A waterproof jacket is an essential item. Anyone who steps outside, be it in the bustling heart of a city or on the most rural hillside will know that the British Isles play host to some pretty damp weather. Sharp showers, persistent drizzles and torrential downpours are all part of the British experience – if you plan on getting anything done, you need to be prepared with some simple, yet effective, waterproofing.
For those who enjoy hiking, trekking and camping, a waterproof jacket carries extra importance – if you’re planning to be out all day, you need to be sure that you can stay warm and dry for both your own enjoyment and safety.
To help you find the best women’s waterproof jackets, we’ve rounded up the best options available to buy today. Our picks are lightweight, quick and easy to store in backpacks, but most importantly, they’re completely reliable. From their waterproof ratings, through to their carefully designed construction and component tech materials, these waterproof jackets can be trusted.
Plus, we’re happy to note that this protection doesn’t come at a price that will bust the bank. While there are many high-end options out there pushing way around £300, we’ve kept things affordable. No matter your budget, there’s going to be something for you.
A quick note on the water column...
At the bottom of this article, we take a closer look at what the water column means for your new waterproof jacket. As a general rule, however, these are the rough brackets you want to be aware of; for the urban user, up to 10,000mm should be fine, weekend hillwalkers will want to head for between 11,000mm and 15,000mm, and the dedicated mountainside stomper will want to look around 20,000mm.
Related: The best waterproof jackets tested
It’s important to note here that typically as waterproofing increases, so does windproofing. When you’re looking for a waterproof jacket, remember that the windproof ability can be just as important as its water resistance.
We’ve rounded up the best women’s waterproof jackets around. Here are our picks:
Jump to the best waterproof jackets:
The best waterproof jackets in detail:
Best compact jacket
Description
Pros: Outdoor specialist Marmot has delivered a highly accomplished waterproof with the Eclipse, which is part of the wider EVODry collection. Boasting a 20,000mm water column and 2.5-layer construction, this jacket can withstand significant downpours for extended periods. The lightweight design makes the Eclipse ideal for stowing in daypacks during walks in changeable weather. While wind and water ingress is kept to a minimum through materials and taped seams, the underarm venting allows the wearer to keep their body temperature and moisture controlled. The hood has a rigid peak to help keep eyesight clear.
Cons: A true three-layer build would be more comfortable when worn over long periods.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 350g |
| Water column | 20,000mm |
| Tech/td> | Marmot EVODry |
| Size | XS, S, M, L, XL |
Review: "This jacket saves your life in case of furious downpours while hiking in the mountains. Holds very well, excellent workmanship, breathable but at the same time keeps the body temperature well. Not suitable for winter, also used in autumn but with the right cover under a jacket. Great purchase!"
Best for everyday use
Description
Pros: Regatta, as always, is hitting a price point that will appeal to many looking for an everyday, reliable waterproof jacket. The Isomex technical material used in the construction has a water column rating of 10,000mm and maintains a high level of flexibility and breathability. There are two front pockets, one outer-breast pocket and one inner. The hood is peaked, helping to keep rain out of your eyes.
Cons: A lighter jacket with a higher water column would be better for dedicated hikers.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | n/a |
| Water column | 10,000mm |
| Tech | Regatta Isomex |
| Size | XS-5XL or 8-26 |
Review: "Completely waterproof in the heaviest rain imaginable and stayed dry and warm, no seeping at the seams at all. The drawstring at the hem ensures a good fit and the hood (which also has a slight peak) can also be drawn in at the front and back keeping it in place in big wind. Fits perfectly over my hooded softshell jacket and I love the front chest pocket for my phone, easy to access!
"It’s hard to find plus size outerwear that fits and feels good. At 5’3” it’s a good length on me covering my bottom and the Velcro cuff keeps the sleeve in place. Really pleased to have a technical coat to wear out on the moor with my dog."
Best to protect against heavy rainfall
Description
Pros: Jack Wolfskin's Mount ISA jacket is of a hardshell construction, boasting a great level of waterproofing, general weather protection and breathability. While the outside protects you from the elements, the inner material has moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable during hikes and activities. The soft material that's been used is non-restrictive, providing a great range of movement. Though the jacket is fitted the cut is quite loose, meaning that it's great to use as part of a layering system.
Cons: Due to the wider weatherproofing capability, the Mouse ISA is heavier than other options on this list.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 450g |
| Water column | 10,000mm |
| Tech | TEXAPORE SMOOTHLIGHT 2L |
| Size | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
Review: "My wife tested the Jack Wolfskin Women's Mount Isa weatherproof jacket. The size M fits exactly, the jacket falls according to the size. The material is windproof and waterproof and yet breathable. As a result, you do not sweat excessively in the jacket. The zip of the jacket is rainproof. In addition, the jacket has a simple hood, which can be quickly lashed with a cord. On the sleeves, the jacket is closed with Velcro fasteners. The Velcro fasteners hold well. The jacket has a pocket without closure on the inside and two pockets on the outside, each with a zipper. The jacket is quite light, making it ideal for travelling."
Best lightweight
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Description
Pros: For such a comfortable, waterproof and robust jacket, the Rab has managed to keep the Downpour Plus' weight to a minimum. This is great news for when it's being worn, and equally when it comes to stowing it away in a backpack. The collar is very high, which is great for standing up against wind and rain. As it's not a required test in the industry, finding the water column rating of the Pertex Shield 2.5 material used in the construction is difficult u2013 however, the material is comparable to Gore-Tex, which can typically withstand 20,000mm.
Cons: There's no peak on the hood.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 330g |
| Water column | n/a |
| Tech | Pertex Shield 2.5 |
| Size | 8-16 |
Review: "I was looking for a very waterproof lightweight jacket and so far so good!! Love the colour too - usually, women's outdoor gear is pink or turquoise or purple which really isn't my thing so the burnt orange is great and stands out against the green of the countryside too."
Best for durability
www.berghaus.com
Description
Pros: Berghaus' Hillwalker Interactive jacket finds its excellent, 100% waterproofing guarantee by using the two-layer Gore-Tex Performance technical material. As the rain beads off of the jacket and roll-away hood, the wearer remains temperate thanks to this material's equally impressive breathability. The Hillwalker will last, too, as the material's ripstop credentials protect it from wear, snags and tears. The jacket has extra value added to it when combined with a compatible Berghaus mid-layer fleece, which can be zipped in to fight off the cold weather. This factor also means that there's enough room for wearers to layer non-Berghaus items - they just won't zip in.
Cons: A compatible mid-layer adds around £55 to the overall cost – but this isn't a necessary purchase.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 578g |
| Water column | n/a |
| Tech | Gore-Tex Performance |
| Size | 8-20 |
Review: "Love this coat does exactly what I want, comfy and great waterproof for dog walking in all weathers. Really pleased with the investment and it seems very waterproof too! The fit is a bit snug across the chest."
Best all-round design
Description
Pros: It's simple, but it does the job in style. The 70D ripstop material has a great water column rating and windproof sealing. A detachable and stowable hood tucks up into the brushed cotton collar, which is soft against the skin. Mech lining helps to reduce inner condensation and prevents skin from sticking to damp ripstop nylon. On the front, there are two zippered hand pockets.
Cons: It's a solid waterproof, no complaints here.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 470g |
| Water column | 20,000mm |
| Tech | 70G Nylon Ripstop |
| Size | XS-L (depending on colour availability) |
Review: "A good fit - roomy enough to wear a fleece underneath, which is good as the jacket itself is not padded. Good waterproofing and the hood is a good size, too."
What is the best waterproof women's jacket?
When considering all specifications and features of a waterproof jacket for women, the What's The Best team pick the North Face Resolve Jacket, thanks to its all-round design and capabilities. However, if you're looking for something a lot more durable, then we highly recommend the Berghaus Hillwalker Interactive Waterproof Jacket.
Are waterproof jackets breathable?
Breathability is one feature that you must take into consideration when picking the type of waterproof jacket you want to buy. Some jackets are designed with breathable fabrics and with removable layers so that you can enjoy a long hike without sweating too much, even in rain showers or torrential downpour.
What is water column?
Water column is a test measuring a material’s waterproofing ability. A column of water is placed on the material, with more being added until the water begins to leak through. The result is given in millimetres (mm) – the higher the number, the more waterproof a material is. Sometimes the water column is known as hydrostatic head, but this is a more commonly used when referring to tent waterproofing.
Here's a water column quick guide on what to look for:
Less the 5,000mm – Little to no water resistance
6,000mm to 10,000mm – Showerproof over a short time
11,000mm to 15,000mm – Rainproof under moderate rainfall
16,000mm to 20,000mm – Rainproof under heavy, persistent rainfall and wet snow
For the urban user, up to 10,000mm should be fine. Weekend hillwalkers will want to head for between 11,000mm and 15,000mm, and the dedicated mountainside stomper will want to look around 20,000mm. It’s important to note here that typically as waterproofing increases, so does wind proofing. When you’re looking for a waterproof, remember that its wind proof ability can be just as important as its water resistance.
Don't forget to protect your legs from the elements, too: The best Gore-Tex waterproof trousers
How to keep warm and dry
It's about keeping warm as much as it is about keeping dry, so we've got a buyer's guide to base layers and the best down jackets (which are ideal for wearing under a waterproof).
It's not all about the torso though - if you're heading out in the drizzle, don't neglect your legs and take along a pair of the best rain pant overtrousers.
What to read next:
William Lobley is a Senior Content Writer and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in gaming, technology and the outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.
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