Columbia Synthetic Insulated Jackets

Synthetic insulation is built from fine man made fibres that keep trapping warmth even when they get damp, which makes it a sensible match for the Irish climate. It dries quickly, copes with rough everyday use, and washes without any special care, and it usually costs less than an equivalent down jacket. The trade off is weight and packed size, since synthetic is bulkier and slightly heavier than down for the same warmth. If you want dependable, low fuss warmth for daily wear and changeable weather, synthetic is the practical choice.

The range spans light packable layers like the Powder Lite and Silver Falls up to deep puffers like the Puffect and waterproof insulated parkas built for winter. Many use Columbia Omni-Heat reflective lining, the silver dotted fabric that reflects your body heat back to add warmth without bulk. For active days when you are moving and generating heat, a lighter jacket usually does the job, while a thicker puffer or an insulated parka suits slow, genuinely cold days. Check for a hood and a longer cut if you want the most protection.

Many of these jackets have a water resistant or water repellent shell that shrugs off showers, and some, like the waterproof insulated parkas, are built to keep out sustained rain. The bigger advantage of synthetic insulation is that it carries on warming you even if the outer fabric does eventually wet through, which is where down struggles. For long spells of heavy rain, pick one of the waterproof shelled styles or layer a hardshell on top. For everyday showers, most of the range copes well on its own.

Synthetic jackets are refreshingly easy to care for. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, then tumble dry on low, and the insulation springs back to its full loft without any special treatment. Avoid fabric softener, which can coat the fibres and reduce their warmth, and fasten the zips before washing to protect the jacket and the drum. Because synthetic handles washing so well, you can clean these jackets more often than you would a down one without worrying about damaging the fill.

Yes, choose Click & Collect at checkout. Orders are usually ready within 24 hours and you will get an email when ready. Available from our Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown and Cork City Centre stores.

Yes, we offer free standard delivery on all orders over €100.

We have four stores across Ireland: Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown, Cork City Centre and Arnotts Dublin.