The 8 best rain jackets for women, tested in wet and windy weather

How we tested the best rain jackets for women

Water resistance

We tested 26 jackets in wet and windy weather and wore them for as long as possible each time it rained. When it wasn't raining, we did a "drench test" where we wore each jacket under a shower head, powered at light and heavy flows to simulate different rain storms. During the shower test, we checked whether our clothes underneath got wet.

Comfort

Our testers wore each rain jacket out in the world on multiple occasions to assess each one's comfort. We looked for overall fit of the jacket, range of motion in the arms and hips (particularly when fully zipped up), and how comfortable the jacket felt on the body after 30 minutes to a few hours.

For rain jackets that could be worn running, walking, or hiking, we wore them on moderately-intense activities to assess how breathable each was and, therefore, how comfortable on the move.

Weight and durability

These two factors are a bit personal: Some people prefer a barely-there, lightweight raincoat while others prefer one that's heftier and more protective against the elements. Additionally, some people are way harder on their gear and need a higher level of durability than others.

All of our recommended jackets are a comfortable weight and durable enough for the average wearer — that is, they'll hold up for normal amounts of wear and tear for the activity they're intended for (e.g., walking around cities, rainy runs). That being said, we have specific categories for those who need a highly technical jacket, and those who need a super lightweight travel jacket.

Usability

Considering a rain jacket is intended to protect you in less-than-ideal weather, it ought to be frustration-free to put on, zip up, and walk around in.

For each jacket I tested, I took it on some kind of walk outdoors in order to assess the functionality of each jacket and it's features. Specifically, I looked at things like pocket placement, convenience of zipper and buttons, how easy it was to slide the hood on and cinch it at the face in case of wind, and the like. I also considered how loud, crinkly, or swooshy the material of each jacket was when out walking, since this seemingly-small detail can lead to big annoyances over time.

Best overall: Outdoor Research Women's Aspire 3L GORE-TEX Jacket

The first time I tested two dozen rain jackets to determine the best options for women, Outdoor Research's Aspire II jacket was the only one that had every special feature I was looking for and still delivered on performance. Its latest iteration — the Aspire 3L — builds on everything that made its predecessor so great, now with one huge improvement: A new proprietary 3L fabric that's waterproof, breathable, and certifiably sustainable.

I had found that the Aspire II jacket's main drawback was it wasn't technically savvy enough for heavy-rain outings. But with the new upgrades to the Aspire 3L, Outdoor Research has bumped it up to be a highly technical rain jacket. It works great whether you're caught in a quick passing thunderstorm at a sports game, or on a multi-hour hike in the Pacific Northwest.

It's more technical (and well-ventilated) than ever before. This jacket is made with three layers of a proprietary material that's treated with Nikwax DWR, which I witnessed cause each water droplet to bead up and roll off the surface. The extra layer makes it slightly thicker than the Aspire II, but I found the 3L to be equally breathable on hikes in Colorado and during humid rainstorms in South Carolina (plus, absolutely no water seeped in during our 60-second drench test).

Fabric aside, it has fully taped seams, vents to dump heat and keep you dry, and a well-designed hood with drawstrings to cinch it down when the wind kicks up. My field of vision was clear even with the hood on, which was not the case for each jacket I tested.

It moves with your body. New to the redesign, the Aspire 3L is constructed with what the brand calls "movement-mirroring stretch." This refers to the strategically-placed stretch panels that are integrated within the 100% recycled nylon shell. These flex in every direction, so you aren't fighting against your jacket while it's, say, pinned down by a backpack. It's a nuanced feature, but one I appreciated the more I wore the jacket.

It comes with helpful features. The Aspire 3L jacket has three roomy, external pockets (all zippered and waterproof), including a chest pocket that's big enough for your phone. It also comes with adjustable Velcro wrist cuffs.

One feature that sets this jacket above the competition: the OR TorsoFlo vents, which unzip nearly the whole side length of the jacket from armpit to hip via two-way zippers. This way, you can release heat from the top as needed, or add more mobility at the bottom if you're on a bike or wearing a waist dog leash.

It's more sustainable than most rain jackets. The forever chemicals, PFAFs, are pervasive in high-quality waterproof apparel. But the Aspire 3L is treated with Dry DWR, a PFAS-free waterproofing method. The coat is made from 100% recycled nylon fabric, and is the first technical apparel in the outdoor industry to be third-party certified carbon-neutral by Climate Impact Partners.

Best budget: Mountain Warehouse Rainforest II Extreme Women's Waterproof Jacket

If you're looking for a women's rain jacket to keep you dry on dog walks around the neighborhood in heavy spring showers, the Mountain Warehouse Rainforest II Extreme is fully waterproof up to 10,000mm and costs less than $100.

It's affordable, yet has the same bonus features as our top pick. For the price, this jacket will surprise you: It's fully seam taped and has three zippered pockets, including a convenient chest pocket. The hood is adjustable in the front and back to get a super secure fit on windy days, and the high collar has a very nice fleece lining for better comfort against your chin. Made with a polyester lining and a polyamide shell, this jacket is decently breathable for light activity.

It's best for staying warm and dry. It does retain some warmth even at stand-still, so you're not going to like it in a hot and humid environment. Even on a moderate hike in a dry climate, I felt the non-ventilated armpits heated up a bit, so it's not ideal for intense climbs.

The main downside to this rain jacket is that the material doesn't feel as nice as other rain jackets; it's slightly more stiff and crinkly. But these aren't annoying enough to be deal breakers and, at this price point, it's an excellent rain jacket for basic rain protection with a comfortable design. For a more breathable but still affordable rain jacket, we really liked the Helly Hansen Seven J Rain Jacket as well.

Best lightweight: Dovetail Workwear Pac Jac

The Dovetail Pac Jac is the lightest rain jacket on our list. It packs down into its chest pocket to be slightly bigger than your hand, so it's never a tough decision if you should bring a waterproof packable travel jacket.

It's not only super light, but durable. But more than the feather-light weight, this jacket is built to hold up against the elements for years. Dovetail Workwear makes uber-tough, well-fitting apparel for women who need their clothes to keep up with their jobs, so their reputation speaks volumes. The Pac Jack is crafted from super-strong ripstop Cordura nylon that is UPF 50 in sun protection and treated with a PFAS-free, plant-based water repellency. The fabric feels light but durable, and it let zero water in during our drench test.

It has great mobility. Its light weight means this jacket doesn't have as many bells and whistles as other rain jackets on our list. But it does have the essentials, including one zippered chest pocket and two flapped hip pockets and elastic on the wrist cuffs, hood, and hips for a more secure fit. This rain jacket was also designed for women on the move: armpit gussets for a wider range of motion, reinforced elbows for tough work, a wide hip circumferences, and a longer tail to keep your butt dry.

The main downside to this rain jacket is that it only comes in two colorways (although both are pretty great, in our opinion), and some may dislike that it's not tapered into a feminine silhouette. But at 5 ounces and under $100, this jacket is a no-brainer to bring traveling or keep stashed in your hiking pack, and it won't disappoint when the rain comes.

Best long: Fjällräven Vardag Rain Parka

If you're looking for a long raincoat that will keep the majority of your body dry and look sleek on wet city walks, Fjällräven's Vardag Rain Parka delivers—and then some.

It's made from a totally waterproof eco-conscious material. This waterproof shell jacket is crafted from a 2.5-layer recycled polyester that has a PU membrane and proved completely waterproof during our drench test. The material is the perfect thickness and weight to keep you feeling protected but not weighed down when wearing this jacket around the city for hours. It fits on the roomier side, which is ideal for wearing layers underneath (we did find the material cold on bare shoulders when wet). It has a roomy hood and long silhouette to keep 75% of you dry in even the nastiest of rain storms.

It has a sleek design. The vertical, button-flapped pockets are convenient, roomy, and protective to stash items you want easy access to. The high collar and adjustable hood are effective at keeping rain out without impeding your visibility. It has a two-way main zipper to offer more range of motion when riding a bike around the city, say. Most of all, this coat has snap buttons from top to bottom for a quick closure, which we found particularly nice during testing since zipping a long rain jacket can be cumbersome to do up if it's just lightly raining for a few minutes.

At $350, it's not cheap—but the material, durability, and features all make this jacket feel quite luxurious and, truthfully, like it would cost more.

Best for hiking: Stio Ender Jacket

If you live in a wet climate or are looking for the best rain jacket to take on outdoor adventures, the Stio Ender rain jacket is near-perfect.

It's designed for serious rainstorms. Created out of Jackson, Wyoming by people who live and adventure in the mountains, the brand's PeakProof 3L shell is made from 100% recycled nylon, finished with PFC-free DWR (two wins for the environment) and offers 20,000mm of waterproofness with 10,000g breathability. Not only is it the perfect balance between waterproof and breathable, but it's also extremely durable, made with Tricot backer. On top of all that, it's very lightweight (12.8 ounces).

During testing, this jacket proved reliably waterproof under heavy and continuous water flow. In fact, it performed better than a technical rain jackets double its price. It felt seamless to wear while on fast-moving hikes through the Colorado mountains.

It has a flattering silhouette, despite all its bonus features. The Stio Ender has three zippered pockets; zippered, armpit vents to dump heat; and one of the best-fitting adjustable hoods we tested (it cinches like a baseball cap, rather than tight around the face). I particularly liked the brushed fleece chin guard when the jacket was zipped all the way up. I also appreciated the that the fit hits the sweet spot of not too baggy and not too tight.

The hem is slightly dropped in the back, but it doesn't cover the top of the thighs or much of the butt. Also, it only comes in three colorways (though I do love all three) and has a limited size range, which are the main reasons it didn't earn the top spot. But if you're looking for a highly technical rain jacket you can trust, and this size and color range works for you, we couldn't recommend the Stio Ender more.

Most stylish: Woolrich Waxed Trench Coat

It's nearly waterproof. This long trench coat is made from a waxed cotton-nylon blend that's both water-repellent and wind-resistant. While technically not 100% waterproof, it kept me perfectly dry under my umbrella during a spring downpour in New York.

Considering most city dwellers brave the rain with an umbrella overhead, this jacket is water-resistant enough to keep you dry on a typical rainy day while you're between shops, cabs, or the subway. Its rear slit has a snap closure for when you need to keep extra slush out, and the two generous front pockets have a hidden side opening. There is no hood on this rain coat, but that's part of what keeps the silhouette so clean.

It's classically elegant.Woolrich is a heritage brand known for making incredibly high-quality outerwear in classic silhouettes that'll last decades — and this trench holds true to the brand's name. Available in two colors, the waxed outer has a sleek and clean aesthetic to it. The more technical material is contrasted by rib-knit velvet wrist cuffs and collar for a refined touch. The jacket is designed with two ways of closing: a two-way zipper for full coverage and hidden snap buttons for quick security. The outside of the full-length flap has faux buttons for an added touch of smart aesthetic.

It runs very large. Not only is this rain jacket quite long, but it also runs rather big. For reference, I am 5'5" and typically a Large in jackets. The Waxed Trench I'm pictured in above is a Small and hits just below mid-shin. Sizes do run down to an XXS, but it would likely be floor-length on anyone under 5'2".

Best insulated: Patagonia Women's Tres 3-in-1 Parka

We know: $700 is a lot for a rain jacket. But for three different coats —all of which are sustainably made, durably constructed, and backed by a lifetime guarantee — it's a pretty good deal, especially if you live in a true four-season location where your needs change frequently and fast.

It's three jackets in one.Patagonia's Tres 3-in-1 Parka consists of two main jackets: A performance outer shell, made from 100% recycled polyester with an eco-conscious, DWR finish that is completely waterproof, and an inner 100% recycled, 700-fill-power, down insulation liner jacket. Separately, you have a long, down winter coat for those frigid, humid days where the damp air chills you to your bone.

It's easy to transition from one to the other. The rain jacket has a two-way full zip — very convenient if you like to ride a bike around the city, say — and a storm flap for a sleeker look and convenient, hidden snaps to close the jacket when you're dashing out and don't want to fuss with the zipper.

It keeps your entire upper-half warm and dry. This jacket not only looks expensive, but feels expensive. Both the outer shell and inner insulated liner have zippered pockets with a brushed fleece lining to keep your hands warm. The outer shell has an adjustable hood that also snaps off for a sleeker, city look, and a tall collar to protect your face from wind and rain.

As a rain jacket alone, this outer lining certainly gives the Fjällräven Vardag Rain Parka a run for its money. And while this jacket is, as we said, expensive, Patagonia's reputation and apparel longevity speaks for itself — plus, the brand offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Read more about our favorite gear from the B Corp brand in our full Patagonia outdoor clothing review.

Best sporty: Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0

Janji's Rainrunner Pack Jacket 2.0 is incredibly lightweight at just 7.2 ounces. I tested it out on runs and hikes and loved its permanent flap vents at the waist in the front and back. It's strategically designed to keep water out while preventing heat build-up. It also has a drop hem in the back for better splatter guard on muddy trails.

It's great for outdoor exercise. Despite its incredibly-lightweight construction, this rain jacket is shockingly durable. It's crafted with a 2.5-layer laminated shell of ripstop fabric (tough and windproof) treated with a PFC-free C0-DWR (eco-friendly and waterproof) coating.

It's especially handy for active lifestyles. As an avid runner, Janji makes some of the my favorite workout clothes. This fully seam-taped jacket has two zippered hip pockets (including an inner mesh pouch to minimize bounce), and semi-elastic wrist cuffs that stay in place when you run. The hood is an elasticized, scuba-like type with bungie toggles. It has a small visor in the middle to keep rain off your face and still allows for 180º of visibility. The jacket is very lightweight and comfortable to wear tied around your waist when the sun comes out, or it can be stuffed inside its self-stowing pocket and tossed in a backpack.

It can handle steady rain. During the drench test, the Rainrunner sufficiently kept water out during 60 seconds of significant water pressure, even around the flapped vents. It's not going to keep you dry in an hour-long, heavy rainstorm in Vancouver, but if you get caught in a sudden downpour, it will surprise you by how well it keeps water out during the stretch of time it'll take you to reach shelter. If you want a light jacket to bring on a run or a hike just in case, the Rainrunner is incredibly well equipped.