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What’s the best women’s hiking jacket?
Ladies prefer warmer temperatures. That’s a fact. There’s nothing to be ashamed about that. And if you need, wear a cold weather hiking jacket (winter jacket) in late spring, and enjoy the adventure to the fullest. Here in this article we have compiled and reviewed three different kind of jackets — two of the best winter hiking jackets, two packable down jackets and three versatile summer jackets for hiking. Here they are…
From the warmest walking jackets to the most lightweight hiking jackets.
Table of Contents
Best Women’s Hiking Jacket (For Different Seasons)
What are the options? And which backpacking jacket to choose?
There are 3 types of jackets we talk about in this guide.
Best Winter Hiking Jacket For Women
These are jackets for the coldest adventures.
1. Wantdo Women’s 3 in 1 Waterproof Windproof Ski Jacket (click for more details)
Two jackets, three wearing options for a super affordable price.
One of the best hiking jackets for women, our favorite.
You can wear both layers separately. But when worn together and the elastic cuffs are put on, it turns into an insulated hiking jacket. Outside of the jacket is made of 5000 mm water pressure resistant Taslon fabric that makes it waterproof, heat resistant and durable. On the inside it features 70D*150D Pongee lining that has great heat retention qualities. Together with cotton padding and underarm vents it makes it the ultimate women’s winter hiking jacket for all occasions.
For your convenience the hood is detachable and you can wash the jacket in the washing machine. However, hand washing would be a better idea for longevity.
PROS: Durability, versatility
BEST FOR: Skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing
2. MOERDENG Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket (click for more details)
A storm safe hiking jacket for cold weather.
This jacket is waterproof, windproof and has moisture release abilities. That is a perfect combination for an active winter lifestyle. The adjustable hood will keep your head dry in all conditions. Its stretchable glove holes perfectly seal in the warmth. This jacket has three zippered pockets – two hand pockets and one chest pocket.
However, pay attention to the fact that it is required to wash it by hand. No surprise. Many winter jackets require delicate care.
PROS: Waterproof, windproof, 3 zippered pockets
BEST FOR: Camping, hiking, alpine skiing, snowboarding
Best Women’s Down Jacket (Packable)
Down jackets are warm and they can be extra compact.
This is a jacket you can wear as a hiking mid-layer or on its own. Apart from that, a jacket like this can also be a backup plan for the coldest days and nights (you can always have one with you, just in case).
3. MARMOT Women’s JENA Jacket (click for more details)
Very lightweight goose down jacket, available in several colors.
Overall, the best packable down jacket for women, our favorite.
This is also the warmest packable jacket in the list. It has 700 down fill power. You can easily pack it small and fold it into its own inner pocket. The jacket has elastic cuffs and drawcord at the bottom to seal the body heat in. Additionally, the ripstop fabric also keeps the heat in and the unpleasant weather out. It has a special design for comfortable hand movement.
There are 2 zippered hand pockets and 2 interior pockets.
PROS: 700 down fill power, packs in the inner pocket
BEST FOR: Winter hikes, winter and autumn camping
4. Columbia Flash Forward Down Jacket (click for more details)
Durable down hiking jacket with no-sew baffles.
The jacket is made out of water resistant fabric. Its 650 fill power down makes it perfect for mild winter conditions. The texture of this jacket is made using special heat sealing and therefore it reduces water penetration while keeping down from migrating. The jacket has a good set of pockets – two zippered hand pockets and two inner pockets. Its cuff bindings block the wind.
According to the manufacturer, the down is sourced following the highest industry animal welfare guidelines.
The jacket is available in several bright colors.
PROS: Lightweightness, durability
BEST FOR: Hiking and camping in mild winter conditions
Best Hiking Jackets For Warm Weather (Waterproof, Lightweight)
If you don’t need the warmest jacket, check out these options!
Here are 3 well equipped hiking jackets for women.
5. Columbia Women’s Arcadia Ii Jacket (click for more details)
An extremely lightweight and waterproof packable hiking jacket.
Overall the best women’s lightweight hiking jacket, our favorite.
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.
PROS: Lightweightness, compact size (packability)
BEST FOR: Day hikes, sightseeing, traveling
6. BALEAF Women’s Cycling Jacket (click for more details)
A versatile jacket for hiking, running and cycling.
The best hiking jacket for women who love both cycling and hiking, and who love to go light. Designed for cyclists, the jacket features a pocket on its back, which is very convenient if you don’t want to take any hiking daypack with you. However, it won’t be very comfortable if you plan to have a backpack, so take that into account. Another cool thing about this women’s waterproof hiking jacket is that it’s extra visible in the dark.
And, yes, it’s a 100% waterproof outdoor jacket (5000 mm).
PROS: visibility, back pocket
BEST FOR: cycling, short day hikes
7. Charles River Apparel Women’s New Englander (click for more details)
A cute and durable jacket for trekking and everyday use.
Made of 100% Polyurethane, the jacket is both windproof and waterproof. It features a 2-way zipper for added freedom of movement and 2 side pockets. On the back of the jacket there is a wide 3M reflective trim for extra visibility during the darkest hours of the day. For better air ventilation the jacket features underarm vents.
The jacket is available in several bright colors.
PROS: high visibility, beautiful design and colors
BEST FOR: short hikes, day to day use
How to Find the Best Hiking Jacket for Yourself?
How to find the best hiking jacket for your needs?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.
1. Warmth
It’s one of the most important qualities to look for.
Do you need a winter jacket? Or are you after the most lightweight jacket? Or maybe you need both — the warmth and also the most lightweight jacket that provides you with that warmth? If all you need is some rain and wind protection, see the available lightweight rain jackets and choose one you like the most. If, however, you also need warmth, think if getting yourself a warm down jacket, plus a rain jacket (as outer layer) if you need protection against the elements.
2. Features
Pockets, hood, extras.
Make a list of the things you definitely need, and don’t forget about them when buying the jacket. There are also womens hiking jackets with no pockets at all, so, yes, it’s important to pay attention to that.
3. Weather Protection
For example, not all down jackets are the same.
All of them are warm and light, but not all of them are equally weather-resistant. Overall, down blocks wind. But some jackets are designed specially for windy and rainy conditions. The same stands true with rain jackets, not all of them are equally good in heavy downpour — with some you’ll feel good only for a few minutes, while with others for a few hours.
At the same time, in almost no gear you can be out in the rain for a full day and still feel dry and warm.
4. Your Budget
There are jackets for 20 dollars, as well as for 200 dollars.
Decide upon your budget and get the best women’s hiking jacket you can. Take into account, that after footwear and backpack, it’s the next most important piece in your hiking packing list. If you are warm and dry, you do better, feel better and look better.
What is your experience with hiking jackets? What’s the best hiking jacket you have owned so far?
Featured photo by Maël BALLAND from Pexels.
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