Columbia Compounder II Jacket $300
The Good: Waterproof, breathable, and the full host of desired features.
The Bad: Pocket configuration limits their accessibility when worn with a pack or climbing harness.
The Ugly: Clamminess during high aerobic activities, particularly noticeable with a short-sleeved base layer.
Winter in Portland isn’t as rainy as everyone thinks, but it’s not far off. Rain jackets are just part of our winter wardrobe, and we have all earned the right to be a little snobby. The folks at Columbia have given us a jacket to revel in. I’ve had the Compounder II in my arsenal now for over a month, and it’s a capable tool.
Waterproof and breathable it delivers protection in the most inclement weather. When it gets cold I’ve layered a light softshell and a down sweater underneath with no problems. The adjustable cuffs and hem seal out drafts, and the hood cinches down well around my dome even when wearing a climbing helmet.
As I’ve come to expect from most high-end waterproof jackets, the Compounder II boasts adjustable cuffs, helmet compatible hood, wire-brimmed bill, water-resistant zippers, pit zips, internal drop pockets and drawcord hem. Unfortunately the two hand pockets on the Compounder II rest at the hip, which means that when I donned a pack or threw on a climbing harness the pockets were inaccessible. The Napoleon pocket and internal mesh drop pockets can still be accessed with a pack or harness on, so there’s still a spot to store gloves and other necessities during a climb.
The biggest drawback to the Compounder II, as with most 2.5 layer laminated shells it is clammy during high aerobic activities. While wearing just a short-sleeve base layer underneath the Compounder II during a run, I easily sweated out the interior of the jacket. My only saving grace was pit zips; opening up that ventilation allowed me to stay comfortable.
If you’re looking for a single jacket that you can take out hiking, skiing or pub crawling, the Columbia Compounder II will be there every step of the way.
-T
Tags: columbia columbia compounder columbia sportswear compounder II shell rain rain jacket rain wear
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