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In the words of Alfred Wainwright, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”. When you live in boggy Britain, where it rains more than 150 days a year, waterproofing is a serious business – and a great waterproof jacket is a year-round wardrobe staple.
Whether you’re climbing a mountain or heading out on the commute, it’s worth investing in a decent jacket that’s fully waterproof, breathable and fits you properly. I’ve put 15 through their paces in rainy hike conditions to find the very best women’s waterproof jackets.
At a glance
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Best waterproof jacket overall:
Montane Torren
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Best budget waterproof jacket:
Craghoppers Caldbeck II
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Best premium waterproof jacket:
Arc’Teryx Beta AR
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Best waterproof jacket for the mountains/pros:
Rab Latok Gore-Tex Pro
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Best packable jacket:
Haglöfs Front Proof
Why you should trust me
I’m a seasoned adventure travel writer and gear tester who’s been putting outdoor kit through its paces across the globe for more than a decade. I’ve hiked many a mile in the name of testing waterproof jackets. I reckon I’ve tried well over 100 different raincoats, wearing them everywhere from the summit of Mount Kenya to my favourite local pathways in Cornwall and the Cotswolds. I’ve also just finished working on two UK walking guides for Lonely Planet – a great excuse to hit the trails in any weather.
How I tested
Handily for me, the rain over the past few months has been relentless, which means I had plenty of time to figure out which waterproofs would keep me dry over long wet days in the great outdoors. I took each jacket I’ve recommended on hikes around the country, everywhere from the top of Stickle Tarn in the Lake District to the sea-sprayed Cornish coast. The mild weather also gave me the chance to test another key feature of a good waterproof – breathability – on muddy trails and city streets alike.
New jackets called in to test for this article were donated to the Julian Trust Night Shelter in Bristol. The charity gives outdoor kit to homeless people.
The best waterproof coats and jackets for women in 2026
Best waterproof jacket overall:
Montane Torren
Montane
Torren
from £259.95
What we love
Great fit and performance; environmentally friendly material
What we don’t love
Limited colours; pricey if you want something casual
Montane’s Torren is an award-winning jacket, and for good reason. There’s lots of great stuff here, and the design is pleasingly lightweight and comfortable to wear. It’s technical enough for adventures at altitude yet doesn’t feel like overkill if you’re walking the dog. The Torren’s recycled nylon shell is also highly waterproof without the use of damaging chemicals, something all outdoor clothing manufacturers should be working to achieve.
Why we love it
The Torren is indeed highly waterproof and kept the rain off all day long when I was out in last October’s wet and windy Storm Ashley. Montane uses its own-brand Petrichor technology to waterproof this coat, but it seems to stand up when compared with Gore-Tex, plus it doesn’t use environmentally harmful Pfas.
The Torren is ready for high-stakes days outdoors, thanks to a helmet-compatible hood, harness-compatible pockets and articulated arms, which give a good range of movement. However, it’s also simple enough to use for relaxed hiking days and, although it fits on the slim side, you can stick a thinner insulated jacket underneath. It’s hard to pick holes in the design, but if pushed, my niggle would be that, besides plain black, the only colours available are pastels.
It’s a shame that … there are limited neutral colours available.
Material: recycled nylon
Waterproofing: Petrichor (20,000mm)
Colours: three
Sizes available: 8-16
Montane
Torren
from £259.95
What we love
Great fit and performance; environmentally friendly material
What we don’t love
Limited colours; pricey if you want something casual
Best budget waterproof jacket:
Craghoppers Caldbeck II
Craghoppers
Caldbeck II
from £48
What we love
Waterproof; recycled materials; relaxed longer fit
What we don’t love
Only some colourways have big reductions
There’s no need to spend a fortune on a techie shell if all you want is a reliable waterproof for dog walks, school runs and weekend strolls. In that vein, the Craghoppers Caldbeck II is ideal: it’s a no-nonsense, longer-length jacket with a nicely fitted hood and a waterproof membrane to repel showers.
Why we love it
Craghoppers’ own AquaDry membrane proved its worth in tests, shrugging rain off the Caldbeck II while out and about. Note, though, that this performance may diminish over time, and it will need reproofing. Elsewhere, there’s a touch of stretch to the fabric, the fit is relaxed without feeling boxy, and there’s room for layering underneath on colder days. The main fabric and lining are made from recycled polyester, and the deep pockets are great for stashing your phone or warming your hands.
At the time of writing this jacket’s RRP of £160 had been reduced to between £48 and £80, depending on the colour – but even at its full price, it remains good value.
It’s a shame that … the biggest discounts are limited to certain colourways; the styling is more practical than pretty.
Material: recycled polyester
Waterproofing: AquaDry
Colours: four
Sizes available: 8-20
Craghoppers
Caldbeck II
from £48
What we love
Waterproof; recycled materials; relaxed longer fit
What we don’t love
Only some colourways have big reductions
Best premium waterproof jacket:
Arc’teryx Beta AR
Arc’teryx
Beta AR
from £449.89
What we love
The fit, waterproofing and versatility in the mountains
What we don’t love
The price!
If keeping dry is the feature you value above all else, then the Arc’teryx Beta AR is for you. The upgraded Beta jacket uses Gore-Tex Pro for serious weather protection for hikers, skiers and mountaineers alike, all while staying breathable.
Why we love it
Gore-Tex’s Pro waterproofing material is PFC-free, eliminating the use of any chemicals that are harmful to the environment. However, in doing so, it doesn’t compromise on performance – it’s properly waterproof, with rain beading off the material as if off the proverbial duck’s back. I also rated the Beta AR’s fit, which is streamlined but with room to layer beneath.
Every detail – from the helmet-compatible hood to the water-resistant zips – seems well thought out, great quality and comfortable to wear. The women’s version of this jacket comes with adjustable waist and wrists, too. I wore the Beta AR in squally, wet and cold weather, and it kept me dry all day, and even with layers beneath, I didn’t feel clammy or hot. Yes, the Beta AR is expensive, but it will keep you dry on everything from mountain missions to pub walks.
It’s a shame that … it’s undeniably expensive. Casual wearers are unlikely to need this level of waterproofing.
Material: Gore-Tex Pro
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Colours: five
Sizes available: XXS–XXL
Arc’teryx
Beta AR
from £449.89
What we love
The fit, waterproofing and versatility in the mountains
What we don’t love
The price!
Best waterproof jacket for the mountains/pros:
Rab Latok Gore-Tex Pro
Rab
Latok Gore-Tex Pro
from £336
What we love
As waterproof as they come – but still light and comfortable
What we don’t love
The bells and whistles – overkill for casual country walkers
British climbing and mountaineering brand Rab designed the Latok Pro for when you need “breathability, durability and protection in equal measure”. If you love to hike hill and dale in any weather, this jacket marries comfort and a female-specific fit with rain-repelling Gore-Tex in a sleek design.
Why we love it
I did lots of happy hiking in the Latok Pro. Gore-Tex is an ever-reliable technology for waterproofing, and the Latok comes with a hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm. This ensured that nary a drop of rain seeped through while hiking through sustained wet weather in the Lake District. The hood was also my favourite on test – it stayed put in high winds, and the stiffened peak kept rain off my face. It packs a weatherproof punch and includes a Recco reflector (which makes you searchable by professional rescue teams using a special radar detector), yet the Latok Pro remains lightweight, at 366g, to be comfortable enough for all-day wear, and fits brilliantly while under a rucksack.
It’s a shame that … it’s too techie and expensive for casual use.
Material: Gore-Tex Pro fabric
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Colours available: four
Sizes available: 8-16
Rab
Latok Gore-Tex Pro
from £336
What we love
As waterproof as they come – but still light and comfortable
What we don’t love
The bells and whistles – overkill for casual country walkers
Best packable jacket:
Haglöfs Front Proof
Haglöfs
Front Proof
from £114
What we love
Rainproof, but extremely lightweight
What we don’t love
There are limited pockets to save on weight
Changeable weather conditions on the horizon? The Haglöfs Front Proof is designed to be lightweight and packable, so it’s ideal for exploring under moody skies when you might be throwing waterproof layers on and off at every turn.
Why we love it
I’ve always rated Haglöfs’ outdoor kit, and the Front Proof didn’t disappoint. First, it was so lightweight that I barely noticed I was wearing it. Plus, I could quickly pack it down and chuck it in my rucksack once the rain had passed.
While this design uses Haglöfs’ own-brand Proof technology, rather than a Gore-Tex membrane, it held up impressively well against steady rain and wind. It isn’t quite as breathable as premium Gore-Tex shells, so it can feel a little warm if hiking uphill. The minimalist design also means you don’t get features, such as pit zips or a chest pocket. Yet, for the £140 price, the weight and packability, the Front Proof is a brilliant all-rounder for unpredictable weather.
It’s a shame that … design is somewhat minimalist.
Material: recycled polyester
Waterproofing: Haglöfs Proof
Colours: four
Sizes available: XS-XL
Haglöfs
Front Proof
from £114
What we love
Rainproof, but extremely lightweight
What we don’t love
There are limited pockets to save on weight
Best waterproof for fit and comfort:
Klättermusen Allgron 2.0
Klättermusen
Allgron 2.0
£500
What we love
Lovely female fit and soft-touch fabric
What we don’t love
Fiddling with the bungees on the wrists
Swedish brand Klättermusen has been making mountain equipment since 1975, and if you want a hiking jacket you can also wear for snow sports, the four-season Allgron 2.0 is the perfect fit.
Why we love it
Some premium waterproofs repel rain brilliantly – but can feel plasticky and stiff, and rustle loudly with every step. Not so with Klättermusen’s Allgron 2.0, which is pleasingly soft to the touch, flexible and doesn’t feel scratchy against the skin. Cut slightly longer than other jackets I tested, this jacket covers more of your hips, keeping your lower torso warm and dry. It sits well under a rucksack without moving or riding up, too.
There are plenty of technical features here: it’s fully waterproof, has great pockets and ventilation zips, and comes with a built-in Recco reflector for snow sports. I’d have preferred Velcro on the adjustable wrists rather than fiddly bungees, but overall, this was my favourite of all the jackets on test for comfort and female fit.
It’s a shame that … it’s painfully pricey, and with fiddly bungees on the wrists
Material: polyamide
Waterproofing: Cutan
Colours: seven
Sizes available: XXS-XL
Klättermusen
Allgron 2.0
£500
What we love
Lovely female fit and soft-touch fabric
What we don’t love
Fiddling with the bungees on the wrists
Best jacket for breathability:
Montane Phase
What we love
Breathable, ideal for fast-paced hikes and outdoor pursuits
What we don’t love
No plus-size range, and the sleeves are a shade long
Montane’s Phase jacket is one of the brand’s bestsellers, and I can see why. It’s comfortable to wear, sufficiently weatherproof for adventures at altitude – yet doesn’t feel too much for casual dog walking.
Why we love it
The Phase uses Gore-Tex for waterproofing and kept the rain off all day when I was out in autumn 2025’s Storm Benjamin. Montane’s Barrier technology maintains breathability, and the Phase jacket really stood out in warmer wet weather, where I remained comfortable and cool – even when cycling or trekking uphill.
Elsewhere, there’s a helmet-compatible hood, harness-compatible pockets, and articulated arms – which give a good range of movement for climbing, mountaineering and other high-octane pursuits. However, the Phase is also simple enough to use for relaxed hiking days. The fit was decent, but the sleeves were a shade too long for me, although they are adjustable. Sizing is limited, though.
It’s a shame that … the sleeves are a little long; limited sizing.
Material: recycled nylon
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex (28,000mm)
Colours: four
Sizes available: 8-16
Montane
Phase
from £178
What we love
Breathable, ideal for fast-paced hikes and outdoor pursuits
What we don’t love
No plus-size range, and the sleeves are a shade long
Best jacket for skiing:
Tierra Roc Blanc Gen 4
Tierra
Roc Blanc Gen 4
£480
What we love
Tough and ticks all the boxes for mountain adventures
What we don’t love
The price – get something cheaper for weekend strolls
An updated version of Tierra’s reliable Roc Blanc, this jacket is designed in Sweden – where locals know how to handle serious winter weather. Built with top-end materials and mountain-ready features, it’s ideal for ski touring or alpine adventures.
Why we love it
The three-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric of the Roc Blanc Gen 4 shrugs off snow and sleet, while the generous cut of this jacket allows easy layering underneath. Mountain-specific design touches such as a helmet-compatible hood, large chest pockets (accessible even with a harness on), and ventilation zips make this a capable piece for demanding days on the slopes, as well as stylish enough to wear around resort towns.
At £480, the Roc Blanc Gen 4 is an investment piece, but for performance, durability, and comfort in harsh alpine conditions, it earns its place among the best ski jackets out there. If you want some of that technical nous without the price tag, the earlier generation Roc Blanc jacket is now available for £180.40.
It’s a shame that … sizes and colours are limited; it’s an investment piece
Material: recycled polyamide
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Colours: one
Sizes available: XS-XL
Tierra
Roc Blanc Gen 4
£480
What we love
Tough and ticks all the boxes for mountain adventures
What we don’t love
The price – get something cheaper for weekend strolls
For more, see our guide to the best affordable ski-wear
The best of the rest
Seasalt Janelle
What we love
Warm, longer cut; flattering, fully waterproof
What we don’t love
You’ll get sweaty if you do more than stroll
Best for: a warm parka
Meet my pick of the warm parkas. If you like a bit more coverage than a hip-skimming waterproof jacket, you’ll love Seasalt’s popular, longer-cut Janelle waterproof coat. It comes in four muted shades, it fits beautifully, and it’s waterproof, even in pelting rain.
There’s enough insulation to trap in warmth on winter dog walks, plus nicely placed hip pockets, a reinforced wide hood and a cosy soft lining. The Janelle coat is made with recycled materials, and you can also choose from petite, regular and tall iterations as well as plus sizes.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not short or breathable enough for sports.
Material: recycled nylon; waterproofing: Tide Cycle; colours: four; sizes: 8-28
Seasalt
Janelle
£125
What we love
Warm, longer cut; flattering, fully waterproof
What we don’t love
You’ll get sweaty if you do more than stroll
Patagonia Torrentshell
Patagonia
Torrentshell
from £124.89
What we love
Fun colours, fully waterproof, easy to wear
What we don’t love
A touch flimsy when compared with our best in test
Best for: a casual waterproof jacket
The Torrentshell ticked many boxes for me, from the cosy fleece-lined collar that feels nice against the skin to the stowable, adjustable hood. It repelled water effectively out in the Cumbrian hills, with water beading on the jacket’s surface, and was breathable enough for hiking, thanks to good pit zips. However, I don’t think this design would be breathable enough for sweatier endeavours, such as climbing or mountaineering.
I also like that this lightweight coat stuffs into its own pocket if the sun comes out. If you want to squeeze a thicker puffer jacket underneath, I’d consider a size up. As well as a high-quality jacket, Patagonia is an ethical pick – this jacket is Fairtrade and made using recycled materials.
It didn’t make the final cut because … breathability is limited compared with the other jackets on test.
Material: recycled polyester; waterproofing: H2No standard; colours: 13; sizes: XXS-XXL
Patagonia
Torrentshell
from £124.89
What we love
Fun colours, fully waterproof, easy to wear
What we don’t love
A touch flimsy when compared with our best in test
Mammut Ducan
What we love
Soft, comfortable liner; tough outer waterproofing
What we don’t love
You’ll need to try this on to see if it fits properly
Best for: comfy lining
Mammut’s own Dry Tour technology renders the lightweight Ducan fully waterproof to 20,000mm, with rain rolling off its surface in seconds. Unlike some shell jackets, which can feel plasticky, the Ducan’s soft inner liner feels lovely to wear. The design is sustainable, made with part-recycled materials and repairable. Where I thought the Ducan was a little off was the fit. I’m a size 12, but the medium proved tight around my hips and wide on my shoulders and arms. This jacket may still suit you if you like a slim fit, but I’d suggest you try before you buy.
It didn’t make the final cut because … I didn’t love the fit.
Material: polyester; waterproofing: Mammut Dry; colours: six; sizes: XS-XXL
Mammut
Ducan
£162
What we love
Soft, comfortable liner; tough outer waterproofing
What we don’t love
You’ll need to try this on to see if it fits properly
Cotopaxi Cielo
What we love
An eco-friendly design meets fun looks and colours
What we don’t love
The Cielo is suitable only for light showers
Best for: a sustainable waterproof jacket
If you’re after an eco-conscious shell jacket that doesn’t compromise on style, the Cielo is a great option. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester and finished with a PFC-free DWR coating, which saw it shed water well in light rain, while remaining breathable enough for brisk hikes. However, in heavy rain, I did find that water seeped into the fabric, so I’d save it for light showers. Nevertheless, a lightweight, feelgood choice for everyday adventurers – and available in nine colours, some of which are on offer.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it isn’t fully waterproof.
Material: recycled polyester; waterproofing: 10,000mm; colours: nine; sizes: S-XL
Cotopaxi
Cielo
£131.25
What we love
An eco-friendly design meets fun looks and colours
What we don’t love
The Cielo is suitable only for light showers
Sweaty Betty Nimbus mid waterproof
Sweaty Betty
Nimbus mid waterproof
from £116
What we love
Instant warmth, plus a good hood and cosy pockets
What we don’t love
It’s not breathable
Best for: warmth
If you want a waterproof that gives a “wrapped in a snug duvet” feel, then try Sweaty Betty’s Nimbus for size. It’s waterproof – rain beads right off its surface while its warm down filling traps in body heat quickly to keep you toasty. A good hood shelters your head and face; and there are snug fleece-lined pockets to keep your hands warm.
This coat isn’t breathable, so it’s not suitable for hiking or cycling, but it’s brilliant for frosty dog walks, gentle winter walks or a rainy school run. Pick your usual size – there’s room to layer underneath.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not breathable, so you can’t do more than walk in it.
Material: recycled polyester; waterproofing: waterproof; colours: two; sizes: XXS-XXL
Sweaty Betty
Nimbus mid waterproof
from £116
What we love
Instant warmth, plus a good hood and cosy pockets
What we don’t love
It’s not breathable
Helly Hansen Lilja
Helly Hansen
Lilja
from £114
What we love
Great waterproofing in a longer raincoat
What we don’t love
Not much breathability – or added warmth
Best for: a long raincoat
After a good-looking long raincoat rather than a more technical sporty shell? Meet the Lilja, designed with city use and commuting in mind. This flattering coat hits the mid-thigh, looking and feeling sleek, simple and stylish to wear.
During testing, I found rain beaded off it brilliantly thanks to Helly Hansen’s own-brand water-repellent technology, and the detachable, adjustable hood fits well and protects your face from the elements. The fabric isn’t very breathable, so you could work up a sweat running for a bus, but I still like this rain slicker for city slickers.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s too casual and not breathable enough for active types.
Material: polyester; waterproofing: Helly Tech Performance; colours: three; sizes available: XS-XL
Helly Hansen
Lilja
from £114
What we love
Great waterproofing in a longer raincoat
What we don’t love
Not much breathability – or added warmth
Columbia Ampli-Dry II
Columbia
Ampli-Dry II
from £89.89
What we love
Light, good fit and breathability – a good pick for summer
What we don’t love
Didn’t feel as high quality or soft as the top performers
Best for: packing light
Light and liberating to wear, the Ampli-Dry packs down small, so you can pop it in a rucksack pocket when the sun comes out. I like that it’s made with recycled polyester, and this jacket was one of the most breathable I tested, with wide zips to help with ventilation.
It does feel a little plasticky to wear, but the fit is good, and there’s room to layer underneath. If lightweight and packable are top of your shopping list, this could be the waterproof for you, and it’s well priced, too, with some colours now reduced.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it feels on the flimsy and plasticky side.
Material: recycled polyester; waterproofing: Omni-Tech; colours: three; sizes: XS-XXL
Columbia
Ampli-Dry II
from £89.89
What we love
Light, good fit and breathability – a good pick for summer
What we don’t love
Didn’t feel as high quality or soft as the top performers
What you need to know
Waterproofing
Make sure any jacket you buy is labelled as “waterproof” rather than just “water resistant” or “water repellent”, as the latter two labels usually mean a coat can repel only light rain. For full waterproofing, look for a jacket that incorporates tried-and-tested technology such as Gore-Tex or own-brand waterproofing into the outer layer of the jacket (or the hard-shell).
Some brands also list the amount of waterproofing their jackets offer, which is tested according to their hydrostatic head (this test assesses a fabric’s waterproofing abilities by subjecting it to increasing water pressure). Up to 1,500mm is considered only water resistant. Above 5,000mm is waterproof enough for wearing in steady rain, and a jacket with 10,000mm to 20,000mm is likely to work in torrential rain or snow.
Breathability
Cheap and cheerful macs-in-sacs and rain ponchos will keep you dry at a pinch, but they’re not breathable – you’ll quickly get sweaty and hot, which isn’t ideal when you’re out on hikes or cycle trips. Instead, high-quality jackets incorporate a breathable membrane that wicks away moisture, so that you don’t overheat.
Think about how and where you’ll wear your jacket before you buy. For casual use, a longer parka-length jacket with some insulation will offer warmth. If you’re planning fast-paced hikes or cycles, you’ll want something light and breathable, without insulation and with added ventilation zips.
Design and fit
A good jacket should fit snugly but not too tightly at the waist, cuffs and neck. It should include taped seams, sealed or protected zips, zipped pockets and a well-designed, adjustable hood. If you’re a keen climber, cyclist or mountaineer, look for a jacket with a hood that can be worn over a helmet, and a fit designed to work when worn under a backpack and a harness. A slim-fitting jacket will keep you warmer, but make sure there’s room underneath to wear a down layer or fleece layer in cold weather.
How much to spend
There are rain-ready jackets at prices to suit pretty much every budget. Aim to spend about £150 on a good, versatile waterproof. Premium £200+ jackets are only worth the splurge if you’ll be heading out in serious conditions on proper hiking trips.
It’s worth noting that no jacket – unless it’s a purely plastic mac, which won’t be breathable – will be completely waterproof forever. If your coat begins to lose its waterproofing (rain will sink into the outer fabric rather than bead straight off it), re-waterproof it with a treatment such as Nikwax.
For more, read the best umbrellas for staying dry in the wind and rain and the best women’s walking boots
Sian Lewis is an award-winning outdoors and travel journalist and author who loves putting adventure kit through its paces while hiking, swimming and wild camping. She also shares her adventures at @sianannalewis and thegirloutdoors.com
English (US)