With one of these in your corner, you might even find yourself wishing for showers. This packable nylon shell repels water as effectively as jackets that cost three times as much, and it comes in the most sizes and colors of our picks.
Its lightweight nylon is well suited for active adventures and moderate climates; it can also be worn over warmer layers. The Columbia rain jacket comes in a wider range of sizes and colors than any of our other picks.
We have not yet tested the updated versions of our picks. It really is watertight. The hood got mixed reviews. Some testers noted that it directed water away from their faces without reducing visibility. The material moves and breathes. Rain jackets are often stiff and confining, but the Columbia rain jacket is silky and fluid. Panelists praised the soft and airy mesh lining. The zippers operate smoothly, thanks to long pulls, and its hood and bottom hem cinch via elastic cords.
The Columbia rain jacket is the lightest of our picks and packs down into its own left-hand pocket. The process video is somewhat onerous and instructions are not included , but the result is a totable 8-byinch parcel.
It comes in over a dozen solid colors and has a trim, hip-length silhouette that can go from grocery store to trailhead. This jacket is neither overly boxy nor especially body conscious, and testers of different heights and sizes responded well to its cut. Its fabric is totally waterproof, but it traps heat. It has a unique, rubberized texture. It has an elegant matte finish and a light, flexible drape. This coat has a straight, slouchy cut that leaves room for layering.
