Gear Review: This Waterproof Jacket Outperformed its $400 Competitor | Columbia Sportswear

Columbia OutDry™ Extreme vs a $400 competitor Rain jackets are one of the most important pieces of hiking gear, but they can vary wildly in price. So how much performance are you actually getting for the extra money? In this side-by-side comparison, Columbia's OutDry™ Extreme technology put against a premium $400 competitor rain jacket to see how they stack up in wet-weather conditions. From waterproof protection and breathability to overall comfort and real-world hiking performance, this test focuses on what matters most when you're out on the trail in the rain. Unlike traditional waterproof jackets that use a face fabric treated with a DWR coating, OutDry™ Extreme places the waterproof membrane on the outside, helping prevent the jacket from wetting out and maintaining waterproof-breathable performance in prolonged rain. Columbia Sportswear designed the technology to keep hikers dry inside and out. Whether you're tackling muddy trails, hiking through all-day rain, or simply looking for dependable wet-weather gear, OutDry™ Extreme is designed to deliver waterproof-breathable protection when conditions are at their worst.