North Face Vs Columbia: Which Is The Better Brand?
When heading out on an outdoor adventure it’s essential to have the right apparel to help you stay comfortable.
All outdoor enthusiasts know that of the most important items is a jacket to keep you warm and protect you from the elements. But what brands are best?
Two of the most popular brands are Columbia and Northface, both of which offer high-quality products, including jackets.
Many retailers will quickly stock up on these brands in the fall because they know that when it comes to finding the perfect winter jacket, these two brands don’t disappoint.
However, with both brands having loyal customers that give rave reviews, it can be hard to determine which brand you should choose.
To make the process easier for you, we’re going over the similarities and main differences between the two, plus we’ll go over the pros and cons of each.
The North Face vs Columbia: Which Is the Better Brand?
There are significant differences that will help you choose between these popular outdoor brands. However, North Face does have more of a status symbol.
A lot of people view North Face products as those most notably worn by people that have more money. But why is this?
First, let’s discuss North Face jackets and outdoor clothing so you can understand why they have become so popular in recent years.
The Beginning of North Face Products
In 1966, North Face was the one-stop shop for those who needed climbing and backpack equipment.
However, the company has branched out to create other outdoor products over the years.
Many sportsmen and explorers began noticing North Face’s unique designs.
The bright colors and modern styles provided something different than the basic black outdoor jacket that was so commonly available for purchase.
The unique look of North Face jackets coupled with the performance fabrics and durability quickly helped North Face grow to be a leader in the outdoor apparel world.
This is why you’ll find people sporting these jackets for casual use as well as for outdoor activities.
North Face Materials
North Face takes pride in being eco-friendly when creating its products. They use recycled polyester and nylon to meet Responsible Down Standard (RDS) requirements.
The company also uses innovative technology to create synthetic insulation. One of their most remarkable achievements is the ThermoBall insulation.
ThermoBall Insulation is one of the closest down-mimicking insulations on the market. Because of this technology, many people think of North Face when purchasing a winter jacket.
Additional technologies North Face uses:
DryVent: makes the material water resistant.
Flashdry: creates breathable fabric and quickly dries sweat
WindWall fabric: helps keep trap body heat and provides protection from cold wind chills
Like most high-performance jackets, North Face also uses Gore-tex technology. This makes their jackets durable and windproof.
The Humble Beginnings of Columbia
Columbia has also been around for quite a long time.
Columbia got its start as the Columbia Hat Company in 1938.
A Jewish immigrant from Nazi Germany named Paul Lamfrom acted on his plan to create a brighter future for himself and his family.
He wanted to build a family-owned business to pass down for generations. In an effort to do this, he founded Columbia.
Eventually, Lamfrom’s daughter took over the business.
She switched from being a small hat company to creating outdoor apparel which mainly focused on clothing for fishermen and huntsmen.
However, during the 1960s, the company began to experience trouble.
This is when Paul’s grandson shifted the company’s focus to making clothes that anyone could wear for casual outdoor activities.
Columbia Materials
Just like Northface, Columbia uses Responsible Down Standard materials when creating their clothing.
About 80% of the polyester materials they use are recycled and their waterproof jackets also use nylon materials.
The company also created its own synthetic insulation, known as TurboDown. They combined this insulation with omni-heat reflective technology.
This is why Columbia coats make silver dots throughout the jacket which helps to disperse body heat, which creates ultimate warmth for the wearer.
Columbia Apparel Options
Often, North Face and Columbia are compared in regard to which brand has the best winter jackets.
However, these brands also offer other products for the great outdoors.
First, let’s chat about the other types of apparel Columbia has to offer. Depending on the activity you’ll be participating in, there are styles for just about everything.
Hiking, fishing, trail running, hunting, and golf, are just a few of the specific activities you can find apparel for on the Columbia website.
Shop PFG Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt | Shop PGF Tidal Tee II Long Sleeve Shirt
For example, Columbia offers Performance Fishing Gears (PFG) shirts. These shirts are designed with advanced, high-quality materials that protect the wearer from heat, bacteria, and sweat.
Both men & women enjoy wearing these shirts for fishing, but also for everyday activities like running errands or going out to eat because they are so versatile and comfortable.
While both pairs above are long sleeve styles, these tops also come in short sleeve versions, hoodies, and button-up styles.
Shop Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boots | Shop Kea II Sandal | Shop Boat Sneakers
Columbia also has a wide selection of shoes for almost every outdoor activity. Trail running, hiking, casual sandals, boat shoes, and slippers are just a few styles the brand has to offer.
Shop On The Go Jogger | Shop Modern Mountain Pants | Shop Trail Pants
Just like with all other Columbia apparel categories, there are many options for bottoms for women, men, and kids.
Shorts, pants, leggings, skorts, and capris are all offered by the brand, as well as dresses.
Again, you can choose your bottoms based on the activity you’ll be partaking in.
Something else we love about Columbia is that they offer apparel in a wide range of sizes including plus sizes up to size 24.
Jacket Finder
A helpful feature available on the Columbia site is the “jacket finder”. To get started, you choose who the jacket will be for (men, women, kids), and then you answer a series of questions.
From here, Columbia will provide a list of the best jackets for you based on the answers you submit. It’s a great way to ensure you get the coat that will suit your needs.
While this certainly isn’t an extensive list of items you can order from Columbia, it is a good example of how diverse the products are.
North Face also offers more apparel outside of jackets. However, Columbia has a broader selection for those serious about being in the wilderness.
Now, we’ll get into the details of the apparel available from North Face.
North Face Apparel Options
With North Face, you’ll find options to shop by activity just like you will with Columbia. However, you might notice that there is a bit less to choose from.
However, as mentioned previously, the styles available from North Face have a much more modern look and are more in line with current fashion trends.
For example, if you’re looking for high-quality matching sets for working out, North Face has plenty to choose from.
Shop Elevation Set | Shop Heritage Set | Shop Dune Sky Set
Whether it’s for leisurely activities like walking or for more intense activities like weightlifting and boxing, there are plenty of coordinating sets that not only look great but are also incredibly functional.
And just like Columbia, The North Face offers apparel for women, men, and children as well as footwear, outerwear, accessories, and gear.
Shop Laptop Backpack | Shop Beanie | Shop Gloves
North Face often has much more stylish accessories than Columbia as well.
For example, the bag & backpack selection is quite extensive and the hats and gloves come in several styles and color options.
Additionally, the ability to match accessories to apparel is easier with North Face than with Columbia. The gloves pictured above match with one of the North Face jackets we’ll go over later in this post.
Shop Half Dome Joggers | Shop Insulated Pant | Shop Hybrid High Rise Leggings
The North Face has a pretty extensive selection of bottoms like Columbia. From joggers to shorts, skirts, leggings, and joggers, there’s a style for just about any activity or need.
Price Comparison
When it comes to The North Face vs Columbia in terms of price, Columbia is the more affordable of the 2 outdoor gear brands.
The price range for Columbia jackets is generally between $50 and $100.
However, they do have some styles that cost up to $500. It depends on the overall quality and technology used for the coat.
North Face’s starting price is a bit pricey. On the higher end, you can expect to pay $300 for a coat.
However, depending on where you shop, you can often score some great deals.
Fit and Style
North Face is a better choice if you’re looking for a jacket for daily wear with a more modern look. Many people find their jackets perfect for casual use.
Columbia products are a great choice for outdoor adventures.
If you’re looking for a warm jacket that also provides an athletic fit, Columbia fits the bill.
Columbia sportswear is perfect for those who enjoy skiing in particular.
Warranty
Both of these brands offer a warranty with their products. North Face’s lifetime warranty covers any issues from artistry or materials.
However, it doesn’t cover normal wear and tear or accidental damage.
Columbia’s warranty also covers problems with craft or materials. Yet, most of their outdoor gear and jackets usually have a one-year warranty.
Shop Columbia Switchback Jacket | Shop The North Face Flare Insulted Jacket
Columbia Vs The North Face Jackets
As mentioned previously, the most commonly compared items compared between The North Face vs Columbia are jackets.
Both are undoubtedly great purchases, however, there are some key features that are important to know when deciding which brand is the better purchase for you.
For starters, Columbia jackets are a bit plain, rugged, and for lack of better words, basic when talking about style.
While the products used are incredibly durable and high quality, Columbia lacks in the style department.
The North Face, on the other hand, is one of the most popular jackets when it comes to both warmth and looks.
There is something to be said though for the wide variety that Columbia has to offer.
And of course, like all the other items available from both brands, the pricing isn’t exactly equal.
Columbia jackets are almost always going to be the more affordable of the 2 brands.
Ultimately, you will have to make the decision of which is the most important feature for you – versatility, variety, warmth, looks, and/or price.
Let’s take a look at some of the women’s jackets that are incredibly popular styles from each of the 2 outdoor apparel brands in question.
The Best North Face Jackets
Jump Down Parka
The Jump Down Parka is one of the most popular women’s jackets offered by the brand. Not only does it feature 550-fill-down insulation and a relaxed fit, but it’s also made of windproof and waterproof material.
Additional features include an adjustable and removable faux-fur hood and zippered hand pockets.
It is the perfect jacket for both warmth and style.
Flare Down Insulated Puffer Jacket II
If you’re looking for a lightweight but warm coat, the Flare Down Insulated Puffer II Jacket is the perfect option.
This jacket is made of synthetic insulation which makes it extremely warm, and even features zip-covered hand pockets.
This jacket is also water-repellant to help keep you dry in wet weather. You can get the jacket in several colors: pink, black, navy blue, and grey.
Osito Full Zip Fleece Jacket
The Osito fleece jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester fabric. Its stand-up collar traps body heat helping to provide warmth on the coldest days.
The secure-zipped pockets keep your items safe and dry. This women’s jacket is ideal for hiking during the early spring and late fall seasons.
Lastly, this jacket comes in multiple colors, such as coal, tea green, and blackberry wine.
Antora Rain Jacket
The Antora Waterproof jacket is one of the best rain jackets on the market today.
It is made with 100% recycled materials, features an adjustable hood, is lightweight, windproof, and breathable, plus it has a modern fit.
Whether it’s you’re anticipating a light rain or a heavy downfall, this jacket will keep you dry no matter what.
Additionally, this coat comes in a wide range of colors and sizes.
The Best Columbia Jackets
Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket
The Mountain Long Insulated Jacket is an excellent choice for those needing a winter coat. It’s faux down-insulated which provides ultimate warmth
This coat utilizes omni-heat thermal technology and is ideal for wearing in snowy weather.
Benton Springs Printed Full Zip
Trying to escape their simple design, Columbia created the Benton Springs Printed Full Zip Jacket for springtime. The jacket comes in various prints and colors for a bit of flair. It’s a great versatile jacket for those lightly cool days.
The North Face Sustainability
While looks, price, versatility, and warmth are all incredibly important when it comes to choosing garments for the outdoors, they’re not the only deciding factors for many.
If you have a great love of the outdoors, chances are you care about mother nature and making changes to help better the planet.
If this sounds right up your alley, the North Face is a brand you’ll likely feel good about standing behind.
Not only does The North Face use materials that are meant to be recycled, but they’re also cutting back on single-use plastic packaging.
Additionally, The North Face has a renewed shop where you can purchase items that have been gently used/worn but have been inspected and washed for their next owner.
The North Face does everything in its power to care for the environment.
Columbia Sustainability
Just like The North Face, the core values of Columbia revolve around sustainability. While the goal of the brand is to create quality products for the outdoors, they strive to do so with the utmost regard for the planet.
Columbia is a proud partner of Planet Water Foundation, which helps the most underprivileged communities receive clean water.
Columbia also has multiple partnerships with brands to help conserve the outdoors in a plethora of different ways.
Additionally, Columbia is always assessing their impact on the environment in regard to manufacturing so they can improve in every way possible.
And this isn’t even close to an exhaustive list of all the great ways Columbia is caring for and bettering the planet.
Discount Programs
Something to also consider when comparing The North Face Vs Columbia is the discount programs.
Let’s take a peek at the discount programs available from The North Face:
- Student Discount
- Military Discount
- Healthcare Worker Discount
- First Responder Discount
And here are the discount programs available from Columbia:
- Columbia Greater Rewards Program
As you can see, The North Face has a much longer list of discount programs than Columbia.
Columbia Vs North Face Sizing
The majority of purchasers say that both brands run true to size.
However, it is important to note that with so many items available from each brand, there is a strong likelihood that not every single style will run exactly the same.
Your best bet is to check the reviews for each item individually before making a purchase.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that Columbia and North Face offer great jackets and apparel that are made of the absolute best quality.
When deciding which brand is the best choice, your personal needs will be most important.
If you’re looking for an outdoor jacket at a more affordable price, the best option is Columbia.
Columbia jackets are excellent for fishing, hiking, and skiing in cold weather, but most styles won’t break the bank.
However, if you’re willing to spend the extra money for something that’ll last a while, and you’d prefer a coat with a modern modern look, I say buy a NorthFace jacket.
Yes, North Face products can be expensive, but remember, you get what you pay for. It may be worth spending the extra money to get a new jacket that could last a lifetime.
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