Alex ChenMen's rain jackets5 products
If you want pure mountain-ready reliability, grab the Helly Hansen Seven J. For a lightweight, packable option that won't break the bank, the Columbia Watertight II is your best companion for spontaneous adventures.
Serious hikers
Travel and light trail use
City and field coverage
Organized adventurers
Budget-conscious casuals
| Feature | Helly Hansen Seven J | Columbia Watertight II | Nordic Outland Long | Nordic Outland Light | Höhenhorn Rigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €65.49 | €49.66 | €59.99 | €49.99 | €40.65 |
| Waterproofing TechHelly Hansen and Columbia offer proven proprietary membranes that outperform basic water-repellent coatings. | Helly Tech Protection (winner) | Omni-Tech | TPU Membrane | 10,000 mm Membrane | Water-repellent |
| PackabilityThe Columbia Watertight II wins here because it packs into its own pocket for zero-fuss storage. | Lightweight | Stows into own pocket (winner) | Not listed | Highly packable | Superlight |
| StorageFor those who carry maps, snacks, or a compass, the Nordic Outland Light offers the most pocket space. | Not listed | 2 pockets | 4 pockets | 5 pockets (winner) | 2 pockets |
Serious hikers
A robust, professional-grade shell that feels built for actual storms. It offers solid weather protection for those who don't want to turn back when clouds roll in.
Travel and light trail use
The gold standard for a 'just in case' jacket that fits in a daypack. It is impressively lightweight and keeps you dry without feeling like you are wearing a sauna.
City and field coverage
A longer parka-style cut that provides extra coverage during heavy rain. It keeps your backside dry when the wind decides to blow sideways.
Organized adventurers
A surprisingly feature-rich jacket with ample pocket space for essentials. It handles strong rain well thanks to its 10,000mm rating.
Budget-conscious casuals
An affordable option that works for light chores or a walk in the park. It is a no-frills, lightweight barrier against wind and mist.
When the sky opens up, you don't want to be wearing a glorified trash bag. The Helly Hansen Seven J and the Columbia Watertight II stand out because they actually use proprietary membranes to keep rain out while letting your sweat escape. If you've ever hiked in a cheap plastic jacket, you know that sweat-trapping misery is almost as bad as the rain itself.
The Nordic Outland options take a different approach. The Long version is perfect if you want to keep your legs dry during a muddy trek, while the Light version focuses on utility with more pockets than you'll know what to do with. Meanwhile, the Höhenhorn Rigi is that reliable friend who shows up for a light shower but might bail if a true monsoon hits.
If your backpack feels like a sack of bricks, the Columbia Watertight II is your best friend. It stuffs into its own pocket, effectively becoming a pillow if you're desperate enough. If you prefer a bit more length to keep the wind from chilling your lower back, the Nordic Outland Long offers that extra coverage without making you look like you're wearing a tent.
The real trade-off is performance versus features. You get raw technical reliability from Helly Hansen, but you trade away the extra pockets you find on the Nordic Outland models. Decide if you're a 'travel light' person or a 'bring everything including the kitchen sink' kind of adventurer.
If you are heading into unpredictable mountains, go for the Helly Hansen Seven J. It feels bombproof and reliable when the weather turns sour. If you are more of a casual hiker or a traveler who needs gear that disappears into your bag, the Columbia Watertight II is the undisputed champion of packability and comfort.
For those who need the most storage, the Nordic Outland Light is a solid, feature-packed choice. Whatever you choose, just don't forget to pack a fleece underneath if you're heading to the peaks, because these shells keep the water out, but they won't keep your teeth from chattering.
Prices on amazon.es as of October 7, 2026. Prices may change.
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