Columbia Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket

I bought this at the beginning of last winter to go in my day pack along with my down puffy. It has kept me dry on a couple of occasions where we had light rains but I really like it over my down puffy jacket on colder, windy days because it helps trap the heat in. It stuffs into one of its pockets so it's easy to stow away and doesn't take up much space. Plus the material is lightweight so it works well for backpacking too.

I was looking for a lightweight rain shell for carrying in my day pack. My heavier, snow shell was often too much coat for packing (and hoping to not have to use). I normally carried my lightweight down puffy coat, but if it rained or the snow was a wet snow, it soaked up too much water.

I found this one at one of our local sports stores during one of their sale events so decided to give it a try. I've been pleased with it and it's almost always in my pack for day hikes when the weather is iffy.  I've used it during several light rains and during a snow storm in New York.  

It works well at keeping me dry and I haven't noticed any water leaking through. I've never used it during a downpour though so I don't know how it performs in that situation. It also is a great wind breaker. It has adjustable wrist straps and the Omni-Shield material does a good job of keeping the cold out and the warmth in. But...

The one thing I wish it did have is some vent zippers under the arm pits. When I've worn it during summer hikes it can get a little steamy inside. Vent zippers would be nice to help force some of the heat out. Also, it didn't come with zipper pulls, which make using the zipper more difficult when wearing gloves.  I ended up buying a multi-pack of pulls from REI and adding them myself.

I do like the hidden hood.  It rolls up under the collar which allows the jacket to be worn a little more formally while out around town.

At $30 this has a been a good, reliable jacket that meets a variety of needs both in town and on the trail.