I have been testing the Columbia Mazama Trail™ Waterproof Jacket. I have the female version and a size small, which is a roomy fit. If you want to add plenty of layers underneath, this is a great waterproof jacket. The torso length is also good, while the arm length is excellent if you have long arms (maybe not so good if you have short arms).
Features include:
- Omni-Tech™ 3D waterproof/breathable fabric
- Fully seam sealed
2-way stretch
Drawcord adjustable hood
Chin guard
Underarm venting
PU coated centre-front and at hand pocket zippers
Adjustable sleeve cuffs
Drawcord at hem
PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent
Price: £210 (£147 for a different colour). - See: Columbia
My thoughts: Review: Columbia Mazama Trail Waterproof Jacket
I am not a fan of plain black jackets. They are not a good idea if you are heading into the hills and even the trails because if you end up in an emergency situation, it won’t be so easy for the rescuers to spot you. A black jacket is also rather boring, in my opinion. The alternative women’s jacket is predominantly white, with beige, which is a bit silly because it will look dirty very quickly. The men’s jacket is sold in red or black. Red is so much better than the women’s choice of white and beige.
Colours aside, the jacket feels good to wear. The stretch in the fabric gives good freedom of movement. The outer fabric is soft to touch and has a matt look, while the inside is kind of plasticky. The Omni-Tech 3D fabric has a hexagon pattern, too. The fabric feels a bit clammy on bare skin, for example, if you are wearing only a t-shirt. It also sticks a bit to fabrics such as fleece, although fine on synthetic baselayers. It’s quite an odd inside of a fabric and feels almost tacky.
However, it’s actually a really good fabric for keeping out the wet. I have tested it in heavy rain and it doesn’t leak at all.
Breathability is fair. It’s not the best I’ve tested but it’s fine for most walking situations. If you sweat a lot or you plan to try to run in the jacket, I think I would look elsewhere.
One issue I found was the hod and peak. The hood is quite neat and the peak is too small and short. The jacket would be better with a stiffened peak that sits away from the face. I found the rain spilled off the peak and on to my glasses.
There are plenty of standard details to the Columbia Mazama Trail Waterproof Jacket. It has adjustable cuffs and hems. There re two zipped hand pockets that you may find are covered with your rucksack hip-belt. I would prefer to see pockets higher up the jacket.
There is a one-way zip at the front. I prefer a two-way zip.
I really like the pit zips. They are opened and closed by one-way zips, which allow you to control your temperature while on the move. If you are warm yet it’s raining, you can unzip the jacket at the underarms to let out a bit of heat, or steam.
It would be good to see an inner chest pocket, if Columbia are considering updated details.
Overall, this is a good mid-weight jacket that you could use all year round. The price is reasonable, especially if you look for the sales.
- * I was sent the jacket to test without charge in exchange for an honest review.