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Best Waterproof Jackets for Women

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    What are the best waterproof jackets for women?

    How to find the best waterproof jacket for your needs? To help you find the best rain jacket for your needs, in this article we’ve reviewed some of the best waterproof jackets for hiking and everyday wear. All of these rain jackets are durable, waterproof and designed to withstand everything from light drizzle to heavy rains, at least to some degree. Some of them are also packable and thus can be easily packed in your luggage.

    See our selection of the top waterproof jackets below.

    women’s waterproof running jacket,

    Best Waterproof Jackets for Women

    What are the options? And which one to choose?

    Which ones are the best waterproof jackets for women right now?

    1. Marmot Essential Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket (click for more details)

    Women’s breathable waterproof jacket with a GORE-TEX® membrane.

    One of the best waterproof jackets for women, our favorite.

    Made of lightweight nylon fabric with GORE-TEX® membrane and PACLITE, this Marmot Essential jacket is rain and wind proof, lightweight and packable. It features taped seams which ensure true weatherproofing. This jacket also boasts zippered underarm vents which help you regulate the internal temperature of the garment, allowing you to cool down when needed. Jacket’s velcro cuffs can be cinched to keep out the cold. However, it’s not a warm rain jacket.

    As the jacket falls below the hips, it will surely keep you nice and warm. However, for some, the length of this jacket may be a drawback.

    SIZES: XS-XL

    2. Helly Hansen Women’s Seven J Waterproof Jacket (click for more details)

    Waterproof, windproof and breathable rain jacket for women.

    One of the best weather resistant jackets out there.

    Made of polyester with a polyamide lining, this jacket is weatherproof and warm. The jacket features fully sealed seams, so it’s a fully waterproof jacket. It’s very versatile too — wear it on a hiking adventure, when riding a bike, for horseback riding, etc.

    This is a fitted waterproof jacket. So if you’d like to wear a thick Merino hoodie or sweater under it, go up a size to get extra room!

    SIZES: XS-4XL

    3. Helly-Hansen Aden Waterproof Breathable Hooded Long Rain Jacket (click for more details)

    High quality long rain jacket perfect for everyday wear.

    All the women’s waterproof jackets on this list are regular, short jackets. Even the Marmot rain jacket is not that long. However, this Helly Hansen is an exception. And if you’re looking for a coat/long rain jacket, this might be the best waterproof jacket for your needs. The jacket features fully sealed seams. That means it’s fully waterproof.

    It’s not as versatile as regular rain jackets, but it is perfect for walks and is suitable for everyday wear. The Helly-Hansen Aden long rain jacket has a lining for comfort and extra warmth.

    SIZES: XS-5XL

    4. Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket (click for more details)

    Extremely lightweight and waterproof packable hiking jacket.

    One of the best lightweight waterproof jackets on the market.

    With shell made of 100% nylon and 100% polyester lining, here we have a very practical rain hiking jacket. First of all, it’s waterproof and breathable, and designed to protect you both from light drizzle and heavy downpour. Secondly, the jacket features two zippered pockets and an adjustable storm hood. It may sound like nothing much, but that’s exactly what most of us need, the basics.

    The jacket is also very small and packable — it packs into a pocket.

    SIZES: XS-3XL

    5. The North Face Venture 2 Waterproof Rain Jacket (click for more details)

    Standard-fit lightweight breathable waterproof jacket for women.

    It’s the one for everything jacket. From the outside it looks like a regular everyday jacket. Add to that a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish, quality materials and the best features of activewear, and you’ll have a durable and packable lightweight rain jacket. Yes, this is also one of those jackets that packs down into a small pouch.

    The jacket is both windproof and waterproof.

    It’s one of the best waterproof jackets for women.

    SIZES: XS-3XL

    6. Black Diamond W Stormline Stretch Rain Jacket (click for more details)

    High-quality women’s waterproof jacket.

    A very practical and cute rain jacket which comes in several vibrant colors. The Black Diamond W Stormline jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable. Besides all of that, it features a stretchy shell which will increase your comfort and the jacket’s durability. There are also DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) armpit zippers for ventilation.  The latter allows you to cool down when needed.

    The jacket has an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood too.

    SIZES: XXS-XL

    Una hiking in Norway
    Hiking to Trolltunga in Norway

    How to Find the Best Waterproof Jacket For Yourself?

    How to find the best waterproof rain jacket for your needs?

    Let’s make this as simple as possible.

    Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.

    1. Water Resistance

    How much water resistance do you need?

    Most of waterproof jackets will do well during light rain. Many will do well if it’s raining for an hour or two. And only a few will keep you dry and warm if it’s raining non-stop for hours on end, and you want to be active and hiking. So, if it’s raining really a lot, mostly it’s better to just adjust your plan, instead of trying to battle the nature.

    2. Features

    Side pockets, inner pockets, adjustable hood, extras.

    Make a list of the most important things, things you definitely can’t go without. And stick to that list when shopping for the jacket. Because, for example, there are also waterproof jackets with no pockets at all. So, yes, it’s important to pay attention to small things like these.

    3. Durability

    Mostly, it goes hand in hand with your budget.

    The best waterproof jackets for women that are good and truly durable aren’t cheap. If you need one that you plan to use a lot, be prepared to spend extra.

    Make sure the waterproof layer of the jacket doesn’t wear off fast. It may happen in cheaper rain jackets. How to find out about the quality of the waterproof layer? Read the comments.

    4. Your Budget

    You can easily find a waterproof jacket for 20 dollars, as well as for 200 dollars.

    And, of course, there are also cheap raincoats (better to avoid!).

    So, first of all decide upon your budget. Generally, it should reflect how much are you planning to use it. If it’s going to be only once in a while, don’t put too much focus on it, better go on more trips instead. However, if you are going to use it a lot — both at home and during the hiking trips, get the most comfortable and overall the best waterproof jacket you can afford at this moment.

    After footwear and backpack, most likely, it’s the next most important piece in your packing list. If you are warm and dry, you do better, feel better and look better — and who doesn’t want to look and feel better?

    What is your experience with waterproof jackets? Do you use a durable, high-quality jacket or cheap waterproof jacket? What’s the best rain jacket you have had so far? 

    Featured photo by Bekka Mongeau from Pexels


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