In the REI world, North face beats Columbia most of the time, but if your talking about for a child who will outgrow it in a year, I would go with columbia. In fact, DD's winter coat this year is Columbia. Both are good quality. Northface tends to have better styling too.
For you? Columbia makes a bunch of different "levels" of coats, not only in warmth but in quality. I.e. the kind for ski shops vs. the kind for Kohl's. I think North Face only makes the higher-end ones. So, you really need to compare particular items to know which is better/warmer.
In my opinion, real down is still the warmest thing. My down jackets are warmer than my Columbia ski jacket. The best? I have a long puffy down coat from Lands' End that I call "big blue." It's not very attractive, but it is AWESOME. Like wearing a big comforter.
It's for me. I'm looking for something a little sleeker looking than the Columbia's and North Face has a new jacket out this year that is just that. They're about twice the money but I figure I'll have it for years. I just want to stay warm!
Children Photography Photo Credit: Heather Barta Photography
North Face - hands down in my opinion. I have a ton of Columbia stuff from when I lived in Portland, Or and then my husband (who is an avid skier/boarder) "introduced" me to North Face. I was always dry and warm when we went to the mountain and never uncomfortable. Plus its a little more stylish I think too
North Face is "better" and around here Helly Hansen is best (also more stylish). Columbia is ok and a great value if you shop the Outlet, but I don't think they are as warm.
I live near Mt. Bachelor and get major coat envy each season. I'm excited to lose my pregnancy weight and fit into old coats this winter!
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I've had the same Columbia coat since I was 20. I'm not 29 and you'd never be able to tell that it was 9 years old. It still looks great and I wear it a ton when it's cold. I've never had a North Face coat- they've gotten too popular with the high school crowd so I don't really have a desire to wear one anyway. NF coats probably have this too, but my coat has a fleece coat on the inside and a nylon or whatever windproof one on the outside. You can take them apart for when it's not as cold. Obviously, Columbia is much less expensive, if that matters at all. I think I paid $150 for my coat years ago.
North Face is "better" and around here Helly Hansen is best (also more stylish). Columbia is ok and a great value if you shop the Outlet, but I don't think they are as warm.
I live near Mt. Bachelor and get major coat envy each season. I'm excited to lose my pregnancy weight and fit into old coats this winter!
Re: North Face vs. Columbia Jackets
For you? Columbia makes a bunch of different "levels" of coats, not only in warmth but in quality. I.e. the kind for ski shops vs. the kind for Kohl's. I think North Face only makes the higher-end ones. So, you really need to compare particular items to know which is better/warmer.
In my opinion, real down is still the warmest thing. My down jackets are warmer than my Columbia ski jacket. The best? I have a long puffy down coat from Lands' End that I call "big blue." It's not very attractive, but it is AWESOME. Like wearing a big comforter.
Children Photography Photo Credit: Heather Barta Photography
North Face is "better" and around here Helly Hansen is best (also more stylish). Columbia is ok and a great value if you shop the Outlet, but I don't think they are as warm.
I live near Mt. Bachelor and get major coat envy each season. I'm excited to lose my pregnancy weight and fit into old coats this winter!
I love North Face. I have purchased two of their winter coats and they were both super warm.
I have this one, except it's older so the quilted part looks slightly different. I love it.
https://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_The-North-Face-Women-s-Aconcagua-Jacket_10097152_10208_10000001_-1_
DH, the avid camper/hiker, would say North Face in an instant. But I can't afford it so I've done Columbia my whole life with no complaints.
Oooh I forgot about HH - they are are good too