Do any of Columbia Sportswear's jackets use gore-tex technology?
If you’ve spent some time shopping for women’s waterproof jackets online, you’ve likely come across brands that claim to use Gore-Tex in their products. Browsing through our collection here in Columbia might have made you wonder: do any of these jackets use Gore-Tex technology?
Columbia products do not use external technology because we developed our own waterproof and breathable solutions for our jackets and shoes. Thanks to that, our products waterproofness, wind resistance, and breathability are guaranteed. No matter the conditions (even the extreme ones!), we have the right solution for the job.
Let’s look at how Columbia products are engineered with specialised technology, resulting in a high quality product.
What do Columbia products use instead?
Instead of relying on external solutions, Columbia harnessed its decades of experience to develop its own waterproofing solutions for clothing:
Omni-Tech™: Designed to withstand light to heavy rain, our Omni-Tech™ range will keep you dry and comfortable. We designed our jackets with multiple layers of waterproof protection, ensuring that nothing seeps through. Then, we lined the inside with a breathable material so you can stay comfortable while keeping sweat out. It’s also windproof, so you won’t feel chilly while you’re out and about.
Outdry™ Extreme: When facing extreme conditions, you want an Outdry™ Extreme jacket with you. This outerwear has an impenetrable external waterproof membrane to block large amounts of water. And because we didn’t think that was enough, we also sealed the seams to ensure not a single droplet sneaks through. Finish that off with a gap-free design and an internal breathable mesh fabric to get a garment that can keep you dry, even during a deluge.
How much rain can Columbia jackets withstand?
We keep mentioning different levels of rainfall for our collection of jackets, but we never actually clarified what they mean in terms of waterproofness. Here they are:
Drizzle (Level 1): You’ll find this level of waterproofing on lightweight windbreakers and coats with soft outer shells. They have just enough water resistance to prevent moisture absorption during a slight drizzle.
Rain (Level 2): The second level is featured on our light waterproof outerwear. We built these products with water-resistant fabric and sealed the seams on the most exposed parts, so you don’t have to worry about anything soaking through small gaps. Good for activities during moderate rainfall.
Downpour (Level 3): Columbia’s level 3 waterproofing solution features outerwear with complete seam sealing, ensuring that nothing will ever make it inside the coat. Meanwhile, the outer shell provides breathable, waterproof protection during heavy rainfall.
Deluge (Level 4): Our highest level of waterproofness is reserved for the most extreme conditions. This is the ultimate durable outerwear with sealed seams, no gaps, zero wet-out, and maximum comfort.
As you shop through our collection of outdoor products, keep an eye on the coat’s waterproofness rating. Each garment is assigned a waterproof rating between 1 and 4.
Why should I pick Columbia products over the others?
With so many other options out there, we’re glad you decided to pick our brand. Trust us: you won’t be disappointed.
That’s because Columbia is the outdoor expert, so we know what you need to fully prepare yourself for your upcoming adventure in the mountain. We understand that conditions can change at the drop of a hat, so we created versatile solutions that you can mix and match as you see fit. Best of all, our hiking jackets are lightweight, so you can easily pack them away whenever you need to take them off.
Now that you know how well-engineered Columbia products are, why not browse through our excellent collection of water and wind-resistant products? We have everything you need for any type of weather, so you won’t have to shop anywhere else.
When you’re done shopping, make sure you check out our comprehensive guide to learn more about your new equipment or to get important care tips.