Columbia Rain Gear vs. Marmot Precip

“I know that Marmot has some great rain gear..So, the question I have is,"How is the Columbia raingear?"

I'm looking at their waterproof breathable stuff.. The Omni series.

Can't find much info online.”

“Columbia Omnitech sucks!”

“Why do you say that? details”

“Where do I start? Columbia rainwear is heavy, non breathable, and poorly designed. Marmot Precip doesn't breath either but at least the venting is good, it's lightweight, and well designed. Columbia stuff is better suited for the ski hill.

You can't beat Columbia for it's selection of light nylon river shorts though!”

“The stuff I am lokking at is waterproof breathable. I know it weighs just a tad bit more than precip but I can get a major discount on it.”

“I always thought Columbia rainwear was better suited for wear-in-town-but-look-like-you're-outdoorsy usage. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.”

“Hey! Don't push your luck!

If Gear Slut says it sucks - it sucks.

Go ahead and go cheap if you want but Gear Slut will make your life a living hell if you do. Just ask mapleleaf.

Is it worth it?”

“NO DONT DO IT


i have learned my lesson well (but d@mnit Im still holding out for that Spongbob tent!!!)

I have to agree it s not worth the money.
im slowly learning that if you buy cheap, then cheap you get!
Hay thats pretty good. what do you think gear slut?”

“Well The list price is more than the precip stuff. I can't get a discount on the precip stuff but i can the columbia stuff.”

“I hope you realize I'm just messin' with you.

There are some Columbia jackets reviewed here for what its worth.”

“Don't pay full price ...go to TJ Max, Marshall's, Ross and buy it dirt cheap...I was at Ross last week and they had some Columbia Raingear for like 29.00 or 39.00 that is supposed to be breathable.
(Reg price was like over $100)

I have several Columbia garments that I am very happy with but
I bought the Marmot Precips for rain gear.

It has been my experience that none of the "breathable" gear breathes very well...that's just my opinion though.”

“...about "breatheable" rain gear is the venting. I've had several varieties of Goretex and other "breathable" laminate fabrics. They are not truly breathable if you're doing more than a casual walk in 50 degree weather.

Columbia gear is heavy and from my experience not all that waterproof. Precip is much lighter, vented well, and it does shed rain well. Discount on sub-par gear still gets you sub-par gear. I'd rather get the good stuff first time around than shell out for lesser quality and have to buy it again later.”

“Shop smart or pay the consequences!”

“thanks violin.”

“I agree with Marmot. None of the so called waterproof breathable jackets can pass enough body vapor to keep you dry if your moving fast enough or it's warm out. Eventually the moisture will get out, but not before you feel clammy and get wet.”

“I once had a copy of a study that showed all the breathable waterproofing materials and their effectiveness for breathability.

Goretex was twice as effective as the nearest competitor.”

“Gore tex is likely to last longer also since it's usually protected with a lining or another fabric as the 3 layer is. I've had the W/B coating wear off raingear that was not protected in any way in the shoulder area from the pack straps. The hip area is vulnerable too when it's crushed against belt loops and snaps beneath the hipbelt.”

“that's why i was not leaning towards the marmot. It's not a 3 layer. Snow Nymph said that hers has wore down and had to send it back. I really want to get a 3 layer even though it's heavier. I don't mind the extra weight as long as it lasts. I know that Columbia warranties their gear pretty good and then the REI raingear is pretty good as well. But I can't find it on sale unless it's at the gear sale tomorrow.

Can't decide what to get.”

“I have a Precip, but haven't worn it enough to see any damage. I like water repellent shells better for actually hiking in. At least they breathe good in comparison to totally waterproof fabrics. The good ones will resist light rain for hours and keep cold snow out all day.”

“The columbia is waterproof breathable and a 3 layer...the one i really want is the rei convergance zone(3 layer)..$230 for top and bottoms....vs the precip(2 layer) is $165 vs....columbia(3-layer) my cost is $65.”

“You get what you pay for.”

“Don't know anything about the Columbia other than they have a great marketing machine. The Marmot Precip is darn good for the money. I don't care what kind of Gore-Tex jacket(2 or 3 layer) you use, if you REALLY exert yourself in it and it's not cold (for me that's below freezing) you're going to sweat in it. The saving grace for the Precip is it has pit zips so you can ventilate it enough to prevent most of this problem. Wearing a polypro top under it will keep most of the moisture off your skin. I don't know of many jackets in this price range that have pit zips and wrist cuffs that are velcro adjustable that are Gore-Tex. I bought mine for $100 at REI. And 2 layer is just fine. I have a beat up 2-layer Moonstone mountain shell and it's been to the top of shasta, orizaba, iztaccihuatl, chimborazo, cotapaxi, & aconcagua and did just fine.”