Columbia Men’s Hikebound™ II Waterproof Rain Jacket (Black, Size S)
Product description
If you spend time out in changeable weather, a proper waterproof layer can be the difference between “fine” and “why did I not bring something?”. The Columbia Men’s Hikebound™ II Jacket is built for cool, damp conditions, with waterproof-breathable protection aimed at keeping you dry without feeling clammy.
It’s the kind of jacket that makes sense when you want one coat for both outdoors and everyday use—mountain walks one day, a wet commute the next. That said, like most rain shells, it’s designed around protection rather than heavy cold-weather insulation, so it may feel like too much or too little depending on what you’re pairing it with.
The essentials
The Hikebound™ II is a waterproof rain jacket with a lightweight, breathable mesh lining. On paper, that combination is meant to balance two competing needs: shedding water and still letting some moisture escape when you’re moving.
You also get a drawcord hood for rain and wind coverage, plus adjustable cuffs and a drawcord/adjustable hem to help seal out drafts. For day-to-day practicality, the jacket includes zippered pockets for valuables—handy when you’re out hiking and don’t want keys or a phone rattling about.
What it’s made for
This jacket is positioned as a versatile outer layer for “volatile conditions”, which in real life usually means drizzly starts, damp finishes, and weather that can’t decide whether it’s windy or just wet.
For example, imagine you’re walking from town to a trailhead: you’re fine for the first twenty minutes, then the sky turns. The waterproof-breathable approach is there to help you stay dry as the rain picks up, while the adjustable hood and sealed cuffs aim to reduce that annoying cold-air creep.
Key takeaways on fit and build
It comes in a regular fit, giving what Columbia describes as freedom of movement and comfort. The back length is listed as 29 inches, which helps with coverage when you’re walking or moving around, though sleeve length and overall coverage will still depend on your body shape.
The shell and mesh lining are both 100% polyester. That’s fairly common for waterproof shells, and it generally means the jacket will feel more like a technical layer than a traditional “coat” fabric.
What you’ll notice day to day
Where this jacket shows its intent is in the details you use without thinking: - Drawcord hood and adjustable cuffs/hem: designed to block rain and wind and to reduce drafts. - Breathable mesh lining: should help when you’re not just standing still. - Zippered pockets: simple, but genuinely useful for valuables.
It’s also worth noting that waterproof-breathable technology is not magic. In very warm conditions or when you’re pushing hard, you might still feel a bit of heat build-up—so consider whether you’ll be doing high-output activities or mostly moderate walks.
Tech specs
- Type: Waterproof rain jacket
- Technology: Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable
- Lining: Lightweight breathable mesh lining
- Shell and mesh lining material: 100% polyester
- Back length: 29 inches
- Fit: Regular fit
- Features: Drawcord hood, adjustable cuffs and hem, zippered pockets
- Contents: 1x Columbia Men’s Hikebound II Jacket
- Colour: Black
- Size: S
Who it suits (and who should be cautious)
It makes sense if you want a waterproof jacket that can handle cool, damp weather for hikes and also work as a practical everyday layer. If you’re the sort of person who keeps a rain jacket in a bag “just in case”, this is the kind of shell you’ll actually reach for because it’s designed to be wearable across seasons.
It’s not the best match if you need insulation for colder temperatures. Because the description focuses on waterproofing and breathability with a lightweight lining, it may not be warm enough on its own in harsher winter conditions.
Buying verdict
A solid buy if you’re looking for one waterproof jacket that aims to cover both outdoors and everyday wear in damp, changeable weather—especially with an adjustable hood and sealed cuffs/hem to keep wind and rain where they belong.
You may want to skip it if warmth is your main requirement, or if you tend to generate a lot of heat while moving, since waterproof-breathable shells can still feel warm depending on conditions and activity.
Quick FAQs
Is this jacket designed for hiking or everyday wear? Both. The product description explicitly frames it as practical for hikes and also everyday use.
What keeps the rain and wind out? The drawcord hood, adjustable cuffs, and adjustable hem are specifically called out as the ways it helps block rain and reduce drafts.
Will it feel breathable when I’m moving? The lightweight mesh lining and waterproof-breathable Omni-Tech are intended to help with comfort in cool, damp conditions, but no waterproof layer will suit every activity level.
Does it have storage for valuables? Yes—there are zippered pockets for valuables.
Is it a warm winter coat? It’s designed around waterproof protection and breathability. If you’re after heavy insulation, you may find it less suited to that purpose based on the lightweight, mesh-lining focus.