Columbia Price Tracker

Columbia began in 1938, when Paul and Marie Lamfrom, who had fled Nazi Germany, bought a hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it after the Columbia River. Their daughter Gert Boyle and her son Tim later rescued the company from bankruptcy, and her “Tough Mother” ads from 1984 made it known across the US. Based near Beaverton, Oregon, it also owns Sorel, Mountain Hardwear and prAna. US shoppers use columbia.com; UK customers have their own store, columbiasportswear.co.uk.

In the US, the free Greater Rewards programme gives members free shipping, points on purchases online and in Columbia stores, a welcome discount and a birthday discount; spending more within a year unlocks the higher Titanium tier. Columbia also runs outlet stores, and members have been offered extra discounts on sale items. The UK store sets its own prices and promotions in pounds, separate from the US.

Many Columbia jackets come in versions that look alike but differ in technology and price – Omni-Heat thermal lining, Omni-Tech waterproofing, or Interchange 3-in-1 designs that combine a shell with a zip-in inner jacket. Each colour and size can have its own stock and price. Set your alert on the exact product page you want rather than a similar model, and you'll get an email when that version is reduced.