The difference between a good rain jacket and great rain jacket becomes evident the moment you’re caught in a backcountry rain storm or pouring spring shower while walking around the city (even the best umbrella can only keep you so dry, after all). All waterproofing is definitely not created equally, and small details like zippered heat vents and adjustable hoods make a big difference when you’re on the move. With such a diverse range of body shapes and sizes, the best rain jackets for women are even harder to pinpoint.
I lived in New York for five years and have lived in the Colorado mountains for seven, so I know firsthand what makes a rain jacket worthwhile according to different needs. After putting 24 leading rain jackets for women to the test, I can say my top picks offer A+ waterproofing, great breathability, and some extra nice-to-have features.
Best overall: Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket
The Aspire II was the only jacket that had every single feature we were looking for in a great rain jacket that still delivered on performance. For starters, it’s crafted from a proprietary GORE-TEX fabric, has fully taped seams, and is reliably waterproof; no water seeped in during our 60-second drench test.
It’s well-ventilated. The material was very breathable when I wore the jacket on hikes (and not too swooshy when it rubs together), but it also has zippered vents under the armpits to exhaust hot air quickly. The hood has well-designed drawstrings to cinch it down when the wind kicks up while still offering an unblocked field of vision, which was not the case for each jacket we tested.
It’s lightweight. Considering how waterproof and well-constructed this jacket is, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to pack. At just 11.7 ounces, it feels like you’re wearing next-to-nothing and adds barely any weight to a bag, so it’s perfect to bring along if you’re traveling or hiking.
It comes with helpful features. The Aspire II jacket has three roomy, external pockets (all zippered and waterproof), including a chest pocket for your phone or chapstick; adjustable, Velcro wrist cuffs; and two vertical side zippers from the bra-line down to the hip to give you more room if you’re wearing a hip pack or waist dog leash.
While the GORE-TEX kept us perfectly dry during testing, you’ll likely want something more technical for climates with long-lasting rainstorms. And while $225 isn’t cheap, it is a great value for such a well-designed jacket with very little compromise.
Best affordable: Mountain Warehouse Rainforest II Extreme Women’s Waterproof Jacket
If you’re looking for a women’s rain jacket to keep you dry on dog walks around the neighborhood in heavy spring showers, the Mountain Warehouse Rainforest II Extreme is fully waterproof up to 10,000mm and costs less than $100.
It’s affordable, yet has the same bonus features as our top pick. For the price, this jacket will surprise you: It’s fully seam taped and has three zippered pockets, including a convenient chest pocket. The hood is adjustable in the front and back to get a super secure fit on windy days, and the high collar has a very nice fleece lining for better comfort against your chin. Made with a polyester lining and a polyamide shell, this jacket is decently breathable for light activity.
It’s best for staying warm and dry. It does retain some warmth even at stand-still, so you’re not going to like it in a hot and humid environment. Even on a moderate hike in a dry climate, I felt the non-ventilated armpits heated up a bit, so it’s not ideal for intense climbs.
The main downside to this rain jacket is that the material doesn’t feel as nice as other rain jackets; it’s slightly more stiff and crinkly. But these aren’t annoying enough to be deal breakers and, at this price point, it’s an excellent rain jacket for basic rain protection with a comfortable design. For a more breathable but still affordable rain jacket, we really liked the Helly Hansen Seven J Rain Jacket as well.
Best lightweight: Dovetail Workwear Pac Jac
The Dovetail Pac Jac is the lightest rain jacket on our list. It packs down into its chest pocket to be slightly bigger than your hand, so it’s never a tough decision if you should bring your rain jacket when traveling or heading outside.
It’s not only super light, but durable. But more than the feather-light weight, this jacket is built to hold up against the elements for years. Dovetail Workwear makes uber-tough, well-fitting apparel for women who need their clothes to keep up with their jobs, so their reputation speaks volumes. The Pac Jack is crafted from super-strong ripstop Cordura nylon that is UPF 50 in sun protection and treated with a PFAS-free, plant-based water repellency. The fabric feels light but durable, and it let zero water in during our drench test.
It has great mobility. Its light weight means this jacket doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as other rain jackets on our list. But it does have the essentials, including one zippered chest pocket and two flapped hip pockets and elastic on the wrist cuffs, hood, and hips for a more secure fit. This rain jacket was also designed for women on the move: armpit gussets for a wider range of motion, reinforced elbows for tough work, a wide hip circumferences, and a longer tail to keep your butt dry.
The main downside to this rain jacket is that it only comes in two colorways (although both are pretty great, in our opinion), and some may dislike that it’s not tapered into a feminine silhouette. But at 5 ounces and under $100, this jacket is a no-brainer to bring traveling or keep stashed in your hiking pack, and it won’t disappoint when the rain comes.
