The 6 Best Rain Jackets for Women for Trails and Commuting

This jacket has effective waterproofing, a flattering cut, and versatile style. The tailored silhouette gives you shape while still being comfortable enough to hike in and move around. The large pockets have waterproof zippers to keep your belongings dry and the laminated, extended cuffs provide extra protection.

Zoë Hannah, our deputy editor, swears by this jacket. “I’ve been using this all summer now, so it’s been through several downpours and countless drizzles.” She likes that tailored fit and the less swishy sounding material has a more muted look than DWR-treated jackets—they typically have an unattractive sheen that looks plasticky when you’re on the trails.

“I’ve never found my clothes or hair wet after a jaunt in this jacket, especially because the length in the back keeps the top of your pants dry,” Hannah says, “something that’s missing in so many women’s jackets.”

This rain jacket packs a lot of the same weatherproof features of more expensive styles at less than half the price. It’s packable and lightweight so it’s perfect to have in a pinch, whether it’s in your daypack on a hike or stashed in your work bag.

It has an adjustable hood for a better fit but it won’t accommodate a helmet. The adjustable velcro cuffs and drawstring hem seal out wind and rain and the mesh lining has feels more comfortable next to skin than an unlined PU fabric.

The standout feature for such an inexpensive jacket is its fully taped seams. Even some higher price-point jackets only have some of their seams sealed but the 33,000ft jacket delivers on waterproof construction.

Waxed canvas is a weatherproof fabric first used by 18th-century seamen to keep their sails from getting soaked in water. The tightly woven cotton canvas material on this jacket is treated with an oily wax that repels moisture, and you can always re-wax it when it wears down.

The Beadnell jacket was a staple of British equestrians but gained popularity for its versatile style and outdoor performance—today, it’s a stylish pick for men and women. A snap-button flap over the two-way zipper adds protection against wind, which goes a long way on a chilly winter evening. A detachable hood can be purchased separately.

The Aspire II is a durable rain jacket that uses Gore-Tex textiles for both the shell and lining. It has a flattering fit and a generous cut so you can layer sweatshirts or even a lightweight down jacket underneath. It’s better suited to cooler weather because of the thick material.

While you’ll find pit zips on a lot of rain jackets for ventilation, the Aspire II takes it up a notch with a vent running from the armpit down to the bottom hem. It’s a quick way to get air flowing and it’s more efficient than standard pit zips because of the sheer size of the vents.

This lightweight shell from Arc’teryx is as technical as it is versatile. The simple design has an array of waterproof features like a three-layer construction and sealed seams to ensure you stay dry in the heaviest downpours. The hip length gives you plenty of mobility for hiking and biking and the clean silhouette fits great on city streets.

The hood, cuffs, and hem are all adjustable to block out rain and wind and give you a more customized fit. The Beta has a generous cut for you to layer underneath but it can be worn with just a tee when hiking on a mild day.

This packable jacket is a lightweight option that can be easily taken out or shed between unexpected downpours. It packs into its own pocket that has an elastic strap for easy toting.

The editors at Runner’s World tested the Rainrunner under a shower-head at full-blast for five minutes and it didn’t leak. The absence of an interior liner reduces bulk and separate venting under the arms and at the torso give you breathability in warmer temperatures.