Top 10 Rain Jackets For Women

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: It’s no surprise to see L.L. Bean on the list, because they’ve been leading the way for quality recreational clothes since 1912. Constructed with their modern TEK waterproof technology, this coat’s interior layer is bonded to the exterior shell to provide you with double the protection from the elements.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: Not only is this women’s rain jacket lightweight and packable, but it’s also sustainably made from 100% recyclable materials. It has two zippered hand pockets and is designed to fold up and fit into an additional pocket on the chest.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Patagonia designs clothing that’s durable enough for a mountaineering excursion, so you can trust that the Torrentshell Jacket will keep you warm and dry on a regular rainy day.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: This women's lightweight rain jacket has a lot to offer: A waterproof membrane made from recycled nylon, underarm vents that promote airflow when hiking or exercising, an adjustable drawcord hem, and a hood that can be rolled up and stowed away.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: At $400, Arc’Teryx’s Beta LT Jacket is definitely an investment piece. But here’s why it’s worth its hefty price tag: GORE-TEX. GORE-TEX is the material this jacket is made of, and if you haven’t heard of it before, it’s basically the gold standard for waterproof textiles.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: There’s no doubt about it: This is one of the best raincoats on the list for heavy rain. It’s lightweight, is fitted so that the GORE-TEX is close to your body for maximum breathability, and it also includes a StormHood that fully protects your head from the elements without impeding your sightlines.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Let us hit you with the highlights: This coat is water- and windproof, has a reflective trim for added visibility, is available in 26 colors, and comes in a wide range of sizes (from XS to 5XL).

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: But wait, there’s more! This coat has a roomy fit and is lined with mesh, so you can easily sport a sweater underneath for extra warmth. It also has a wind flap, a two-way zipper, and weighs only one pound, which puts it in the running for best raincoat to bring along on a backpacking trip.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: We understand that functionality is the top priority when it comes to waterproof outerwear, but it’s nice to see a stylish raincoat for ladies on the list. The mid-thigh length and cinching at the waist come together to create a form-flattering effect, and the collar adds a nice preppy touch.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: It’s right there in the name, but if you missed it, this women’s rain jacket is also lightweight and packable. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: We’re not playing favorites, but the ReNew Anorak is one of the best types of raincoats, all because you don’t instantly know it’s a raincoat. It’s giving street-style attitude with its oversized fit and pockets, and the fact that it’s made from 100% recycled materials is just the cherry on top.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: Gorgeous as it is, this jacket has even more to offer. It includes a hidden waist drawstring that can be used to adjust the fit, a spacious hood, and a double-zip front closure.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: We’d start to question our algorithm if The North Face hadn’t made the list, because they know what they’re doing when it comes to weatherproof clothing. Their City Breeze Rain Jacket is proof of this; it has a wind- and waterproof shell that features a storm placket to keep cold air (and rain) out.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: There are two large pockets on the exterior of this coat as well as a hidden interior pocket to keep your phone or wallet extra safe. It also includes a large hood with a high collar, an elastic waist for a fitted structure, and a flattering drop-tail hem.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Columbia describes their Switchback III Jacket as “the perfect quick-fix layer for unpredictable days,” and we believe them, because here’s the best part of this waterproof women’s jacket: You can roll it up and pack it in its own pocket, so it fits in your purse for days when the forecast is iffy.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: This raincoat has all the essentials: a stow-away hood, adjustable cuffs, zippered hand pockets, and a drawstring hem.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Are we seeing double, or did two Columbia coats make the list back-to-back? It’s the latter, which further instills our confidence in Columbia’s ability to make some of the best raincoats for women.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: So, how is the Arcadia different from the Switchback? It shares many of the same features (such as the drawstring hem, zippered pockets, and adjustable cuffs), but there is one important deviation: the material. The Arcadia is made with Columbia’s Omni-Tech, a waterproof, windproof, breathable performance fabric that promises to keep you warm, dry, and mobile.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Who would have guessed the Venture 2 would be our #1? The nearly 3,000 people who gave this raincoat a 5-star review on Nordstrom’s website, probably.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: Heavy-duty enough for a mountainside hike but breathable enough to still be considered lightweight, this women's rain jacket features a seam-sealed DryVent shell, zippered pockets, a cinch-cord hood, and a storm placket for extra protection from the wind.