The Best Women’s Waterproof Hiking Jackets
What makes a good waterproof hiking jacket?
Arguably one of the most important components of your hiking gear is a solid rain jacket. There so many different brands out there with different rating systems for rain jackets, that it can be hard to decide which one is the best. When I was shopping for my own jacket, I was unsure if I wanted a waterproof jacket. In my mind a waterproof jacket was heavy and suffocating, making you feel sweaty and uncomfortable out on your hike. This might have been the case a few years ago, but companies have now figured out ways to make waterproof jackets breathable. These new fabrics repel water but allow inner moisture to evaporate off the jacket, keeping you dry from the rain and also from your sweat! One of the ratings used to tell how waterproof a jacket is, is millimeters (mm) of water. This is where a small piece of the jacket fabric is placed under a column of water and the height of the water column is measured (in mm) before water seeps through. So, the higher the number the more waterproof the jacket is. A rain jacket should be rated to at least 5000mm to be considered waterproof, but a 5000mm may not protect you against heavy downpours. This scale can go upwards of 25,000mm for the most heavy duty jackets. Waterproof jackets can also have a breathability rating which is measured in g/m2, which is the amount of water in grams that can be evaporated off of one square meter of fabric. Jackets below 10,000g/m2 may get leave you clammy if you are doing anything other than a light walk-in the rain. Another label you may see is “nL” where n=2,2.5 or 3. This is the number of layers that the jacket is made of. The most basic construction is a 2L jacket has one layer of fabric with a waterproof layer bonded to it. A 2.5L jacket has another mesh coating added to the 2L fabric, increasing the waterproofing while minimizing the overall weight. A 3L jacket has a fabric layer then waterproof layer, and then another fabric layer. These are the most durable, heavy duty jackets which offer a lot of protection but might not be as lightweight or packable. For more information on waterproof ratings, check out this “Waterproof Buying Guide". You should take these ratings into consideration when thinking about what type of hiking you like to do, if you’re a day hiker who’s not worried about weight or packability you will choose a much different jacket than a through-hiker who has to put everything into one pack. I have tried to provide a wide variety of jackets at various price points to meet most hikers needs!
Helly Hansen Sailing Jacket
Don’t brush this jacket off because of the name, the Helly Hansen Sailing Jacket is a great choice for hiking and camping. This jacket was made for being out on the ocean so you know this jacket can get wet! I love the shape of this jacket, it has a flattering fit and gives a little extra room in the hips. The Helly Hansen Sailing Jacket comes in a variety of different colors and sizes ranging from XS-5XL, which is amazing. Historically it has been very hard for women who are larger than an XL to find outwear like jackets, pants and other technical gear, so this inclusive sizing is great to see. This jacket is windproof, waterproof and breathable and the hood can be packed into the collar when you don’t need it. Having breathable fabric is important when you are hiking, a jacket that is only waterproof can quickly make you sweaty and uncomfortable. The jacket is also mesh lined so it’s more comfortable so if you do get a bit sweaty it won’t feel sticky.
Pros:
Inclusive sizes from XS-5X
Wide variety of colors
Waterproof, windproof and breathable
Hood can be stored in the collar when not needed
Cons:
A bit heavy at 600 grams
Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Jacket
Built with runners in mind, the Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Jacket is ultra-lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. According to Salomon, the Bonatti Jacket is waterproof up to 10,000mm and can evaporate 10,000 g/m2 aka very waterproof and breathable! This makes the jacket a great choice for hard hikes where you will still be working up a sweat even in the rain. The jacket is also only 150 grams and packs away into one of it’s own pockets, so it is great for backpacking where every gram counts. There is also a snap closure on the front of the jacket that allows the zipper to be undone but the jacket stays put, for maximum ventilation. The zippers are also waterproof, so don’t be afraid to keep your phone in your pocket! All of these nice features do make the this jacket a bit more expensive.
Pros:
Ultralight weight at only 150 grams, perfect for backpacking
Breathable fabric keeps you dry even when you’re working hard
Reinforced fabric for durability
Technical features available like front clasp and waterproof zippers
Cons:
Limited sizing XS-XL
On the pricier side
Adidas MyShelter Rain.RDY Jacket
I own an earlier iteration of the Adidas RAIN.RDY jacket and it has protected me on many hiking and camping trips. The MYSHELTER RAIN.RDY jacket is 100% waterproof with its two layer seam seals and keeps your head dry with a detachable hood. This jacket has a looser fit so you can wear a warmer layer underneath but if you get too hot you can remove the jacket and carry it on your back with detachable straps. The MYSHELTER jacket is made with 100% recycled materials and it feels more heavy duty than other lightweight options. The seams are sealed and it has nice deep pockets, where I can keep keep my phone dry. I would suggest this jacket if you are going somewhere where you might encounter heavier rain, I carry it as thunderstorms are common in the mountains where I hike. Because it is for more intense rain, it does not pack away as small as other jackets on this list and is not as breathable. I think this jacket is one of the cooler/stylish jackets on the list which means you can pop it on even when you are just grabbing a coffee or walking the dog. This jacket is more limited in sizing but Adidas does offer other RAIN.RDY jackets in plus sizes.
Pros:
100% waterproof, keeps you dry even in the heaviest downpours
Detachable hood and carrying straps for when rain stops
Made from 100% recycled materials
Stylish fit allows you to wear it around town
Cons:
Not as lightweight/packable as other jackets
Limited sizing XS-XL
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
I will always include products by Patagonia on my “best of” gear lists, as I just love what the company stands for, and I love the Patagonia products that I own. I think more companies should follow their lead with their emphasis on sustainability and fair-trade. Patagonia has a wide variety of rain jackets for many different conditions but I feel that the Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket will be a good pick for most hikers and campers. This jacket made from 100% recycled materials and is waterproof, windproof and breathable. It has armpit vents and a microfleece neck lining for comfort and prevents water from dripping down your neck. ~shivers~ The front zipper is protected by a flap on the inside and outside to keep water out. This 350 gram jacket also packs down into one of the pockets for backpackers and includes a loop that can be attached to your pack. And remember, Patagonia will repair your gear if possible, instead of having to get a whole new item.
Pros:
Made from 100% recycled materials and in sustainable, fairtrade factories
Extra features like armpit vents and fleece-lined collar for added comfort
Lightweight at 350 grams and packable into jacket’s own pocket
Cons:
Limited sizes XS-XXL
The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Papsura Jacket
If you want the most technical, most luxurious, lightweight, waterproof jacket then The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Papsura Jacket is the choice for you. Made from recycled nylon, the breathable 3L FUTURELIGHT fabric is light, yet very waterproof. The details are where this jacket really shines with reinforced cuffs, adjustable, elasticized hood, covered zip pockets. This jacket packs away into its own pocket and has a loop to attach to your pack. The hood accommodates a helmet and the pockets are compatible with a harness for those venturing out mountaineering.
Pros:
Most technical advanced waterproof, ultralight materials
Made from 100% recycled nylon
Technical features for the hardcore mountaineer
Packs into it’s own pocket for backpackers
Cons:
Expensive
Limited sizing XS-XXL
These are my top picks for women's waterproof hiking jackets. Whether you're tackling a mountain trail or just enjoying a rainy day walk, these jackets are designed to keep you dry and comfortable. Remember, the best adventures often come with a bit of rain, so don't let the weather keep you indoors. Gear up, stay dry, and embrace the great outdoors!
If you've got any favorite jackets we missed, or if you have any epic hiking stories to share, drop a comment below. We love hearing from you! Happy hiking, and may your trails be ever adventurous and dry!
Me wearing the Adidas RAIN.RDY Waterproof Jacket