16 Best Hiking Jackets For Women On Trail & Rainy Days
/Hiking jackets for women can be hard to nail at the beginning when there are so many options out there in the market!
When I first started finding the right hiking jacket, I found that there was a lot of gear made for fashion rather than function.
I had to decide if it took up space, what form of layering do I need, and whether its waterproof or not!
Getting the right hiking jacket can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack but not anymore.
There are quite a number of options available with solid brands in the market giving you the biggest bang for your buck from Columbia to Patagonia and new-age brands like Beyond Clothing and Stio.
The right hiking jacket for women not only reduces the chances of slipping, falling, or getting another injury, but it is also a long-term investment.
The jackets available in the market are not exactly super cheap which means that buying one requires some research and understanding of which hikes you’ll be doing and what’s the terrain like.
Here’s where I round up the best hiking jackets for women:
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.
16 Best Hiking Jackets for Women
1. Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket
If we are talking about fully waterproof, lightweight jacket that conveniently helps escape those rainy days. This Patagonia jacket makes hell of a difference!
You can stuff into its own hand pocket for easy storage and it is made with a recycled face fabric and PFC-free water repellent treatment for sustainable function.
This evening mauve colour is super classy and stands out among other usual jackets in the market!
Pros
Excellent quality
Packable
Light and breathable
Cons
Slightly pricy
Also Read: What To Wear Hiking: In Summer, Spring, Fall & Winter
2. BALEAF Women's Waterproof Rain Jacket
Women who live in warmer climates with occasional rains will love this jacket.
It’s a lightweight, durable piece that is 100% rainproof and easy to pack — not bad at all for the price point!
Do keep in mind, however, that the fabric isn’t of the highest quality.
If you’re looking for a hiking jacket that will get the job done decently without spending a fortune, then this is a great choice.
Pros
100% waterproof
Lightweight and breathable
Packable
Fully seam-sealed
Cons
Not very versatile (only suitable for humid or warm climates)
3. Diamond Candy Women’s Waterproof Lightweight Rain and Hiking Jacket
Another budget-friendly option would be the waterproof hiking jacket from Diamond Candy. It’s waterproof, wind-resistant, and even has an inner fleece layer that can help with warmth in colder climates.
The waterproof feature of this jacket works well against rain, allowing water to roll right off the surface of the fabric.
Pros
Wind-resistant and waterproof
Deep pockets
Cons
Limited to temperatures above 30°F (-1ºC)
Also Read: 12 Best Minimalist Hiking Shoes and Boots (Men & Women) 2022
4. Marmot PreCip Eco-Rain Jacket
This rainjacket is excellent for wet weather and has some pretty great features that really come in handy while you’re out on the trail.
For instance, it has armpit zippers for ventilation, a hood drawstring, and deep front pockets with snap buttons.
If you’re looking for a jacket that will hold up well against the rain, then this is the pick for you.
Pros
Lightweight with ventilation
Weatherproof
Good value for money
Cons
Does not have the best quality lining
5. Columbia Women's Heavenly Vest
Some hikes will require more than a rain jacket. If you’re in need of a vest, then it’s worth checking out the Columbia Women’s Heavenly Vest.
It’s perfectly cut and remains light while keeping you very warm using their reflective lining technology.
This vest is ideal for layering with light to medium weight shirts underneath.
Pros
Unique thermal reflective lining
Flattering silhouette
Cons
Materials are not sustainably sourced
Also Read: 10 Best Comfy Women's Daypack for Hiking In 2022
6. The North Face Apex Bionic 2
The North Face Apex Bionic 2 is a great multipurpose jacket that is extremely durable.
This is perfect for more casual hikers who don’t need exceptionally well-performing hiking apparel.
You’ll find that this jacket also looks great with its relaxed fit. If you want a long-lasting item that has basic features such as breathability, warmth, and weatherproofing, then this softshell jacket is a good option.
Pros
Comfortable
Long-lasting
Casual style
Cons
No hood
7. Little Donkey Andy Women’s Waterproof Rain Shell Jacket
Many of the hiking jackets on this list are lightweight and waterproof because they are best for different weather types.
The Little Donkey Andy Women’s Waterproof Rain Shell Jacket is another great addition to these types of jackets. It’s lightweight and waterproof, perfect for hiking, travelling, fishing, or camping.
Pros
Good value for money
Hood can be tucked away
Flattering fit
Cons
Sizing runs small (best to size up)
8. Outdoor Research Helium II
The Outdoor Research Helium II is a light and very breathable jacket.
Its technological design uses your elevated body temperature and perspiration to transport moisture to the external environment — pretty cool!
It’s also easy to stuff into its own internal pocket, making it super packable. Those who love funky colours will love the hues that this jacket comes in.
Pros
Lightweight
Pocket doubles as a storage sack
Cons
Average durability
9. Ortovox Swisswool Piz Bial Jacket
If you’re a little more particular with the look of your hiking jacket, then the Ortovox Swisswool Piz Bial Jacket might be the one for you. Its features are also quite impressive.
Other than being lightweight, it is also reversible. On the one hand, you get a warm and cozy internal wool lining.
The other side provides wind protection and water-resistant fabric.
This combination makes it great not just for hiking, but for ski touring as well. Apart from those features, you also get extras like a large breast pocket for documents and elasticated cuffs.
Pros
Versatile
Breathable
Environmentally friendly
Cons
Expensive
10. Columbia Arcadia II
Women who do day hikes or longer ones with moderate conditions will appreciate the Columbia Arcadia II jacket.
It’s one of those versatile jackets that can take you from the city to nature with no problem.
Bear in mind that it’s not the best choice for more difficult terrain, like the Appalachian trail, but for easy to moderate trails, it’s a perfect addition to your hiking gear.
Pros
Ideal for short day hikes
Accessible hand pockets
Storm flaps
Cons
Bulky
No underarm vents
11. Marmot Minimalist Jacket
The Marmot Minimalist Jacket is as minimalist as it gets!
This is perfect for women who want something sleek and stylish while still holding up to the elements while hiking.
It has a nice inner lining that will keep you feeling comfortable as you hike for long periods. It’s best for hikes that have cool weather and light rains.
Pros
Has ventilation zippers
Easily packable
Good fit
Cons
Water resistance could be better
Material can be noisy
12. Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody
Another Arc’teryx option, this jacket comes in a very stylish and flattering cut and a great color selection.
It’s a fleece jacket, so expect it to keep you warm.
Made of Polartec fabric, this jacket provides wearers with breathability, warmth, and stretch for a comfortable fit. However, this isn’t the best choice for hiking environments that are rainy and wet.
Pros
Flattering fit
Durable
Comfortable
Cons
Expensive for a fleece jacket
Not water resistant
13. Women’s Veil Midweight L2 Pullover
Fleece jackets that are stylish? I am in!
Beyond Clothing’s do-it-all standalone piece of clothing is such a great addition to your hiking wardrobe. The pullover adds versatility and delivers an excellent job in terms of weight-to-warm ratio.
The attached hybrid hood/gaiter adapts to whatever coverage needs you have at a moment’s notice.
The best part about the jacket is its breathability. There are panels of lighter fabric at the underarms and sides combine with power mesh slits at the elbows to provide targeted, increased breathability.
Pros
Versatility
Durable
Comfortable
Cons
Pullover adjustment (if you’re not used to it!)
Not water resistant
14. Patagonia Women's Nano Puff® Jacket
Nano is sometimes the way to go, and Patagonia’s technology when it comes to a down jacket is one that is compact and completely water-resistant.
The women’s Nano Puff Jacket works like a charm and can be worn by itself or over a light fleece. It is incredibly lightweight and highly compressible with gold insulation and eco 100% postconsumer recycled polyester.
You’d want to get this for day hikes or as an alternative for week-long hikes due to its portability!
Pros
Lightweight
Water resistant
Sustainably sourced
Cons
Runs a bit large
15. Stio Women's Alpiner Hooded Jacket
If you’re a fast-paced hiker or need something with proper insulation, Stio Women’s Alpiner hooded jacket are hands down some of the best hiking jackets for women out there.
They match up to your constant training - so whether you’re on an expedition, a quick hike or doing ultras, their breathable active insulator is light, fast and technical.
The insulation cuts a cold-morning chill yet breathes deeply and keeps the interior dry during high-output activity. The stretch is a 10/10 as it allows you plenty of free-ranging mobility, while sleek construction gives you a superfast feel on the trail.
Pros
Super comfortable
Lightweight
Warm
Cons
Slightly expensive
16. STIO Women's Ender PACLITE® Hooded Jacket
If it’s a storm out there, and you’re on a remote trail where there are still some gnarly peaks left for you to conquer, this jacket may be your biggest lifesaver!
Stio’s waterproof and breathable storm shell with GORE-TEX technology, provides complete storm-and-squall protection on remote trails, high peaks and deep backwoods missions.
The zippers, flaterring style and completely waterproof hand pockets are a great bonus addition when you’re out there pushing uphill.
Pros
True to size
Lightweight
Waterproof
Cons
Slightly expensive
With all these options out there, it can be tough to sort of nail down which type of hiking jacket is best suited for you. Here’s how to decide what you need:
Types of Hiking Jackets
hiking jackets for women
Rain jackets. These types of jackets are meant to protect you from the rain. They are typically very lightweight and easy to pack. It’s important for rain jackets to have good breathability while keeping you dry from outside elements.
Fleece jackets. The main function of a fleece jacket is to provide warmth and breathability between layers. They are typically made of synthetic polyester wool that makes them perfect for chilly hikes.
Hardshell jackets. Hardshell jackets are made of very durable, non-stretchable fabric that is designed to provide lightweight, waterproof, and breathable protection in the rain or snow.
Softshell jackets. These jackets are not waterproof but they still have some element of water resistance. Softshells are made to be very breathable.
Down jackets. Down jackets are made from the soft and warm feathers of geese or ducks. The main purpose of these jackets is to provide warmth.
Insulated jackets. These are similar to down jackets but are made from synthetic fibers rather than natural down feathers.
Wind jackets. Wind jackets are designed to protect you from harsh winds, so they are made to be very breathable with some element of water resistance. These are most useful for environments like boats or windy mountains.
Winter jackets. These jackets are meant to keep the wearer warm and dry during the coldest times of the year. Winter jackets also have several elements of weather protection.
What makes a great hiking jacket?
There are several elements that make up a great hiking jacket, and not all of these jackets are made equal.
Some may have a superior water resistance rating while others are more suitable for warmer climates. Consider these factors when choosing your jacket:
Water resistance. No two jackets have the same level of water resistance, and just because a jacket is advertised as water-resistant doesn’t mean you will stay dry under the rain. Premium jackets will usually come with multiple waterproof layers to provide added protection.
Packability. How easily you can pack your jacket may be a major concern when you’re travelling and hiking. There are some shells and down jackets that are designed to fit into small spaces, but others can be quite bulky and take up room in your backpack.
Warmth. Before deciding on a jacket, determine how much warmth you’ll need it to provide. As a general rule of thumb, thin, lightweight shell jackets work best for most weather conditions — you can always layer if you get colder. However, nylon shells and thickly insulated jackets are more ideal for trails with harsh weather conditions. Be sure to check for good ventilation, especially in the underarm area.
Other details. What makes a great hiking jacket for you will depend on your needs. Check for little details such as pocket configurations, drawstring closures, zippers, and even colour. These things can make a difference when you’re out on the trail.
Like this story? PIN IT!
