Columbia Women's Switchback II Jacket

I wanted to be clear you can stuff this jacket into it's pocket, as someone answered that incorrectly.

Couldn't find many petite reviews so here's mine:The XS fits great! I'm 5'1 100lbs. I like boxy fits (especially for jackets since I layer a lot) so I was worried thinking I should get a S but the XS is still very roomy! The jacket length is perfect- doesn't past the hip too much. The sleeve length is long but that's fine. It's not a hard fix to scrunch it up or fold it.

I purchased this and three other jackets in preparation for a trip I was going on where I knew there'd be some light to moderate rain. Since the weather was otherwise expected to be warm, I didn't want to pack a heavy rain jacket, so I was in search of a light, packable, water resistant shell...preferably under $50. Of the four jackets I'd purchased, I wound up keeping this one...and after having used it on my trip, I'm glad to say that I'm very happy with my choice.Please note that this is a shell and doesn't have an inner lining for warmth. If you're just looking for something to just keep the rain off, this is a great option! It packs down easily into its own pocket, and kept me dry while standing in moderate rain for 3hrs...it didn't seep through the fabric AT ALL. The hood provided adequate coverage for my head and easily tucks away into the collar when it isn't needed, and has an elastic bungee cord for adjustment. The zipper pockets were great for stashing my cell phone and camera and kept those dry as well.I purchased this jacket in the Groovy Pink color, which is a very bright, bold pink...great for when you'd like a pop of color when the weather outside is gloomy and gray. I'm typically a size small to medium (I'm 5'4" and 125 lb), and purchased this in a medium so I could layer under during cold weather for year-round wear...it's pretty roomy if you only have on a single layer, but will fit well over additional layers and I personally prefer the more relaxed fit. The cut of the jacket keeps it from looking *too* bulky.For those interested, I'd also purchased (and returned) the following jackets:1) Sierra Designs Microlight 2 - would've been my 2nd choice after the Columbia Switchback, due to its fit, packability (comes with its own pouch) and roomy hood. However, after testing a drop of water on the fabric, the water gradually seeped through after sitting for a few minutes. Probably only good for light rain and I wanted something more water resistant.2) Columbia Auroras Wake II - the fabric of this one is similar to the Sierra Designs Microlight 2, so not as water resistant as I would've liked. It's also more of a rain jacket with an inner lining for some additional warmth, and if it had the ability to pack into itself, I couldn't figure it out! Sizing seemed to run smaller than the Switchback (probably due to the lining), but still fit me okay.3) Charles River Pack-n-Go Windbreaker - this is actually a men's jacket, but I figured I'd give it a try...I kinda figured it wouldn't be my best bet, but I thought it might surprise me (nope). The overall size of the XS that I'd ordered was okay, but it was a looser, bulkier overall fit that I didn't like.I was able to get this jacket for about 50% of the original price, and since it worked out well for my particular need, I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I'm considering keeping it in my car in anticipation of unexpected weather, and am even considering buying another one to keep in my purse!

I bought this mainly for running in rain. It's very thin and does not have any kind of liner on inside so you won't get hot. It will not keep you warm. It does help block wind. I've worn it running twice in the rain. The first was a downpour for about 5 minutes and then about an hour of light rain. Interestingly the hood worked very well at keeping my hair dry once I figured out how to tie the pull strings together under my chin, but my torso and arms were pretty wet. Not as much as I would have been without the coat. The second time it was light rain for about an hour and my shirt was damp all over when I took off the coat. The water seems to stay out for a little while but I feel like it starts soaking through once it reaches its saturation point. It kept me dry enough to keep running (no fun running in soaked clothes) but the jacket is definitely not waterproof, just water resistant. The medium fit well and I am 5'7" 160lb, 37" chest.

let's start with the minimal cons:material is lightweight water resistant nylon that is slightly noisy and wrinkles easily.no storm flap over the zipper.now the pros:packs into its own pocket (though it wrinkles less if carefully folded and tucked into back vent).hood folds up into collar, and I'm very fond of the height and look of the collar when the hood is hidden.zipper does have inside flap that appears to prevent water from permeating.sleeves are long enough to cover most of my hands (I like extra long sleeves) but do have velcro adjusters so they can be pushed up.fit is perfect at chest and hips, while not being TOO big in waist (I am an hourglass curved size 16 (waist considerably smaller than chest and hips) and ordered a size large jacket). I could probably fit a light fleece or sweater under it without it feeling tight at the chest or shoulders.unfortunately during my entire trip in Seattle it has been sunny, so I haven't been able to test the water/air permeability. while it is a very basic rain jacket, it doesn't look cheap, and I feel that amazon's price of $30 was worth it.

Just what I have been looking for! This is a lightweight rain jacket (not a coat for warmth) and will pack in a suitcase easily. It has a good cut for a plus size figure and is definitely up to Champion quality. I went up a size (2X to 3X) and it is perfect for layering with a sweater or light sweatshirt underneath. Yes,it is a "thin" jacket (which is the point in buying it), but well made with several features -- hidden hood, vent in back, zippered pockets, adjustable sleeve cuffs, drawstring at hips, etc. Since it is a a rain jacket the fabric is a bit "noisy" but will soften up with wash/wear. I did manage to get it for $34.00 (instead of $50) just by shopping round on Amazon and watching for a price reduction. Not sure I would have paid $50 for it. Gorgeous color - Purple Lotus ( actually more like a periwinkle blue). Nice to find something so pretty in a plus size.