🏷️ What brand is Columbia?
Columbia Sportswear is an American brand founded in Portland in 1938, specialising in outdoor clothing and equipment for hiking, skiing, camping, fishing and water sports. The brand is renowned for its proprietary technologies such as Omni-Tech (waterproofing and breathability), Omni-Heat (reflective thermal insulation) and Omni-Shade (UV protection). Columbia is a solid and often cheaper alternative to The North Face or Patagonia for high-quality technical products.
🧥 Which Columbia technology should you choose depending on your activity?
Columbia offers several technologies to suit different needs. Omni-Tech is Columbia’s waterproof and breathable membrane, equivalent to Gore-Tex for rain protection — ideal for hiking and skiing. Omni-Heat Infinity uses reflective dots to reflect body heat — perfect for down jackets and urban winter jackets. Omni-Shade offers UPF 50 protection against UV rays — recommended for summer hiking and water sports. Omni-Wick wicks away sweat from technical base layers.
💡 Tip: Omni-Heat technology is very effective in cold, dry weather, but less suitable for intense activities where you sweat a lot — for active skiing, opt for a breathable Omni-Tech jacket.
📏 Are Columbia sizes true to size?
Columbia generally uses US sizing, which is converted to European sizes on the website. Jackets are designed for layering and tend to be slightly loose-fitting. For a fitted look, you may want to go down a size. Hiking boots use European sizing, but the width may vary depending on the model — check the size guide on the Columbia website.
🔖 When does Columbia offer its best deals?
The biggest discounts are available during Black Friday, the winter sales (ideal for jackets and down jackets) and the summer sales (perfect for hiking and camping gear). Columbia also has an Outlet section with permanent discounts on previous collections, often between 30% and 50%.
💡 Good to know: Columbia is often more affordable than its direct competitors (The North Face, Patagonia) for comparable performance — a great option for kitting yourself out properly without breaking the bank.
❓ My Columbia promo code isn’t working, what should I do?
Columbia codes generally exclude items already on sale and new collections. Some codes are reserved for members of the Columbia Greater Rewards loyalty programme or for new customers. Check the terms and conditions on our page and ensure the minimum order value is met. Columbia customer service can be contacted via live chat or the contact form on the Columbia website.
🔄 What is Columbia’s returns policy?
Columbia offers a 30-day return window for items purchased on its official website, provided they are unworn and in their original condition. Returns are free via a prepaid return label. Refunds are processed within 5 to 10 working days. Columbia also offers a warranty against manufacturing defects covering the product’s normal lifespan.
🌿 Is Columbia committed to environmental sustainability?
Yes, Columbia has implemented several sustainability initiatives. The brand develops products using recycled materials (recycled polyester from plastic bottles), is working to eliminate PFAS (persistent chemicals) from its waterproof membranes, and is committed to reducing its CO₂ emissions. The Columbia ReGear programme also offers the collection and reconditioning of used Columbia products.
🛍️ Are there any special Columbia offers during Black Friday?
Yes, Columbia actively participates in Black Friday with discounts generally ranging from 25% to 40% on its jackets, footwear and outdoor equipment. It’s an excellent time to kit yourself out for the winter season or get a head start on shopping for the following summer. Subscribe to notifications on our website to be alerted as soon as the offers go live.
