Look no further than this one, particular brand that our writer's dad has (quite involuntarily) fell in love with, for what he describes as 'perfect' for our unpredictable Welsh weather.
Columbia is known for its outerwear, sportswear, and footwear, as well as headgear, camping equipment, ski apparel, and outerwear accessories - so we thought fit for my dad to try two of their durable jackets on a coastal walk including the Men's Ampli-Dry™ II Waterproof Hiking Shell Jacket, £155, and the Men's Helvetia™ Streetwear Fleece, £65.
We asked that Eve's dad give us an idea of how well both items' price points match up with their features with waterproof, windproof and what feels best for a day out during spring time.
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Columbia Sportswear review
Fashion and beauty writer Eve Rowlands loves a hike now and again, but it's her dad who is the die-hard walking enthusiast - so it was no surprise that when he got the chance to try a raincoat and fleece from iconic outdoor brand Columbia and test out their abilities to withstand the wily Welsh weather, he was well excited. Living in Wales, when you're a keen walker you are in dire need of a coat and layers that'll not only keep out light (and slightly heavier) showers, but also coastal and mountainous winds.
They are icy, blistering and shockingly inconsistent when Mother Nature wants them to be so it's essential to have good quality outdoor wear. Thankfully, Columbia has made quite the name for itself when it comes to providing top quality garments that'll protect you from the elements - such as the Men's Ampli-Dry™ II Waterproof Hiking Shell Jacket, £155, and the Men's Helvetia™ Streetwear Fleece, £65. The latter is a versatile half-snap fleece from the Icons collection that is made up of Sherpa Pile 100% polyester and is lightweight, plush and great for hiking or cosying up at home.
The former is a waterproof breathable hiking shell jacket that is crafted with Omni-Tech™ waterproof technology, making it breathable but fully sealed from the rain, and features a bonded hood brim, chin guard, zippered chest and hand pockets, adjustable hem and sleeve cuffs plus it's got comfort stretch.
Testing them out on a coastal walk, Eve's dad said about the pieces: "I took the Men's Ampli-Dry™ II Waterproof Hiking Shell Jacket out on a blustery, wet day on the coast. It was lightweight but kept out the sea spray and cold edge of the wind. The sleeves were a bit long but that wasn't an issue as they were adjustable and velcroed at the cuffs. There was a pocket that opened to let out the heat under the arms and a handy breast pocket too, big enough for a phone or a small map. No downpour to waterproof test but in the damp air and light rain it was perfect.
"It has all the quality of a heavier jacket but is more manageable and stylish. It's a great addition to any outdoor kit and would easily slip into a backpack thanks to its ability to be compacted into the hand pocket. The Helvetia™ Streetwear Fleece was functional and stylish as well as warm, light, fitted well - and was a perfect partner for the jacket. It had a four popper collar which gives you options for how to wear it in the changeable UK weather. The colour was good [Canoe, Salmon Rose, Cloudburst] and I felt nice and cosy wearing it. It kept out the cold too when the jacket was off".
All in all, it's safe to say Eve's father was well and truly impressed with his Columbia outdoor adventure gear.
Get the jacket here for £155 and the fleece here for £65. Now of course Columbia isn't the only place to get incredible outer wear for men. Alternatively, you can get similar styles at Mountain Warehouse, Cotswold Outdoor and Go Outdoors.
