Best for…
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. It has a mesh lining that’s airy and breathable, but—despite its active vibe—lacks armpit zips for venting.
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. It has a mesh lining that’s airy and breathable, but—despite its active vibe—lacks armpit zips for venting.
If you’re looking for a casual rain jacket that won’t break the bank, this Columbia shell (available as the Women’s Arcadia II Jacket and the Men’s Watertight II Jacket) ticks all the boxes. 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. One panelist said, “It may not light anyone’s world on fire, but it won’t disappoint.”
According to a company representative, as of fall 2024, all Columbia products—including the Arcadia II and Watertight II jackets—are manufactured without intentionally added PFAS. We have not yet tested the updated versions of our picks.
It really is watertight. We wore the Columbia rain jacket under a running shower for three minutes, and not a drop penetrated the two-layer construction (which uses Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Tech waterproof technology). The jacket has storm flaps covering its zippers, and it’s fully seam-sealed to prevent water from penetrating tiny stitch holes.
The hood got mixed reviews. Some testers noted that it directed water away from their faces without reducing visibility. But it’s smaller than the hoods on our other picks, and its length isn’t adjustable, so its efficacy is fairly head-dependent.
The material moves and breathes. Rain jackets are often stiff and confining, but the Columbia rain jacket is silky and fluid. “My range of motion in it is great,” said one tester. “My arms and shoulders feel free and loose.”
Panelists praised the soft and airy mesh lining. One tester who’s had the men’s version since 2019—and said it’s holding up great—wears his for outdoor work. “It’s breathable, and it doesn’t [make me] clammy.” (Another tester disagreed, claiming the jacket created “a moist, chilly microclimate.”)
The Columbia rain jacket doesn’t have armpit zips for releasing heat. None of our testers missed them—even while mowing the lawn—but if you’re active, you may prefer a shell with more ventilation.
It’s practical and packable. This jacket isn’t fancy, but its basic features get the job done. Testers liked the Columbia rain jacket’s roomy, well-positioned vertical zippered pockets. The zippers operate smoothly, thanks to long pulls, and its hood and bottom hem cinch via elastic cords. The Velcro-style, hook-and-loop closures at the cuffs and over the front zipper didn’t impress us—they’re noisy and look cheap—but they’re quicker than snaps.
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-by-6-inch parcel.
It’s casual and outdoorsy. It comes in over a dozen solid colors and has a trim, hip-length silhouette that can go from grocery store to trailhead. “Even though it’s sporty, it doesn’t scream ‘performance,’” said one tester. Still, it’s decidedly casual—we wouldn’t wear it to work or a nice restaurant.
It’s flattering and size inclusive. This jacket is neither overly boxy nor especially body conscious, and testers of different heights and sizes responded well to its cut. “You can see the shape of the person inside it,” said Wirecutter supervising style editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson.
One tester (5-foot-2, women’s size XL) remarked, “The fit is perfect, with room for a hoodie underneath.” Another (5-foot-9, men’s size M) gave the fit high marks but noted that the shoulders felt a touch narrow. We found the fit true to size, though you may want to size up if you’d like more room for layering.
This jacket is offered in the widest size range of any of our picks: The women’s version comes in regular and plus sizes, and the men’s is available in regular, big, and tall sizes.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- The hood is on the smaller side, and its length isn’t adjustable.
- The jacket doesn’t have armpit zips for venting.
- Its hook-and-loop closures are scratchy, loud, and unattractive.
- The mesh lining in the pockets catches on things like rings and keys.
- Packing the jacket into its pocket can be tricky.
Specs
- Sizes: Arcadia II women’s XS–XXL, plus 1X–3X; Watertight II men’s S–XL, big 1X–6X, tall LT–5XT
- Colors: 12+
- Variants: none
- Material: outer 100% nylon; lining 100% nylon; mesh lining 100% polyester
- Weight: Arcadia II is 11.2 ounces; Watertight II is 13 ounces
- Care: machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Returns and warranty: 60-day returns, limited lifetime warranty for defects
