Both jackets have a relaxed fit, feature a 2-layer waterproof laminate and mesh liner, and weigh about the same (the REI is 1. You get all the other excellent Columbia rain jacket features – taped seams, superior waterproofing, and ease of packing and storage. It hardly feels like I’m wearing a rain jacket at all, and the fit is roomy, so layering underneath to stay warm is welcome and appreciated. Not only does this prove to be relatively ineffective during any kind of serious activity, doing so leaves your pocket’s contents exposed to the elements. Eddie Bauer’s Kate Borgia, who at the time of our interview was Eddie Bauer’s senior designer for outerwear, told us that when companies test raincoats to rate waterproofing and how long it lasts, they wash everyday raincoats for a fraction of the times (five to 10 washes) that they do high-performance raincoats (20 or sometimes even 50 washes).

Columbia Mens Watertight II Waterproof Jacket (Black)

If you need something to help keep your bum and thighs dry but don’t like your raincoat to fall too low, the Moss could be just right (it’s about 2 inches longer than the hip-length Columbia Watertight II). If you know the mountains like we do, you know that the weather can change in an instant and you need superior technology and a lot of willpower to combat all that they throw at you. On an active hike or other physical activity, you may generate sweat as water droplets instead of water vapor. It has a double storm flap over the zipper that stays shut without the use of Velcro, so you can zip your coat while wearing gloves and they won’t snag.

The Watertight II is big enough that it kept our head dry, but it only features a drawstring around the front of the hood and no cinch on the back, giving the wearer less peripheral vision than other models we tested. This jacket kept us dry during our side-by-side shower tests and kept the rain out while working in it. If you plan to climb or bike with a helmet regularly, we'd steer you toward something with a bigger hood. The Bugaboo comes with a plethora of hard-not-to-love features, first and foremost being the detachable removable hood.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket Review | Switchback Travel

But I have worn it for a lot of country-life stuff: gardening, cleaning up after my chickens, hauling around feed and supplies, and around the stables, where my kiddo takes riding lessons, too.It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the. These professional passions allow her the time to live life outside as a rock climber, skier, runner, backpacker, paddle boarder, swimmer, and explorer.