Best Products Style Fashion The 12 Best Women's Rain Jackets of 2023 The Columbia Women’s Switchback III Jacket is our top pick. By Marissa Miller Marissa Miller Instagram Twitter Marissa Miller is an experienced commerce journalist and editor covering all things health, wellness, fashion, beauty, home, and travel with work in The New York Times, CNN, NBC News, Vogue, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Teen Vogue, Women’s Health, USA Today and more. She is a certified personal trainer from the American Council on Exercise with a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, and is the author of PRETTY WEIRD: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Other Oddly Empowering Lessons, published by Skyhorse and distributed by Simon & Schuster. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 13, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel & Leisure / David Hattan We’re often caught without a rain jacket once it’s already too late. Stay dry and comfortable this rainy season with a jacket perfect for surviving and thriving in unpredictable weather. While certain women’s rain jacket styles serve simply to shield you from rain and light snow, other models offer more high-tech specs that make your entire wearing experience a breeze, from cinched hoods that won’t blow off in the wind, to discreet pockets to keep your belongings nice and dry, and adjustable draw cords and packable designs for easy storing and toting. If you’re looking to add a practical yet stylish women’s rain jacket to your wardrobe, look no further. We’ve got picks for every budget, occasion, and style. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Columbia Women's Switchback III Adjustable Waterproof Rain Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Packable : Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket at REI Jump to Review Best Budget: Champion Packable Hooded Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Canada Goose Seaboard Rain Jacket at Canadagoose.com Jump to Review Best Versatile : The North Face Women's Resolve 2 Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Marmot PreCip Waterproof Rain Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Breathable : Arc’teryx Solano Hoody at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather : The North Face Belted Long Parka at Amazon Jump to Review Best Performance: L.L. Bean Rain Jacket at Zappos Jump to Review Best Sustainable : Cotopaxi Rain Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Columbia Women's Switchback III Adjustable Waterproof Rain Jacket Amazon View On Amazon View On Apparelnbags.com View On Basspro.com Why We Love It: It’s fully waterproof, has an adjustable and stowable hood, and a classic silhouette that’s flattering on virtually everybody and every body. What To Consider: It hits at the hip, so you’ll need something longer for extra coverage. The material is also quite thin, so it’s better suited for warmer temperatures. Our favorite rain jacket is the Columbia Women’s Switchback III because it provides unbeatable value for the price. Between its packable design for easy toting, adjustable cuffs, fully waterproof shell, drawcord hem, and zippered hand pockets to keep your belongings safe, it boasts the elements of a rain jacket we’d normally see for double or triple the price. It’s sporty enough to withstand everything from hikes to power walks and jogs, while also feeling minimalist enough to wear indoors for brief periods without getting overheated. Plus, it comes in several stunning colors, from peach cloud to wild geranium, that are bound to add some brightness to dreary rainy days. Price at time of publish: $75 Sizes: XS to 3XL | Material: Polyester and nylon | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Waterproof Best Packable Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket REI View On REI View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It: Made in a fair-trade facility using recycled water bottles and salad bins, this packable rain jacket features a breathable, waterproof polyester shell in a planet-friendly sustainable package.What To Consider: It runs small, so be sure to size up, especially if you’ll be layering underneath. With pit zips for impromptu ventilation when you need it most to a microfleece-lined neck for chilly temperatures, this Patagonia rain jacket is designed for so much more than torrential downpours alone. It’s made of recycled ripstop nylon for a rain jacket that’s as kind to your body as it is the environment, packs into its own left-hand pocket for easy storage, and features an adjustable hood, a garage collar, and visor to further protect you from the rain. Price at time of publish: $149 Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: Recycled nylon | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Waterproof Best Budget Champion Women’s Packable Hooded Jacket Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Champion.com Why We Love It: The nostalgic half-zip design is super on-trend, and its kangaroo pouch pocket keeps your belongings safe and dry. What To Consider: It doesn’t have a full-zip, so it’s less convenient than other rain jackets you’ll be putting on and taking off frequently throughout the day. This no-frills wind- and water-resistant rain jacket is the perfect addition to any springtime or travel wardrobe with its packable construction, on-trend half-zip, scuba hood with adjustable cords, low-profile side-entry pocket and adjustable bottom hem and elasticized cuffs to further keep rain at bay. It packs into its own front pocket and slips easily over your coziest sweaters for the perfect impromptu shield from the rain. Price at time of publish: $55 Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: Polyester | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Water-resistant The 12 Best Packable Jackets for Women and Men of 2023 Best Splurge Canada Goose Seaboard Rain Jacket Canada Goose View On Canadagoose.com View On Neiman Marcus Why We Love It: It has ample length to provide full-body comfort and keep you nice and dry, plus reflective details for late-night visibility. Two-way stretch allows you to comfortably move around. What To Consider: It’s a bit pricey for a rain jacket, but its high-tech specs make it well worth the money. This waterproof rain jacket is proof your rainy day fit can — and should — look runway-ready chic. The slightly-stretchy rain jacket features a cinchable waist to customize your fit and a drop-down reflective flap at the back and sleeve for safe nighttime walks. The hood is fully cinchable so it stays intact during high winds without limiting your peripheral vision, and it features plenty of ventilation to further keep you dry. It’s fully packable, making it the ideal addition to your carry-on or weekend tote. Price at time of publish: $750 Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Polyester and nylon | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Waterproof Best Versatile The North Face Women's Resolve 2 Jacket Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Moosejaw.com Why We Love It: The North Face is an incredibly trustworthy brand in the outerwear space and this rain jacket is no exception, with its waterproof materials, adjustable cuffs, stowable hood and streamlined silhouette.What To Consider: The jacket is technically designed for use in the summer, so you’ll want to layer up during colder weather. No matter what’s on tap for the day (including a downpour of rain), the North Face Resolve 2 rain jacket has you (quite literally) covered. It has a drop hood that stows into its own collar, a fully waterproof shell, a polyester mesh lining to repel moisture, a hidden zipper closure for extra protection for your belongings, a storm flap to protect the front zip, and a cinch cord at the hem to customize your fit. Not to mention, it’s made of a ripstop recycled nylon material that stands up to heavy usage, so it’ll look good as new for years to come. Price at time of publish: $89 Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: Ripstop nylon and polyester | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Waterproof Best Lightweight Marmot PreCip Women's Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket Amazon View On Amazon View On Marmot.com View On Moosejaw.com Why We Love It: Between its packable design, fully lined chin guard, and adjustable hood, there’s lots to love about this lightweight rain jacket.What To Consider: Due to its rigid materials, the rain jacket will feel more comfortable layered over your favorite hoodie or sweatshirt. Adored by backpackers and leisurely hikers alike, Marmot delivers a durable yet breathable rainy day option in the PreCip Lightweight rain jacket. Its recycled nylon material keeps you fully dry while its microporous technology provides ventilation during high-intensity activity. It has ventilation at the armpits for all-day comfort, Velcro cuffs to keep out moisture, and a detachable hood to remove bulk when not in use. Unique colors like crocodile and grape keep the rain jacket from blending in with everyone else’s. Price at time of publish: $100 Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: Recycled ripstop nylon | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Waterproof Best Breathable Arc’teryx Solano Hoody Arcâteryx View On Amazon View On Arcteryx.com View On Evo.com Why We Love It: It’s lightweight and breathable enough to help moisture escape while being durable enough to block out wind, rain, and light snow. What To Consider: While it features four-way stretch material, it’s quite fitted so you might not be able to layer unless you size up. Arc’teryx makes a mean rain jacket that’ll protect you from the elements — be it a late summer drizzle or an early fall downpour. It’s made with water-repellent Gore-Tex that’s breathable enough to allow moisture and vapor to escape, allowing you to stay nice and dry. Its soft brushed polyester lining feels like a dream against the skin, it features elasticized cuffs to lock in warmth, it offers a tapered fit for a low-bulk look, and it comes with reflective details for nighttime safety. It’s Fair Trade certified, so you can feel good about wearing it, too. Price at time of publish: $230 Sizes: XXS to 2XL | Material: Gore-Tex | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Water-resistant The 10 Best Women’s Winter Coats and Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Cold Weather The North Face Nuptse Belted Long Parka Saks Fifth Avenue View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It: It offers next-level warmth with its responsibly sourced 700 goose down fill power and a chic cinched silhouette you can take from day to night. What To Consider: It’s extremely warm, so you’ll want to reserve it for blistering conditions in order to avoid overheating. Reach for this winter-friendly rain jacket any time the weather calls for both rain and snow, and thank us later. This full-length take on a fan-favorite is the ideal top layer on a frigid day with its 700 fill power made of goose down, adjustable belt for a flattering fit and extra warmth, two-way zipper for impromptu airflow, and adjustable three-piece hood to further protect your most prized extremity. While it’s certainly an investment piece, its ripstop coating provides additional protection of the fabric, so you’ll be proudly reaching for it season after season. Price at time of publish: $450 Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: Recycled nylon | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Water-resistant Best Performance L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket Nordstrom View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On L.L.Bean Why We Love It: It’s fully waterproof, features tons of roomy pockets, and packs down into a pocket-sized package for easy storage and travel. What To Consider: Because it’s designed to be fitted, you’ll need to plan your layers accordingly or size up. For a rain jacket that’s as ready for a rainy day as you are, opt for this best-selling L.L. Bean jacket available in regular, petite and plus sizing for the perfect fit. It has chest and hip pockets, features adjustable cuffs, a hem and hood that seal in warmth, and is made of fully waterproof sustainable recycled nylon. This updated model from the original jacket features even more robust waterproofing technology with both the exterior and interior lining bonded to one another. Price at time of publish: From $85 Sizes: XS to 3XL | Material: Recycled nylon | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Waterproof Best Sustainable Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket Amazon View On Amazon View On REI View On Cotopaxi.com Why We Love It: It’s fully waterproof, made with recycled materials that are free of toxic chemicals known to harm human health, and available in several retro colorways.What To Consider: Its water-repellent finish may create some rigidity, thus limiting range of motion. A sustainable rain jacket is one you can feel good about wearing for the way its production limits harm to the planet and the workers who manufacture it — luckily, you can also feel good about this option for its next-level-cool colorblocked design and waterproof properties. Its seams are sealed shut for extra protection against the elements, and it features a water-repellent finish that allows moisture to bead up on the surface without permeating your clothes. It comes with a chest pocket, dual hand pockets, and Velcro handcuffs to keep you warm in a pinch. Price at time of publish: $145 Sizes: XXS to 2XL | Material: Recycled polyester | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Waterproof Best Durable Outdoor Voices PreciPoly Jacket Outdoor Voices View On Outdoorvoices.com Why We Love It: It’s designed not just for light rain, but for all your wet and windy season adventures from skiing to backpacking.What To Consider: The arms are on the shorter side, so you’ll want to supplement your rainy day look with gloves for fuller coverage. For a rain jacket that lasts as long outdoors as you do, opt for this highly durable Outdoor Voices PreciPoly jacket made with triple-layer polyester. It’s made with a fully waterproof and breathable outer layer that benefits from additional breathable properties like its back and underarm ventilation. Bungee cords provide the hood with a perfect fit, and seven intelligently placed pockets at the back of the arm, chest and hip add to its overall convenience. Price at time of publish: $258 Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Polyester | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Waterproof Best Cropped Alo Yoga International Anorak Hoodie Alo Yoga View On Aloyoga.com Why We Love It: It’s the perfect transitional piece during light rain that still keeps you looking current and on-trend. What To Consider: This might be an appropriate option for light rain, but you’ll want to reach for something that offers more coverage during a downpour. We totally support wanting to show off your outfit while still staying dry. This ultra-chic Alo Yoga rain jacket functions as a hoodie that’s lightweight enough to wear indoors while still keeping you protected from the elements. Its water-resistant shell is paired with a mesh lining for added comfort, and it boasts an adjustable hood and waist for a perfect fit. Its zippered front pocket provides ample storage for your phone, cards and keys, while the snap placket on the neckline allows you to adjust your coverage. Price at time of publish: $148 Sizes: XS to L | Material: Polyester | Waterproof or Water-resistant: Water-resistant Tips for Buying Women's Rain Jackets Consider temperature control Whether you’re dealing with a cold November rain or a temperate early spring drizzle, there’s something about moisture in the air, and subsequently on our bodies, that makes us feel uncomfortable and cold. To play it safe, look for rain jackets that feature temperature control functionalities such as insulated or double-layer materials, drawcords to adjust how snugly the jacket fits against your body to further lock out air, zippered or buttoned sections that can be opened or removed for impromptu ventilation and airflow, and durable materials like nylon and polyester that are impermeable to keep you nice and dry. Think about how you plan to use it A rain jacket worn on a hike or down the sidewalk will require different specs. Think about when and how you plan to use your rain jacket, factoring in the likes of hidden pockets, hoods, adjustable drawcords, and more. If you’ll be moving around in the rain for an extended period of time, a waterproof rain jacket might be more favorable than a water-resistant one, which might be more appropriate for speed-walking through the parking lot from your car into a shopping mall than a five-hour hike in the rainforest. Packable designs are a necessity if you plan to travel with your rain jacket. Factor in style Like any piece of outerwear, a rain jacket could — and should — reflect your personal style. Gone are the days of utilitarian anoraks and shells that serve strictly to separate your body from the elements as rain jackets adopt some of the trends we see on runways and celebrity style blogs. You can now pick from contemporary cropped styles to puffer rain jackets all available in modern neutral hues or nostalgic bright colors reminiscent of retro ‘90s windbreakers. Plus, the more you love to look at your rain jacket, the more you’re likely to reach for it when the weather calls for it. Frequently Asked Questions How do I wash a rain jacket? As a rule of thumb, always check the specifications on your unique rain jacket for any special instructions. However, in general, you’ll first want to spot treat any visible staining, dirt or debris with a gentle solution of mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Before putting it in the wash (in a separate load from the rest of your laundry), close any zippers, buttons or pockets. Be sure to use a pH-neutral detergent designed specifically to protect the waterproof coating of your rain jacket, as typical detergents may break it down as they would standard oil and grease. Place it in the wash on a normal cycle with warm water (bonus points for adding in towels to further protect your garment), and place on a drying rack or gentle drying cycle. How should a rain jacket fit? Rain jackets are notoriously low on four-way stretch, so they should fit a little roomier than a typical garment. Like any jacket, a rain jacket should be loose enough to support at least a couple layers underneath, while maintaining your natural range of motion. When trying it on, make sure you can raise your hands above your head without it lifting up too noticeably at your torso and that you can bend or crouch down while still having ample room at your back and shoulders. What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant? Waterproof materials are designed to be completely impervious to water, moisture, rain and snow due to their higher levels of ingress protection, making them ideal for extended periods of time outdoors in inclement weather. Water resistant materials are those that can protect against water and moisture, however, over time, they will lose their impermeability and either stay wet, get you wet, or experience water damage. Why Trust Travel + Leisure T+L contributor Marissa Miller has been writing fashion content, covering fashion shows, and obsessively researching fashion and the best deals on the latest trends for the last dozen years. For this article, she touched on personal experience as well as high-quality shopper reviews to determine her list of the best rain jackets. The 17 Best Rain Jackets for Men Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit