Columbia Watertight II Jacket — Boys’ Review

The Columbia Watertight II is the jacket we reach for on rainy school days, park runs, and afternoons at a friend’s house — the unexciting, essential use cases that most kids’ rain jackets actually live in. Cypress, 4, wore it at a Waldorf-inspired farm school where outside time is mandatory regardless of weather, and it held up through full days in the rain without drama. The mesh lining is what sets it apart at this price: more breathable than most, easier to get on a kid, and more comfortable to wear all day.

3.9/5.0

Best boys everyday kids' waterproof jacket

Columbia Watertight II Jacket – Boys

The no-drama school-day jacket. Mesh lining, sealed seams, zips over a puffy without a fight.

Shop at Amazon$65 Shop at REI$80 Shop at Columbia$80

Sizes: XXS–XL (fits approx. ages 4–14) | Waterproof: Yes — Omni-Tech, fully seam sealed | Windproof: Not confirmed | Weight: ~10.9 oz (XXS, Amazon listing) | Fabric: Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable nylon/polyester

Is the Columbia Watertight II waterproof?

Yes. Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproofing with fully sealed seams is the real thing — not water-resistant, properly waterproof. We tested it across multiple rainy days and it held up consistently.

Where we tested the Columbia Watertight II

Cypress, 4, wore this one at his Waldorf-inspired farm school — which means outside for most of the day, in the rain, expected to keep going regardless of weather. Not a controlled test. That’s just Tuesday. We also tested it at the park and at a friend’s house on rainy afternoons.

We ordered XXS and put it on over a full layer of clothes on a cold rainy day. It zipped without a fight, the Velcro cuffs sealed over the extra layers, and Cypress wore it the whole day. The green colorway was a hit — his name is literally a tree, green feels right to him, he matched his hat. Small victories.

Columbia Watertight II features — what actually stood out

The mesh lining sets this jacket apart at this price point. Most shells in this range use a nylon interior — functional but not breathable. The Watertight II uses mesh, which allows airflow between the shell and whatever layers are underneath. Less sweat build-up, less clammy, more likely to keep the jacket on without complaint.

Heavy-duty zipper with square Velcro tabs up the storm flap, plus a large button at the top. Hood has elastic on the sides and an adjustable tab at the back — good for fitting over a winter hat. Velcro cuffs for sleeve adjustment when sizing up. Pockets are zippered with a dense mesh interior — items stay in, small dirt and debris might sift through over time, but nothing of actual value is going anywhere.

What doesn’t work on the Columbia Watertight II

No soft fabric at the neckline. The shell material goes all the way up to the chin, which you feel on cold days.

Sizing up is essential for layering, but you need to size right. Go up one size for a normal layer underneath. Go up two sizes if you’re planning to layer a puffy under it.

How to care for the Columbia Watertight II

Machine wash warm on gentle cycle. No bleach, no fabric softeners. Tumble dry low to reactivate the DWR. Columbia’s Omni-Tech membrane responds well to heat activation — don’t skip the dryer.

Does the Columbia Watertight II pack down?

Not packable into its own pocket, but rolls up compactly. The mesh lining keeps it lightweight and easy to stuff in a bag.

Columbia Watertight II sizing guide

We tested XXS on Cypress at age 4 — true to size, fit well for the body, enough room for a midlayer. Size up one for a heavy puffy underneath. Size up two if you’re buying to last multiple seasons.

Who is the Columbia Watertight II best for?

Everyday families. Farm school, outdoor school, rainy park days, friend’s-house afternoons. A reliable kids’ waterproof jacket that works consistently without requiring a gear conversation every time you put it on — under $70.

Pro tip: The green colorway is genuinely great. Cypress endorses it.

How the Columbia Watertight II compares to other kids’ rain jackets