Columbia Waterproof Jackets

Omni-Tech is Columbia's own waterproof, breathable membrane, the technology that makes these jackets genuinely weatherproof rather than just shower-resistant. A microporous barrier blocks rain from getting in while letting sweat vapour push out, and the seams are taped so water cannot creep through the stitching. In practice you stay dry from the rain outside and from your own sweat on the walk, which is what matters for a full day in Irish weather. It is not licensed GORE-TEX, but it is a true seam-sealed waterproof.

The Omni-Tech jackets are, with either critically taped seams over the most exposed areas or fully taped seams throughout. That taping is what separates a real waterproof from a water-repellent jacket, because rain otherwise works through the needle holes in the stitching long before the fabric itself wets out. If a jacket is listed as Omni-Shield or water-resistant rather than Omni-Tech, it will shed a shower but let water through in sustained rain, so check the label if you need genuine waterproofing.

A 3-in-1 is really two jackets that zip together: a waterproof Omni-Tech outer shell and an insulated or fleece inner liner. You wear the shell alone in mild rain, the liner alone as a warm layer on a dry day, or both together for cold, wet weather, which is where it gets its name. It is a versatile, good-value way to cover three seasons with one buy, though a separate shell and midlayer will each be a little lighter and more technical if you already own good layers.

The waterproofing lasts far longer if you keep the outer fabric clean and re-treat it now and then. When rain soaks into the surface instead of beading up, it is the durable water-repellent finish that has worn thin, not the membrane that has failed. Wash the jacket on a gentle cycle with a technical cleaner rather than ordinary detergent, which leaves a residue that draws in water, then restore the finish with a wash-in or spray-on reproofer. A cool tumble dry or a warm iron through a cloth helps reactivate it, and doing this once or twice a season keeps the jacket working for years.

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.