Columbia Watertight II Review

Our review team put the Columbia Watertight II through the wringer, pushing it on lengthy alpine climbs, rainy backpacking trips, and stormy resort ski days. We took detailed notes every step of the way to distill our findings in a digestible, yet exhaustive, review. Our review team concluded, “The Watertight II isn't the right option for heavy use outdoors, but we found it to work well in storms on the friendlier side, especially if staying close to the car”.

Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

We tested the Watertight's water resistance by taking it on several stormy outdoor adventures. Afterward, we carefully assessed our underlayers for any areas that may have shown signs of moisture seeping through. We also carried out several shower tests, ultimately measuring the total surface area of wet spots underneath. This option came in around average, for the largest percentage metric of its total score.

The Watertight II exceeded our expectations as it costs much less than most rain jackets on the market and in our lineup. The two-layer nylon construction kept us dry in storms of shorter duration or when faced with a mere drizzle, even if the best scores we saw in the lineup came from garments that offered 2.5- or 3-layer builds. The seal one can create on this option is fairly decent, with an adjustable hem and hood allowing one to “batten down the hatches” in a storm. We found the most leakage occurred along the sternum, with water coming in slightly through the zipper and occasionally sneaking through the face opening. This might be all the weather protection some shoppers need, and a great buy. But if you're logging days outdoors in particularly wet climates, we might suggest another option with upgraded storm protection.

Breathability

We kept detailed notes on each jacket's breathability while using them in the field, intentionally keeping them on for lengthy uphill sessions and cardio slogs. We also wore each rain jacket for a standardized exercise circuit, measuring the total sweat spots underneath. All told, breathability wasn't the strongest aspect of this jacket.

With a mesh interior, the Watertight II felt slightly clammy during prolonged outdoor adventures. The outer shell trapped our heat and made us feel humid inside, particularly when it was raining actively. It also lacks pit zips, offering fewer ventilation options for improving airflow. As with any water-resistant jacket, breathability improved when our output decreased or temperatures dropped.

Comfort and Mobility

We tested this metric by constantly assessing the comfort and mobility of each jacket during our primary field tests. We also conducted a standardized series of movements while wearing the Watertight to assess how it compares directly with other options in the lineup. The Watertight II's performance didn't “Wow” us, but it offered decent results similar to others selling at much higher price points.

While the 2-layer mesh/shell construction didn't bode well in other metrics, the mesh offered great next-to-skin comfort and we loved the relaxed fit. In cooler seasons or on windy hikes, we could easily add a layer underneath for warmth. We also appreciated the freedom of movement in the Watertight II, with minimal restrictions in upper body positions. The aforementioned breathability concerns also did make this garment a bit less comfortable during higher output days, affecting the overall score of the Watertight in this metric. One reviewer shared, “This layer was comfy against my skin, but I found it humid whenever I wore it for extended cardio sessions”.

Weight

We weighed each rain jacket and used a weight ratings calculator to create an objective 1-10 weighting score for each option. This shell was on the heavier side.

At 12.7 ounces, this wasn't the lightest jacket in our review by far. Yet, what one person considers heavy rather than another purely depends on the individual, the assessment, and their intended uses. For a budget model such as the Watertight II, a few ounces is unlikely to be a deal-breaker, especially if this shell will be utilized for more casual adventures.

Construction Quality

We tested this metric by conducting field tests and taking detailed notes on each jacket's durability. We also took a deep dive into the materials and reviewed other shoppers' long-term experiences with each garment. The Watertight II isn't the most robust rain jacket in the lineup.

As previously mentioned, the Watertight II utilizes an in-house fabric called Omni-Shield and is a 2-layer, 100% Nylon design with a mesh liner. We found this construction to be fairly durable, and by not using a name-brand fabric such as Gore-Tex, Columbia can keep the price down for the final product. A common setback we found across all jackets during testing was a reduction in water resistance once the face fabric got dirty. The Watertight was no different. Keeping your rain jacket clean is important if you want the best performance results. The mesh liner also snagged several times throughout testing, whether on an underlayer's zipper or while in a backpack, so care is needed to preserve the Watertight's life.

Should You Buy the Columbia Watertight II?

The Watertight II is an unbelievably low-priced option for a casual-use rain jacket. However, we recommend another model if you're demanding more weather protection.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?