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Oct 14, 2024

These are the 6 best women's rain jackets in 2024

Stay dry and warm on your next camping or backpacking trip with our top picks. No matter how well you plan, weather can be unpredictable wherever you travel. It helps to have a lightweight,

Stay dry and warm on your next camping or backpacking trip with our top picks.

No matter how well you plan, weather can be unpredictable wherever you travel. It helps to have a lightweight, comfortable raincoat. “I recommend looking for a style that has great reviews, a brand that you can trust, and that packs well—compact without being a wrinkled mess when you need to wear it,” says Jammie Baker, a longtime stylist based in Richmond, Virginia.

Kim Apodaca, a stylist based in Los Angeles, California, says to choose “real” rain jackets over poncho styles. “I recall wearing plastic ponchos on safaris in South Africa, and although very practical for travel, they are not very comfortable,” she says.

The best rain jackets for women should also include customizable options, such as two-way zippers and drawstrings for a snug fit around key areas like the waist and wrists. Based on expert advice, extensive online research, and our own experience, we’ve determined that the AKHG Stormwall Rain Jacket will work well for most travelers. It’s got a three-layer, ripstop construction and wrist cinches for extra protection, and looks great on. Here are all our top picks, from the best budget women’s raincoat to the best packable jacket.

Below, we break down the pros and cons for each of our top picks.

Buy it now at Duluth Trading Co.

Why we like it: The AKHG Stormwall Rain Jacket is lightweight and constructed with three layers that reviewers say kept them dry, while preventing the clammy, damp feeling I’ve noticed with some rain jackets. You don’t have to worry about this jacket snagging on branches because the outer layer is made of ripstop nylon. We also appreciate the manufacturer’s “Batten Hatch” cuff, which helps provide a snug barrier to water. Compared to thinner rain shells, this jacket’s structured silhouette feels substantial, giving us the confidence to face sudden downpours.

Keep in mind: Reviewers say this jacket runs big. If you’re in between sizes or want to ensure a snug fit, then consider sizing down.

Product details: Weight: 28.3 oz. (size small) | Material: Nylon shell with 15k waterproof/15k breathable barrier, meaning it can withstand most downpours and heavy snow | Size range: XS-XL | Color options: Jet Black, Mineral Red | Returns and warranties: Free exchanges; returns for a refund within one year

Buy it now at Zappos

Why we like it: At $75, this rain jacket is hard to beat. It’s waterproof and has an adjustable storm hood for blocking out wind and rain. We love that it’s small enough to fit into a purse, making it a great option for carry-ons and backpacks, especially when you need quick cover.

The breathability makes this jacket particularly great for hiking, helping to keep you dry even while sweating. Despite the boxy style, reviewers say it’s pretty comfortable and doesn’t feel as stiff as some other raincoats.

Keep in mind: The jacket’s zipper isn’t the most durable. You may need to zip slowly to make sure it doesn’t catch or separate.

Product details: Weight: Not listed | Material: Nylon | Size range: XS-XXL | Color options: Eve, Black, White with Flint Grey, Geyser, Juicy, Dark Nocturnal, Wild Fuchsia, Dark Sapphire, Whisper, Safari | Returns and warranties: Returns within 60 days, in original condition, with tags attached

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Buy it now at Gorewear

Why we like it: This PFC-free (no perfluorinated chemicals) Gore-Tex jacket is so light it feels like you’re not even wearing a rain jacket. One feature we love is the magnetic hood, which helps keep it in place on windy days. We also appreciate the zippered pockets—an important detail for keeping your phone, keys, and other small items dry. A bonus? The company says the jacket is made from recycled materials.

Keep in mind: This is a slim-fit rain jacket, so you may want to size up if you prefer a looser fit or plan to wear it over bulky clothing.

Product details: Weight: 6.2 oz. | Material: Gore-Tex ePE membrane | Size range: XS-XL | Color options: Black, Scrub Purple, Lime Yellow, Tech Beige | Returns and warranties: Returns within 30 days, in original condition, with tags attached

Buy it now at Dovetail Workwear

Why we like it: When the rain stops, you can take off this jacket, fold it into one of the pockets, and throw it into a bag. Typically, poncho-like fold-up jackets that are easy to pack don’t hold up well in inclement weather. But this one turns into a sturdy jacket that reviewers say performs in the rain.

We like that this jacket is also designed to resist stains, making it a great choice for “mud season” hikers or anyone tackling the trails in wet weather. It’s also constructed with “Cordura” fibers to withstand snags and comes in sizes up to XXXL.

Keep in mind: This jacket is water resistant, not waterproof. It may not perform as well during severe thunderstorms.

Product details: Weight: 5 oz | Material: “Cordura” nylon | Size range: XS-XXXL | Color options: Jasper Orange, Kelp Green | Returns and warranties: Exchanges or refunds within 30 days

Buy it now at Athleta

Why we like it: This breathable raincoat is ideal for exploring a city. We love the semi-fitted style that hits at the hip with a drawcord at the waist. That detail helps ensure a great fit that flatters lots of body types.

Keep in mind: This jacket is primarily for travel and daily wear. It may not be the best option for a hike or extended outdoor adventure.

Product details: Weight: Not listed | Material: Recycled polyester | Size range: XXS-XXXL | Color options: Magnolia White, Black, Oxidized Green | Returns and warranties: Returns within 30 days of delivery date

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Buy it now at Holabird Sports

Why we like it: This water-resistant rain jacket is perfect for misty early morning or evening runs. It’s made with Brooks’s “Fluor Flash” material, which the company says is highly visible, and includes smaller reflective strips in key areas, such as the elbows and wrists. We also like the light weight, zippered pockets, and the ability to roll and store the hood at the back of the neck.

Keep in mind: This rain jacket comes in only one colorway.

Product details: Weight: Unlisted | Material: Unlisted, but the company says it incorporates 92 percent recycled materials | Size range: XS-XXL | Color options: Ecru/Fluor Flash/Black | Returns and warranties: Returns within 90 days of purchase

We chose the best rain jackets based on products we’ve tried and expert advice. We also considered products that earned high, real-world performance praise from reviewers. Here are more factors we weighed in our decision.

It may seem that all raincoats should be waterproof, but there’s a difference between waterproof and water-resistant jackets.

“Water-resistant raincoats will repel water and keep your skin and clothes from getting wet, but only for a short amount of time. This will work in light rainfall or short rainstorms,” says Baker. “Waterproof is when a raincoat has layered fabrics and coatings that are made specifically to keep you dry under heavy rainfall and longer periods of time out in the elements.”

Baker adds that there is no industry standard for waterproofing, so she suggests reading through customer reviews for details on a particular jacket.

Plenty of rain jackets do a good enough job of keeping water out, but some can trap moisture in. “That can lead to getting cold,” says Apodaca. She suggests looking for rain jackets made with breathable fabrics and/or vents.

Comfort is essential in a good raincoat you’ll want to wear. Avoid jackets made with stiff materials. It should be easy to raise your arms while wearing it. If it isn’t, move on. Try raincoats constructed of thin or stretchy fabrics.

The weight of a sturdy raincoat will vary based on the style. Parkas tend to be longer and heavier than anorak styles. Bear in mind that some heavy coats may be waterproof, but not necessarily breathable.

Raincoats should last for years, so check the warranty. It’s also a good idea to consult real customer reviews for wear and tear, especially if you’re purchasing a raincoat for travel. Apodaca says trench coats made with gabardine are some of the most durable raincoats, but they’re best for city escapes.

Yes, rain jackets that are “waterproof,” not “water resistant,” keep water out. For added security, look for cinching or Velcro straps at the wrists and neckline.

“Raincoat” and “rain jacket” are used interchangeably. The term “coat” can sometimes refer to a weighted jacket that doubles as a winter coat, versus a jacket that can be worn year-round. Because brands use them in different ways, these terms may not be the most reliable indicator of a truly waterproof outer layer.

This depends on your needs and where you’re planning to travel. In general, look for a rain jacket that enables lots of mobility, is breathable, and isn’t so long that it’ll impede your ability to hike uphill.