Question 1

Jacket states only 'extremely water resistant' while a different columbia says "guaranteed waterproof" how waterproof are these in a serious downpour?

Accepted Answer

As a long-time Columbia fan, the notion that this is waterproof is a hoax.  I have a ton of Columbia gear in this style and the ONLY things that are waterproof have the diamond "Omni-Tech" logo, usually on the left sleeve cuff of the garment.  I purchased this exact jacket for my gf and to my embarrassment it has consistently soaked through after about 10 minutes of being rained on.  To say this is waterproof is a straight-up a false and misleading representation of the product's capabilites on Amazon.

These ARE good jackets when you use them as a windbreaker with some water resistance but they will soak through after a very short period of time in actual rain.  This is not even up for debate.  This description applies to all similar Columbia jackets on Amazon.  If it does not have the "Omni-Tech" diamond logo, it's generally NOT waterproof and should NOT be used as a rain jacket, no matter what they imply in the description.  The "waterproof Hyrdroplus 100% nylon shell" is horsefeathers.

I would also like to say this inconsistency of product descriptions is something I haven't noticed on the Columbia website.  This is something that appears inaccurately for their products on Amazon.  For whatever reason my gf wore her jacket out the day before yesterday while we went walking.  She was soaked and shivering after about 20 minutes and we had to cut the trip short.  I'm responding to this question here because I'm shopping for an ACTUAL waterproof Columbia jacket for her.  They do make great products at an affordable price.

Question 2

I just bought the jacket.  I did not see the sign that said packable when I turned it inside out?  Is it a zippered pocket?

Accepted Answer

The jacket is packable using the left front pocket. When you unzip the pocket you'll see there is a pull for the zipper on the inside, as well as the outside.. Just stuff the jacket into the pocket from the inside, and it should all fit!

Question 3

is it lined?

Accepted Answer

No. It isn't lined. However it does seem to have mesh inside pockets big enough to hold a Kindle.

Question 4

Is the jacket water proof or water repellent? Some reviews are saying water goes through jacket.

Accepted Answer

It is NOT waterproof, you will get wet after few minutes out on the rain, even when drizzling.  I’ve worn it on several Miami rainy days and opted for a golf umbrella instead because at least I don’t get as wet as I do with this jacket.

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ColumbiaWomen's Switchback III Jacket

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