Key Takeaways
- Storm Surge II rain pant: The Storm Surge II is the headline waterproof pant in this batch, sized to layer over base layers.
- Newton Ridge ranks #5 in category: The Newton Ridge Plus is the workhorse hiking boot of the bunch.
- Limited window on a fleece: The Essential Hike Grid Fleece ends in roughly 17 hours.
- Mother’s Day gift angle: The Switchback II rain jacket reads as a practical gift for outdoor moms.
- Prices verified May 2, 2026.
Early May has its own forecast personality. Cold mornings followed by warm afternoons. A thunderstorm at 4pm that wasn’t in the morning radar, and the kind of week where you check the weather at 7am and again at noon and they don’t agree.
Looking through the Berry Basket this week, I noticed the Columbia waterproof lineup took some genuine markdowns. Storm Surge rain pants are sitting at one of the lower prices I’ve tracked, and the Newton Ridge waterproof boots sit at #5 in their bestseller category, which says something about how often these move. Plenty of fleece layers also dropped, which is the right pairing if you live somewhere that still gets a 40-degree morning.
Heavy on rain protection here, with boots and fleece layers backing it up. A Mother’s Day note before the picks: a Columbia rain jacket lasts close to a decade if you treat it right, which is a more practical gift than another scented candle.
What are the best Columbia rain pants and jackets on sale?
The Storm Surge II rain pant and the Switchback II long rain jacket are the two centerpieces this week. Both come in classic black, both are sized for layering, and both target the cold-rain weather that early May still produces.
Columbia Storm Surge II Rain Pant
This is the rain pant the post is built around. Storm Surge II is Columbia’s standard waterproof, breathable pant, designed for hiking or commuting in steady rain. The 3X Short fits a shorter inseam with a roomier cut, which matters because rain pants need to fit over your real pants. Keeps you dry without that plastic-bag rustle of cheaper rainwear.
- Waterproof breathable
- Black 3X Short
- Layer-friendly cut
Columbia Switchback II Rain Jacket
A longer-cut hooded rain jacket with a lining, which makes it more practical for commuting or standing on a soccer field in cold drizzle than a pure shell. The hood holds up in wind without flopping into your eyes. It zips over a fleece without feeling tight, which is the test that matters in May.
- Lined for warmth
- Long hooded cut
- Black size Small
Which Columbia waterproof boots are worth buying?
The Newton Ridge Plus is the standout boot in this batch, currently the #5 bestseller in its category. The Strata Trail line covers lighter hiking, and the Moritza Chelsea is the rare waterproof Chelsea boot if you want pull-on convenience.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Elk/Mountain Red, 11
Sitting at #5 in its bestseller category, the Newton Ridge is Columbia’s workhorse hiker. Waterproof leather upper with a supportive midsole. Ankle coverage is solid without going full mountaineering boot, and the Elk/Mountain Red colorway reads warmer than the standard brown if you’ve been wanting a boot with a little personality.
- Bestseller rank #5
- Waterproof leather upper
- Elk/Mountain Red size 11
Columbia Strata Trail Mid Waterproof
A lighter waterproof hiker than the Newton Ridge with a more flexible feel underfoot. The mid-cut helps on uneven trail without committing to a full boot’s weight. Wide width here, which makes a real difference if standard hiking boots pinch your forefoot.
- Mid-cut hiker
- Wide width
- Kettle/Blush Rose size 9
Columbia Strata Trail Low
Columbia Moritza Chelsea Shield
What Columbia fleece layers pair with rain pants?
If you’re buying the Storm Surge or the Switchback, layering underneath is what makes them work in 40-degree rain. The fleece picks below cover a layering vest plus two zip-front jackets in different weights.
Columbia Benton Springs Fleece Vest
Columbia Essential Hike Grid Fleece
Columbia Womens Essential Hike Grid Fleece Half Zip, Lavender Pearl/Black, XX-Large
Grid fleece traps heat better than flat fleece without adding bulk, which makes this a smart base layer under a shell. The half zip lets you dump heat on a climb without taking the whole thing off. This one ends in roughly 17 hours according to the listing, so if it’s your size, don’t sit on it.
- Grid fleece half zip
- Lavender Pearl/Black
- Limited time deal
Columbia Sequoia Grove Fleece Jacket
Columbia Womens Sequoia Grove Full Zip Fleece Jacket, Dark Stone/Black, Medium
A heavier fleece in a dark stone color, which means it doesn’t show dirt the way charcoal does. Full zip lets you throw it on or off without pulling it over your head, useful when you’re juggling a coffee and a kid. Sits at #49 in its bestseller category.
- Bestseller rank #49
- Full-zip fleece
- Dark Stone/Black
What other Columbia clothing deals stand out?
Two more worth flagging this week: a quick-dry water short for actual water sports, and an all-day pant that pairs with most of your closet.
Columbia Rugged Water Short
Built for getting wet on purpose. Quick-drying fabric handles paddleboarding or beach days where a regular short would still be soggy at dinner. The Voltage colorway is bright; if neon isn’t your speed, plenty of more neutral Columbia shorts are out there.
- Quick-drying fabric
- Voltage colorway
- Water sports ready
Columbia All Seasons Bootcut Pant
Frequently asked questions
Are Columbia Storm Surge rain pants fully waterproof?
Yes, the Storm Surge II is Columbia’s standard waterproof rain pant for outdoor use in wet conditions. They handle steady rain without soaking through and pack reasonably small for a hiking daypack. The cut is sized to layer over leggings or thermals, which is why the Short and Long inseams matter for fit.
How do Columbia women’s pants run for sizing?
Columbia’s women’s pants generally run true to size with a slightly relaxed cut through the hip and thigh. The Storm Surge rain pant in particular is sized to fit over base layers. Short, regular, and long inseam options are usually offered, so check the inseam carefully against your usual length.
Are Columbia waterproof boots good for hiking?
Yes. The Newton Ridge Plus is consistently a top seller and currently sits at #5 in its bestseller category. The Strata Trail Mid is lighter and more flexible if you want something less like a traditional boot. Both use waterproof construction suited to wet trails and stream crossings.
Are these Columbia deals tied to Mother’s Day?
These are listed as Big Spring Deals or Limited Time Deals rather than Mother’s Day promotions specifically. That said, the timing makes them practical Mother’s Day gift options for moms who hike or walk dogs in wet weather. Prices verified May 2, 2026.
Where can I see more clothing deals like these?
You can browse all deals on the site for current sales across other clothing brands. Last week’s Columbia fleece roundup is also still live if you want more layering options.
Discounts this week ran from 50% to nearly 80% across Columbia’s catalog, with the deepest cuts on rain pants and PFG Freezer dresses. Boots stayed in the more typical 50% to 65% range, which is normal even on a strong sale. The “was” prices on this batch line up with Columbia’s standard MSRP, so the markdowns read as honest rather than the inflated-original-price game.
Standout for me is the Storm Surge II rain pant. It’s the headline product for a reason, and at this discount it’s an easy yes if your size and inseam come up. The Newton Ridge boots are also a real buy if you wear an 11. I’d pass on the Moritza Chelsea unless a waterproof Chelsea boot is specifically what you’re after, because the discount is fine but not exceptional.
Looking ahead, Mother’s Day gift bundling on outerwear should pick up next week, and Columbia tends to roll its winter and shoulder-season inventory into deeper closeouts as actual summer arrives. If a fleece you’ve been eyeing isn’t on sale yet, it’s likely to be by mid-month. The rain pants and rain jackets I’d grab now, because those tend to bounce back to full retail once the weather warms and demand drops.
