Columbia

Columbia

Engineered for whatever the outdoors throws at you — Ireland's largest Columbia range, in-store and online since 1976.

Columbia has been engineering performance outdoor clothing since 1938 — built to handle unpredictable conditions without compromising comfort or style. At Great Outdoors, we stock Ireland's most comprehensive Columbia range, from technical waterproof jackets and insulated parkas to fleece midlayers, baselayers, ski wear and footwear.

Whether you're heading into the mountains or navigating an Irish winter, Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproofing, Omni-Heat thermal technology and OutDry construction deliver reliable, tested protection across the full range.

Explore our Columbia collections:

Columbia

Why we love Columbia

Columbia has been part of our range for nearly 50 years — making it one of the longest-standing brands we carry. The reason is simple: Columbia makes gear that works in Irish conditions at prices that respect your budget. Columbia invests in proprietary technology like Omni-Heat, Omni-Tech and OutDry, and puts it into products ordinary people actually wear. We carry the full breadth of their range — jackets, fleece, footwear, base layers and accessories across men's, women's and kids'. If you're not sure which technology or fit is right for you, our team can talk you through it in-store or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes - Columbia boots and shoes are known for being a true-to-size length as well as a regular or neutral width, so they should fit most!

Generally speaking - we would say yes. Columbia does happen to make different fitting products in different lines such as relaxed fit, active fit and regular fit. They are normally activity-dependent, so items for hiking for example are made to be worn on the move with room for layers.

We think Columbia is one of the best-suited brands for Irish conditions. Their Omni-Tech waterproof jackets handle persistent rain well, their fleece and Omni-Heat layers work as effective midlayers in our mild-but-damp climate, and their Omni-Shield treated products handle the light showers and drizzle that make up most of our year. The brand's pricing also sits in a sweet spot — you get proven, tested technology without paying the premium you'd see from higher brands. For most walkers and outdoor enthusiasts in Ireland, Columbia hits the right balance of performance, durability and value.



Both are Columbia's waterproofing technologies, but they work differently. Omni-Tech uses a waterproof-breathable membrane inside the jacket fabric with a DWR coating on the outside — it's the standard across most of their rain jackets and performs well in typical Irish conditions. OutDry bonds the waterproof membrane directly to the outside of the fabric, which means there's no outer layer to wet out. OutDry is the better choice for sustained heavy rain or high-moisture environments, but Omni-Tech is lighter and more breathable for general hiking or just commuting/going to the shops or a walk in the park.

Yes - Columbia branded products including footwear come with a 2-year warranty. Columbia covers defects in materials and workmanship across their full range. If you've bought from Great Outdoors and have a warranty concern, bring the product into our store or contact us online and we'll handle the process with Columbia on your behalf. The warranty doesn't cover normal wear and tear, improper care, or accidental damage — but genuine manufacturing faults are covered.

Columbia Titanium is the brand's pinnacle performance line — designed for serious outdoor pursuits where standard gear isn't enough. Titanium products use Columbia's most advanced technologies combined with premium materials: lighter fabrics, higher waterproof-breathable ratings, more technical construction, and features like helmet-compatible hoods and underarm venting. If you're hillwalking in the Reeks or winter mountaineering in Scotland, Titanium is the range to look at. For everyday walks and casual outdoor wear, the standard Columbia range is excellent value and more than capable.

Interested in trying the Titanium range of products? Shop Columbia Titanium.

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