By: Sarah Ziffer: Women's & Kid's Techwear Buyer | November 4, 2022
The best rain jacket is the one you have with you. That’s a simple maxim, but it carries a lot of weight. The best women’s rain jacket doesn’t do you any good if it’s at home hanging in your closet. So a good rain jacket needs to be lightweight and packable enough that there’s no excuse not to slip it into your pack whenever you head out. And it should be comfortable enough that you don’t hesitate to slip into it as soon as the sky starts to open. But beyond that, there are a lot of design features that come down to personal preference. Looking for a minimalist option with no pockets? We’ve got that on this list. Want something that breathes well so you can continue to do high-output activities in the rain? We’ve got it.
These are the best women's rain jackets on the market, but that doesn’t mean that they’re all equal. Instead, each jacket on this list has specific strengths and weaknesses that make them appeal more or less to different types of outdoor recreationists. So it’s up to you to decide what you’re looking for. No matter what though, the rain jackets on this list will expand the range of acceptable weather for you to play in outdoors with their specialized waterproofing.
Don't let a little rain stop you! Perfect for those heavily saturated days on the trail, the Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket provides all-day waterproof/breathable performance. Made with NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop that's derived from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution, the Granite Crest Jacket not only benefits you, it also benefits the planet. This is the perfect jacket for those days when you know it’s going to be raining all day, but you hit the trail anyway.
Material | Pockets | Original Price |
3L H2No | Chest Pocket & Hand Pockets | $279 |
The Burton Veridry 2.5L Rain Jacket will be your constant companion, rain or shine. 10K/15K waterproof-breathability is ready for anything, from light spring drizzles around town to big summer thunderstorms outside. Stuff it into its own pocket and throw it in your bag so you'll always be ready when the weather takes a turn. This is a versatile jacket that can handle any level of moisture.
Material | Pockets | Original Price |
10K 2.5L DRYRIDE | Hand Pockets, Chest, Interior | $159.95 |
Don't let a little bit of rain stop you in your tracks, pick up the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket and get after it! Cloaked in 3L H₂No® Performance Standard fabric, you'll face down every drizzle, downpour, and deluge with confidence. The zippers on this Patagonia weather-shedder are welted and storm-flapped, including a zipper garage that comes up over your chin so when you cinch the hood down you're practically a human submarine. The Torrentshell is a lightweight, more packable jacket, perfect for emergencies.
Material | Pockets | Original Price |
3L H2No | Hand Pockets | $149 |
Rain rain go away, but if you're wet and have to stay, zip up The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie and do it in style. No one will know you're wearing a rain jacket that has DryVent® 2L fully windproof and breathable fabric, because it'll look like you're wearing a fashion-forward and slightly cropped sweatshirt! Nothin' like running through puddles in style. If you want a stylish and functional rain top, this is the jacket for you.
Material | Pockets | Original Price |
DryVent 2L | Hand Pockets | $108.95 |
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket is the rain shell you need for lightweight travel through stormy weather. 100% recycled ripstop nylon is soft and quiet and the adjustable hood, cuffs, and drawcord hem keep water at bay. Underarm vents prevent overheating when you're on the move too, so you can keep getting after it no matter what Mother Nature brings. If you like to run or ride bikes in the rain, the Ozonic is a very comfortable option for rain protection.
Material | Pockets | Original Price |
2.5L Stretch | Chest Pocket & Hand Pockets | $199.95 |
Shield yourself from the storm with the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket. A durable, lightweight 2.5L shell made with Pertex® Shield Diamond Fuse fabric, the Helium Rain Jacket instantly beads up and repels raindrops while still allowing the garment to breathe when your core temp rises. Complete with YKK® Aquaguard® zippers, an adjustable hood, and reflective details, this jacket is fit for whatever wet weather activities you throw at it. And its classy style means it won’t look out of place on a rainy date night either.
Material | Pockets | Original Price |
2.5L Pertex | Chest Pocket & Hand Pockets | $158.95 |
The new Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Insulated Jacket Insulated Jacket is more than just a rain jacket. It has the stretchy, waterproof fabric you love from the original Ozonic™ with added insulation for soft, waterproof performance in colder precipitation. Underarm pit zips keep you from overheating and the raglan sleeves work well with backpack straps, so you can get outside no matter what the weather brings. If you’re looking for a little extra warmth from your raincoat, the Ozonic Insulated has you covered.
Material | Pockets | Original Price |
2L Stretch | Internal Pocket & Hand Pockets | $249.95 |
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Growing up in Florida, I missed out on the chance to get involved in snow sports. Tired of the heat, and seeking out the mountains, I moved to Seattle to start a new adventure. A few years after moving to WA I fulfilled my dream of learning to snowboard and immediately fell in love with it. After just one time out on a friend’s board I was hooked. I outfitted myself from head to toe with gear from evo, and got a season pass at Snoqualmie.
I quickly realized that snowboarding inspired me to live a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. I left my job at a fashion company to come and work for evo and become immersed in the culture and experiences that make the snowboarding community so vibrant. I have been at evo since 2017, am currently the women's and kids' techwear buyer, and enjoy learning and experiencing everything this incredible community has to offer.