L.Bean Men’s Trail Model Rain Jacket (currently unavailable), a version of a former pick in the precursor to this guide. See our Privacy Notice for details of how we will process your data for marketing purposes and how you can withdraw your consent.

Best Columbia Jackets For Men In 2022 Adventure Ready: Best Columbia Jackets For Men In 2022

The jacket feels quite plasticky in-hand, but it surprised me by being exceptionally tough and robust. Available in both men and women’s sizing, it’s a simple, no-frills rain shell, and is lighter than the 1. At the same time, it really is “breathable”, because I never got overly sweaty, even with heavy exertion while hiking (a problem I’ve encountered with other waterproof items). Companies categorize coats by gender, but anyone can wear them (and we have some unisex options in the Competition section).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. There are some details that make the Torrentshell extra-watertight that we didn’t find on any other hiking jacket. This is still a waterproof/breathable jacket, meaning that water stays out and vapor trapped in the coat is pushed out, as well. The experts we spoke with told us that everyday raincoats don’t need to be as thoroughly waterproof as performance raincoats for extended outdoor use.

Columbia Watertight II - Review 2023 - DIVEIN Columbia Watertight II - Review 2023 - DIVEIN

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The front pockets on this coat don’t work well with a backpack; the straps cover them. However, make sure that this is indeed a feature that you need as these rain jackets are significantly more expensive than those Columbia shells without them. There are many different materials and treatments involved, but one big factor is the outer coating. Using Omni-Tech waterproof technology, sealed seams and an attached, adjustable hood, it sheds downpours with ease. When we tested the original Arcadia Casual, our testers said they felt cute in this jacket, and they preferred the style to similar sporty models.

And the pockets have lots of space—I’ve stuffed flashlights, water bottles, eggs from my chicken coop, and gardening tools in them.

Rain Jackets and Raincoats Best Men’s and Women’s Rain Jackets and Raincoats

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. Depending on your climate, you may need extra insulation to keep you comfortable in rainy, windy weather. This absence is easily fixed with an inch of cord if zip pulls are helpful for you, so it really is not a deal-breaker for most people.Unlike many Columbia shells, the Earth Explorer offers you under arm venting for those days when you wish to truly exert yourself on the trails. Over the years I’ve walked the streets of New York City in torrential downpours and I’ve endured a hurricane and a superstorm at the Jersey Shore, and now I live in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, where a sturdy raincoat is as essential as sunscreen is in Florida. Perhaps you’re heading to a hiking trail to clear your head, or maybe you’re a walker planning to pack up your lunch in a backpack and bring the kids on a nature walk. It's hardly ultralight but plenty light enough for casual day hikes or heading to the baseball game where you might want a just-in-case jacket.

Columbia Watertight™ ii WP Jacket - idealo

Versatility: Eddie Bauer’s Borgia told us that everyday raincoats should have room for lighter or heavier layers underneath to accommodate different types of commutes. This was equally frustrating with anything in the pockets as it would get caught or tangled in the mesh. 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. layer jackets, and that half-layer is actually an extra coating that’s been laid down between the inner and outer fabric. Our picks include an all-purpose women’s raincoat, a warm, insulated women’s coat, a mid-thigh men’s coat, women’s and men’s jackets made for hiking and other outdoor activities, and inexpensive, sporty women’s and men’s raincoats.Generally speaking, laminate coatings will protect better and last longer, while membrane treatments are slightly lighter and cheaper. The color options cover plain black and other color blocking designs, giving you a choice of style and visibility. Additionally, the Torrentshell has a streamlined cut that can accommodate layers underneath but doesn’t feel or look overly baggy (an issue we had with the Watertight II), and you also get functional additions like pit zips and a carabiner clip-in loop for attaching to a pack or harness when stowed. This water-resistant jacket comes in a 100% polyester shell, and is safe to throw in the washing machine. On the warmer wet days while wearing the Watertight II I found myself sweating and staying sweaty while wearing the jacket.