Columbia OutDry Ex lightweight shell jacket review: a reliable shield against wet and windy conditions

Waterproof and wind resistant, the Columbia OutDry Ex lightweight shell jacket performs well when worn on its own in mixed weather conditions

By Tom Room, Helen Conner
published
Columbia OutDry Ex Lightweight Shell Jacket
(Image: © Columbia)

Advnture Verdict

If you are looking for a stylish waterproof at a great price then this jacket is a great option. We’d recommend that you wear it without a running vest to ensure that you don’t overheat.

Pros

  • +

    Fully waterproof

  • +

    Stylish

  • +

    Easy to wipe clean when it gets covered in mud

Cons

  • -

    Only vented on the back so not suitable with running vests

  • -

    Only available in white

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Columbia OutDry Ex: first impressions 

Straight out of the packaging, the fully waterproof Columbia OutDry Ex feels like a nice fit for a running jacket, slightly longer than most jackets we tested for our best running jackets buying guide, and with a generous amount of reflective detail.

Features include a hood, and a large chest pocket with a drawcord for easy access. The Columbia OutDry Ex packs down very small, making it easy to carry or to throw into a hydration pack as a just-in-case back-up.

Specifications

• RRP: $199 (US) / £180
• Gender specificity: Male / Female versions
• Weight (variable by size): 6.7oz / 190g
• Colors: White
• Compatibility: Waterproof, Wind resistant, lightweight

Columbia OutDry Ex: on the trails 

This fully waterproof jacket makes a noisy, crunchy sound whilst you are running, but it does a fantastic job at keeping you dry – which is its main job. 

It has a vented back to allow airflow, elastic cuffs and drawcord adjustable waist, and the seams are fully sealed to improve the level of protection. The hood isn’t adjustable, but on test it withstood very high-speed wind, and it can be stowed away on dry days when you don’t want it flapping around.

Since its breathability is mostly provided through the back, we would recommend not wearing this jacket with a running vest or bag.

For wet runs, we found ourselves regularly reaching for the Columbia Outdry Ex jacket. With its longer length and great level of waterproof protection, this coat keeps us nice and dry in even the heaviest of showers.

Tom Room
Tom Room

After competing professionally in triathlon from 2006 to 2011 – including two appearances in the 70.3 World Championships in 2008 and 2009 – Tom turned to writing and adventure-style event management. He organises trail, road, night and mud races in the UK under the name Relish Running, a company he set up to share his love of running, and all the secret trails he’d found while exploring the wilderness. He also wanted a career which was less tiring than being an athlete, it turns out being a race director was a terrible choice, it’s exhausting.