Columbia
Arcadia Packable Rain Jacket
The Columbia Arcadia Packable Rain Jacket is a lightweight, waterproof shell made from a 100% polyamide nylon membrane with sealed seams and a fine mesh lining. It includes an adjustable hood with drawstring, zipped hand pockets, an elastic drawstring hem, and adjustable cuffs, and it fully packs into its own pocket for portability. Designed for travel and everyday rain protection, this 2-layer jacket provides reliable water resistance; however, reviews note that its construction prioritizes lightness and packability over breathability for high-exertion use.
- Material
- Breathable nylon membrane with sealed seams and fine mesh lining
- Gender
- unisex
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, performance
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Color
Size
Specifications
Lightweight, waterproof and breathable rain jacket with adjustable hood, zipped pockets, and packable design.
Waterproof and breathable nylon membrane with sealed seams, adjustable hood, zip closure, zipped pockets, elastic hem and cuffs, fully packable.
- Material
- Breathable nylon membrane with sealed seams and fine mesh lining
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, performance
- Occasion
- travel, vacation, casual
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Additional Attributes
- waterproof construction
- breathable nylon membrane
- sealed seams
- fine mesh lining
- adjustable hood with elastic drawstring
- zip closure under storm flap
- zipped pockets
- elastic drawstring hem
- adjustable cuffs
- fully packable into its pocket
Product Insights
The Columbia Arcadia Packable Rain Jacket (120 CAD) is a basic 2-layer Omni-Tech shell that reliably blocks wind and steady rain while packing into its own pocket at roughly 400 grams, with a stylish matte finish in four colors ideal for daily wear in cool, light conditions—but its breathability is prone to condensation during sustained exertion, the 2-layer construction trades durability for light weight, heat-taped seams may peel with repeated washing, the DWR coating requires periodic re-spraying, and the jacket lacks an interior pocket and a face-cinch hood with inconsistent sizing, making it a tradeoff between convenience and long-term performance.
Verified claims
- Brand positioning
- A basic 2-layer Omni-Tech jacket built for department-store price points.
- Performance
- Reliable in steady rain, prone to condensation during sustained exertion.
- Features
- Packs into its own pocket at ~400g, but no interior pocket or snug hood.
- Construction
- 2-layer construction trades durability for lighter weight compared to 3-layer shells.
- Seam tape
- Heat-taped seams are susceptible to peeling with repeated washing.
- DWR coating
- DWR coating wears off over time, requiring periodic re-spraying for comfort.
- Sizing
- Buyers report inconsistent fit; size up for thick layers, size down for a trim fit if between sizes.
- Hood fit
- Large hood fits a beanie; no face cinch, so may be loose for smaller heads.
- Hood adjustability
- No face cinch; hood is loose on bare heads but accommodates hats and buns.
- Interior pocket
- No interior security pocket — a frequently noted drawback for travel.
- Value
- Breathability adequate for cool, light use; limited in warmth, humidity, or exertion.
- DWR maintenance
- DWR coating must be maintained to prevent face fabric wet-out that blocks vapor escape.
- Wind blocking
- Windproof barrier with adjustable hood and collar that reduce draft penetration.
- Heat buildup
- Can cause overheating during brisk activity due to heat entrapment.
- Packability
- Weighs ~400 g, packs into pocket; heavier and bulkier than ultralight shells.
- Fit and layering
- No face cinch on hood, form fits a thin layer only, and no interior pocket; suggested to size up for thick layers.
- Build quality
- Department-store tier; 2-layer membrane prone to micro-leaks under frequent active wear.
- Style
- Matte shell in four colors; praised as stylish for daily wear.
- Color and finish
- Matte finish and available colors (Black, Mossy Green, Slate Blue, Red) elevate the look for fall and spring.
- Fit and silhouette
- Buyers describe a flattering feminine fit that accommodates a thin mid-layer without bulk.
- Versatility
- Buyers find it chic enough for daily wear and easily packable into its pocket.
- Weight
- Weighs about 400 g, 84 g more than the Kuhl Stretch Voyager.
- Durability
- Heat-taped seams need gentle wash and air dry; 2-layer construction reduces waterproof lifespan vs 3-layer shells.
- Weather protection
- Monolithic PU membrane provides waterproof and windproof performance but breathability suffers in warm, humid conditions.
Product record
- Title
- Arcadia Packable Rain Jacket
- Brand
- Columbia
- Price
- 120 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
- Rating
- 4.6 stars, 16 reviews, scale 5
Deep Research
Omni-Tech waterproofing and breathability in practice
- A Durable Water Repellent treatment on the outer nylon forces water to bead and roll off; as this finish degrades with wear and repeated washing, the face fabric absorbs moisture, which blocks vapor escape and makes the jacket feel clammy despite the membrane remaining waterproof — so periodic re-treatment is required to maintain comfort.
- The Arcadia's Omni-Tech layer delivers a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm and breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24h in standard tests — the same entry-level benchmark used across Columbia's rain jackets, sufficient for steady urban rain and casual hiking but prone to internal condensation during sustained exertion or downpours.
- The continuous polyurethane layer that blocks liquid water also stops wind completely, turning the Arcadia into a reliable windshell that locks in body heat — a welcome feature on a breezy dog walk or city commute, but one that can lead to overheating during brisk activity.
- Because the Omni-Tech film is bonded only to the back of the outer fabric and shielded by a non-bonded mesh lining, friction from clothing and body contact can abrade the membrane over time, creating micro-leaks earlier than a fully protected 3-layer construction would permit.
- Columbia's Omni-Tech uses a monolithic polyurethane film rather than the porous ePTFE structure found in Gore-Tex — this design prioritizes cost and lightness, transferring moisture vapor via a molecular diffusion process that requires a temperature gradient, so breathability noticeably declines in warm, high-humidity conditions.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a black hooded rain jacket worn by a model; visible features include a center front storm flap, inset hand pockets, a hood with drawcord, a contrasting patterned fleece layer visible at the neck, and a white Columbia wordmark logo on the left chest.
- Overall silhouetteHip-length, slightly fitted jacket with long sleeves and a hood; center front closure covered by a wide storm flap.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.18 · w 0.70 · h 0.75 (high) - Material and finishSmooth, slightly reflective woven shell fabric with a matte-sheen finish consistent across the visible exterior.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.25 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (high) - Hood constructionAttached hood with a narrow raised seam at the front edge and a visible black drawcord toggle on the left shoulder area.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.10 · w 0.40 · h 0.18 (high) - Center front closureCenter front zipper covered by a full-length storm flap that lies flat with visible topstitching along its outer edge.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.28 · w 0.32 · h 0.60 (high) - Hand pocketsSlanted inset hand pockets at hip level; the model's left hand is placed inside the right-side pocket (viewer left), creating a pocket opening visible at the side seam.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.65 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.65 · y 0.64 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Left-chest logo text“Columbia”
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.24 · w 0.16 · h 0.08 (high) - Sleeve cuff marking“Small printed text near the lower sleeve hem on the right sleeve (viewer right) reading 'OMNI-TECH'.”
1 region
x 0.78 · y 0.74 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (medium) - Inner layer visible at neckHigh neck fleece layer with a blue and turquoise floral/abstract pattern and a visible center front fleece zipper.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.14 · w 0.30 · h 0.22 (high) - Sleeve cuff closureNarrow adjustable cuff with a short tab overlap visible at the wrist on the right sleeve (viewer right).
1 region
x 0.78 · y 0.72 · w 0.14 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model from mid-thigh up against a plain light gray background with soft, even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Model pose and framingModel faces the camera with a relaxed posture; image includes head to upper thighs with slight crop at lower thighs.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.02 · w 0.90 · h 0.96 (high) - BackgroundUniform light gray backdrop with no visible props or textures.
- Lighting and shadowsSoft, diffused studio lighting producing even illumination and faint soft shadows along the jacket folds.
Colors
black· exterior shell#0C0E12blue-turquoise patterned· inner fleece neck layerwhite· chest logo- Overall silhouetteHip-length, slightly fitted jacket with long sleeves and a hood; center front closure covered by a wide storm flap.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a dark hooded rain jacket on a model showing the back panel, hood, long sleeves, and a patterned inner collar visible at the neck.
- Rear shell silhouetteFull back of a fitted hooded jacket visible from upper shoulders to just below the hips, with a slightly tapered waist and a straight hem.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.18 · w 0.72 · h 0.68 (high) - Hood constructionThree-panel hood attached to the neckline, lying flat against the upper back with visible seam lines and a central rear seam.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.08 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high) - Sleeve shapeLong set-in sleeves with slight shaping at the elbow area and simple cuff finishes; left sleeve extends straight down to the wrist.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.22 · w 0.30 · h 0.66 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.26 · w 0.26 · h 0.58 (high) - Visible inner collarShort section of patterned inner collar lining visible above the neckline at the left side of the neck; pattern shows multiple colors.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.12 · w 0.20 · h 0.08 (high) - Material appearanceShell surface appears smooth with a slight sheen consistent with a lightweight water-resistant fabric; visible stitch lines on seams.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (high) - Small sleeve markingSmall printed or reflective mark on the lower left sleeve near the cuff, illegible at this resolution.Partial
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.74 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot of a model from rear three-quarter angle against a plain light gray background with soft, even lighting and minimal shadow.
- Shot compositionModel shown from rear three-quarter angle centered in frame, cropped near mid-thigh; image shows full garment back and part of model's hands.
- BackgroundFlat light gray seamless background with even studio lighting and soft shadowing under the model.
- Model hair and poseModel has hair pulled back in a braid and is looking left; left hand is relaxed at the side and right hand is partially visible at the lower right.
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.00 · w 0.44 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.40 · y 0.80 · w 0.28 · h 0.16 (high) - Image qualityHigh-resolution studio photograph with even color and clear detail; no motion blur.
Colors
very dark navy· shell#0D0E13multicolor turquoise-purple pattern· inner collar lining- Rear shell silhouetteFull back of a fitted hooded jacket visible from upper shoulders to just below the hips, with a slightly tapered waist and a straight hem.
- 03
Product
Lower-front and right-sleeve detail of a black rain jacket showing a side hand pocket, stitched hem, adjustable Velcro cuff, and a vertical white 'OMNI-TECH' print on the sleeve.
- Side hand pocketHorizontal side entry pocket on the right front hip with model hand partially inserted; pocket opening is a narrow slit with topstitching visible.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.45 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Hem and lower front panelStraight stitched hem across the jacket front with visible topstitch row and slightly curved side seam at the hem.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.66 · w 0.96 · h 0.28 (medium) - Sleeve cuff with Velcro tabRight sleeve ends in a narrow cuff with an adjustable Velcro strap and a short section of loop pile visible on the inner cuff.
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.32 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high) - Sleeve print“Vertical white printed text 'OMNI-TECH' along the outer right sleeve about midway between elbow and wrist.”
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.37 · w 0.13 · h 0.21 (high) - Shell material appearanceSmooth, slightly shiny woven shell fabric with subtle surface creases and minimal texture visible under studio lighting.
- Drawcord loopSmall rounded drawcord loop in dark navy protruding below the hem at the right side.
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.84 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (medium)
Other
Studio product detail shot showing lower torso and right arm of a model against a plain light gray background; leggings and model hand are visible as props.
- Shot compositionCropped studio detail shot framing the jacket from mid-torso to mid-thigh and including the right arm bent with hand in pocket.
- BackgroundEven light gray seamless background with soft studio lighting and minimal shadows.
- Visible prop - leggingsBlack fitted leggings worn by the model visible below the jacket hem; stitched seam on the leg is visible.
- Visible prop - model handModel's right hand and wrist partially visible inside the pocket; skin tone and partial forearm are visible.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.45 · w 0.07 · h 0.14 (high)
Colors
black· jacket shell#0D0E13dark black· Velcro loop cuff#111117white· sleeve printed text#EBEBEBdark navy· drawcord loop#16161B- Side hand pocketHorizontal side entry pocket on the right front hip with model hand partially inserted; pocket opening is a narrow slit with topstitching visible.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
17 total17 reviews · out of 5
Très belle couleur
Malheureusement, j’ai dû le retourner, car il était trop grand pour moi et il n’y avait plus de grandeur très petit dans cette couleur.
J’ai fait un très bon choix
J’aime beaucoup la couleur. Très bien conçu avec beaucoup de poches.
Great quality
Great lightweight quality jacket, love the colour too for fall and spring
Nice jacket
Bought for my mom and she likes it
Beau et pratique
Pas chaud donc respire bien et coupe bien le vent froid. Le col et le capuchon sont pratique par grand vent.
Je l adore 🥰
La couleur,le matériel est très chic!
good quality
good quality
Imperméable
Léger mais pas très compressible
Évasé du bas
Évasé du bas
Great jacket
Perfect light jacket for spring and summer.
I like the fit and
I like the fit and the color, I don't understand why female jackets don't have inside pockets
Le vêtement convient
Répond à mes attentes
Parfait pour voyager
Peut se plier très petit
j’aurais aimé qu’il soit plus isolé à l’intérieur
Il moule mon corps donc amincissant.
Parfait
Manteau de pluie, léger se range facilement, excellent
Unisexe ???
Je l'ai retourné parce que la fermeture éclair était montée du mauvais côté, comme sur les vêtements d'homme. Pourtant, la coupe un peu "juste au corps" confirme que c'est un modèle féminin.
Tel que souhaité
Belle longueur et amplitude
Q&A
7 answered- How does the breathability of this 2-layer nylon membrane compare to Columbia's other rain jackets like the Watertight or Elevado?
- The Arcadia uses a basic 2-layer nylon membrane, similar to Columbia's Watertight and Elevado jackets, so breathability is comparable—adequate for light rain and casual use but limited for high-intensity activities.
- Does the hood have a cinch to tighten around the face for a snug fit, or is it just an elastic drawstring that only adjusts the opening?
- The hood has an elastic drawstring that adjusts the opening, but it does not have a separate cinch around the face, so the fit may be loose, especially for those not wearing a hat.
- How small does the jacket pack down when stuffed into its own pocket?
- While exact packed dimensions aren't listed, based on typical packable rain jackets like this, it compresses to roughly the size of a small water bottle (about 6–7 inches tall).
- Are the sealed seams heat-taped or glued, and how durable are they with repeated washing and wear?
- Columbia typically uses heat-taped seams for waterproofing on their rain jackets. With proper care (gentle wash, air dry), the taped seams are durable, but like all seam tape, repeated washing and wear can eventually cause peeling or degradation.
- Can this jacket accommodate a mid-layer like a fleece or light sweater in the same size, or should you size up for layering?
- The Arcadia has a regular fit that can accommodate a thin mid-layer like a light fleece in the same size. For thicker sweaters or layering for colder climates, we recommend sizing up to ensure comfort and mobility.
- Is the Columbia Arcadia waterproof?
- Yes, many users report staying completely dry in rain.
- Is the Columbia Arcadia packable?
- Yes, it packs into its own pocket and is lightweight.
Reddit Insights
3 threads · r/CampingandHiking, r/HerOneBag, r/onebagReddit users consider the Columbia Arcadia a budget-friendly, packable rain jacket that performs well for casual use, but its basic 2-layer construction limits breathability and durability compared to pricier options.
Users appreciate the jacket's waterproofing, lightweight, and affordability for casual use, but criticize its basic 2-layer construction and department-store quality.
Themes
Use Cases
- Travel and onebagging
- Everyday rain protection
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Patagonia Torrentshell
The Arcadia is a cheaper 2-layer jacket, while the Torrentshell is a more durable 3-layer shell; users recommend Torrentshell for serious outdoor use.
vs Kuhl Stretch Voyager
The Kuhl is a 2.5-layer jacket, lighter and softer but more expensive than the 2-layer Arcadia.
Source Threads
Critique of Arcadia's 2-layer construction
This is not totally true. The Arcadia uses Omni-tech but is not a 3 layer shell. It is a very cheap 2-layer and when I managed a Columbia store we didn’t even carry that jacket because it was geared towards department stores like Kohls. There are nice Columbia jackets but there’s a reason for the $100+ price difference here
u/joeychestnutsrectumr/CampingandHikingView thread →
Positive user experience with Arcadia II
I have a Columbia Arcadia II jacket. It's lightweight, unlined so it doesn't get too warm, packs into its own pocket, and I never get a drop of water on me. The only possible downside, imo, is that the hood is rather large, but if you have a lot of hair and/or like wearing beanies, it works out pretty well.
u/spillinginthenameofr/HerOneBagView thread →
Weight and layer comparison to Kuhl Stretch Voyager
I think the Columbia Arcadia II weighs around 400g. I recently bought a Kuhl Stretch Voyager. I chose this because it was the softest, quietest, least restrictive jacket in stock at a local store. My men's large weighs 316g. It's a 2.5 layer jacket compared to the Columbia's 2 layers so should have slightly better water protection, but it's also more than double the cost.
u/0000GKPr/onebagView thread →