Columbia Watertight Jacket Grill Large
Jacket is a very small form factor, with thin material, so that it can be easily folded or stuffed into a very small space. Great for backpacking or world travel.
The jacket material is very thin yet very water repellent. The hood is large and has a really good draw chord for tightening the inner hood around your face.
It's a fairly warm jacket.
The only minor complaints I'd have would be:
- no hand warmer pocket, you can put your hands into the zippered lower pockets.
- fit only half covers your bum, more like a jacket fit than a parka fit (also makes it smaller to pack away more easily)
- the buttons up the front are oddly spaced, the jacket is either tightly buttoned up to your neck, or if you open that button, open wide 3 or 4 inches down the chest.
Having said all the above, this is a great deal at $60 if you're looking for a waterproof, packable, light functional jacket / parka (half way between a jacket and a parka).
5'-11" 165 lbs and a medium fits perfectly.
BalasHapusNormally wear large but adjusted per comments of other buyers. No experience on the performance but it has to fit first.
I have an earlier model of this same jacket, originally purchased for backpacking several years ago. First off, I'd like to say that it's very lightweight and compressible and served very well as a backpacking rain jacket. It is also the most versatile rain jacket I've ever owned, keeping me comfortable in the rain between 35 and 70 degrees F. I've had the jacket for 5-6 years now and it has yet to leak or let water soak through at any point, and I've worn it in some pretty heavy downpours.
BalasHapusI honestly cannot recommend this jacket enough. I look forward to rainy days just so I can break it out and make everyone else jealous. If you are looking for rain protection, look no further.
Jacket is a very small form factor, with thin material, so that it can be easily folded or stuffed into a very small space. Great for backpacking or world travel.
BalasHapusThe jacket material is very thin yet very water repellent. The hood is large and has a really good draw chord for tightening the inner hood around your face.
It's a fairly warm jacket.
The only minor complaints I'd have would be:
- no hand warmer pocket, you can put your hands into the zippered lower pockets.
- fit only half covers your bum, more like a jacket fit than a parka fit (also makes it smaller to pack away more easily)
- the buttons up the front are oddly spaced, the jacket is either tightly buttoned up to your neck, or if you open that button, open wide 3 or 4 inches down the chest.
Having said all the above, this is a great deal at $60 if you're looking for a waterproof, packable, light functional jacket / parka (half way between a jacket and a parka).
Jacket fit my needs perfectly for one that is light, breathable, and waterproof. It protects even in heavy downpours and is not cumbersome to wear during warmer temperatures. My only gripe concerns the hood tensioners. They don't hold their position well. A spring mechanism like on other jackets would have been preferred. All told, I highly recommend this jacket.
BalasHapusColumbia products just keep getting better. I have had this jacket for about a year now - using it primarily for backpacking. It is lightweight, breathable, blocks wind fairly well, and ultimately, keeps you dry. One might say an "Optimal" backpacking wet weather top.
BalasHapusBetter yet though, I was just outside during Hurricane Issac (Live in South Louisiana) and got a chance to give it the ultimate beta test. In combination with my Lowe Alpine rain pants, I did not get wet. Exposure time was about 2 hours with wind gusts around 50 mph and steady, heavy rainfall. Breathability in the humid climate also exceeded expectations.
Added bonus was that 2 other guys were wearing "faddy" North Face gear and were pretty miserable by the end. My Colombia laughed in superiority!
I purchased this jacket for sailing, so far it has protected me from heavy rain and wind on my offshore boat, I was impressed with it's ligth weight,stylish and not warm for the Caribbean weather..
BalasHapusI just rec'd the jacket yesterday and haven't worn it in the rain yet, but based on the prior reviews I don't expect to be disappointed in it's rain protection. the one thing I would advise is to consider size when ordering. I'm about 5'11", 140 lbs, and normally wear shirts and jackets labeled "medium" in most brands, but ordered this in a small after reading a prior review, and I'm glad I did. It is a great fit; not too tight, not too baggy, sleeve length just right. A medium would would be baggy on me. You can check Columbia's website for a sizing chart which shows the relevant measurements for their clothing sizes small/medium/large, etc.
BalasHapusother pluses: the side pockets are in just the right place and have a large enough opening(some pockets aren't and don't). it has both a zipper and snaps on the front, a nice feature. The length is about 6" below he waist, and the hood has a bill that extends several inches out beyond the face, which helps keep the rain off your glasses. adjustable size cuffs, light weight and compactable.
Just got back from a Kilimanjaro hike where we had rain and/or snow for half of our trip, and the jacket worked great--no seam problems, and repelled water as advertised. My hiking buddy spent ten times the price on his jacket from another company, but didn't get any real benenfit. Good buy.
BalasHapus
BalasHapusI bought this jacket to wear as my rain jacket while biking around Portland in the Wet, Wet, WET Winter. It has been amazing through out the worst conditions. I got the bright yellow so I could be seen by drivers and it's stands out but also looks stylish to wear when I'm not biking. It breathes well and is loose fitting to allow you layer up underneath. If you are a fellow bike commuter looking for something to shield you from the elements or a hiker looking for go to rain jacket or anyone really who likes staying dry...BUY THIS JACKET!
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