For the ultimate in warmth, durability, and features, Canada Goose is better in our opinion. If you have a large budget of course!
Columbia also makes excellent cold-weather gear at a much lower price for most winter conditions.
But why?
Let’s find out by exploring these brands’ histories, materials, main products, and prices!
Contents:
1. Canada Goose Jackets
History of the Brand
Canada Goose official website: Men’s Langford Parka Heritage
Canada Goose, a luxury brand famous especially in the USA and Canada, is renowned for its durable and premium down jackets and coats. Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1957 as Metro Sportswear Ltd., the company later rebranded as Canada Goose after expanding in Europe.
Initially, Canada Goose focused on manufacturing raincoats and woolen vests but eventually diversified into various outdoor clothing. In the 1970s, the brand introduced its first down jackets, which quickly gained widespread popularity.
Renowned for its winter clothing and jackets, Canada Goose provides exceptional insulation, thanks to its use of top-quality down insulation, setting it apart from other brands relying on technical fabrics.
Read also: Jacket Brands like Canada Goose: 10 Alternatives for Winter
Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Canada Goose coats are mostly manufactured in Canada and go through an extensive 13-step procedure to guarantee that the end product is a comfortable, weather-resistant, and perfectly insulated coat. The company places significant dedication to quality and makes sure that all items meet their strict standards.
The coats are made from high-quality materials such as Polyester, Nylon, and Cotton, which can be used as they are or as part of the company’s exclusive fabrics like Arctic Tech.
To prevent the down insulation from becoming wet, the coats’ shells are regularly treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) as wet down loses its loft and insulating properties as we’ve seen here.
Canada Goose obtains its natural down from Ducks and Geese and ensures that it’s ethically sourced and adheres to the Responsible Down Standard. The down’s fill power is very high in many winter coats.
Several Canada Goose coats feature natural fur trim to protect the face from cold winds, especially during stormy blizzards. However, in recent years, the company has been moving away from real fur by either eliminating it or using faux fur.
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Don’t miss: Canada Goose vs Patagonia Jackets: A Comparison
Recommended Products
Canada Goose Men’s Lawrence Puffer
Image: canadagoose.com
Check it out at CanadaGoose.com
The Canada Goose Men’s Lawrence Puffer jacket is a classic garment that delivers outstanding protection for everyday use. Crafted from Recycled Enduraluxe, a robust water-repellent material with a comfortable feel, this jacket seamlessly combines functionality with style.
Boasting a quilted body, an adaptable hood, and a two-way front zipper for enhanced mobility and airflow, it also features an extended back hem for added coverage and a reflective double-stripe grab strap at the back.
With two exterior fleece-lined pockets and three interior pockets, this jacket is insulated with 750 Fill Power Responsibly Sourced Duck Down and is made in Canada.
Read also: Marmot vs Canada Goose Jackets: Which Brand is Better?
Canada Goose Women’s Paradigm Expedition Parka
Image: canadagoose.com
Check it out at CanadaGoose.com
The Women’s Paradigm Expedition Parka by Canada Goose is a stylish jacket featuring an adjustable down-filled hood with a detachable brim for maximum protection during harsh weather. This mid-thigh length parka is crafted in Canada, boasting a white color and no hood trim.
With a spacious fit, it includes an interior drawcord at the waist for personalized adjustment and heat retention. The parka is equipped with a two-way front zipper with a placket, zippered side gussets for enhanced mobility and ventilation, six exterior pockets, and three interior pockets.
Filled with 750 Fill Power Responsibly Sourced Duck Down, it is engineered to endure extreme weather, utilizing Recycled Organic Arctic Tech®, an iconic fabric of the brand, made of a blend of 85% Recycled Polyester and 15% Organic Cotton.
Read next: Canada Goose vs Moncler Jackets: Which Brand is Better?
Prices
Canada Goose winter jackets are priced between $1,000 and $2,000, varying based on the specific style of jacket or coat you are thinking of buying. So, this is a luxury brand!
But, despite the seemingly exorbitant price of these winter coats, the real question is whether your investment is worth it.
Are Canada Goose jackets worth the price?
We think Canada Goose jackets offer excellent value for the price. The warmth, quality, and performance of Canada Goose are unmatched by other products, and the craftsmanship is exceptional. Yes, we know that this is also a status brand, but a Canada Goose coat generally lasts for years, reducing the need for frequent repurchases.
Learn more: Why is Canada Goose so Expensive and Popular? Is It Worth It?
2. Columbia Jackets
History of the Brand
Columbia official website
Columbia is a very popular outdoor gear label that provides a wide range of jackets, parkas, and clothing options for various outdoor activities such as skiing, fishing, hiking, and casual wear.
Established in 1938 by a family who sought refuge in the USA after fleeing Germany, the brand has undergone several ownership changes. Originally known as the Columbia Hat Company, it rebranded to Columbia Sportswear Company in 1960 to reflect its expansion into outdoor apparel.
Presently, the company is headed by Tim Boyle, the son of the former company president, Gert Boyle who was one of the most important people in the company.
Don’t miss: 10 Brands like Columbia Sportswear: Our Top Alternatives
Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Columbia Sportswear incorporates its proprietary technologies to optimize the functionality of its outdoor gear. For example, the Omni-Tech technology is one of the most important membranes that enhances the waterproof and breathable qualities of Columbia’s jackets.
Additionally, the Omni-Heat Reflective technology, employed in some of their apparel, enables efficient heat retention while facilitating the release of excess moisture and heat.
Other notable features include the use of recycled Polyester and RDS-certified down insulation and a commitment to reducing the use of harmful DWR coatings.
The brand’s products reflect the perfectionist philosophy of Gert Boyle, ensuring the creation of high-quality apparel. Columbia’s diverse range of outdoor jackets is both versatile and reasonably priced, offering a commendable quality-to-price ratio.
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Read also: Patagonia vs Columbia: Which Brand Offers the Best Outdoor Gear?
Where are Columbia jackets made?
Columbia continues to manufacture outdoor apparel in the United States and Europe, but the majority of its jackets are produced in Asia, mostly in Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. (source)
Recommended Products
Columbia Men’s Bulo Point II Down Jacket
Image: columbia.com
Check it out at Columbia.com
The men’s Bulo Point II Down Jacket from Columbia is a cold-weather essential. It includes a 700-fill-power goose down for warmth, while the Omni-Heat™ Infinity thermal-reflective lining helps to retain body heat.
The jacket’s design features a removable, adjustable hood, chin guard, and customizable cuffs and hem for a snug fit and extra warmth. Additionally, it offers an interior security pocket and zippered hand pockets for essentials.
This lightweight and packable jacket is practical for travelers or anyone needing to save space. With a 28-inch center back length, it provides substantial coverage, durability, and quality.
Read also: How To Wash a Columbia Jacket (Omni-Heat, Down, Fleece, Rain)
Columbia Women’s Opal Hill Mid Down Jacket
Image: columbia.com
Check it out at Columbia.com
The Women’s Opal Hill Mid Down Jacket from Columbia seamlessly blends fashion and cold-weather practicality. It integrates Omni-Heat™ Infinity thermal-reflective technology and RDS-certified down insulation to deliver exceptional warmth.
Constructed with waterproof and breathable Omni-Tech fabric and critical seam sealing, it effectively shields against moisture. Additionally, it boasts comfort elements such as a chin guard and comfort cuffs with thumb holes for enhanced warmth.
The 2-way center front zipper enables easy adjustment, while the 34-inch back length ensures extensive coverage. This jacket exemplifies Columbia’s commitment to quality, presenting a dependable and fashionable choice.
Don’t miss: Marmot vs Columbia: Which is Better for Outdoor Gear?
Prices
In contrast to Canada Goose, Columbia Sportswear items are priced more reasonably. Typically, Columbia’s jackets are priced between $50 and $300. So, a significant price difference compared to Canada Goose!
Are Columbia jackets worth the price?
For casual outdoor pursuits, we believe the company’s jackets are a good investment. Columbia’s jackets offer the essential protection you need.
But, if you need gear for more serious activities, you might consider a more specialized brand. However, even in that case, you can find a suitable item from Columbia’s extensive range of products to complete your gear collection.
Must read: 8 Best Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands: Our Top Picks
3. So, Which is Better? Canada Goose or Columbia?
Both are excellent for their target markets. Here are our considerations to help with your final decision:
Quality and Durability: Canada Goose jackets are usually more durable and long-lasting. Their materials and construction are among the best. Columbia jackets are also very well-made but may not last quite as long as Canada Goose in heavy use over many years.
Warmth: Canada Goose uses high-quality down insulation that is extremely effective at trapping heat. Their jackets will keep you warmer than similar Columbia styles. However, Columbia jackets are still quite warm for most winter conditions. But, for extreme cold, it’s said that nothing beats Canada Goose!
Features: Canada Goose often offers more advanced features like adjustable hoods, zippered pockets, reinforced stitching in high-wear areas, and so on. Columbia jackets provide good basic functionality.
Prices: Canada Goose jackets, especially their most popular styles, are a lot more expensive, often from $1,000 to $2,000. This is also thanks to the positioning of the company as a status brand. As for Columbia jackets, you can generally find well-insulated styles for less than $300.
Style and design: Canada Goose has a more recognizable brand image and style that screams “winter jacket.” Columbia jackets have varied styles from casual to technical but are less of a bold fashion statement.
So, in the end, for the ultimate in warmth, durability, and features, Canada Goose is better in our opinion, if you have a large budget. Columbia also makes excellent cold-weather gear at a much lower price for most winter conditions.
Read next:
10 Canadian Winter Jacket Brands: Our Favorites
12 Best American Jackets and Outdoor Clothing Brands
