The 7 Best Rain Jackets For Women – Tested & Reviewed

Are you shopping for a new women’s rain jacket and overwhelmed by the options? Don’t worry—we have you covered!

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I have learned never to let a little (or a lot) rain stop me from getting outside; otherwise, I might never leave the house. My rain jacket has become an essential piece of my wardrobe.  I own 5 rain jackets and have tested out countless more!  A good rain jacket should keep you dry and not leave you a sweaty, sticky mess when you take it off. It’s important to find a rain jacket that still offers good waterproofing, breathability, and overall performance.

Whether you are out for a hike, traveling to a rainy travel destination, or running errands, we have got you covered with the best women’s rain jacket to keep you dry and looking cute wherever your adventures take you!

Our Top Rain Jacket Picks For Women!

The Alta Vista jacket is a great everyday lightweight rain jacket. It is a great option for hiking with a hip length that can easily be layered.

This rain jacket is made with DryVent waterproof and breathable fabric and has two pit zips, so you never overheat. It also features a convenient chest pocket for easy access to small items. You’ll love that it comes in seven colors and is packable, folding down into its own hand pocket!

I took this rain jacket to Wales last summer for a wedding, and it took up very little space in my suitcase. This North Face rain jacket kept me completely dry when it started pouring during the wedding vows and stayed cute even after I took it off (yay, no frizzy hair!).

The Patagonia Torrentshell is another great lightweight waterproof rain jacket option.

This is one of my favorite rain jackets for travel. The entire jacket can be rolled up into its own pocket with a carabiner clip loop, which is super convenient when bringing it on a backpacking trip or traveling.

You’ll love the microfleece lining around the neck for comfort and pit zips vents that open fully to help your body breathe when out on hikes. It also includes a helmet-compatible hood, making it ideal for activities like hiking and skiing.

Note: While it is hip-length, it is cut slightly longer in the back, which complements your shape more than other rain jackets!

I prefer this Patagonia jacket’s color options over the North Face option. Best of all, Patagonia has one of the best warranties of any brand, so you know this rain jacket will last for life!

If you are looking for various rain jacket color options, look no further than Outdoor Research. This company offers a variety of styles and colors to fit your style needs.

This versatile rain shell is great for hiking, traveling, or running errands. It is waterproof with its breathable GORE TEX PACLITE™ fabric that will keep you dry during the heaviest of rains.

You’ll love that this model also includes TorsoFLO™ venting to allow you to regulate your temperature.

This jacket is my go-to rain jacket when I am out exploring. Designed with sustainable fabric, this modern rain jacket will keep you dry and stylish on all your rainy-day adventures. You’ll love the clinchable fit that allows you to adjust the waistline to tailor your look.

Unlike most rain jackets, the MPG Tempest Cargo Rain Jacket has multiple pockets to fit all your day-to-day essentials without requiring you to carry a purse. This alone makes it a top travel essential.

We love all things Cotopaxi! The brand always offers unique color combinations that are not typically found in other women’s rain jackets.

You’ll love that this trench rain jacket has an adjustable hood, zippered hand pockets, and a cinch cord at the waist, making it ideal for casual everyday wear. Additionally, it provides excellent weather protection, making it suitable for outdoor adventures in unpredictable climates.

It features a back vent for breathability and a back hem slit in a true trench style.  It comes in four cute colors, but our favorite is cream/tempest. This super cute trench will elevate any rainy-day outfit!

Okay, while this jacket isn’t technically a rain jacket, the Patagonia Radalie Insulated Parka is still one of my favorite jackets to wear when it’s cold and rainy. Patagonia is known for its high-quality outdoor gear, and this jacket lives up to that reputation.

It is water resistant, so while I wouldn’t recommend wearing it out in a downpour, it is perfect for those colder, drizzly days when you run from the car to the store or casual outings like grabbing dinner at your favorite restaurant.

What is great about this durable water-repellent jacket is that it keeps you very warm, so layering is not required. While it is not a fully waterproof jacket, it offers excellent water resistance for those colder, drizzly days.

PS: I wore this jacket throughout my Portugal trip and received many compliments!

You’ll love the longer length, and the cut is pretty stylish for a puffer jacket. You won’t look like a giant puffball in this.

A good trench coat will never go out of style and can last a lifetime. If you’re not into the technical look of rain jackets, a classic trench like the London Fog is a stylish and timeless alternative rain jacket option to keep you dry and looking good.

For those with an active lifestyle, a stretchy rain trench offers lightweight, smooth, waterproof, and breathable protection, ensuring full range of motion and ventilation even in complete downpours.

I recommend this tan option from London Fog, a brand that has been making high-quality coats for decades.

Fun fact: the strap across the shoulders on trench coats holds your purse straps so your purse doesn’t slip off your shoulder as you walk.

Top Outdoor Retailers

Shop for the perfect rain jacket at our favorite retailers.

• The North Face
• Backcountry
• Cotopaxi
• Dicks
• Zappos
• Amazon

Tips for Buying Women’s Rain Jackets

When choosing a rain jacket, consider its primary use. Are you looking for warmth during cold downpours, a reliable companion for exploring Europe, or a simple cover to keep you dry while commuting from the car to work? Once you know the purpose, think about the features you need. For warmth, seek jackets with insulation.

If you expect heavy rain, prioritize waterproof materials and sealed seams. For heavy travel, we recommend purchasing a rain jacket that is easily packable and doesn’t take up too much space. Decide if budget-friendliness or style is more important—do you need a fashionable coat for outings or a durable one for hiking? Identifying your needs will help you select the perfect rain jacket with the right features for your lifestyle.

This article was all about the best rain jackets for women!