Columbia Watertight II review
A packable waterproof shell at $70, and the one thing it does not do that delivery drivers need.
A waterproof nylon shell with sealed construction, zippered hand pockets and a stain-resisting finish, which packs into its own pocket.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shell | 100 percent waterproof nylon |
| Packability | Packs into its own hand pocket |
| Pockets | Two zippered side pockets |
| Fit details | Elastic cuffs, elastic hem, zippered closure |
| Chin guard | Abrasion resistant |
| Finish | Omni-Shield stain and water resistant treatment |
| Approx. price | Around $70 |
Specifications above come from Columbia's published product specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- It packs into its own pocket, which is the feature that decides whether a rain jacket is with you when the weather turns or at home.
- Elastic cuffs and hem keep water out at the openings, which is where cheap shells let you down when you are reaching into a cargo area.
- Columbia is a long-established outdoor brand with real warranty support, which matters for a garment you will wear in bad conditions repeatedly.
- Zippered pockets rather than open ones, so a phone does not fall out when you bend to pick up a parcel.
Where it falls short
- It is a waterproof shell, not a breathable technical shell. Working hard in it means sweat has nowhere to go, and on a warm rainy day you get wet from the inside. That is the honest weakness of every jacket in this price class.
- Plain black is the worst colour for a driver stepping out at dusk in rain. Visibility is a safety issue in this job and this jacket does nothing for it.
- No insulation. In cold rain you need a layer under it, and the trim cut leaves less room for that than you might expect.
- The hood is basic. It is fine standing at a door and less good in wind, where an adjustable hood earns its keep.
What owners report
Owner reviews are consistent across years: it keeps rain out, it packs small, and it lasts. The recurring positive is value, with reviewers repeatedly noting that it does the core job as well as jackets costing considerably more.
The equally consistent criticism is breathability. Owners describe getting damp inside during exertion, which is the expected behaviour of a non-breathable membrane and not a defect. The second recurring note is sizing: reviews often suggest going up a size if you plan to layer underneath, which is directly relevant if you are wearing it over a fleece on a cold block.
Who it suits
- Drivers who want one dependable shell that lives in the vehicle and is there when it rains.
- Anyone whose current rain gear is a poncho they have to fight with at every stop.
- Drivers in mild wet climates where the issue is rain rather than cold.
Who should skip it
- Roadside or low-light workers, who should choose a hi-vis waterproof. Our hi-vis jacket versus reflective vest comparison covers the two ways to solve that.
- Anyone working hard in warm rain, where a non-breathable shell is genuinely unpleasant.
- Drivers who only get caught out occasionally and would rather spend $14 on a poncho, as discussed in the poncho versus jacket comparison.
Alternatives worth considering
ANSI Class 3 hi-vis with reflective banding, waterproof, and less than half the price. For anyone stepping out of a vehicle near traffic in the dark, visibility beats brand.
Check price on AmazonPackable and waterproof for under $25. Thinner and less durable, but if you only need it a handful of times a year the maths is hard to argue with.
Check price on AmazonA poncho goes over you and whatever you are carrying in seconds, which is the specific advantage when you are getting in and out of a vehicle repeatedly.
Check price on AmazonCommon questions
Rain jacket or poncho for delivery work?
A jacket is better to move and drive in; a poncho is faster to get on and covers a bag as well. Most drivers who work in real rain end up with a jacket, because a poncho catches on door frames and cargo. Our comparison works through both.
Is a non-breathable rain jacket a problem?
It is on warm days when you are working hard. Waterproof and breathable are different properties, and jackets under about $100 generally deliver the first and not much of the second. Ventilate by opening the front between stops rather than expecting the fabric to do it.
Should a delivery driver wear hi-vis in the rain?
Rain is exactly when visibility drops, and it is when drivers step out into roads. A hi-vis waterproof combines both. If you prefer this jacket, wear a reflective vest over it, as covered in the vest versus clip-on light comparison.
Will it keep me warm?
No. It blocks wind and rain and has no insulation. In cold weather layer underneath it, and size up if you plan to. The winter delivery guide covers layering for long cold blocks.
Does it work over a uniform or work clothes?
It is cut trim rather than loose, so if you plan to wear it over bulky layers, reviewers consistently recommend going up a size.
Keep reading
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.