The best waterproof jackets for women, tried and tested

Score: 94/100

When it comes to robust outdoor apparel, The North Face is probably one of the first brands that springs to mind, and its waterproof jacket lived up to our expectations on test.

It’s made from three layers of seam-sealed DryVent fabric, which is windproof, waterproof, and breathable to avoid overheating. It’s lightweight and thin, but still provides plenty of warmth, which one tested said was “perfect for hikes when you work up a sweat.”

It also has two side pockets and one chest pocket, easily accessible via a watertight zip. And it passed our lab waterproof test, so it should keep you and your valuables nice and dry.

Score: 93/100

Our runner-up combines style and practicality – plus, it scored brownie points with our panel for its great fit. “The jacket looks, feels and performs like a good quality product,” is how one tester summed it up. It also has six handy pockets, with taped zips for an extra layer of security.

Aesthetics aside, its waterproofing capabilities passed both our lab and real-life tests, with one tester saying, “Rain just runs right off it, and I shake off any beads of water, which leaves it completely dry.” A great option for rainy days.

Score: 92/100

This jacket’s standout feature is its peaked, adjustable hood, which keeps the wind and rain out of your face and won't fall down. It’s fully helmet-compatible too, so you can use it while climbing or cycling. It also comes with an insulating chin guard, which one tester confirmed kept them "dry and comfortable” while out in the elements.

The price point reflects the jacket's quality. One tester said they’d continue to wear it after the trial and would happily “recommend it to those who hike a lot and need something technical to keep them dry”, confirming it’s worth the investment.

Storm Bert was no match for the Pinnacle either. One tester told us it kept them dry throughout, saying they felt “very lucky to have it!”

Score: 90/100

Waterproof clothing may not have the best reputation when it comes to style, but this one bucks the trend, according to one of our testers, who said, “It looked and felt nice to wear.” The devil wears... Aden?

Not only does it look good, but it feels good too, thanks to the soft, cosy lining that makes it much comfier than your average waterproof. The only niggle from our testers was that the external pockets were slightly shallow. There is one internal pocket large enough to store a phone, but if you’re planning a longer hike, you’ll probably want to take a bag too.

If things get muddy en-route, just chuck it in the washing machine when you get back and we found it dries quickly, too.

Score: 90/100

Whether heading out in a light drizzle or a heavy shower, this jacket kept our testing panel dry and comfortable. It earned extra points for its handy peaked hood, as multiple panel members told us it kept the rain out of their faces, without obscuring their vision.

It’s less insulated than some of the other designs on our list, so it’s probably more suited to warmer spring or autumn weather. That said, it’s spacious enough to fit an extra layer underneath on those extra fresh days.

Score: 88/100

This jacket is made from ARED 30k/30k fabric, which the brand claims is its most protective yet, keeping you sufficiently dry, while also keeping the air flowing, thanks to the fabric’s micropores. One tester, who lives in hilly terrain (so lots of sweaty hikes in the rain), put this jacket through its paces and confirmed it lived up to its breathable claims. They found it kept them much more comfortable than other waterproofs they’d tried before.

It also has multiple pockets, while still being lightweight and comfy to wear, and it can easily be packed away into a rucksack when the clouds lift.

Score: 87/100

This walking jacket was made with brisk hikes in mind – we found it extremely lightweight, breathable, and importantly, waterproof. It has specially designed raglan sleeves, which are designed to allow more freedom of movement if you’re partial to a power walk.

According to one tester, “It fits like a second skin”, so it’s a good choice if you’re working up a sweat and are looking for the fabric to move seamlessly with you. If you’re after a looser fit or plan on wearing a jumper underneath, however, we recommend sizing up.

Despite wearing it out in light rain, one panel member really wanted to put it through its paces, so decided to test it with an overhead shower too, and it didn’t disappoint. “It kept me dry in both conditions,” they confirmed. Now that’s dedication!

Score: 87/100

With multiple Velcro straps, zipped air vents, toggles and pockets, this is a versatile jacket that can be adjusted for your comfort. “Very well designed and thought through,” was how one tester described it.

Despite the brand’s claims, some panellists didn't find it as breathable as they’d hoped and thought it would be better suited to low-impact walks rather than long hikes or runs. All in all, though, it’s a comfortable and lightweight jacket that can be easily packed away if needed. It would be a great pick for the commute.