A budget jacket that keeps you dry for $49.00 here
This jacket will definitely keep you dry, but strenuous activity will have you soaking inside it due to its lack of breathability.
My Take
Well, this jacket does what it is supposed to do - keep you dry in rain, and as my photo suggests, it does that well enough for me to keep it around. I have never felt it leak and it performs admirably in this area. Where it falls short is in the breathability area - no vents, no pit-zips, no anything. This means that if engaging in activities (hiking) that require exertion, the jacket holds all that moisture inside. The jacket is well made, has a peaked adjustable hood, 2 zippered pockets, a drawstring hem, adjustable Velcro cuffs and a mesh inside liner. It is made with Columbia's "Omni-Tech" proprietary nylon technology. It folds up into its own pocket which is useful for stuffing into a pack and is about the size of 2lbs of coffee. While hardly a ultralight jacket it is definitely quite light when compared to premium jackets at 4 to 6 times the price. It looks quite well, especially when left hanging (versus wrapped into it's pocket) and fits standardly - enough room to move without being baggy. One thing to bear in mind is that it will usually be worn as an outer layer, so it is worth it to have it slightly larger to fit over other layers. But man, does it get hot inside there when in use for a while.
Specifications
Dimensions: N/A
Weight: 13.5 oz
Materials: Omni-Tech waterproof nylon
Price: $49.00
Pros and Cons
Pros: Great price, waterproof, light. Cons: Inadequate ventilation
The Final Score
7 / 10 - Great if on a budget, but you don't want to wear it for extended periods of time or doing hard hikes.
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