Columbia Women's Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket
ClothingBest for the adults around the campfire - the rain jacket that costs little enough to buy one per person and warm enough to wear over a t-shirt in a cold drizzle

Columbia Women's Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket

$70.00
★★★★★4.6(8,293 reviews)

The Arcadia II is the women's counterpart to the men's Watertight II that already anchors most family camp kits, and it sells on the same logic: an Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable shell that costs little enough to buy one for every adult in the group. The shell is a 2-layer nylon with a polyester mesh lining, which is the reason it feels warmer against a t-shirt than an unlined packable shell - a real advantage on a drizzly 50F camp morning when nobody wants to stand around in a cold shell. An adjustable storm hood cinches down in wind, the hem drawcord seals out splashes from wet grass, and zippered hand pockets keep keys and a phone dry. It also packs into its own hand pocket, so it can live in a daypack all season. Price runs about $70-$100 depending on size and color.

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Why You Need This

You bought one expensive shell for the trip and now three other adults are standing in the rain in hoodies, because nobody wanted to spend $150 apiece on rain gear for a two-night camp.

🏆 How It Compares

Against the men's Columbia Watertight II in the same catalog, the Arcadia II is the women's fit and runs a mesh-lined 2-layer shell instead of an unlined packable - warmer in camp, a touch heavier on the trail. Against the $91 North Face Venture 2, it saves about $20 and gives up pit-zips and a lighter 2.5-layer fabric.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable 2-layer shell keeps rain out at a price that stacks for a whole family
  • Mesh lining feels warmer than an unlined shell - the pick for cold, drizzly camp mornings
  • Packs into its own hand pocket, so it stays in the daypack instead of the truck
  • Adjustable storm hood plus drawcord hem seal out wind-driven rain

❌ Cons

  • 2-layer mesh-lined build breathes less than a 2.5-layer hiking shell on a hard climb
  • Slightly heavier and bulkier in the pack than an ultralight shell
  • Price varies with size and color (roughly $70-$100), so the exact figure moves

🎯 Who Is This For?

✓Families outfitting several adults at once who need one honest waterproof jacket per person, not one expensive one
✓Campers who mostly stand, cook, and walk short trails rather than climb all day in driving rain
✓Anyone who wants the women's cut of the jacket the men in the group already wear, so sizing and layering stay simple
✓Buyers who want a shell warm enough to wear with just a t-shirt in a 50F drizzle

Ready to Buy?

Check the latest price and availability on Amazon. Prices are accurate as of the date listed and may change over time.

Check Latest Price on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Columbia Women's Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket best for?

Best for the adults around the campfire - the rain jacket that costs little enough to buy one per person and warm enough to wear over a t-shirt in a cold drizzle

Who should buy the Columbia Women's Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket?

Families outfitting several adults at once who need one honest waterproof jacket per person, not one expensive one Campers who mostly stand, cook, and walk short trails rather than climb all day in driving rain Anyone who wants the women's cut of the jacket the men in the group already wear, so sizing and layering stay simple Buyers who want a shell warm enough to wear with just a t-shirt in a 50F drizzle

What problem does the Columbia Women's Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket solve?

You bought one expensive shell for the trip and now three other adults are standing in the rain in hoodies, because nobody wanted to spend $150 apiece on rain gear for a two-night camp.

What are the drawbacks of the Columbia Women's Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket?

Owners and reviewers call out a few trade-offs: 2-layer mesh-lined build breathes less than a 2.5-layer hiking shell on a hard climb Slightly heavier and bulkier in the pack than an ultralight shell Price varies with size and color (roughly $70-$100), so the exact figure moves

How much does the Columbia Women's Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket cost?

It is listed at $70.00 on Amazon. Prices on Amazon move around, so check the current price before you buy.

What do owners say about the Columbia Women's Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket?

It carries a 4.6-out-of-5 rating from 8,293 Amazon customer reviews.

Have a question we did not answer? The Amazon listing carries the full spec sheet and customer Q&A.

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