The Columbia brand has long earned a name in the world of winter clothing manufacturers. Down jackets of this brand are especially in demand. Are they as good as advertised?
Innovation
First, it is worth noting that over the course of several decades, the company has developed more than 10 different technologies that allow you not to lose heat. Among the most famous are Omni-Heat, Omni-Tech (water does not absorb, but drops on the surface) and TurboDown (keeps warm even when wet).
The notorious Omni-Heat (the Canadian Olympic team was connected for advertising, which tested the products) is characterized by "smart thermoregulation", which helps to preserve the natural heat of a person and remove excess moisture to the outside. This whole process is possible thanks to the aluminum lining points.
Columbia winter clothes (down jackets): purpose
It was created specifically for people who love active winter holidays. In addition, these clothes are designed for everyday wear on cold days. And this means not only a mild European winter with its zero indicators, but more severe weather, akin to Russian frosts. Thisthe global brand relies not on design, but on functionality. So the Columbia down jacket for women is not very different from the men's. It's more of a unisex style.
Most often the products of this company are bought by people who love sportswear. They are especially popular among those who have to spend a lot of time outdoors (for example, mothers walking with children on winter days).
Columbia down jacket reviews
It is not possible to talk about each specific model, but we can generalize the opinions of users about such basic characteristics as thermal insulation and wear resistance. All reviews are one way or another divided into two categories: some applaud and say that there is no better down jacket, while others are deeply disappointed in their choice. This range of opinions is easily explained.
Most of the complaints are that fluff climbs for the first two or three months, the seams are of poor quality, the fabric of the top is cheap and quickly gets dirty, the threads stick out. In addition, protection from cold and rain is at zero, the dissatisfied say, and this was what they actually chose the Columbia for. Many regret the money wasted in vain. But all these negative reviews often have one thing in common: the down jacket was bought "somewhere on a promotion", "at some kind of sale" or on the market. Outwardly, it looked decent, and few people thought that it was a fake, because the brand label was in place.
Those who were satisfied mostly purchased their products orbranded stores, or on the official website. Original Columbia down jackets (men's and women's) are made of fabric that repels snow, rain, dirt, and protects from wind. Under the bottom you do not need to wear five sweaters, one sweater is enough. The filler is natural (80% feather, 20% down). Almost all models have a hood with the same characteristics, which is designed to easily replace the hat. There is an interesting detail: a ventilation window under the armhole to release unnecessary heat. Almost all down jackets have a fur trim, but it comes unfastened when not needed. It is also very important that there are usually adjustable cuffs on the sleeves, and the bottom of the down jacket can be pulled down. Additional conveniences include internal zip pockets.
Advertising claims that this down jacket can be worn directly on a T-shirt, but few have confirmed this, although home experiments, for the sake of interest, were certainly carried out. But the main conclusion is this: Columbia makes down jackets that are really warm, but you still shouldn’t wear them on your naked body.
Care
Since down jackets are made of breathable fabric, they cannot be soaked. Both hand and machine wash on a delicate cycle with a twist at low speed is acceptable. Bleaches are prohibited. Be sure to dry flat, shaking occasionally. Should not be hung on a hanger when wet. But the most important thing is that you need to use a special detergent for washing products with a membrane, so neither powders nor gels will work!
So is it worth buying Columbia winter clothes? Down jackets have proven themselves worthy, as well as all other products of this brand. But in order not to run into a fake, you need to contact branded stores, and not take risks on sales.
