Columbia Hikebound II Rain Jacket — Toddler Review

Some rain jackets crinkle the second a kid moves, and everyone is uncomfortable. This one doesn’t. We tested the Columbia Hikebound II on Oren (2) on a rainy day in Colorado, and it was the most comfortable toddler rain jacket in our lineup: soft, cloth-like fabric outside, mesh lining inside, and still fully waterproof. The one thing to know before you order: the zippered pockets are mesh all the way through to the inside, so check them for snacks.

4.6/5.0

Best everyday toddler rain jacket

Columbia Hikebound II Rain Jacket — Toddler

Feels like a regular jacket, not a raincoat, and it's still fully seam sealed. Mesh lined, reflective zipper pulls, and a hood that adjusts. No chin guard, and the mesh pockets open to the inside.

Shop at Columbia$65

Sizes: 2T to 4T | Waterproof: Yes (Omni-Tech, fully seam sealed) | Windproof: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Fabric: 100% polyester shell, 100% polyester mesh lining

Is the Columbia Hikebound II toddler rain jacket waterproof?

Yes. Columbia uses its Omni-Tech waterproof, breathable construction and fully seals the seams. Oren wore it through a rainy Colorado day and it kept the rain out, even though it feels more like a regular jacket than rain gear.

Where we tested the Columbia Hikebound II

Colorado, on a rainy day when we were done being inside. Oren (2) wore the Hikebound II in a 2T for a wet walk in the pines, with plenty of stops to climb on stumps.

Slow, wandering days like that are where this jacket earns its spot. You’re out for a long time, nobody is moving fast, and a jacket that feels nice to wear means fewer complaints an hour in.

Columbia Hikebound II features: what actually stood out

Here’s a surprise: the best thing about this jacket is how it feels. The Reima Lampi and Amazon Essentials both have that unmistakable this-is-a-rain-jacket feel. The Hikebound II feels more like cloth. It’s still waterproof, and it’s lined with mesh inside, so it’s easier to wear for long stretches.

The front zipper has a small pull with reflective material on it and five Velcro tabs along the placket. The hood has elastic on both sides and a Velcro tab on the back (also reflective), so you can snug it down and keep it out of his eyes. Each cuff has a small section of elastic.

The hand pockets zip closed with the same reflective pulls. They’re mesh, though, and they open through to the inside of the jacket. Leave a piece of chocolate in there and it’s getting through.

What doesn’t work on the Columbia Hikebound II

No chin guard. Zipped all the way up, the top of the zipper sits right against his chin. The pockets are the other catch: zippered, which is great, but mesh all the way through, so anything wet or melty ends up inside the jacket. And since it’s a light, mesh-lined shell, it needs a layer underneath when it’s cold.

How to care for the Columbia Hikebound II

Columbia’s care instructions say machine wash, no bleach, tumble dry, and no dry cleaning. Empty those mesh pockets first.

Columbia Hikebound II toddler sizing guide

Oren wore a 2T at age 2. Columbia makes the toddler Hikebound II in 2T, 3T, and 4T only, so it doesn’t cover babies, and older toddlers will move into the kids’ version after 4T.

Who is the Columbia Hikebound II best for?

Kids who hate how rain jackets feel, and families who spend long, wet days outside instead of quick dashes to the car. It’s soft, quiet, still waterproof, and it costs less than most of the jackets we tested. Just remember it’s a shell, and the pockets leak.

Pro tip: Use the Velcro tab on the back of the hood. A minute of adjusting means the hood stays up instead of sliding over his eyes.

How the Columbia Hikebound II compares to other toddler rain jackets