Here are my top picks for brands similar to Columbia.
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Columbia is an interesting brand in the world of outdoor clothing. Itโs not as hyped up as brands like Arcโteryx, but itโs been a great option for outdoorsmen for decades.
All in all, Columbia has remained a solid choice thanks to its well-designed (and usually reasonably priced) apparel. While it doesnโt have the most technical clothing, Columbia has something for everyone, from office workers to occasional skiers.
It can be hard to find other brands like Columbia that strike the same balance of quality, affordability, and sensibility. In our opinion, these X companies are the closest to Columbia youโll get. If youโre looking for any kind of Columbia-style apparel, youโll find something to like here.
10 Brands Like Columbia Sportswear
Here are my picks in alphabetical order:
Arcโteryx
It might seem odd to recommend Arcโteryx on a list of brands similar to Columbia. However, the Canadian outdoor company is a compelling choice if youโre looking to majorly upgrade your gear.
Like Columbia, Arcโteryx specializes in technical outerwear. However, Arcโteryxโs clothing is much more technical, which is ideal for more intense winter activities like climbing and skiing.
Arcโteryx also tends to have design-forward clothing, so its pieces are stylish and functional. Columbia, on the other hand, doesnโt put as much of an emphasis on aesthetics. The result is that some Arcโteryx items are flashier compared to Columbia, but theyโre not objectively flashy, either.
Arcโteryx is a good Columbia alternative if you want something that can take on harsher conditions. You should be prepared to spend significantly more, but in most cases, the extra cost is worth it.
Canada Goose
Canada Goose is another technical apparel brand that can be thought of as similar to Columbia. Like Arcโteryx, Canada Goose is much more technical than Columbia, but itโs also alike on many fronts.
In terms of design, Canada Goose takes a fairly similar approach to Columbia. Both brands have understated designs that arenโt too loud or overtly technical.
However, Columbiaโs wares are a bit more on the vanilla side. Canada Gooseโs items have a bit of a fashionable slant, but theyโre still extremely minimal and functional.
Like Columbia, Canada Goose aims to balance performance with style. Its garments are full of practical features that any outdoor enthusiast will appreciate.
Of course, itโs worth noting that Canada Goose is much more expensive than Columbia. Itโs a strong choice if you want a huge upgrade from Columbia. While Columbiaโs items are durable enough, Canada Goose is definitely several steps up in terms of technicality and performance.
Eddie Bauer
Overall, Eddie Bauer is one of the outdoor brands thatโs most similar to Columbia Sportswear. The two brands share many commonalities, from focusing heavily on fleece to offering mid-level technical jackets.
Eddie Bauer offers plenty of puffer vests, down jackets, base layers, and other item types youโll see in Columbiaโs catalog. Its designs are also very similar to Columbiaโs, and the two brands clearly share the same outdoor aesthetic.
While Eddie Bauer markets itself as more of a lifestyle brand than Columbia, the two arenโt that different. For example, Columbia has plenty of clothing you can wear daily, even if youโre not hitting the trails or slopes.
The brands also use similar technologies to develop their clothing. For instance, Columbia has its Omni-Techโข waterproofing tech, while Eddie Bauer has its moisture-shedding StormRepelยฎ DWR finish.
Furthermore, each brandโs garments and technologies offer differing types and levels of protection. If youโre into this specific style and approach to design, you might just want to shop both brands.
Helly Hansen
Sportswear and workwear brand Helly Hansen is another brand thatโs a lot like Columbia. The Norwegian outdoor brand possesses its own distinct characteristics, but it also has a good amount of overlap with Columbia.
One of the biggest differences is that Helly Hansenโs clothing tends to be more obviously technical and less casual. In other words, you wonโt find much day-to-day wear in Helly Hansenโs lineup.
However, when comparing similar clothing types from the two brands, the similarities become apparent. Both brands share a minimal take on outdoor apparel design that often involves solid colors or color blocking.
In terms of price, Helly Hansen falls somewhere in between Columbia and brands like Arcโteryx. This greatly depends on the specific item, though. All in all, Helly Hansen is a good Columbia alternative to consider if you want even more streamlined outdoor clothing.
Jack Wolfskin
German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin isnโt as well known as Columbia, but the two brands share several characteristics.
In short, if you like Columbiaโs clothes, youโll probably like what Jack Wolfskin has to offer. In the same vein as Columbia, Jack Wolfskin takes a lower-key approach to design, balancing technical and casual details.
Youโll also find plenty of the same garments, though Jack Wolfskin is slightly more focused on clothing for outdoor activities. Jack Wolfskinโs lineup varies widely in price, and in particular, its high-tech parkas are more expensive.
However, many of its jackets, pants, and other items are in the same price bracket as Columbiaโs offerings.
Something to keep in mind is that while both companies advocate sustainability, they donโt follow through on all fronts. Although Columbia does have some sustainability initiatives in place, it doesnโt use very many sustainable materials.
The same goes for Jack Wolfskin โ many of its products use virgin plastics. Itโs something to consider if you want to stick to sustainable fabrics.
L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean is another example of an outdoor brand thatโs similar to Columbia but overall more versatile. Columbia tends to focus on performance-oriented gear, whereas L.L.Bean casts a wider net as a lifestyle brand.
In short, L.L.Bean is a great choice if you wish Columbia made slightly less technical clothing. L.L.Beanโs distinct style is outdoorsy but also versatile, so you could easily build your entire wardrobe from its catalog alone.
However, L.L.Bean also carries lots of technical options. From insulated jackets to joggers, L.L.Bean has its fair share of Columbia-esque apparel. Itโs priced similarly, too, so thereโs a lot of value for money here.
Itโs also worth noting that Columbia Sportswear and L.L.Bean items tend to work very well together. This makes it easy to put together a versatile and affordable outdoorsy wardrobe.
Montbell
Montbell is another outdoor clothing brand youโve probably never heard of. Even though itโs flown under the radar in the US, Montbell is worth a look for anyone who likes Columbia.
Montbell is a Japanese brand that focuses on mountaineering gear. Like Columbia, Montbell offers a wide range of insulated jackets, base layers, soft shell jackets, fleece pants, and more.
Montbellโs clothing is also very similar in appearance to Columbiaโs offerings. Itโs decidedly outdoorsy but fairly sleek and not too technical. Montbellโs gear is designed to be used, so itโs better for the mountainside than the coffee shop.
Montbellโs wide price range means that some items are priced similarly to Columbia pieces while others are much more expensive. That said, each brandโs garments have their own varying performance levels.
Patagonia
Of course, no list of brands like Columbia would be complete without Patagonia. This outdoor giant is often compared to other brands not because itโs derivative but because itโs the standard.
Itโs hard to directly compare Patagonia to Columbia because the two are fundamentally different brands. Though they both focus on outdoor gear, they have their own unique identities.
That said, where Patagonia and Columbia overlap most is in regard to their outerwear designs. Many of Patagoniaโs jackets, coats, and fleece items bear similarities to equivalent items from Columbia.
Depending on your priorities, Patagonia might also have a few advantages over Columbia. For one, Patagonia is famously sustainable, but Columbia struggles in this area. Additionally, Patagonia has more options for everyday clothing.
Although Patagonia is trendier than Columbia, thereโs a good reason for that โ and itโs not a bad thing. Ultimately, both brands offer slightly different flavors of outdoor clothing with different pros and cons.
The North Face
Of course, The North Face is another heavy hitter in the world of outdoor clothing. The brand often gets compared to Columbia for its similarities in design, use cases, and price point.
Both brands have clothing lines dedicated to snow activities, trail running, and hiking. However, both brands also vary here a bit. Columbia offers clothing specifically for hunting, fishing, and golfing. On the other hand, The North Face offers climbing, camping, and expedition clothing.
There are many overlaps in design, but The North Face has a trademark look thanks to its garmentsโ silhouettes. The items are puffier but still slick, and theyโre also more tech-forward. Columbiaโs clothing varies in this respect, so itโs hard to make direct comparisons.
In most regards, The North Face clothing is a bit better made than Columbia clothing. Of course, this depends on the exact item. This also means that The North Face is somewhat more expensive than Columbia.
Salomon
Itโs interesting to compare Salomon directly to Columbia. This French brand is mostly known for its shoes, but it also offers some outdoor clothing.
Salomonโs shoes are known for high levels of performance and technicality, and those characteristics also apply to the brandโs clothing. Salomonโs garments are generally heavier and more hard-wearing than Columbiaโs clothing.
In terms of design, thereโs not too much similarity between Salomon and Columbia. Salomonโs items are clearly technical, while Columbiaโs items are more relaxed.
Overall, Salomon is a good choice if youโre looking for more rugged gear that can hold up to intense activity. However, Columbia is probably the better option if youโre after more affordable gear or just donโt need incredibly technical clothing.
Brands Like Columbia FAQ
Here are a few quick answers to frequently asked questions about Columbia Sportswear.
What’s Special About Columbia?
Columbiaโs most special trait is arguably its reliability and consistency. Itโs been providing affordable and fairly high-value outdoor clothing for decades. Itโs best known for its jackets.
Is Columbia Considered a Luxury Brand?
No, Columbia is not a luxury brand. Columbiaโs clothing ranges from entry-level to mid-tier.
Is Columbia as Good as the North Face?
This varies depending on the specific item. Generally, however, most clothing from The North Face will be better than clothing from Columbia.
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