Best women’s waterproof jackets: from packable anoraks to heavyweight coats made for the outdoors
WATERPROOF jacket should not only be resistant, but fully wet proof. If you want to guarantee you’ll stay dry then it’s also best to check the coat is lined on the inside and made of a breathable material – you don’t want it to make you all hot and sweaty on a hike. Naturally more […]
WATERPROOF jacket should not only be resistant, but fully wet proof.
If you want to guarantee you’ll stay dry then it’s also best to check the coat is lined on the inside and made of a breathable material – you don’t want it to make you all hot and sweaty on a hike.
Naturally more reliable options are often a little pricier and, from experience of being caught in a downpour in a cheap unlined pack-a-mac, we can tell you the extra spend is worth it – drenched doesn’t even cover it.
Expect to pay at least £40 for a decent piece of outerwear that’s built to last – even more for higher tech options.
But whether it’s a lightweight and easy to carry jacket you’re after, or one with a longer length at the back (perfect for cycling), there are plenty on offer.
We’ve checked out user reviews and used our expert knowledge to line up some of the best women’s waterproof jackets to choose from.
What is the best women’s rain jacket?
The best rain jackets are protecting, but also stylish.
You want something lightweight and easy to pack away, but substantial enough to keep you snug.
We’ve selected jackets that combine all of these things for a decent price.
1. Best lightweight waterproof jacket
- Rab Women’s Downpour Jacket, £100 at Cotswold Outdoors – buy here
When the weather is looking iffy, this lightweight option is perfect to wear over your outfit.
It’s not too heavy, is breathable and has zips under the arms for ventilation.
It packs away compactly too, perfect to store in your bag when not in use.
The adjustable hood is ideal for helping you stay dry and zipped pockets are handy for stashing those all-important snacks, maps and phones.
2. Best investment waterproof jacket
- Montane Women’s Ajax Jacket, £290 at Cotswold Outdoor – buy here
This jacket is made to last.
Made from highly waterproof Goretex, it’s reinforced in the areas that tend to wear first like elbows and cuffs.
It’s got an adjustable hood too, so if you’re heading for a bike ride, it’ll flex around your helmet.
3. Best waterproof jacket for cycling
- Altura Women’s Nightvision Twilight Jacket, from £45.99 at Wiggle – buy here
This jacket is a must-have for cyclists, with its longline flap at the back that won’t ride up while leaning forward on your bike, like regular jackets would.
It’s fully waterproof, but is breathable too, so you won’t overheat or get sticky while out on the road.
The reflective strips will keep you visible, even when the sun is starting to go down, so it’s great if you’re hoping to squeeze in a quick post-work ride.
4. Best packaway waterproof jacket
- W Loke Packable Jacket, £90 at Helly Hansen – buy here
This anorak is perfect when you’re heading out on a run – it’s a topper to keep you dry but not make you hot.
It’s fully waterproof with sealed seams to ensure no rain will seep in and dampen those important training miles and folds away compactly into its own front pocket.
The pink colourway will make sure you’re seen while out on the roads too.
5. Most eco-friendly waterproof jacket
- Columbia OutDry Ex ECO Tech Jacket, £175.96 at Amazon – buy here
This is a jacket that has been designed with the environment in mind.
The drawstring hem, zipped pockets and trims are made completely from recycled materials.
Its outer shell is waterproof, with those seams firmly taped in place – nothing is getting through there – not even the most determined drops of rain.
But it’s not a stuffy coat, it’s been designed to be breathable so you can ensure you’ll be feeling comfy, even on a long hike.
6. Best waterproof design
- Musto Women’s XVR BR1 Jacket, £175 at Musto – buy here
This design has been tried and tested by its designers to check it surpasses other jackets with how well it withstands water.
The industry standard for a waterproof jacket is that 1500mm water can sit on its surface for 24 hours and not leak, but this clever number can take up to 5000mm – so it’s great when it’s not just raining, it’s pouring.
How’s that for waterproof?
7. Best bargain waterproof jacket
- Mountain Warehouse Storm 3 in 1 Women’s Waterproof Jacket, £59.99 at Amazon – buy here
We’re big fans of this jacket.
It’s a 3-in-1 design, so you get serious bang for your buck as it’s warm, waterproof and breathable.
The outer layer will keep you dry, while the inside helps to wick sweat away and keep you comfortable when out hiking.
A flap over the zip means no water can seep in there either – nobody wants soggy snacks.
It also boasts an inner fleece to keep you cosy, which can be removed when it’s less nippy out.
Heading out solo? The headphone compatible pocket allows you to feed the wire through an inside pocket – so you can listen to your favourite podcasts and music while you walk.
What is the best material for a waterproof jacket?
It’s important that you would choose a jacket that would suit your needs but also be fully water resistant and breathable.
Look out for fabrics that would feature Gore-Tex, nylon, polyester or rayon, as most of the raincoats are made of the blend of these materials.
A good waterproof jacket might seem a bit pricey at first, but it’s a great choice and investment if you want to purchase something that would last.
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