In terms of build quality and feel, budget-oriented products like the Columbia Watertight II simply can’t compete with premium offerings from brands like Patagonia (and aren’t really designed to).

Columbia Mens Watertight II Waterproof Jacket (Black)

The outer shell is water-resistant rather than waterproof, as is common with these types of jackets.

Both share the same 2-layer Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable build, and the feature set is identical including zippered hand pockets and an adjustable and very functional hood. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because the fabric is brushed, the fibers don’t lie as flat as on other coats we recommend. Compared with other sporty coats we tried, it came in more sizes, was more flattering on our testers, cost less, and performed just as well in the rain. The Watertight has a simple hood with no brim stiffening and only a single elastic cinch cord around the face.

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

The Steens comes in over two dozen colors and styles and features a couple of security side pockets to maintain your valuables. ounces for a men’s medium on our scale, it’s slightly heavier than its listed weight of 13 ounces but right in line with other popular budget options like the REI Co-op Groundbreaker 2. Using Omni-Tech waterproof technology, sealed seams and an attached, adjustable hood, it sheds downpours with ease. A bonus feature is that this coating resists staining – your Columbia rain jacket remains cleaner for longer. The water landing on the outer shell forms beads and rolls off the material instead of sticking around and sinking through the layers.It has the most style and size variations of any of the coats we tested—it’s available in 13 sizes and two lengths, and comes in an insulated version for winter.

Columbia Watertight II Packable Men’s Rain Jacket Columbia Watertight II Packable Men’s Rain Jacket

We recommend sizing up if you have curves, fall between two sizes, or want to add thick layers underneath. Your regular jacket might do for a light drizzle, but it takes a whole different level of fabric to keep you dry in driving rain. In other words, your Columbia rain jacket is a marvel of chemical engineering at the water molecule level. The Arcadia comes in 55 colors, more than any other women’s style on our list, and each tester was happy with the color they tried. We focused on finding coats that came in inclusive sizes and versatile colors, and in a range of lengths, styles, and warmths that would work for different urban lifestyles.

The Girl On The Go comes in more sizes than any of our other women’s picks; the four neutral colors should work for most tastes.