For 84 years, Columbia has established itself as one of the top-tier outdoor clothing brands worldwide.
Columbia is well-known for using sophisticated technologies to produce quality outdoor clothing and gear that confidently withstand harsh weather.
So, is Columbia a good brand? If you are looking for a good brand for boots, shoes, skiing, biking, or outdoor activities in general, sure, Columbia is a good bet!
However, the quality of Columbia’s products is questionable compared to other brands in the outdoor market. So let’s talk more about the quality of apparel and gear that Columbia offers.
Is Columbia a Good Brand – Rating Product Quality
Columbia’s overall quality is good enough for its pricing. Allow us to break this down in detail.
Columbia Ski gear
Columbia’s ski gear is one of the most affordable on the market. Moreover, its ski gear comes in good quality with its price tag. Its Omni-Heat reflective technology adds to its overall functionality and quality. The Columbia Bugaboo II Interchange 3-in-1 ski gear is a perfect example; good quality at a friendly price.
Columbia Bikes
We can’t guarantee that the quality of bikes from Columbia can stand extreme mountain conditions. Some users consider Columbia bikes unworthy of the price.
Nevertheless, a Columbia bike will serve you better when used on a smooth trail like a road rather than in mountain conditions.
Columbia Shoes and Boots
Unlike Columbia’s bikes, Columbia has a knack for making top-quality and durable outdoor shoes and boots. Take Columbia’s Crestwood Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot for example, it comes with waterproof leather to keep moisture out and an Omni-grip technology for a solid traction grip.
Columbia Outdoor Clothing
Columbia’s outdoor apparel can boast of a good quality, not a great one. As a result, some users have reservations about the overall quality and durability of heir clothing, especially when compared with other outdoor clothing brands.
Read also: Mountain Hardwear Vs Patagonia – Brand Comparison
Columbia bag packs
Columbia certainly hit the jackpot with their bag packs. Columbia’s bag packs are well-made and built for longevity.
Columbia Sleeping bags
Columbia has built a reputation for well-insulated, well-made, and durable sleeping bags.
The design and functionality of their ‘Mummy’ sleeping bags are genii. These sleeping bags are made to ensure you’re well-encapsulated, thereby trapping warmth.
Is Columbia a luxury brand?
Although they produce pretty decent outdoor gear, they are not considered a luxury brand.
Columbia is, however, considered a mid-tier brand in the outdoor clothing brand market, even though they have been around for almost nine decades. A probable reason for this is the fairly good quality of their products.
They probably do not appeal to the higher-end market enough to be considered luxurious.
Is Columbia An Ethical Brand?
Not really. Columbia’s ethical rating is not impressive. Here’s a breakdown:
Labour Rating
Columbia’s labor rating is simply not impressive. Its supply chain offers little to no documentation for adherence to proper worker welfare, diversity inclusivity, and worker protection from COVID-19.
Animal Protection
There’s no documentation on whether Columbia thoroughly adheres to the animal welfare policy in compliance with Five Freedoms.
Environmental Responsibility
For a brand that prides itself in being environmentally conscious, Columbia’s environmental rating is disappointing. Although Columbia uses recycled materials for production, there is no documentation on how they get rid of greenhouse and textile waste during production.
Is Columbia as good as Patagonia?.
Patagonia prides itself as one of the best quality technical outdoor wear and equipment brands worldwide. Columbia also makes quality products, but theirs is not as excellent or technical as Patagonia’s.
However, Columbia does a better job than Patagonia regarding insulating technologies.
Is Columbia a good brand for jackets?
Yes, Columbia is a good brand for jackets. Maybe not terrific, but good.
Columbia’s jackets are excellent and durable enough for their cost.
Three awe-inspiring features of Columbia’s jackets are the waterproof, windproof, and insulation technologies that come with them.
Columbia’s jackets rely on Omni-wind technology windproof for windproofing.
They use Omni-tech technology to foster better water resistance in their jackets.
Columbia jackets employ TurboDown, Omni-heat, DownWall, and Thermanator technologies for enhanced insulation.
Is Columbia a good brand for Shoes and Boots?
Columbia makes quality shoes and boots.
Columbia’s footwear is one of the brand’s well-made gear. Their hiking boots and shoes are some of the best on the market, made with water-resistance leather to keep excess water and moisture out.
In addition, Columbia ensures that its shoes and boots provide solid traction by employing their Omni-grip technology.
Is Columbia a good brand for skiing?
Yes, Columbia has a good lineup of quality and durable ski gear.
Columbia’s ski gear is not too technical. So, they might only serve you well for recreational skiing in mild weather conditions and not in extreme weather conditions.
Nevertheless, the best thing about Columbia’s ski gear is the Omni-heat technology, a synthetic insulation technology that’s most useful for activities that only need lightweight insulation.
