I also really enjoyed the excessive storage that this particular vest offered. Three zipper pockets are on the outside: two side pockets and a chest pocket that is vertical and is ideal for keeping anything from a few bucks or an extra glove in. It also features an interior pocket, which just gives you a little bit of extra space. I personally don’t like to carry anything other than tees, a ball marker, and a divot tool in my pockets. But I am sure plenty of other people could find uses for the additional storage.

Retailing at $119.99, it is absolutely worth the price. It comes in five different colors to match your style, and the fit is true-to-size, which takes the guessing out of buying. I would have to say the versatility and being able to wear this vest in basically any temperature or climate is the biggest advantage. I would like to see Sun Mountain come out with some more colors and perhaps an interior that matches the vest. If it’s not reversible, I don’t see the point in having it be so flashy on the inside. But that is a bit of criticism that is subjective, and while it is a neat design, I would prefer it to match the outside of the vest.

In terms of what has changed from last year’s Colter Vest, the tech is relatively the same, but the color options are definitely more expansive.

Cover Image Via Sun Mountain