Marmot PreCip Eco vs Columbia Watertight II (2026)

The Marmot PreCip Eco and the Columbia Watertight II are both packable, seam-sealed rain shells sold by Amazon.com, and they look alike in photos. The differences are in the details the makers list: vents, cuffs, the hood, and what is inside.

How we chose: we did not test these jackets; specs come from each listing and from Marmot's and Columbia's own pages, and every jacket here was sold by Amazon.com and in stock on September 29, 2026.

Side by side

Prices are Amazon's, as of the time shown, and subject to change. Details

Marmot's details are from its US PreCip Eco page and the listings; Columbia's from its Watertight II page and the listings. This comparison sits under our best rain jackets for hiking guide, which covers eight other jackets.

Fabric and what is inside

Marmot builds the PreCip Eco from NanoPro, a "waterproof, breathable, PFC-free" recycled nylon face fabric with a microporous coating and "a patented dry-touch finish," per its US page. Marmot does not list a separate lining.

Columbia uses its Omni-Tech fabric in both jackets. The women's Arcadia II listing says "100% nylon 2L fabric with a 100% polyester mesh lining," and Columbia describes the Watertight II as having a "breathable mesh lining." A mesh lining feels softer on bare arms and in short sleeves.

On paper that makes the Marmot the simpler shell, with no lining listed, and the Columbias the softer, more casual ones.

Waterproofing: seams and numbers

Both makers say their seams are sealed. The PreCip Eco is "100% seam-taped," per Marmot. Columbia's page calls the Watertight II "a waterproof packable rain shell with fully sealed seams." The Arcadia II listing does not mention seams either way.

Neither gives a waterproof figure in the US. Marmot's Australian site lists "10,000k Waterproof Rating" and "17,000k Breathability Rating" for the PreCip Eco, naming no test. Columbia's page badges Omni-Tech "Waterproof. Breathable. Guaranteed." without a number.

With one unrated jacket and one rated by an unnamed method, there is no honest way to call one more waterproof. Compare on what you can see instead.

Vents, cuffs and the hood

This is where the two part ways.

Pit zips. The PreCip Eco has them, men's and women's. Neither Columbia lists them. On a climb in warm rain, pit zips let heat out without opening the front to the rain.

Cuffs. Marmot lists "Adjustable VELCRO cuffs" and an elastic drawcord hem. The Watertight II listing gives "elastic cuffs, and an elastic hem." Adjustable cuffs close tighter over gloves and open wider to vent.

Hood. Marmot's hood is "attached, adjustable" and "rolls into collar." The Watertight II listing does not describe hood adjustment; the women's Arcadia II has an "adjustable storm hood."

Chin guard. Both have one: DriClime-lined on the Marmot, "abrasion resistant" on the Watertight II.

If you hike uphill in rain, those four details favor the Marmot. If you mostly walk on the flat, or wear the jacket to town, the differences matter less.

Packing it away

Both pack into themselves. The PreCip Eco "stuffs into its own pocket," and both Columbias pack into a hand pocket. Marmot lists the men's PreCip Eco at 305 g; we did not find a weight on Columbia's page or listing.

Sizes and fit

Columbia's Watertight II page offers standard, big and tall fits, and its size selector runs S to XXL in standard. Marmot's US page lists S to XXL in a regular fit, with a 30-inch center back length on the men's.

If you need big or tall sizes, that is a real point for Columbia. The North Face Antora in our main guide goes further, to 5X in men's and 3X in women's.

Care and warranty

Marmot's care label for the PreCip Eco: machine wash cold, liquid detergent, gentle cycle, no powdered detergent, no fabric softener, rinse twice, tumble dry low, do not iron, bleach or dry clean, and do not store wet. Marmot's US page shows a limited lifetime warranty.

Columbia's page badges Omni-Tech with "Guaranteed." Check Columbia's care label on the jacket; we could not read its care tab.

Wet clothing in wind chills fast even in mild weather. The CDC notes hypothermia can start above 40°F in someone wet from rain or sweat; shivering and confusion are the cue to get dry and warm and to get medical help.

Which one for which trip

A summer day hike with afternoon storms. Take the PreCip Eco. You will climb in warm, humid rain, and pit zips and adjustable cuffs let you vent. Whatever you wear, a jacket does nothing against lightning; the National Weather Service's lightning safety page says there is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area, so plan to be off exposed ground before they build.

A weekend backpacking trip. The PreCip Eco again, for the vents under a pack and the hood that rolls away. Pair it with full-zip rain pants and a pack liner.

Travel and city rain. Either works. The Watertight II's mesh lining is more comfortable over a T-shirt on a train, and both pack into a pocket for a daypack or carry-on.

Dog walks and errands. The Columbia. You will not be climbing, so the missing pit zips matter less, and the lining feels better on short, frequent wears.

Big or tall sizes. The Columbia Watertight II, which Columbia offers in big and tall fits. For sizes past XXL in a hiking shell, see the North Face Antora in our main guide.

Cold, windy rain. Neither is insulated. Wear a fleece or light puffy underneath and check that the hood closes over a hat; the Marmot's adjustable cuffs seal better over gloves.

Who each brand suits

• Buy Marmot if you hike uphill in rain, want pit zips and adjustable cuffs, and would rather carry the lighter shell. The PreCip Eco is our top pick in the rain jacket guide for that reason.
• Buy Columbia if the jacket is mostly for walks, travel and the car; if you like a mesh lining against bare arms; or if you need big or tall sizes.
• Either for short hikes in light rain; then choose on fit and color.

Both brands also make matching pants. Our rain pants guide covers Marmot's PreCip Evo full-zip pants and Columbia's women's Storm Surge II.

Related: ponchos vs rain jackets for warm, calm rain with a big pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Marmot PreCip Evo?

Marmot's newer PreCip model. Its listings call it "the next generation of the beloved PreCip Eco," built with 2.5L NanoPro and a DWR made without intentionally added PFAS. We cover the Evo rain pants in our pants guide; the Evo jacket is not compared here.

Can I wear either jacket in the snow?

As a shell over insulation, yes, but neither has insulation of its own. Size up if you plan to wear a puffy underneath, and check that the hood still closes around a warm hat.

What finish sheds water on the outside?

Marmot uses a PFC-free DWR on the PreCip Eco, per its listing. Columbia's Watertight II listing names Omni-Shield, which it says "repels moisture and dries quickly." When either jacket stops beading water, the outer finish has worn, and the face fabric will wet out even if the jacket still keeps rain off you.

Which one packs smaller?

Both pack into a pocket. Marmot gives a weight (305 g for the men's); Columbia does not, so we cannot compare packed size from the makers' figures.

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