Columbia vs. Northface (houses, to buy, construction)

[scheung916]

I'm trying to figure out what jacket to buy for my stay in Alaska. I'm trying to decide between 2 Columbia jackets vs. 2 Northface. I must say that the biggest difference I can see is the price. Northface being pricier. The two I'm really sort of going back and forth on is Columbia's Sportswear Whirlibird 3 in 1. and The Northface Kira 3 in 1 Jacket. Any thoughts? Is there really a difference?

[InfectedMushroom]

I always hear Northface is just the more "fashionable" choice. Columbia makes good stuff, but maybe read up individual reviews for all 4 jackets you are considering.

[warptman]

The North Face was sold a few years back and I heard the quality has gone down. The nice thing about them is that if you tore it they'd replace it for free. I'm not sure if they do that anymore. Columbia makes great gear, just as good as North Face, but I don't think they make it in Goretex.

[castufari]

NF did change hands. They used to be a fairly elite brand, now you see their stuff everywhere, even in discount houses. Stuff that they would not have made years ago they'll slap their logo on now. Pretty sad.

Columbia is nice, I have a few of their coats and they've held up nicely.

[fishnfool]

Either brand is good. I mostly use Columbia because of the price. My winter jacket, ski jacket, and hunting parka are all columbia. No complaints at all. My Parka keeps me warm when sitting in partially frozen salt water for hours in the north atlantic waterfowl hunting (of course I have waders on too). While it's not quite alaska is gets pretty freaking cold in northern New England.

My opinion on Northface.....they make great gear but you're paying A LOT for the name brand. It's become very trendy. Lots of people drop a lot of money on their stuff just to look cool and they never use it for any outdoor activity that it was designed for. Their higher end stuff (like mountaineering, winter camping, etc.) is top notch though and worth it. Unless you're climbing Denali or backcountry camping I don't you need to pay a whole lot more for similar products though.

[stiffnecked]

Both brands are nothing but imported junk. Buy something based on fit, comfort and construction. Not what tags are sewn on it. My best parka is 25 years old, made by Woods Bag and Canvas in Ontario, Canada.

[warptman]

Cabela's Official Website - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear at competitive prices.

Camping Gear - Discount Clothing, Outdoor Gear & Camping Equipment - Top Brands including North Face & Columbia Sportswear

[siobhandem]

Aren't they all made in a Chinese sweatshop factory anyway?

[warptman]

Here you go, Alaskan made clothing!

Apocalypse Design, outdoor clothing and gear

[Glitch]

For good outdoor winter clothing and gear, I like Ute Mountaineer out of Aspen, CO. They carry products from Patagonia, Marmot, Montrail, K2, Black Diamond, and other top quality manufacturers.