As spring approaches, many of us are bracing for rain. Rainy spring days often outnumber the sunny ones, and in the summer, torrential downpours can happen at a moment’s notice.
Don’t let the rain ruin your plans and keep you trapped indoors. With the right gear, you can enjoy all the outdoor activities you love, like hiking, fishing, cycling, and running.
If you walk to school or work, you can make your commute a lot less painful if you are protected from the elements.
To stay warm and dry, you need a good rain jacket. And if you want to head to protection, you’ll need a pair of rain pants as well.
One of Arc’teryx’s biggest competitors, the infamous outerwear retailer Columbia Sportswear, is a great place to look if you want to grab a great rain jacket (and pants) to protect yourself when the clouds finally roll in.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Columbia rain jackets for men and women so you can live your best life – even in the rain!
Most Popular Men’s Columbia Rain Jackets
1. Watertight II Jacket, $90 at Columbia
The Watertight II is one of Columbia’s most popular rain jackets. Providing you with top-notch rain protection, this fully seam-sealed jacket will keep you dry. It’s built for severe weather conditions and will hold up in the heaviest of rains.
Due to Columbia’s patented Omni-Tech technology, this rain jacket is waterproof yet breathable. The attached adjustable storm hood and drawcord adjustable hem will keep water out. It will also keep you dry when in blowing winds and stormy conditions.
This waterproof-breathable, fully seam-sealed jacket will keep you nice and dry, even in the heaviest of rains
The Watertight II rain jacket has zippered hand pockets, an abrasion-resistant chin guard, and breathable mesh lining for added comfort and function. One of my favorite things about this jacket is how small and compact it can be.
You never have to worry about getting caught in the rain again! This jacket can be packed small enough that it will fit into a hand pocket!
2. Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket, $60 at Columbia
This rain jacket will take you from town to the trail and is the perfect outer layer, offering complete protection from the rain.
It has a waterproof nylon shell, adjustable sleeve cuffs, a drawcord adjustable hem, and a stow-away hood so you will be protected from wind and rain if caught in a storm.
With a waterproof nylon shell and soft mesh lining, this rain jacket is light enough to fold into a pocket for easy storage and durable enough to withstand a downpour at a moment’s notice
The Glennaker Lake rain jacket is durable enough to withstand torrential downpours while remaining lightweight so you can pack it into the chest pocket!
This is also one of Columbia’s most stylish jackets and has a two-toned look in twelve different color options. Whether you are going camping, fishing, or running errands with an ominous-looking sky – you can trust this jacket to keep you dry!
3. OutDry Ex Reversible II Jacket, $150 on Amazon
As Columbia has described, this rain jacket has “EXTREME waterproof.” The OutDry technology is all in the seams – breathable, waterproof, fully sealed seams with an additional external seam tape.
This is a performance-enhancing piece that is great for all kinds of outdoor activities. The 4-way comfort stretch material provides a lot of flexibility and mobility.
This absolutely waterproof, ultra-breathable rain jacket is also reversible, switching from a sleek shell to a rich, super softly textured interior
The interior is a rich, soft texture that also looks great worn on the outside. This reversible jacket gives you the option of two different looks.
For head-to-toe rain protection, you will also need rain pants. The PFG Force XII OutDry Extreme pants are perfect for wearing under the OutDry Ex jacket.
They come up to the chest with adjustable elastic suspenders. There are also PU-coated pocket zippers that will keep valuables dry.
4. Oroville Creek Lined Jacket, $90 at Zappos
The Oroville Creek lined jacket will protect you from the elements. It acts as a rain protector thanks to Columbia’s waterproof technology. What makes this jacket one of the best is its super comfortable interior.
It has a jersey lining, so it feels like you are wearing your favorite t-shirt. There is also a drawcord-adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and a drawcord-adjustable hem to keep out cool breezes.
Perfect for drippy weather, this rain jacket helps protect you from the elements on the trail, around the campsite, or out on the patio
For additional protection when out in the rain, the Rebel Roamer rain pants will keep you dry without overheating. They feature waterproof-breathable performance seals that keep water out while dispersing excess heat.
With an elastic waistband, they are easy to pull over your clothes before heading out into bad weather.
5. PFG Storm Jacket, $85 at Columbia
A storm on city streets is nothing compared to a storm on open water. This rain jacket was designed for men who fish or boat and find themselves in the middle of intense storms. It has waterproof seals, a high collar, and a hood.
With function in mind, the jacket has extra zip-up pockets for added storage. It is made from Omni-Tech coated nylon, so it is incredibly durable, breathable, windproof, and waterproof. In cases of extreme storms, you likely want full-body protection.
For the worst stormy days, choose a fully seam-sealed, waterproof-breathable fishing jacket with zip-up pockets and an adjustable hem
Columbia also has PFG Storm Bib Pants that are seam-sealed with adjustable suspenders and an elastic waist. With the combination of these two items, you’ll stay dry head-to-toe.
Most Popular Women’s Columbia Rain Jackets
6. Pardon My Trench Rain Jacket, $100 at Columbia
The look of this jacket is not the typical sport-focused style Columbia is known for. It is very stylish and sleek yet still offers all the high-tech outerwear technology you can expect from the brand.
It is lightweight and flowy, with plenty of ventilation. In fact, it’s so light you’ll barely feel it making it the perfect outer layer to protect you from the rain. It is made from 100% polyester and is water-resistant.
A classically styled women’s raincoat for casual urban escapades
It has an attached adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs, and a two-way center-front zipper. It also has a removable belt and back venting system that are both functional and fashionable. If you are looking for a rain jacket for wet commutes – this is a great option!
7. Arcadia II Rain Jacket, $100 at Zappos
For heavy rain, whether in town or on the trail, this jacket will keep you dry. It has seam-sealed construction, an adjustable storm hood, and an adjustable hem for extra protection.
Thanks to Columbia’s Omni-Tech technology, it is entirely waterproof. This jacket falls just past the hips and has zippered pockets to keep your things secure and dry. Available in 16 different colors, there is an Arcadia II rain jacket to fit everyone’s unique style.
This rain jacket has the fully waterproof protection you need whether you’re facing Atlantic downpours on the Eastern Seaboard or a gentle, mid-hike sun shower
A rain jacket will only keep you dry from the waist up, so if you are looking for full-body protection, you need a pair of rain pants. The Storm Surge Rain Pants can handle the wettest conditions, offering solid rain protection.
Omni-Tech sheds moisture, making your pants entirely waterproof. These pants are also comfortable – they have a drawcord-adjustable and elastic waist and are breathable, so you won’t overheat and can easily pull them up over your pants.
8. Splash A Little II Jacket, $89 at Zappos
Feel free to go puddle-stomping in this heritage-inspired rain jacket. Thanks to Columbia’s Omni-Tech, this rain jacket is waterproof-breathable and has seam-sealed construction.
You’ll get full protection from this jacket as it has an adjustable storm hood and cuffs, keeping you covered from head to hem.
Tackle those rainy days in style and comfort with this new update on a classic design from Columbia
The Splash A Little II jacket is perfect for rainy weather and available in bold colors and patterns like stripes or floral prints. You don’t need to shy away from a little splash with this rain jacket!
9. OutDry Ex Mackintosh Jacket, $150 on Amazon
This rain jacket is more reminiscent of a traditional rain slicker but with a lot more technology. The OutDry Ex Makintock jacket offers the most rain protection of all the jackets listed here. This is because of the OutDry EXTREME waterproof, fully seam seal design.
This weather-defying jacket features a 100% organic, waterproof-breathable, seam-sealed construction with an impenetrable membrane
This design will block out rain while allowing heat to escape. It also has a non-PFC OutDry Extreme Membrane, adjustable hood, and adjustable cuffs for additional protection. Whether you are camping or walking to work, this rain jacket is guaranteed to keep you dry!
10. Windgates Jacket, $99 at Columbia
A bold jacket for bold weather. The full seam seals and waterproof technology will protect you from harsh storms and serious downpours. The Windgates rain jacket is designed to keep out moisture – it has an adjustable hem, cuffs, and hood!
To keep items dry, it also has zippered hand pockets. This jacket is comfortable with a slightly tailored fit for a feminine look.
A bold rain jacket with the waterproof breathability you need to stay comfortable
The lining is 100% nylon and is very soft and breathable, so you won’t overheat when navigating trails under summer storms.
11. Tested Tough In Pink Rain Jacket II, $90 at Columbia
This rain jacket is Omni-Tech waterproof with all the features needed to keep water out! It has an attached adjustable storm hood and drawcord adjustable hem. With a modern classic fit, this rain jacket is both fashionable and functional.
This sleek rain jacket is waterproof, breathable, fully seam-sealed, and so light it packs into its own pocket
What makes this rain jacket extra special is the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon printed on it. This jacket also has a charitable advantage, as $1 of every jacket is donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
You can stay warm and dry while contributing to a good cause. This rain jacket can also be paired with the Storm Surge rain pants for full-body rain protection.