Columbia OutDry Extreme Mesh Shell £225

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Excellent performance, comfortable, practical

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Polarising looks, baggy fit, poor hood, heaviest option here

OutDry’s USP is that it is constructed with the waterproof membrane and seam taping on the outside. This is good for breathability since there’s no face fabric to ‘wet out’ and slow the movement of moisture through the membrane. It also eliminates the need for a water-repellent finish, so OutDry jackets don’t require reproofing like other waterproofs. That’s a big plus if you want a no-fuss shell that won’t need a lot of TLC. It does make the membrane more susceptible to wear and tear though, and looks and feels a little plasticky.

Still, this jacket is surprisingly comfortable, since the inner lining is a soft, fast-wicking mesh. On-the-hill performance was excellent. But the frustrations we’ve had with other Columbia jackets still apply: the fit is too baggy, with excess fabric that adds weight, and the hood could be better. To be fair, this one isn’t the worst we’ve tested, but it isn’t great either. It doesn’t adjust particularly well and leaves gaps around the lower face.

Other features are better – there are two roomy, well-placed hand pockets with mesh linings and water-resistant zips. You also get twin hem drawcords and nice long sleeves with chunky Velcro cuff tabs. It’s a shame – if the cut and hood design were improved, this would be a real contender.

■ Weight 345g ■ Men’s sizes S-XXL ■ Women’s sizes XS-XXL

Verdict

Unusual looks but solid performance, a comfy fabric and some good features. Cut and hood design could be better.