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 not to lose heat. Among the most famous are Omni-Heat, Omni-Tech (water is not absorbed, but rolls in drops on the surface) and TurboDown (heat preservation even when wet).
The notorious Omni-Heat (for advertising, the Canadian Olympic team that tested the products was connected) is characterized by "smart heat regulation", which helps to preserve the person's natural heat and remove excess moisture to the outside. This whole process is possible thanks to aluminum lining points.
Winter clothes Columbia (down jackets): mission
It was created specifically for people who love active winter vacations. In addition, this clothing is designed for everyday wear on cold days. Moreover, it implies not only a mild European winter with its zero indicators, but more severe weather, akin to Russian frosts. This global brand relies not on design, but on functionality. So the Columbia women's down jacket is not very different from men's. It is rather a unisex style.
Most often, 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 on the street (for example, mothers walking with children on winter days).
Down jacket Columbia: reviews
There is no way to talk about each specific model, but you can summarize the opinions of users about such basic characteristics as thermal insulation and wear resistance. All reviews in one way or another fall into two categories: some applaud and declare that there is no better down jacket, while others are deeply disappointed in their choice. This range of opinions is easy to explain.
Most of the complaints are that fluff climbs the first two or three months, the seams are of poor quality, the top fabric is cheap and quickly gets dirty, the threads stick out. In addition, those who are dissatisfied say that they are protected from cold and rain at zero, but that was what they actually chose Columbia for. Many regret about wasted money wasted. But all these negative reviews often have one thing in common: they bought a down jacket "somewhere at a special offer," "at some sale," or on the market. Outwardly, he looked decent, and that it was a fake, few people thought, because the company label was in place.
Those who were satisfied, basically bought their products either in company stores, or on the official website. Original Columbia down jackets (male and female) are made of fabric that repels snow, rain, dirt, and protects from wind. You don’t need to wear five sweaters underneath, just one sweater. The filler is natural (80% consists of feathers, 20% - of fluff). Almost all models have a hood with the same characteristics, which is modeled so that it easily replaces the cap. There is an interesting detail: a ventilation window under the armhole to release unnecessary heat. Almost all down jackets have a furry edge, but it comes unfastened if unnecessary. It is also very important that usually there are adjustable cuffs on the sleeves, and the bottom of the down jacket can be pulled down. Additional amenities include inside zip pockets.
Advertising claims that this down jacket can be worn directly on the shirt, but few have confirmed this, although home experiments, of interest, of course, have been carried out. But the main conclusion is this: the Columbia company makes down jackets really warm, but you still should not wear them on a naked body.
Care
Since down jackets are made of breathable fabric, you can not soak them. Both manual and machine wash in delicate mode with twisting at low speeds. Bleaching agents are prohibited. Drying must be straightened, periodically shaking. You can’t hang on the shoulders in wet form. 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 the company stores, and not risk the sales.