Are you searching for the best rain jackets for women? If that's the case, then this post is perfect for you!
It's raining again. Grabbing a rain jacket is a must for most outdoor enthusiasts. Women, specifically, have varying needs than men. After all, they require a tailored fit to feel the utmost comfort and protection against the elements. And depending on the situation and demand, they might need rain jackets that offer added insulation and mechanisms to prevent cold air drafts.
The list below showcases some of the top-rated rain jackets for women. Check them first before you do your own search. Let's get started!
| Layering | Primary Fabric | |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket | 3-layer | Recycled ripstop nylon |
| REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket | 2.5-layer | Recycled ripstop nylon |
| Arc'teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket | 3-layer | Ripstop Gore-Tex PACLITE Plus |
| Showers Pass Refuge Cycling Jacket | 3-layer | Nylon |
| Marmot Celeste Rain Jacket | 2.5-layer | Recycled nylon |
| Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket | 3-layer | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex Pro / N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex Pro |
| The North Face Resolve 2 Jacket | 2-layer | DryVent ripstop nylon |
PRODUCT LINK REI
With its 3-layer H2No Performance Standard construction, it is not a surprise that the Patagonia Torrentshell provides exceptional durability and water defense. It can keep you dry even in conditions where water and precipitation are ubiquitous. Furthermore, the jacket also boasts durable water repellent treatment that easily sheds snow and rain from its surface.
Meanwhile, the Patagonia Torrentshell has other ergonomics that female wearers will certainly love. Its microfleece-lined neck provides added protection and comfort to them. The front zipper on its center has a snag-free assembly, and its internal storm flaps guarantee that no water would make your interior clothing layers wet. It also includes a two-way adjustable hood for better fit and comfort. A drawcord hem seal is also equipped in the jacket to keep the elements out.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
It's somewhat essential that you check out the REI Co-op Rainier if you are looking for a high-quality rain jacket. This jacket offers windproof and waterproof qualities, but without losing its breathability. It can provide optimal upper body cover against the elements, thanks to its 2.5-layer ripstop nylon shell construction. It is rugged enough to withstand winds up to 60 miles per hour.
Interestingly, this rain jacket has sealed seams so that water won't be able to enter anywhere. It also includes a durable water repellent finish that is capable of shedding light rain and snow. Its pit zips help it discard excess heat; it is a useful feature whenever the rain stops and the sun gets up. You can also benefit from these vents while doing intense activities. Its three-piece hood comes with dual adjustments so that it can fit perfectly to your head.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
One of the top-rated rain jackets for women today is the Arc'teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket--albeit slightly expensive. Of course, that's justifiable, given that it has qualities that you can't find on other rain jackets. It can keep you fresh and dry, thanks to its 40-denier N40r Gore-Tex PACLITE Plus fabric. It is lightweight but offers impressive weather protection. It can easily bead off water and snow from its surface.
Meanwhile, its primary waterproofing is the same N40r Gore-Tex PACLITE breathable laminate, so you can expect that no water can pierce through your underlayers. There's also a patented WaterTight front zipper integrated on the Zeta Rain Jacket, making it extremely impervious to breaches of the elements. Two hand pockets with sliders guarantee that your small essentials are secured and safe while you are out and about.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
For every cyclist out there, the Showers Pass Refuge Cycling Jacket can definitely keep them dry! It is a versatile gear, too, as you can use it on other off-bike pursuits such as skiing and hiking. Its 3-layer, fully seam-taped construction delivers waterproof and breathable performance. The hardshell fabric doesn't let any drop of water enter its system. With its durable water repellent finish, it can also reduce the presence of moisture on its surface. Interestingly, the jacket also provides decent protection against UV rays.
Its adjustable hood can be removed from the main body. You simply stash it in the jacket's pocket whenever the weather is fine. You can also fit most cycling helmets on food, so it doesn't actually feel uncomfortable. Its lining on its collar provides additional convenience to its wearers. Furthermore, the jacket has a set of reinforced shoulders that prevents the fabric from being stretched when wearing backpacks. Its core vents reduce the chances of overheating while doing rigid pursuits.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
PRODUCT LINK AMAZON
Marmot is a reputable manufacturer of various outdoor gear. Hence, it is not that difficult to trust one of their opuses in the rain jacket department. Specifically, the Marmot Celeste Rain Jacket is a wonderful layer that can shield you from rain, snow, and anything in between. It is a 2.5-layer rain jacket that features the use of proprietary MemBrain Eco waterproof-breathable fabric derived from post-consumer nylon. It is both waterproof and windproof; its durable water repellent ensures water beads off its surface.
Moreover, the jacket has full taped seams so that no moisture and water splashes can pass through it. Its tuck-away hood has sufficient coverage that effectively blocks rain and wind. If you are not using it, you can easily stow it quickly. Multiple pockets are integrated into this jacket. There are two hand pockets on its exterior and one on its interior. With its elastic drawcord, fine-tuning its fit is pretty easy!
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
The Beta AR Jacket is another high-end rain jacket that Arc'teryx crafted. It has a reputable performance, as it has been in the market since the advent of the Y2K. The mere fact that it is here and well-beloved by female outdoor enthusiasts simply means that it has a quality that matches its reputation. It has a 3-layer architecture, so you can expect that it can deal with harsh weather conditions. It also has a lightweight construction despite providing full protection against the elements. Its seams are taped, and its fabrics are all rigid.
Its articulated, women-specific fit has an ergonomic function that lets it "follow" the movement of your body and ensure that all the layers beneath are well accommodated. This structure is supported by the anatomic shape of its elbows, which optimizes the jacket's fit and mobility to your body. Its gusseted underarms stop the jacket from pushing up as you raise your arms. Meanwhile, its patented DropHood has a laminated brim and offers compatibility to various helmets.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT LINK REI
PRODUCT LINK AMAZON
The North Face Resolve 2 Jacket is designed to tackle every stormy expedition out there. It has excellent waterproofing, and its shell exudes durability that can last multiple uses and trips! Its patented two-layer, seam-sealed DryVent fabric guarantees its female users a solid defense against water, wind, and other elements. While doing so, this jacket remains breathable so that you won't sweat too much while clad inside it.
Of course, The North Face Resolve 2 Jacket has a durable water repellent treatment on its shell so that it sheds off moisture and snow. You'll also appreciate that it has a mesh lining that assists in beading water to the shell's surface. The jacket has been integrated with a fully adjustable hood, which you can roll and stash in its collar. Meanwhile, its storm flap effectively shields its front zipper from water entry. You can also benefit from its cuffs and hem cinch cord, as they seal off your interior from the weather.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
One of the biggest weather concerns is the way the rain hits the body. Not only does it make you feel chilly, but it can also cause dampness or damp patches, which can lead to chapping, soreness, and discomfort.
Hence, women who are ought to explore the wild or urban jungle while there's a vertical downpour should be clad in a highly reliable rain jacket. But how do you even know that a particular rain jacket can keep you dry under inclement weather?
One should know that not all rain jackets can offer foolproof rain protection. You shouldn't confuse waterproof jackets with water-resistant ones; they aren't similar. Water-resistant clothing will only provide limited protection against water. If you expose them under strong torrents, they won't be able to hold up, and you'll end up getting wet.
Waterproof jackets guarantee that you remain dry at all times, regardless of the current atmospheric conditions. They ensure that no water or moisture would be able to bypass their construction, even if you are facing strong weather disturbances.
Interestingly, both waterproof and water-resistant jackets can be constructed from similar materials--such as polyester and nylon. On their own, these materials offer a certain degree of water defense. Many water-resistant jackets have been treated with durable water repellent (DWR) to help shed moisture and snow.
On the other hand, waterproof jackets still have a durable water repellent finish. But this time, it is just the first layer of water defense. Their full waterproofing comes from the fact that they have membranes or coating on their interior that prevent the entry of water. Rain jackets that have Gore-Tex layers on them are undoubtedly waterproof. You can also rely on other waterproof technologies manufactured by Patagonia and other brands.
Let me emphasize that even a waterproof rain jacket can't keep water out if it enters the gaps of the zippers. Hence, an ideal rain jacket should have intuitive zipper construction that seals their seams and protects you from leakages.
A rain jacket is not just constituted by a single layer of fabric. Instead, it is tailored by placing one layer to another. As I've mentioned, the exterior part of the jacket is either made from a nylon or polyester shell with a durable water repellent treatment. On its center is a breathable, waterproof coating or membrane (for waterproof jackets). Lastly, the interior of the jacket (the one that touches your skin) is a lining.
Most two-layer rain jackets have outer fabrics that have been laminated together with their waterproof membrane. As a result, these two layers appear to work as a single layer only. Meanwhile, its interior has a fabric or mesh layer that has been stitched to the entire jacket. This is the layer that gets in contact with your skin.
Typically, two-layer jackets are durable. Their interior liners are quite comfortable, as well; they rarely cause irritations. But at the same time, these two-layer jackets are bulky and heavy due to their liners. Overall, they are desirable gear for skiing and casual tours.
Although it sounds ridiculous, there are actually 2.5-layer jackets. Their exterior has the same construction as a 2-layer rain jacket. The primary fabric is laminated together with a breathable, waterproof layer. But this time, the interior of the jacket's membrane has been applied with a thin coating. Because of this design, the said layer will not get in contact with your skin directly.
Compared to a 2-layer jacket, a 2.5-layer rain jacket is lightweight and compact. This means that you can compress it and stow it inside a small stuff bag. However, many people would comment that the coating in the membrane layer feels somewhat sticky. Furthermore, the coating doesn't possess the same durability as fabric liner.
Overall, you can say that these jackets are designed for portable applications such as mountaineering and hiking.
It's notable that most 3-layer rain jackets appear to be made by a single layer only. This is due to the fact that all of its layers have been bonded. Specifically, the liner, membrane, and fabric are laminated into a single piece so that you won't feel that they are detached.
Most of the high-end rain jackets have a 3-layer construction. I also suggest that you pick this type of construction if you want to ensure that you remain wet even under heavy downpours. They offer exceptional durability and breathability. Furthermore, despite having three layers, these jackets remain compressible and lightweight.
If you get a rain jacket, you will be able to accomplish expeditions in high altitudes and alpines. It is an excellent gear for backcountry adventures, mountaineering, and off-grid pursuits.
You will never have to choose between function and fashion once you invest in the best rain jackets for women. These jackets don't help you weather off the elements but can also mitigate discomforts brought by the rain. After all, the right rain jacket also provides sufficient comfort and protection wherever your feet take you.
If you want to get a superb rain jacket right from the get-go, you should get at least one from the jackets that I've listed in this post. If you want to shop on your own, just refer to the guide here.
That's it for now. If you have other related inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.
