I looked at almost 100 jackets in stores and websites before I decided on the Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket, and I was not disappointed. Here are the features I wanted and how well they satisfied my needs:WHAT I WANTEDI live near the ocean where mist, spray, and rain are playing all the time. Also, I'm planning a trip near the Rhine River where I expect it to be raining almost constantly. I wanted a light, combination windbreaker and rain jacket that I could pack in little space and rely on to keep me dry.WEIGHTMy Columbia Men's Watertight II jacket weighs 15 ounces on my digital scale. That's fine.WATERPROOFINGMy Columbia jacket has been out in some heavy rains, without any leaks. The sealed seams kept out the weather, the hood and cuffs didn't leak, and I stayed dry.THE HOODThe nylon hood is large, and better worn over a cap. It adjusts with an elastic cord held tight in rubber washers. It keeps the wind away and blocks the rain well. If you pull the cord tight, it closes up the area under your chin.THE ZIPPERThe fine zipper keeps the jacket closed up and over your chin. Small patches of Velcro on the storm flap protect from sideways-blowing wind and rain. An elastic cord in a tensioner keeps the bottom loose or tight around your body.As in all other light jackets I have owned, you have to guide the zipper over folds in the fabric. If you grab it at the bottom and give it a John Wayne heave, it will get caught.THE SLEEVESThe sleeves are plenty long and close with Velcro bands, so wind and rain don't sneak in. The sleeves are lined right down to the cuffs, with netting and a double layer of nylon. Whatever your arm length, the Velcro bands will keep the cuffs where you want them.THE POCKETSThere are two large mesh-lined side pockets with zippers under flaps. One of them has a double zipper so you can stuff the jacket inside the mesh pocket, leaving a zipper pull outside.BREATHABILITYOn windy days, the jacket keeps me warm, especially with a sweater underneath. I haven't found myself perspiring as in nonbreathable fabric jackets. The coated nylon fabric is backed by an open mesh. When you move your arms and torso, air trapped inside the jacket vents, improving ventilation. If you want more ventilation, unzip the mesh pockets, and open the bottom.WINDPROOFINGWith the hood, sleeves, and bottom shut, the wind cannot leak inside. Several times on windy days, I thought it was calm and opened the zipper only to find the wind whipping through.RECOMMENDATIONSThis Columbia Men's Watertight II jacket meets my requirements, and I look forward to wearing it around town and carrying it on my rainy trip. If what I've written appeals to you, you'll like it too.
Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]