Columbia vs North Face Jackets

If your search for a perfect outdoor jacket has led you to compare Columbia vs North Face, you’ve come to the right place. Both Columbia and North Face are high-quality American sportswear brands, and they make some of the best winter jackets on the market.

Even though jackets from North Face and Columbia can differ so much in price, they have a lot in common. Both brands are known for their technological innovation for performance fabrics and involvement in nature preservation.

The choice you’re facing is though, but not an impossible one. This Columbia vs North Face comparison will help you come to a fair judgment and figure out which brand is best for you.

Columbia

The Background

Columbia Sportswear is a global outdoor brand that is based in the US. Paul Lamfrom, a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany, founded the Columbia Hat Company in 1938. His daughter and her husband diversified the business into outerwear for skiers, fishermen, and hunters.

In the 60s, the company almost went under. Paul’s grandson saved Columbia by refocusing the business on casual wear and outdoor clothing. To this day, Columbia remains a family run business.

Materials & Technologies

The brand has developed several proprietary clothing technologies. On top of that, Columbia has worked with organizations that focus solely on fabric technologies. Some of the technologies they use include:

• Omni-Freeze: Helps with cooling down.
• OutDry: An absolutely waterproof barrier.
• Omni-Wick: Makes the fabric breathable and helps wick moisture away.
• Omni-Tech: a windproof, waterproof, and breathable fabric.
• Omni-Shield, Omni-Wind, Omni-Shade: These technologies help protect the fabric from stains, wind, and the sun.

Read our great review Omni-Tech vs Gore-Tex or a full review of the Columbia brand.

Around 80% of all the polyester Columbia uses is recycled. Apart from recycled polyester, Columbia uses Nylon (mostly for waterproof jackets).

All the down insulation the company uses is RDS certified. Meaning: all of the down comes from fowl that was humanely treated—neither force-fed nor live-plucked.

Columbia Sportswear has also developed its own unique blend of down and synthetic insulation.

One example is TurboDown. TurboDown is down insulation combined with Omni-Heat (a thermal-reflective fabric that efficiently retains warmth while allowing the fabric to remain breathable). It’s important to note that most Columbia jackets use synthetic insulation.

The North Face

The Background

The company started out as a retailer for outdoor gear. As soon as North Face launched its own products, the popularity of the brand skyrocketed.

It didn’t take long for avid explorers and sportsmen to notice the great quality and stylish designs of their jackets. The brand earned a loyal following due to the high functionality, performance, and durability of its attire.

In the 90s, the brand’s customer base expanded beyond outdoor pursuits. In the 2000s, North Face became a fashion style symbol among both men and women.

Today, the company boasts a wide range of high-end products, but jackets remain its most popular apparel. And, despite entering the streetwear market, the North Face is still dedicated to preserving the great outdoors. Another interesting read is brands that are similar to North Face.

Materials and Technology

As mentioned, the two brands are very similar in regards to environmental awareness and innovation. Like Columbia, the North Face makes a point of using recycled polyester, nylon, and other environmentally-friendly fabrics.

All the down the company uses meets RDS requirements. In fact, North Face was one of the organizations that launched the Responsible Down Standard.

North Face uses a variety of fabric and insulation technologies in their jackets. The PrimaLoft ThermoBall synthetic insulation is one of the company’s greatest achievements. When it comes to mimicking down insulation, very few synthetic fabrics perform as well as ThermoBall. Check the comparison of ThermoBall vs Nano Puff.

Other technologies and fabrics North Face use include:

• FlashDry: Similarly to Omni-Wick, FlashDry makes the fabric breathable and quick-drying.
• DryVent: This is a highly breathable and fully weatherproof fabric that comes in a variety of different versions.
• WindWall: These fabrics protect against wind chill while providing breathability and flexibility. WindWall fabrics are either wind-resistant or wind-proof. Like Omni-Heat, WindWall technology helps prevent overheating.

Pricing

If you are very conscious about the price tag, you are more likely to go for one of Columbia’s jackets. The prices for Columbia jackets start at $50.

North Face sets its prices higher than most of the competition, including Columbia. North Face jackets cost up to $500. Those on the lower end of the spectrum are between $100 and $200.

Most of their jackets come with features that make them worth every penny. But when it comes to some models, one can’t help but think that the fact that North Face is a status symbol among many consumers inflates the price.

Style and Fitting

Whereas Columbia makes classic jackets, North Face jackets generally sport a more modern look. Both companies make jackets for both men and women.

Whether you want to buy a Columbia or North Face jacket for the winter, you won’t have a hard time finding one that fits you perfectly. The two brands are true to size, with only a few exceptions.

Warranty

The North Face warranty covers defects in the workmanship and defects in the materials for the lifetime of the jacket. The brand is quick to repair any damaged product. However, its limited lifetime warranty doesn’t cover improper care, negligence, accidental damage, and normal wear and tear.

Like the North Face company, Columbia Sportswear’s warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials. Columbia offers a limited lifetime warranty on most of its outdoor gear. However, some of their jackets only come with a 1-year warranty.

Manufacturing

North Face is based in California, but it has manufacturing facilities in the Middle East, Central America, Poland, Mexico, as well as the US. The company sources materials from about 33 different countries.

Columbia has its headquarters in the Pacific Northwest. The company has several factories in Asia. It also has a couple of manufacturing facilities in the US and one in Mexico.

The Best Columbia Jackets

Columbia Men’s Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket

Features: 

• Weight: N/A
• Fabric: 100% Polyester (liner); 100% Nylon (shell)
• Insulation: Thermarator synthetic insulation
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: 3-in-1

If you are looking for a versatile jacket that will keep you warm and dry in cold weather, the Whirlibird III Interchange is well worth the purchase. It doesn’t have the refined features or style of the higher-end jackets, but it will give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Do know that this is not your regular jacket, but a 3-in-1 model. This type of jacket is a combination of two jackets. You can wear them separately or zip them together for extra warmth. You can easily configure the jacket for different weather conditions, thanks to the zip-in interchange system.

The Whirlibird IV is best suited for winter sports, but it is also a great choice for those who don’t like to be particularly active when they go outside in freezing weather.

The Omni-Heat Reflective fabric and the burly outer shell will shield you from the cold more than well. The interior lining is designed to retain body heat and maintain breathability at the same time.

The jacket comes with a powder skirt, a sleeve pass pocket, a large chest pocket, and two fleece-lined hand pockets. It also includes a fixed hood, but you can easily adjust it using the cinch-cord. If you need more airflow, the model offers average-length pit zips. There’s also the adjustable hem and the velcro cuff closures.

Considering the price of the jacket, it is surprisingly water-resistant. The Whirlibird IV features an Omni-Tech waterproof membrane and a DWR coating.

But, unlike North Face jackets, the Whirlibird IV doesn’t use high-quality DWR treatment. So, it may wear off quickly. If you plan on using it in wet weather often, it’s a good idea to get a DWR spray. Check out my pick for the best water repellent spray.

The multi-use construction of the jacket produces a bulky feel, but it is still rather comfortable. The style of the jacket matches a variety of winter situations—from the occasional cold day at the ski area to blustery trips to the town. Columbia also makes a Whirlibird IV model for women.

PROS:

• Warm
• Very functional
• Inexpensive
• Great for winter sports
• Versatile

CONS:

• Bulky
• DWR treatment may wear off quickly

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Columbia Men’s Boundary Bay Long Insulated Jacket

Features:

• Weight: 2.86 lb
• Fabric: 100% Polyester
• Insulation: 100g Microtemp XF II synthetic insulation
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: Parka

The Boundary Bay is a full-length parka that exceeds expectations. It will keep you warm during the coldest months of the year, and it will do so at a more than attractive price.

Unlike most newer Columbia jackets and parkas, this one doesn’t feature Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining. However, its high-quality synthetic insulation and thoughtful construction do a great job of retaining body heat.

The synthetic insulation doesn’t start to lose heat when the jacket gets wet. The wrist cuffs seal in warmth through the sleeves and the neck rib ensures a cozy feel around the collar. The lengthy cut also provides excellent weather protection through the thighs.

The storm hood is adjustable and provides decent coverage. The drawstring allows you to easily adjust the hood closure to your liking. When you remove the hood, you’ll be left with a stylish, high collar in its place.

On top of the Omni-Tech shell that keeps the fabric dry, the two zippered hand pockets are also waterproof. However, the chest pockets are vulnerable to water penetration since they close with only one button. There’s also one internal, zippered chest pocket.

The burly zippers, tough outer shell fabric, and sealed critical seams make this jacket exceptionally durable. You can rest assured that it will last for years.

The Columbia Boundary Bay is very comfortable, smooth, and feels light on the body. Since the jacket is styled as a trench-style parka, you can wear it anywhere. Columbia also makes a women’s version of this parka.

PROS:

• Weather-resistant
• Comfortable
• Affordable
• Durable
• Good construction quality

CONS:

• No Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining
• No waterproof zippers on the chest pockets

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Columbia Men’s Frost Fighter Insulated Jacket

Features:

• Weight: 1.11 lb
• Fabric: 100% polyester (lining); 100% nylon (shell)
• Insulation: Faux down polyester fibers
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: Full-zip puffer

If you want to get an affordable and lightweight puffer jacket for moderate winters, the Columbia Frost Fighter is a solid option. Its faux down insulation does a great job of mimicking real down.

Real down jacket with higher fill power generally offers better insulation than synthetic materials, but it becomes useless when the down filling gets wet.

Faux down will keep you warm even when it gets soaked. Considering that this Columbia Jacket is just water-resistant, and not completely waterproof, this is important to note.

The jacket is very breathable and the fabric prevents overheating quite well, but It’s not a model you’d want to wear in particularly wet weather. Still, it’s a great choice for dry winter conditions.

The quilting is one of the best features of this jacket. The insulation is evenly distributed, so you won’t notice any cold spots.

To offer protection from cold winds, the jacket comes with elasticized cuffs and a high collar. The Frost Fighter also features an abrasion-resistant chin guard and two zippered hand pockets.

The fabric and puffiness of the jacket make it quite comfortable to wear. The hem cinch-cord delivers a snug fit. Surprisingly, it isn’t as bulky as one would expect it to be. The weight of the jacket is light as well.

The versatile, hip-length fit allows for great freedom of movement. The stain-repellent Omni-Shield shell adds to the overall durability of the jacket. Considering that it is a winter jacket, its only considerable downside is the lack of a hood.

The Columbia Frost Fighter doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, but it delivers on all of its promises: it is super warm, comfortable, and durable. Unfortunately, there is no women’s version of the jacket.

PROS:

• Stain-repellent
• Comfortable
• Drawcord adjustable hem
• Warm
• Water-resistant

CONS:

• No hood
• Could use more pockets

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Columbia Men’s Gold 650 TurboDown Hooded Jacket

Features:

• Weight: 1.4 lb
• Fabric:100% polyester (lining); 100% nylon (shell)
• Insulation: TurboDown (550 fill-power down and 3.5 oz of synthetic insulation)
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: Full-zip puffer

The Columbia Gold 650 is a do-it-all cold weather jacket that’s suitable for a variety of situations, from the walk to the campus to the afternoon at the ski hill.

This hooded jacket offers a unique blend of synthetic insulation and down fill. Even though the Gold 650 TurboDown has less fill weight than more expensive, technically-oriented jackets, the insulation is exceptional. For its weight and loft, the model is remarkably warm.

This is partly thanks to the Omni-Heat reflective lining. The OmniHeat increases warmth without adding any loft. It reflects and traps in body heat much like a space blanket. It will keep you warm in freezing weather even when you’re just standing around.

The jacket has a fairly effective DWR coating. It does a great job of keeping the down insulation dry. But you can’t always expect Columbia’s DWR treatments to last very long.

The hood is not adjustable, but it performs well in inclement weather. The hem cinch-cord allows for a tighter, customizable fit, and the elastic wrist cuff closures offer a good seal. The jacket also has two zippered hand pockets. Feature-wise, this is pretty much it.

Its simple design doesn’t compare to heavily-featured parkas and technical jackets. But the Gold 650 TurboDown makes up in comfort for what it lacks in features. Chances are, you will really like the cozy and snug feel this jacket offers.

Considering that it costs just a fraction of the price of similar models, this insulated jacket delivers great value. Columbia also offers a women’s version of the Gold 650 TurboDown jacket.

PROS:

• Omni-Heat reflective lining
• Lightweight
• Athletic fit
• Water-resistant
• Comfortable

CONS:

• Lacks extra pockets
• The hood is not adjustable

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Columbia Men’s Alpine Action Insulated Jacket

Features:

• Weight: 1.5 lb
• Fabric:100% recycled polyester
• Insulation: Microtemp XF II synthetic insulation
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: Technical

The Alpine Action has become one of the most popular ski jackets among both men and women due to its great design, excellent performance, and pocket-friendly price.

Even though it’s best suited for sports, many like to wear it as an around-town winter coat. This is partly thanks to its flattering fit and classic look. Columbia’s colorways are traditionally best suited for those who don’t like to stand out in a crowd.

The Columbia Alpine action jacket allows freedom of movement without being too roomy. Still, it’s loose enough to allow you to layer up for the coldest days of the winter.

Unlike most entry-level jackets in this category, it doesn’t feel stiff at all. The Omni-Heat liner has a smooth mesh that makes the jacket quite comfortable to wear.

Considering the weight of the fabric, the insulated shell performs more than well. It’s highly effective at harnessing the body’s own heat. Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology greatly enhances the performance of the synthetic insulation. The adjustable hem and tight sleeve cups do a great job of keeping the cold and wind out.

The hood is removable, and you can cinch it don’t without much effort. Columbia’s proprietary fabric makes the Alpine Action jacket completely waterproof and breathable. On top of that, the jacket is fully seam-sealed.

Considering that technical performance jackets like this one are designed for temperature swings, the lack of pit zips is a bit puzzling. Still, it has more extra features than most Columbia jackets.

Aside from the two zippered hand pockets, the Alpine Action features an interior security pocket, a zippered chest pocket, a “media” pocket with routing for earphone wires, and an interior mesh pocket for gloves.

As hinted, there is a women’s version of the jacket. However, it is slightly different. Unlike the men’s version of the jacket, the Columbia Women’s Alpine Action features a nylon shell and integrated wrist gaiters.

PROS:

• Comfortable
• Very warm
• Weatherproof
• Lightweight
• Breathable

CONS:

• Limited ventilation options
• The hood is not insulated

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Best North Face Jackets

The North Face Men’s Thermoball Snow Triclimate Jacket

Features:

• Weight: 2.2 lb
• Fabric:100% recycled polyester (lining); 100% nylon (shell)
• Insulation: ThermoBall Eco synthetic insulation
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: 3-in-1

Like Columbia’s 3-in-1 Whirlbird IV jacket, the Thermoball Snow Triclimate is great for everyday wear as well as winter sports. It’s one of the best jackets for variable temperatures. It’s more expensive than Columbia’s 3-in-1 jackets, but it boasts a few high-end touches that justify the price.

Whether you decide to wear just the liner, just the shell, or both, the jacket will look great. After all, every North Face jacket is a fashion item just as much as it is a practical piece of clothing.

In terms of compressibility and warmth, North Face’sThermoBall insulation is comparable to 600-fill down. The brand’s proprietary insulation provides plenty of warmth on its own. But when you wear both the puffy sweater and the shell, the two pieces trap plenty of air between them and make the jacket even warmer.

The seams are fully sealed and the jacket is completely weatherproof. On top of North Face’s proprietary DryVent fabric, the jacket uses a high-quality DWR coating. It’s a great choice for, particularly wet weather.

The storm hood provides great coverage and the adjustment cords are easy to use. The hem is also adjustable. The two external chest pockets offer more than enough room for your stuff, and the two hand pockets feature a comfortable fleece lining, if you go for an external one see this on the best fleece jackets.

The fit is roomy, but not too baggy. It feels a bit stiff, but it is still more comfortable than the average technical jacket in this price range.

The model only has two downsides—the weight of the jacket is a bit heavy, and the hood is not insulated. North Face also makes a women’s version of the Thermoball Snow Triclimate Jacket.

PROS:

• Weatherproof
• Great insulation
• Highly versatile
• Durable
• 3-in-1

CONS:

• Heavy
• The hood is not insulated

No products found.

The North Face Men’s Gotham Insulated Jacket III

Features:

• Weight: 3.1 lb
• Fabric:100% recycled polyester (lining); 100% nylon (shell)
• Insulation: 550-fill power goose down
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: Parka

Even though the Gotham III is one of the more moderately-priced North Face jackets, it punches way above its weight. The jacket is more design-oriented than performance-oriented. So, it’s not the best choice for backcountry skiing, but it’s more than great for harsh city winters.

The Gotham III is laden with cool features. The ribbed sleeves are a really nice touch, and so are the tight-fitting cuts.

But the stowable neck gaiter is arguably the best single feature of this hooded jacket. The North Face Gotham III comes with six roomy pockets, including one zippered media pocket. The hood is adjustable, and you can remove the faux fur hood trim.

It doesn’t pack as much fill power as some of the brand’s higher-end jackets, but it is still quite warm. North Face’s proprietary two-layer fabric does a great job of trapping body heat while remaining breathable.

Although the 550-fill down is good enough to protect you from normal US winter temperatures, the roomy fit of the jacket allows you to add an extra layer underneath. The snug elastic hem does a great job of keeping the cold out.

While the shell is completely weatherproof, the knife cuffs are not so water-resistant. They won’t cause a problem in light rain, but you wouldn’t want to weather a prolonged storm in this jacket. Apart from this, the weight of the jacket is its only considerable downside.

North Face doesn’t make a women’s version of the Gotham III, but it does make a women’s version of the Gotham II.

PROS:

• Great value
• Integrated neck gaiter
• Comfortable
• Cool features
• Stylish

CONS:

• Heavy
• Cuffs are not water-resistant

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The North Face Men’s McMurdo Parka III

Features:

• Weight: 3.55 lb
• Fabric:100% recycled polyester (lining); 100% nylon (shell)
• Insulation: 550-fill power goose down
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: Parka

For sedentary use in the coldest climates, only an expedition-weight parka will do. And when it comes to particularly warm parkas, the North Face Men’s McMurdo Parka III may be the best value insulator on the market.

It’s not as affordable as Columbia’s Boundary Bay Jacket, and it is bulkier than the average parka in its category. But in terms of design, warmth, and performance, the McMurdo Parka III is right up there with parkas that cost twice as much.

This hooded jacket features a long, snug helm, airtight wrist seals, and plentiful down insulation. The hood isn’t particularly large, but it does a great job of trapping heat. You have the option of removing the faux fur trim.

While this North Face parka mainly targets those who live in the coldest of climates, it is also a great choice for warm winter weather with plenty of rain and wet snow. It blocks out precipitation just as well as it blocks the cold.

As far as weather-resistance goes, the North Face McMurdo III inspires more trust than the Gotham III and Columbia Boundary Bay.

Bulky and well-insulated jackets are usually a bit restrictive, and the same goes for the McMurdo. However, its quality down is more free moving than synthetic insulation. Moreover, you can open the main zipper from below if you want more freedom of movement.

The parka comes with eight pockets in total, four of which are handwarmer pockets (two side-entry waist handwarmers and two chest-height zippered handwarmers). On top of that, it comes with an integrated face mask. The straightforward and unobtrusive utility of this feature is a really nice touch. North Face doesn’t make a women’s version of this jacket.

PROS:

• Great for extreme weather
• Long hem
• Completely weatherproof
• Integrated face mask
• Durable

CONS:

• Bulky
• The hood could be larger

No products found.

The North Face Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket

Features:

• Weight: 1.6 lb
• Fabric:100% Polyester (lining); 100% nylon (shell)
• Insulation: 700-fill power goose down
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: Retro puffer

If you are into oversized streetwear, the North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket is well worth checking out. The jacket’s simple design and durability make it a timeless winter coat for around town.

On top of being a cool fashion item, Nuptse is one of the warmest North Face jackets on the market. Crammed full with high-quality 700-fill power down, The Nuptse will keep you warm even on the coldest winter days. The jacket has a short torso, but the adjustable hem does a great job of preventing drafts.

It is light on the features, but nothing key is missing. Aside from the retro look, the jacket’s ability to pack into its own pocket is its most unique feature. It comes with a stowable hood, but it is not insulated.

The North Face Nuptse is wind-resistant and water-resistant, but it isn’t completely weatherproof. Even though it’s not the best jacket for long and stormy backcountry adventures, it will protect you from the elements during your urban outings.

Considering its bulk and weight, the North Face Nuptse is quite breathable. Its uniquely relaxed fit and puffy construction make it one of the most comfortable winter jackets on the market. The North Face Nuptse makes you feel like you’re walking around in a cloud. North Face also makes a women’s version of the jacket, but the fit seems to be exactly the same.

PROS:

• Classic look
• Packs into its own pocket
• Very warm
• Durable
• Stowable hood

CONS:

• Not completely weatherproof
• The hood is not insulated

No products found.

The North Face Men’s Morph Jacket

Features:

• Weight: 0.85 lb
• Fabric: 100% Nylon
• Insulation: 800-fill power goose down
• Gender: Men’s
• Style: Full-zip puffer

If you want to get a lightweight but cozy jacket for the winter, you’ve probably come across the North Face Thermoball Full-Zip Jacket. The North Face Thermoball Full-Zip is likely the most popular lightweight down jacket North Face Makes. However, it doesn’t perform that well as an around-town warmth layer when the temperatures are freezing.

The North Face Morph Jacket is a much better alternative. Even though it’s designed for hiking and climbing in the winter, its impressive warmth-to-weight ratio makes it a great lightweight winter jacket for everyday use.

The 800-fill power down that’s stuffed in thick sewn-through baffles will shield you from the cold when the temperatures drop into the low 20s.

To keep the draft out, the North Face Morph seals nicely around the body. But despite the snug fit, there’s enough room underneath for an extra layer if the weather gets truly bone-chilling.

The North Face Morph has one of the most impressive hem drawcords. To allow you to easily adjust the hem, the pull cord is located inside the front pockets and the release buckle is located inside the fabric. It doesn’t come with a hood, but the super high collar offers enough protection from the wind.

The North Face Morph is very water-resistant. The water beads up and rolls off the shell almost instantly, and the quality DWR coating will remain efficient even after extended use. There’s also a women’s version of the North Face Morph.

However, many outdoor gear reviews complain that the sizing can be an issue. The jacket is advertised as a slim fit, but some claim that it has more of a regular fit. Nevertheless, it is still pretty snug.

Interestingly, when discussing top-tier outdoor brands, many enthusiasts often bring up the North Face versus Arcteryx jackets debate, highlighting the premium quality and design both brands offer.

Similarly, conversations around North Face and Eddie Bauer comparisons arise, emphasizing Eddie Bauer’s longstanding tradition and its own unique approach to outdoor apparel.

PROS:

• Lightweight
• Packable
• Ultra-warm
• High-quality, long-lasting DWR coating
• Durable

CONS:

• No hood
• Sizing may be an issue

No products found.

Columbia vs North Face: Which Brand is Better?

Overall, the North Face is the winner of this Columbia vs North Face showdown, but not by a long shot.

If you want to stand out in the crowd, North Face jackets such as the Nuptse are better than anything that Columbia has to offer.

But if you want a simple and classic jacket just for running errands on a cold winter’s day, you won’t make a mistake if you choose Columbia over North Face.

If you want a jacket for variable weather, or if you like being active during the colder months, the North Face Thermoball Snow Triclimate is a better choice than the Columbia Alpine Action or the Whirlibird IV. Still, Whirlibird IV doesn’t lag far behind the Triclimate when it comes to performance and it costs half the price.

If you are planning an Arctic expedition, you’ll be better off if you get a North Face Parka such as the McMurdo III. But, when it comes to milder climates, a North Face Parka can be overkill. You can save a lot of money, without sacrificing warmth, if you go for the Columbia Boundary Bay Parka.

If you are looking for a feature-heavy winter coat that will serve you well for years to come, North Face jackets are a better option. But if you are looking for a budget-friendly winter coat, do know that Columbia winter jackets offer the best value for money.