Which waterproof jackets are best for hiking?

Columbia is the outdoor master, and that’s why we feature a wide variety of waterproof jackets for your next adventure. If you’re in the market for one, you might wonder which waterproof jackets are best for hiking.

Believe it or not, there’s no simple way to answer this question because it depends on several things: what your plans are, what the weather will be like, and other features you prefer on your jacket. With that in mind, the best women’s waterproof jacket is the one that suits your plan perfectly.

We understand that may not be the direct answer you’re looking for, so we’ve put together this guide to help you in your jacket-searching process. With the right information at hand, you’ll be able to decide which of our women’s (or men’s) coats is best for your needs

Selecting the best hiking outerwear depends on how you answer the following questions:

• What’s your planned activity? Will you be walking on gentler paths or going on a long, multi-day trek in the mountains? Will there be major obstacles to worry about, like thorny, overgrown bushes, or is the trail reasonably maintained? If you’re planning to carry some accessories with you, opting for a lightweight coat can also affect your options.
• What’s the weather forecast at your destination? Preparing for a destination that’s forecasted to get mostly sunshine will require different gear than if there was supposed to be heavy rain over several days. If you don’t know what the weather will be, check before you go so you can pack suitable clothing with you.
• What are your preferred coat features? Aside from the jacket’s primary purpose (e.g. waterproofing, breathability), they also have additional features. Do you prefer to have a fixed or removable hood? Do you want fleece-lined jackets, or do you want to keep cool with mesh lining? If you’re environmentally conscious, we have a selection of products made with 100% recycled fabric.

Once you figure out what you need, it’s time to compare them against various Columbia technologies. Each of our coats is designed with at least one of them, so make sure you pay attention to its purpose before you buy one.

Here’s an overview of Columbia’s waterproofing technologies:

• Outdry™ Extreme: Featuring an impenetrable external waterproof face fabric, coats with this technology can withstand heavy rain. Its design features no fabric gaps, and its seams are bound with a special sealant to guarantee zero wet-out (even on the hood!). The best part: the inside is lined with breathable material, so you can stay cool and comfortable while keeping water away from your clothes.
• Outdry™ Extreme Mesh: Shrug off deluge and downpours with your coat featuring Outdry™ Extreme Mesh. Our products that feature this technology offer the maximum protection Columbia can provide in extreme conditions—all while keeping your comfort with enhanced wicking and breathable materials. The entire jacket also stretches, allowing you to move freely, even during a deluge.
• Outdry™ Extreme Eco: Our Outdry™ Extreme Eco jackets feature the same protection as our other Outdry™ Extreme products, but with a twist: they’re made with 100% recycled materials. We also use a dye-free process, allowing your jacket to use less water during its creation.
• Omni-Tech™: For light to medium rainfall, our Omni-Tech™ range of outerwear is here to help. Enjoy multi-layered protection to ensure not a single droplet goes through. Inside, you’ll find a breathable lining that allows excess heat and moisture to escape. Omni-Tech™ coats are also windproof, so you don’t have to feel the chill while it’s pouring.
• Omni-Tech™ 3D: Face anything up to a downpour with our Omni-Tech™ 3D technology. With multiple layers of enhanced waterproofing, your coat can withstand moderate rain so you can focus on your goal. And you don’t have to worry about overheating because our inner layer ensures any excess heat is released, while the fuzzy inner lining ensures you’re always comfortable.

Hiking adventures are always different, and that’s why Columbia’s excellent selection of men and women’s waterproof jackets is perfect for every condition imaginable. Whether you’re expecting a drizzle, rain, downpour, or deluge, Columbia is here to keep you dry and comfortable. Browse through our collection today and find your next favourite outdoor outfit. And if you need more information about your item or want to see some tips, our comprehensive guide has everything you need.

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