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Under cover

All of the "waterproof" jackets in this gallery passed a stand-up power-shower test, but some flunked a sit-down test — some let water in when the tester took a seat, crossed his arms and permitted water to pool at the main zipper. Columbia Cinder Creek Perfect for the long-torsoed, with double-front zippers that kept pooled water out. Breathable. Lots to like. $90. www.columbia.com.

All of the “waterproof” jackets in this gallery passed a stand-up power-shower test, but some flunked a sit-down test — some let water in when the tester took a seat, crossed his arms and permitted water to pool at the main zipper.


Columbia Cinder Creek
Perfect for the long-torsoed, with double-front zippers that kept pooled water out. Breathable. Lots to like. $90. www.columbia.com.  (Eric Boyd / LAT)

All of the “waterproof” jackets in this gallery passed a stand-up power-shower test, but some flunked a sit-down test — some let water in when the tester took a seat, crossed his arms and permitted water to pool at the main zipper.

Patagonia Microburst

Patagonia Microburst
High-tech rubber-coated zippers kept H2O out even when water pooled against them. Long-torsoed types will note the Microburst is a little skimpy in the length, which is a bit disturbing given the price. $269. www.patatgonia.com.  (Eric Boyd / LAT)

Patagonia Supercell

Patagonia Supercell
The Supercell holds it own in driving rain as long as its wearer doesn’t sit down and let water collect at the main zipper. If that happens, the good-looking Supercell makes like an old Porsche Targa: Think wet. $120. www.patagonia.com.  (Eric Boyd / LAT)

REI Ultra-Light

REI Ultra-Light
Soft, fleece-lined neck, water- and rip-proof material, but Titanic-class leak during pooling and XL fits like a medium. A good-looking item, but REI can do better. $125. www.rei.com.  (Eric Boyd / LAT)

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Mountain Hardwear Tenacity

Mountain Hardwear Tenacity
Watertight pit zippers, but main zipper was (oddly) old style with more leaks than the Nixon White House. $395. www.mountainhardwear.com.  (Eric Boyd / LAT)

Mountain Hardwear Epic

Mountain Hardwear Epic
Yes, we reviewed the same jacket in another color earlier in this gallery (very light, packs easily, failed the sit-down test), but we liked the unique color of this jacket enough to include it here.  (Eric Boyd / LAT)

Lewis Creek classic

Lewis Creek classic
Out-of-production waxed-cotton jacket cost $200 a decade or so ago. It leaked at the zipper and is hot as Hades despite a rear vent panel under cape. Still, ya gotta love its oh-so-rugged looks.  (Eric Boyd / LAT)

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