TREKKING
Product 2026
Woman, Man
Columbia offers a well-crafted hardshell jacket designed for hiking. Since it claims high waterproofness with a 30,000 mm hydrostatic head (Schmerbers), we immediately checked the zips—some brands use a waterproof central zip but skip it for the pit zips… On the Columbia Saudan Pro 3L, all the zips are fully waterproof, including the pocket zips. The pit zips feature two very practical sliders. All zippers come with thin pull cords and small rubber/plastic ends to make them easy to grab with cold fingers.
The fit is generous, allowing you to wear thick mid-layers underneath. The fabric moves well with you, offering a pronounced stretch effect. Comfort is great, and neck protection is ensured by a collar that sits at just the right height. The hood adjusts in the traditional three-way system. The two drawcords on either side of the neck lock in place using two cord locks. It’s quite convenient, though we’ll need to see if this classic mechanism holds up over time. Once the hood is tightened, the excess cord is managed well and doesn’t slap against your face, as the exit point is positioned fairly low.However, in windy conditions, the two plastic-tipped cord ends do flap around.
When it comes to waterproofness, the Columbia Saudan Pro 3L didn’t falter under autumn rains. You stay dry—provided,of course, that you manage your base and mid-layers properly (avoid cotton at all costs). Under exertion, breathability is somewhat limited, as with most hardshells. You’ll need to make full use of the pit zips. Built with Omni-Tech Pro technology, this 3-layer jacket is resistant to friction and tears. It is likely less durable than Gore-Tex Pro, but it’s not at the same price point either. At €300, the Columbia Saudan Pro 3L offers excellent performance. We weighed it at 460 grams in size M, which is standard for a 3-layer jacket.
Test4outside Hot Deal Award for this reasonably priced hiking hardshell jacket offering solid performance.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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