Columbia Watertight II Review (2026)

Name: Columbia Watertight II
Brand: Columbia
Price: 60.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 7.6 (1 reviews)

The Watertight II is built to a price point, and it shows in the basic feature set and fabric feel, but the core Omni-Tech waterproofing genuinely works for casual hiking and everyday rain. For hikers who want a true rain jacket without spending real money, or as a spare jacket to keep in a car or bag, it fills that role well.

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$60 retail

7.6

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

$60 is the lowest price for genuine waterproof protection in this roundup
Omni-Tech waterproofing performs adequately for casual and everyday use
Frequently on sale for even less at major retailers
Reasonable weight for the price tier

Limitations

Basic feature set lacks pit zips on some versions, limiting venting
Fabric feels noticeably stiffer and less premium than pricier competitors
Durability is adequate but not built for years of heavy trail use
Breathability lags well behind mid-tier and premium options

Specifications

Weight10.5 oz / 298 g

Waterproof RatingOmni-Tech, ~10,000mm

BreathabilityOmni-Tech basic

Material2-layer nylon

Pit ZipsVaries by version

Pockets2 hand pockets

HoodAdjustable, packable

Packed Size6 x 4 inches

WarrantyLimited lifetime

Score Breakdown

Waterproofing

7.8

Breathability

7.7

Weight

7.5

Durability

7.5

Value for Money

9.3

What Sets It Apart

For hikers who want a true rain jacket without spending real money, or as a spare jacket to keep in a car or bag, it fills that role well.

10.5oz, $60 — Omni-Tech waterproofing at the lowest price for genuine waterproof protection tested

Who This Is For

The Columbia Watertight II is right for hikers whose priorities match its design: built around rock-bottom budget rain jacket, at $60.

A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of July 2026 and may change. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change my ranking.

How It Compares

See the full comparison

All options in this category ranked side by side — specs, scores, and pricing.

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Common Questions

Is the Watertight II good enough for a multi-day backpacking trip?

For occasional light rain, yes; for sustained heavy rain over multiple days, a higher waterproof rating and better breathability from a pricier jacket will perform noticeably better.

What is Omni-Tech?

Columbia's proprietary waterproof-breathable technology used across their jacket lineup, offering genuine waterproofing at accessible price points, though performance varies by specific product tier.

Is this a good jacket to keep in the car as a backup?

Yes — its low price and adequate performance make it a sensible always-in-the-car or always-in-the-bag backup rain layer.