Best Women’s Waterproof Jacket in 2023

Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket

The Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket really is, as the name suggests, a  hybrid, which is why we love it so much. It offers a unique combination of the protection you’d expect in a classic waterproof hiking jacket, yet it’s also surprisingly lightweight, breathable, and suited to more strenuous activities too.

The dual GORE-TEX fabrics not only make this jacket totally waterproof, but it’s completely windproof too. We know that sometimes GORE-TEX isn’t the most comfortable fabric but, fear not, the PACLITE Plus technology is nice and soft on the skin.

This unique fabric blend was designed for cyclists, hikers, and runners alike, so it allows for fantastic airflow. Plus, there are pit zips too for when you need that added bit of ventilation.

There are tonnes of other features to keep you dry, including watertight zippers on the pockets, taped seams, a chin guard, an adjustable hem, Velcro-tight cuffs, and a cinchable hood – phew! Oh, and speaking of hoods, it’s helmet-compatible too, which is great for any cyclists or climbers out there.

Despite all these amazing features, this jacket has managed to retain a lightweight… but does this come at the cost of durability. Nope. This jacket has been reinforced with 3L GORE-TEX in areas prone to damage and, on top of that, the nylon used in its construction is ripped- and abrasion-resistant.

Okay, so now for the bad news – this is the most expensive jacket on our list, and it won’t be within everyone’s budget. However, if you can afford it, this is one extremely versatile jacket you can use for a range of activities, so you won’t need to purchase different jackets for different activities… which sort of saves you money, right?

Its top-notch weather protection, comfort, durability, and lightweight really do make this one of the best women’s waterproof jackets around.

Columbia Arcadia II Jacket

Next up on our list is the Columbia Arcadia II Jacket, the perfect rain jacket to pop in your bag for ‘just in case’.

This minimalistic rain jacket is lightweight and super portable – it even folds away inside its own pocket! Despite this, it’s a high-quality rain jacket constructed using Omni-Tech technology that combines a waterproof outer layer with a breathable inner layer to keep you dry and cool while you’re on the trail.

The durable nylon material is known for being naturally resistant to rips and abrasions (although it’s not specifically ripstop) and is lined with mesh for a soft feel against the skin. The mesh layer also acts as another layer of insulation against the cold, but note that there are no pit zips on this jacket if things start to heat up.

The seams are sealed too and the hem, cuffs, and hood are all adjustable so you can keep out any pesky drafts. Plus, there are storm flaps covering the zippers. All-in-all, this might not be the most durable rain jacket out there, so we don’t recommend it for scrambling through the bushes.

However, if you’re after something that will not only keep you dry but is also portable, surprisingly comfortable, and offers fantastic value for money, then this could be the one for you.

Amazon Essentials Rain Jacket

Amazon might not be the first brand that springs to mind when you think of waterproof rainjackets, but we were pleasantly surprised by the Amazon Essentials Rain Jacket.

This waterproof polyester coat will not only keep you dry, but you’ll look great at the same time. This coat has a relaxed fit but features an interior drawcord at the waist to give it some shape. It also has a smooth matte finish, rather than the garish glare you get on some raincoats, and we love the aqua color (also available in navy and red).

The Velcro cuffs and adjustable hood will keep drafts at bay, and the single-layer design has helped to keep the weight down. Unfortunately, the front pockets are lacking zippers, so be careful what you put in them during a downpour.

The lack of an inner lining means this jacket isn’t the nicest on the skin, but it’s been designed as an ultra-thin top layer really. If you’re in between sizes, we recommend going for the larger, as the sizes tend to run a little small.

Due to its lack of breathability, we wouldn’t recommend using this jacket for any strenuous activities; however, its shape and matte finish make it a stylish option for keeping the rain during everyday activities, and it won’t break the bank either.

Marmot Essential Lightweight Rain Jacket

If you like the sound of the Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket, but it’s a little out of your price range, then you should definitely check out the Marmot Essential Lightweight Rain Jacket.

Like the Arc’teryx, this jacket is constructed from GORE-TEX and features Paclite technology. The GORE-TEX membrane provides a solid barrier against winter and water, yet it allows moisture to escape, keeping you fresh throughout your activities.

The PACLITE layer adds an extra layer of insulation yet remains super lightweight, plus it feels far nicer against the skin than the GORE-TEX layer would.

The taped seams stop any leaks from entering the interior of the jacket, and the Velcro cuffs and adjustable hood (but not hem) further keep the wind at bay. Pocket items will be kept dry too, thanks to their waterproof zips. If things do warm up a little though, this jacket features pit zips to freshen things up.

The longer center-back length of 32.5 inches provides fantastic protection (no soggy bottoms at last) and makes this a superb hiking rain jacket. It does, however, restrict movement slightly, making it less well suited to other activities such as climbing or cycling.

It also adds to the weight slightly but, considering this longer back, it remains a lightweight option for its style.

Overall, this is a fantastic coat for hiking, walking the dog, or even strolling through town. It offers fantastic weather resistance yet is breathable too, and the long back helps to keep even more of you dry… but the best part? You get all of this for a fraction of the price we’d expect, winning.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic

Looking for a jacket to keep you dry even when you’re being your most active? The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic has you covered.

The fabric has been cleverly woven to allow for incredible 4-way stretch, meaning your movements won’t be impeded no matter what sport you’re up to. On top of that, the fabric is also incredibly soft, so much so that it almost looks and feels like a jumper.

Plus, it’s the most breathable rain jacket on our list, and it’s definitely the one you want to be wearing if you’ll be working up a serious sweat – oh, and there are pit zips too.

But does this awesome breathability mean that it’s not waterproof? Nope. The DryQ waterproof technology means you’ll stay dry as a bone under there – just make sure you top up the DWR coating once in a while. It also features a large, guarded zip pocket in addition to the usual two front pockets, and it folds away inside the chest pocket, forming one ultra-portable bundle.

The cuffs and hood are adjustable too, although we wish the hood provided a little more coverage (there’s a slight gap at either side that exposes your face).

The major downside of this jacket is its poor wind resistance – its flexibility means that wind will inevitably work its way in. However, we think this is a price we’re willing to pay for a stretch, soft, yet fully waterproof portable rain jacket suited to a range of strenuous activities.

Marmot Precip Rain Jacket

It’s not surprising that another jacket by Marmot, a world-famous producer of high-quality outdoor gear, has made it on our list. The Marmot Precip Rain Jacket is a fantastic all-around rain jacket and has been a firm favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for years.

Featuring Marmot’s 2.5-layer NanoPro waterproof, breathable membrane, plus a 100% ripstop nylon exterior, this jacket has it all – fantastic weather protection, ventilation, and durability. The seams are taped and the hem, cuffs, and hood are all adjustable for added protection.

Oh, and speaking of the hood, we absolutely love that this one is not only helmet-compatible but can also be rolled back into the collar when not in use – perfect if the weather eventually picks up (which we hope it will).

There are pit zips too to let you cool off, which, combined with its durability, makes it great for high-energy outdoor activities. Its lightweight does mean that this jacket isn’t particularly insulating, but we guess that’s not what it was designed for.

One thing to note is that the sizes run a little small, so we’d recommend upsizing if you’re usually in between sizes. Available in a range of cool colors, this rain jacket is definitely one of the best currently on the market.

The North Face Venture 2

The North Face is another big name when it comes to outdoor clothing, and we just can’t get enough of The North Face Venture 2 rain jacket.

The DryVent 2.5L shell, combined with a DWR finish, makes for one fully waterproof jacket. On top of that, it offers fantastic wind protection too. The best part, however, is that this jacket has been constructed using recycled plastic woven into ultra-durable nylon – a jacket that’s as good for the environment as it is for you, how cool is that?

The downside of this great wind resistance is that it’s not the most breathable fabric we’ve come across, but the jacket is lacking an interior lining, which helps to keep to keep you cool (as well as keeping the weight down), and there are pit zips too in case things start really heating up.

The hem, cuffs, and hood are all adjustable for extra protection from the elements, and there’s a storm flap guarding the front zipper. Another favorite feature is that the jacket features two pockets and it can be folded away inside one of them.

Protective, portable, and great for the environment – oh, and available tonnes of fab colors – what’s not to love?!

Columbia Switchback III

And last but by no means least on our list of the best women’s rain jackets is the Columbia Switchback III.

This outer layer of this jacket is constructed from 100% waterproof nylon, and we love that there’s an inner polyester lining for that extra bit of warmth. Despite this additional layer, this jacket remains super lightweight, and you can even fold it in one of its own pockets, making it a super portable option.

The hem, cuff, and hood are all adjustable to keep out even the most blustery of winds, and we love that the hood can be stored in the collar when you don’t need it, making for one versatile jacket overall. It’s also available in loads of awesome colors and several sizes (be warned, they run a little small) – because who says you have to sacrifice style for functionality?!

The main drawback is the lack of pit zips, but we guess you can’t have everything. Overall, this jacket is light, protective, and highly adjustable so you can adapt to any conditions… and the best part is it’s super affordable too.