Columbia outdoor clothing is supplied by Columbia sportswear that have a proven history of providing quality gear for outdoor enthusiasts.

In 1960 the Columbia hat company that was established in 1938 was named the Columbia sportswear company known to all of us today, that provides an array of Outdoor clothing suitable for the skier, Hiking enthusiast and everyday activities.

Columbia sportswear is a family owned business which is based in the Pacific Northwest with products available around the globe that are made to protect those come rain or shine (and snow) and from from head to toe.

The company has a fascinating history and became a success despite adversity after Gert Boyle's husband died in 1970. The 46 year old old housewife and mother of 3 had to be at the forefront of Columbia Sportswear and made it the success it is today (Gert Boyle has written an autobiography about the experience called - One Tough Mother).

We found Columbia outerwear for the outdoors to be affordable whilst not lacking quality and decided to take a pick of products we like that would be suitable gear for camping and hiking.

Columbia Fleece Jackets

Columbia have a wide range of mens, women's and kids fleece jackets for the outdoors. We found a fair few Columbia fleece jackets we liked but we had to stick to our top picks which were the Men's Steens Mountain and the Mens/Womens Heat Elite.

Mens Steen Mountain Fleece

We chose the Steen Columbia fleece jacket for those needing a comfortable but affordable fleece that has had good consumer reports despite the price tag being as low as $30-$40.

Features and what we like:

• Full zipper: This outdoor fleece features a full zip
• Drawback hem: The drawback hem can be used to loosen when it becomes clammy and tighten to keep out cold and wind chills
• Pockets: There is room for essentials in front zip pockets
• Colors: 6 different colors gives consumers plenty of choice if color matters
• Price: As stated above its pretty cheap and well worth the money

Suitable for:

These Columbia fleece jackets are great for many uses including, mid layer for colder temps when camping and hiking, day hikes, Spring and Autumn conditions when its too warm for a full jacket but not warm enough for a basic sweater.

Overall:

Overall its well worth the money for a basic fleece for those that want quality warm clothing at an affordable price.

Mens and Womens Heat Elite Jacket

The Heat Elite Columbia fleece jackets are top of the range fleeces that have the Omni-Heat and Omni-shield technology that Colombia outerwear has its unique stamp on. Features are the same for the mens and womens with the main difference being the fit.

Features and what we like:

• Omni-heat: The Omni-heat thermal technology maintains warmth and prevents loss of heat to keep a user much more comfortable that the basic fleece
• Omni-shield: Omni-shield is what Columbia outdoor clothing call an advanced repellent that gives Columbia fleece jackets a water and stain barrier that can resist light rain and stains
• Breathable: The Heat Elite is breathable and should wick moisture easily because of the Omni-Heat thermal insulation
• Zippers and Pockets: The front has a full zipper, two lower zippers, an upper zipper on the outer chest section and an inner zipper pocket to store the all important items that you don't want affected by the weather.
• Ventilation: Zippers under the arms can be opened to give much needed ventilation to reduce body heat

Suitable for:

The Columbia Heat Elite is for those that need a lightweight jacket that has everything the best fleece jackets can offer, and don't mind cost. This could be suited for most outdoor adventures and will still look the part when out doing day too day activities.

Overall:

Overall these Columbia jackets have everything a person would need from a fleece jacket. Yes, it costs well over $100 but if we want quality it comes at a higher price, naturally. Its lightweight, vents well, is water resistant ( not water proof) and has consumers giving it mainly 4-5 star ratings out of 5.

Other Columbia Fleece Jackets Available

Three Other Top Picks From the Columbia Outdoor Clothing Range

These are a 3 items we really like from the Columbia outdoor clothing range which does not cover hiking boots; we cover these in the Hiking boots reviews and guides.

Mens Carabineer II Parka

The mens Carabineer parka is a lightweight goose down jacket that is at the top end of the market in terms of price for Columbia. Using down makes the jacket easy to pack away if your backpacking, by rolling it up into a very small package and slipping it into a backpack.

The Carabineer has all the Omni-tech and shield technology that Columbia uses for maintaining warmth and repelling water. This all comes at a cost of around $280, that could be the only downfall.

Women's Bugaboo Parka

The Bugaboo has been a top selling jacket receiving great consumer reports since 1986, when it was introduced to the market. This is an updated version for women that has great styling and the technical performance features of the best Columbia jackets.

This jacket is designed as a ski jacket to be used for any outdoor activities when protection from wind, rain or snow is paramount. Many users have bought and rated this jacket for all-round winter use.

Columbia Trail Line Gloves

The Trail line gloves are great lightweight gloves, that are designed for those that like to hit the trails in a colder climate. These have good wicking ability by using the Omni-Dry technology which will dry very quick whilst pulling moisture and excess heat away from the skin.

The gripping surface is ideal for trekking poles or any thing that is too cold to hold by hand. Priced at around $20 we think they are worth the money.

Summary

The company that produces Columbia outdoor clothing is a reliable brand with most consumers reporting that dealings with a problem product was straight forward. The company provide a range of outdoor clothes for those on a budget or top of the range items that compete with the best outdoor clothing gear brands.

There is a massive range of Columbia outerwear that we rate that's affordable and performs well, including the above Columbia fleece jackets and many other items.