Name: Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Rain Pant
What it is: Waterproof pants that let air in and keep water out. Columbia’s trademarked Omni-Tech technology makes the pants air permeable but fully waterproof. Seams are sealed in the nylon shell, but the polyester blend mesh lining is breathable. The drawstring elastic waistband is made with nylon taffeta for maximum comfort and features a small pocket tucked below it to stash cash, keys, etc. Velcro straps at the base of each pant leg keep water from seeping in at your ankles. I tested a large rather than a medium because the pants tend to run a bit smaller. The equivalent rain pants for men are the Rebel Roamer Rain Pant. Both pants come in black for the same retail price listed below.
The good: During a trip with Alaskan Dream Cruises, these waterproof pants kept me bone dry while photographing humpback whales breaching during a downpour and warm and dry on a skiff ride in the rain to Sawyer Glacier. Passengers who wore ship-supplied rain pants got wet on various excursions while I remained dry. I was glad I packed my own rain pants. I also stayed dry kayaking in the rain. Between the rain, the lack of a kayak skirt and my tendency to splash myself, I wound up kayaking with a puddle in my lap for over an hour. But when I got out of the kayak, I realized the pants had kept me completely dry.
The bad: I appreciate the small interior stash pocket, but I would prefer a zippered side pocket even if it raised the price nominally.
Cost: $50
Available from: www.columbia.com, www.rei.com, and www.cabela.com
Terry Gardner is a freelance reporter.
