Colombia Watertight II Rain Jacket - Men’s XL, Graphite

I’m 6’1”, 185-205 lbs. depending on the season, wear 17x35 shirts.

This rain jacket is replacing a decade old Marmot Membrain whose internal laminate lining is flaking off leaving various chunks to dandruff sized bits clinging to my skin & clothing.

Looking for an economical replacement I found that decontenting has hit this market too. Comparing the Colombia Watertight II to my Marmot Membrain, the general fit is about the same with plenty of room for layering if needed for winter. Sleeve length is about the same, body length of the Colombia about 1/2” shorter. The hood is a generous size; adjustable around face, room for hat but not helmet, and no rear adjustment strap for overhang. Colombia material is slightly noisier/crinklier/stiffer than the Marmot. Not a big difference in thickness. I don’t remember the cost of the Marmot, but I feel the Colombia is overpriced at $70.

Here are areas where the Colombia needs improvement:
- No pit zips needed for hiking/exertion
- No two-way zippers (not found on any brand that I searched)
- Thin, weak main front zipper w/small zipper pulls
- Cheap, thin zipper pull extensions made of cord
- No collar
- No stowable hood
- Thin hood brim
- Mesh lining catches/snags on things
- Only 2 good sized pockets. Needs inside, sleeve and/or chest
- Cheap hood cord stoppers vs. barrel cord stopper
- Only 4 Velcro strips on storm flap

Unknown:
- Waterproof - cannot comment yet
- Windproof - cannot comment yet
- Breathability - cannot comment yet
- I don’t care if it packs into its own pocket with an extra zipper

I’m thinking of using a waterproofing spray on this jacket & would appreciate any feedback on doing this. Thanks in advance.

I bought this for a trip to Europe and it performed flawlessly. I got caught in a number of drenching rain storms walking through Amsterdam, a relentless rain and cold in Kinderkijk and a deluge hiking the length of the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland. The jacket kept me high and dry in each case beading the water off and kept the camera dry I kept in the pocket. It affords surprising warmth for not being lined and good protection against the wind. I took it everywhere as it easily folded into it's own pocket and was light in the backpack. Plus it looks good on. Very pleased. Great Jacket!!!

I purchased this jacket for my husband (#1533891) specifically for the "Packable" feature. The jacket arrived with no tags or information about being packable. Had to resort to UTube to find "how to's. Unfortunately, this jacket does not come equipped with the packable pocket. Each of the pockets have sewn-in liners that do not pull inside out with a double tabbed zipper. The UTube examples had a "packable" tag sewn into the pocket with a pull-out liner. Husband doesn't care but this outcome annoys me.

I really don't understand why there is so much hype around this brand of jacket. The main zipper is faulty and fragile; moreover the elastic band in the hood is equally poor. There's no lock mechanism to fasten it so the only option is to tie it in a knot or pull it tight. This also doesn't work properly during heavy wind and rain. The only plus is that it's a very lightweight jacket. During light to moderate downpours not a single drop of water gets inside. However I'm doubtful about its longevity.