How we tested the best waterproof jackets

We always say we make the best women’s waterproof jackets today; if you’ve owned any of our products, you’ll know we’re not just making empty claims. But what we haven’t told you is how we make sure our technology performs as promised.

In this article, we’ll share how we tested the best waterproof jackets in our collection. We’ll detail our testing methods and other considerations we keep in mind.

When we conduct our tests, we focus on three key areas: waterproofing, breathability, and durability. We thoroughly evaluate each item’s performance before deciding whether it’s worth the price you pay for it. If it falls short of expectations, we go back to the drawing board to see what’s wrong.

Let’s look at each one in detail.

Our waterproofing test is the most important one we conduct on our jackets, and for a good reason: without it, you’re just wearing an ordinary jacket. This won't suffice for hiking in the rain.

To pass this test, the product must pass all three of our criteria:

• Simulated rainy conditions: There’s no better way to test waterproofness than with simulated rain. Both of our Omni-Tech™ and Outdry Extreme™ products undergo several rounds of testing to make sure they perform as they should, based on the conditions they’re meant to work in. We assign each product a rating between 1 and 4, which corresponds with the kind of weather condition it can withstand.

• Hydrostatic head test: This is how we test how much water our fabric can repel before it starts seeping through the layer. We do this by spraying directly onto the membrane and gradually increasing the pressure until droplets start appearing. Once that happens, we take note of the current pressure level to see if it matches our expectations.

• Seam sealing test: To prevent water from going through the seams, we use specialised materials for seam sealing. Then, we test the seal’s strength during our hydrostatic test and observe how long the seal lasts before failing.

Waterproof outerwear should be comfortable, too. That means breathability is a big thing when it comes to our Omni-Tech™ and Outdry Extreme™ range.

For this purpose, we perform the moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) test to measure how much moisture can escape at any given time. We need to make sure our products have a perfect balance of breathability and waterproofness; otherwise, the jacket may become uncomfortably warm or allow water infiltration.

To increase your breathable coat’s comfort rating, we may decide to add an additional layer to make it feel even better on your skin.

Columbia is known for long-lasting products at a great price, and that’s because we thoroughly test our products durability before making them available to the public.

Whether you’re at a nature trail or up in the mountains, we know things will catch and scratch at your coat. Sometimes, they may even try to tear the fabric. That’s why we do multiple abrasion and tear resistance tests to see how much our products can take.

Aside from our significant testing criteria, we also consider how the following features could affect your outerwear’s performance:

• Pockets: Having somewhere to put small items on your body can be convenient, but it also needs to be well-designed. Otherwise, the pockets can interfere with your coat.

• Hoods: Your head needs to stay dry too, so we design all of our Omni-Tech™ and Outdry Extreme™ coats to have them. We also make sure it’s adjustable so it fits just right. The hood goes through the same testing as the rest of the coat to ensure optimal waterproofness.

• Zips: You need to be able to close your coat, so we added protective flaps to stop water from seeping through the zip. Extra bits on the coat itself mean more waterproofing and seam sealing tests.

• Overall weight: A waterproof coat must be lightweight so it doesn’t impede your progress and so that it’s easy to pack. We ensure our specialised materials don’t weigh as much so you can have a lighter load on your journey.

Now that you know how we test products worthy of carrying our brand, it’s time for the next step. Shop through our excellent collection of women’s waterproof jackets, so you’re ready for your next outdoor adventure. And if you have any questions, our comprehensive guide will have all the answers you need.

• Best women's waterproof jacket?

• Can waterproof jackets for women also provide warmth?

• Are the waterproof jackets suitable for extreme weather conditions?

• Can women's waterproof jackets be worn for outdoor sports?

• How do I clean and care for a waterproof jacket?

• What are the current trending colors in women's waterproof jackets?

• Are women's waterproof jackets wind-resistant as well?

• Which waterproof jackets are best for hiking?

• Do any of these jackets use gore-tex technology?

• Do these jackets come with thermal lining for extra warmth?

• Can women's waterproof jackets be worn while cycling?