There’s arguably no item more important in a hiker’s kit list than a good waterproof jacket. Particularly here in the UK, an effective rain coat is an absolute essential for everything from everyday trips to the shops and casual dog walking, right through to backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, and more.
But which jacket is the best? How can I find one that will keep me dry but won’t break the bank? And which women’s options are genuinely made to fit women (you’d be surprised how often this is a problem)? Well, those answers will depend on a whole host of factors that we’ll be addressing in this article, and luckily for you, we’ve also tested a whole bunch of women’s options for 2026 so you don’t have to.
A Quick Overview
| Our Shortlist | Category Winner | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Patagonia Torrentshell | Best Women’s Waterproof Jacket Overall | ★★★★½ |
| 2. Arc’teryx Beta GTX | Our Runner Up & Best for Mountain Use | ★★★★ |
| 3. Páramo Velez Smock | Most Breathable Waterproof Jacket | ★★★★½ |
| 3. Helly Hansen Momentum | Best Women’s Waterproof Jacket for Daily Use | ★★★★ |
| 4. Keela Cairn | Best Lightweight Waterproof Jacket | ★★★★ |
| 5. Harrier Exmoor | Best Waterproof Jacket for Trail Running | ★★★★ |
We’ve selected our favourite jackets following a variety of tests in the mountains of the UK. Including ultralights jackets, budget options, packable classics, options for everyday use, and mountain ready powerhouses – there’s a little something for everyone here.
It’s worth heading to the bottom of this article if you want to learn more on what to look for when you’re choosing a rain shell. And for more even options, including men’s waterproof jackets too, here’s our latest article for that too.
How We Tested The Best Waterproof Jackets for Women
All of these jackets have been tested by a variety of female testers including long-term hikers and outdoor adventurers Jazz Noble, Emma Cole, Nicola Jackson and Sarah Baynham, to name a few. Waterproof shells for a variety of shapes, sizes and purposes have been tested, with sizes ranging from a UK 8 to a UK 18.
The majority of these jackets were tested across UK landscapes such as Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the South Downs, the Lake District, and the Cairngorms. Further afield, we’ve also tested a few options in the Italian Dolomites, as well as the Glenveagh National Park and the Dartry Mountains in Ireland. Including short day hikes, everyday dog walks, a cheeky bit of cycling and bikepacking, and multi-day walking trips – we’ve really put these jackets through their paces.
Editor’s note: This article was last updated in April 2026 to ensure that all of our favourite jackets are still available for purchase. After many months of winter testing, Patagonia’s Torrentshell also stole the ‘best in test’ spot after impressing our testers.
The Best Women’s Waterproof Jackets
1. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Our best women’s waterproof jacket overall
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
★★★★½
Price: £180
Weight: 352g
Best for: hiking, cycling, general outdoor use, everyday rain protection
Pros: excellent value, very waterproof, versatile, nice fit, reliable performer, warm, windproof, feels very tough
Cons: heavy compared to rivals, pockets aren’t hipbelt compatible, not ideal for warm weather
Our chief women’s gear tester Jazz has been testing Patagonia’s Torrentshell jacket this winter. She reports: “This has quickly become the ‘jack of all trades’ waterproof in my line-up at the moment. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of jackets geared towards technical use, but that’s kind of why I love it. It’s reliable and versatile, and quite simply, gets the job done.”
She continues: “I particularly like the simple and roomy cut – ideal for winter layering – along with the very attractive price point. I’m yet to come across a jacket that offers this much value for money. I’ve actually found its waterproofing and wind-proofing more effective than many other jackets at much higher price points.”
“Granted, it’s not the most lightweight jacket, it’s a little warm for the summer months, and in an ideal world, I’d prefer it had hipbelt compatible pockets, but it’s not really a dealbreaker for me. I see this more as an everyday hiking companion than an option for specialised scenarios – in short, it’s the kind of thing you end up wearing the most.”
“There’s also the sustainability and ethical credentials here too. For instance, it comes from a Fair Trade Certified factory, it’s PFAS-free and uses a 100% recycled face fabric which, in my experience, feels tough and genuinely built to last.”
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: The Torrentshell has a relaxed and relatively roomy cut, as opposed to the curved fit you sometimes find on women’s jackets. Our tester appreciated this more casual look as it felt very unrestrictive when moving and also gives the jacket, in her opinion, a more versatile look. It’s also a particularly useful fit for squeezing layers underneath, with a good amount of width at the hips.
Full Specifications
100% recycled face fabric / PFAS-free / two-way adjustable hood with laminated visor / microfleece-lined neck / front zipper with external and internal storm flaps / zipper garage for chin protection / two front welt pockets / pit zips / jacket packs into left pocket with carabiner loop / hook and loop cuff closures / adjustable drawcord at hem / made in a Fair Trade certified factory.
Read our editor’s full review of the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket here.
2. Arc’teryx Beta GTX Jacket
Our runner up and the best women’s waterproof jacket for mountain use
Arc’teryx Beta
★★★★
Price: £350
Weight: approximately 300g
Best for: Climbing, mountaineering, hiking and backpacking
Pros: Excellent for hiking above the treeline, very waterproof and breathable materials, nice cut
Cons: Pricey, questions around durability
Canadian brand Arc’teryx are specialists in mountaineering, climbing and snow sports, so you can expect plenty of features designed to help you through the rough stuff – features like a helmet compatible storm hood, protective water-resistant zips and glove-friendly cord locks. We think it’s top-level stuff and unsurprisingly comes at the top-level price of £350.
Our tester said, “One of the coolest things about the Beta is that it’s an effective all-rounder when it comes to wintery mountain activities. Versatility is the name of game here with the jacket being a class option for skiers, mountaineers, climbers and hikers.”
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: The fit here is relatively relaxed with a tapered waist and a longer hem for coverage. Our tester found the design flattering, though would recommend sizing up if you’re planning on layering quite heavily.
Full Specifications
Also available in a men’s version / Gore-Tex Pro 3L Shell / helmet compatible, fully adjustable storm hood / cohesive cordlocks / harness friendly / chin guard with microsuede / drop tail / adjustable hem / hand warmer pockets / internal chest pocket with zip.
Read our full Arc’teryx Beta Jacket review.
3. Páramo Velez Adventure Smock
The best women’s waterproof jacket for breathability
Páramo Velez Adventure Smock
★★★★½
Price: £290
Weight: 710g
Best for: Hillwalking, day hiking, fast-paced outdoor activities
Pros: Long-lasting, repairable, breathable, warm, made in an eco-friendly way
Cons: Too warm for some people, relatively bulky, less suited to slow activities
We’ve used this jacket from British brand Páramo extensively over the years and we rate it very highly. Now technically this thing isn’t waterproof but you can still count on it keeping you protected from the elements. It does in fact stand apart from most wet weather shells out there because instead of using a moisture blocking membrane, which tends to be the common approach by brands, it instead uses a clever blend of water resistant fabrics and Nikwax’s hydrophobic treatment. And what this brings to the table is breathability, because with this kind of wet weather system moisture from rain is repelled and moisture from your own perspiration is allowed to escape too.
Related: Best Sports Bras for Hiking
We found the details on this jacket to be great too. You get a wire-stiffened hood, a big kangaroo pocket big enough for maps and more and a bunch of venting zips as well.
Our gear tester said: “The venting options with this are incredibly efficient. On one mountain walk, I started off low in warm humid conditions and finished up in the dark and in the rain. I was able to keep the jacket on throughout, making use of the side and pocket vents, as well as the internal buttoning on the main zip.”
If you’re looking for a jacket for day hikes, this is a useful option – particularly in the cooler seasons. For stuff like summer backpacking, we have found that it is a little on the hot and heavy side. Something to bear in mind.
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: Our tester found the fit of the Velez to be generous in size which they found handy for layering. There’s plenty of adjustability too which is ideal for fine-tuning the fit to different body types, and we also like that Páramo includes a wide range of sizes here. It also features a shorter front for movement and a longer back for protection.
Full Specifications
Nikwax Analogy fabrics / S-XXL / red, blue & black colour options / two-way main zip / zipped vents throughout / adjustable and wire-moulded hood / harness, pack and helmet compatible / reflective details / valuables pocket / scooped hem with draw-cord adjustment
Read our full Páramo Velez review.
4. Helly Hansen Momentum 3-Layer Stretch Jacket
The best women’s waterproof jacket for everyday use
Helly Hansen Momentum
★★★★
Price: £220
Weight: approximately 400g
Best for: Three-season hiking, backpacking, everyday use, cycling in autumn and winter
Pros: Super stretchy and adaptable, secure fit, great hood, packs down small
Cons: Zip tabs could be better/ easier to use, no pit zips
Featuring a 3-layer polyester construction, the Helly Hansen Momentum is a softshell-hardshell hybrid jacket that combines lightweight comfort with hardy protection from the elements. We’ve been out testing it recently and have been impressed with its performance so far. In particular, we can see it working well as a three-season multi-day hiking jacket for trails here in the UK.
“What I liked the most is the stretchiness of the jacket, especially at the hood and sleeves”, said OM tester Jazz Noble. “When walking along the South Downs Way recently, there were some really blustery coastal winds coming through the valley but the hood stayed firmly on my head the whole time. There’s a toggle at the back but I didn’t need to use it; the hood just stretched, morphed to my head, and stayed put. It was great. Likewise, the wind protection was spot on.”
“The fabric also still felt protective despite its thinness, and held up very well against some stormy showers. It’s worth noting that there’s no ventilation zips, however, I had a base and a mid layer on underneath and didn’t feel too clammy or hot. For warm days, however, I’ve found it a little warm.”
Jazz continues, “I find this jacket ideal for the shoulder seasons when it’s not warm enough for an ultra-lightweight shell, and it’s still not cold enough for something hardier. As well as hiking, I’ve also used it on some bikepacking trips where I really tested the limits of its breathability. All in all, it’s performance on the bike really impressed me actually, though it was definitely too hot for summer trips. For spring and autumn though, it’s been ideal.”
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: Our tester really liked the fit on this jacket. She said: “While I appreciated the slightly tapered waist, I appreciated even more the fact that it’s not overly tapered – I’m not a huge fan of that trend in women’s jackets. I’d also say that Helly Hansen’s sizing is pretty accurate here. I’ve happily worn the Momentum both on its own and coupled with layers. The stretchiness really helps in that respect.”
Full Specifications
XS to XL / waterproof and windproof / hydrostatic head rating: 14000mm / fully seam sealed / 3-layer construction / shell fabric: 100% polyester / PFC-free DWR / adjustable hood and hem / articulated sleeves / two zippered hand pockets / full length front zip / elastic cuffs / drawstring at seam / bluesign approved main material.
5. Keela Cairn Jacket
The best lightweight waterproof jacket for women
Keela Cairn
★★★★
Price: £180
Weight: 308g
Best for: Climbing, scrambling, hillwalking, multi-activity use
Pros: Light but tough, good feature set, great for a variety of outdoor activities, available up to a size 20
Cons: Not the warmest
Designed by Scottish outdoor experts Keela, the Cairn waterproof jacket is uniquely tailored towards active, multi-sport mountain use. We’ve been out testing it in some seriously rainy conditions in North Wales and found it to be a great hardshell for lightweight hiking here in the UK.
OM tester Jazz said, “At 308g, this thing is light for a three-layer waterproof. I can see it working well for activities ranging from day hiking and three-season backpacking through to bikepacking and everyday wear. If you’re a quick hiker, I think this jacket will be right up your street. The active fit ensures a free range of movement while the impressive breathability and lightweight build is suited to high-aerobic outdoor activities.”
The 3-layer Aquaflex technology is the main thing to note here. This is Keela’s proprietary fabric built for lightweight and breathable waterproof protection. Put simply, it consists of a ripstop nylon face fabric, a PU-based waterproof layer in the middle, and an inner scrim that all work together to keep you dry and protected. It’s been tested to withstand up to 10,000mm of heavy rain, which – while not the highest number out there – is impressive considering the weight of this thing. Jazz reports, “So far, I’ve had no problems here. It’s kept me dry in some stormy conditions while not feeling too clammy at the same time.”
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: As the fit is trim/ athletic, we’d recommend sizing up if you want to wear layers underneath this jacket. Other than that, our tester found the fit to be quite flattering, though the sleeves were on the long side (ideal if you’re reaching for lots of rock holds though).
Full Specifications
3-layer Aquaflex technology / fixed, helmet-compatible hood with protective peak and volume adjuster / elasticated cuff tabs / adjustable shock cord at the hem / trim and stretchy fit / two hip pockets with glove-friendly zipper tabs / very packable.
Read our full Keela Cairn Jacket review.
6. Harrier Exmoor Jacket
The best women’s jacket for trail running
Harrier Exmoor
★★★★
Price: from £50
Weight: 340g
Best For: Trail running, fast-paced hiking, just-in-case jacket
Pros: Compatible with race vests, plenty of venting options, fantastic price point, great for winter running
Cons: A little heavy for ultra running in the warmer months, velcro tabs on the cuffs would be nice
The Exmoor is constructed from a Polyester outer, a PU membrane and then a sprayed on PU backer. It has a lot of stretch to it, almost softshell jacket-type levels, but the material does come rated with a decent 15,000mm hydrostatic head. This, we found, will cope with heavy rain, without compromising too much on breathability.
The seams of the jacket are all fully taped, to comply with FRA race requirements. Integrated pit zips and press studs down the main zip seam allow plenty of venting options. The back panel of the jacket is nicely shaped to fit a race vest underneath, which we appreciated, and it’s constructed with not one, but two front zips.
Related: Best Hiking Backpacks for Women
Our gear tester said, “The fact it’s designed to be thrown over the top of a race vest is pretty clever and, from our experience, it works. There are some nice touches too, including the thumb loops, the venting options and the printed silicone details on the shoulders.”
Other features include the peaked hood and three zipped pockets on the front and one on the back.
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: Our tester found that the Exmoor jacket was true to size. You shouldn’t need to size up or down with this. The cut is athletic, so it’s a trim fit, though the stretchiness helps with layering underneath.
Full Specifications
Polyester outer / PU membrane and PU backer / hydrostatic head: 15,000mm / fully taped seams / integrated pit zips / press studs / peaked hood / thumb loops at the sleeves / silicone front strips / three zipped pockets at front / one back pocket / trail running vest compatible.
Read our full Harrier Exmoor review.
Best of the Rest
7. Rab Firewall Light Jacket
Rab Firewall Light
★★★★
Price: from £140
Weight: approximately 285g
Best for: Backpacking, climbing, everyday walking
Pros: High spec fabric that strikes a lot of balances, functional hood, good price point, lightweight, great for a variety of outdoor activities
Cons: No large sizes available, no internal pocket
This jacket uses a specially developed fabric from Rab that’s called Proflex. It’s a three-layer waterproof material and it therefore has a high level of durability and protection coupled with breathability too. It’s light as well, coming in at approximately 285g altogether.
Related: Best Walking Shoes for Women
There aren’t too many bells and whistles here but it still has good functionality. We found the hood held well in strong winds and we liked the fact it can be cinched in with just one hand. The pockets are also well placed so that you can access them when wearing a harness or a backpack with a hip belt.
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: Our tester, Emma, tried this in a women’s L which is her usual size and she said the fit was spot on for her. Most notably, the arms were long and had good articulation so the hem doesn’t lift when you reach up above your head.
Full Specifications
Available in UK 8, 12, 16 / 3-layer Proflex fabric / PFC-free fabrics / YKK Aguaguard zips / HH: 20,000 mm \ MVTR: 20000g/m2/24hrs / adjustable hood with stiffened peak.
Read our full Rab Firewall Light review.
8. 66° North Dyngja Shell Jacket
66° North Dyngja Shell
★★★★
Price: £290
Weight: approximately 458g
Best for: Rough weather conditions, autumn and winter hiking, best for wearing all day long
Pros: Recycled materials, structured design, very tough feeling, very waterproof, great for layering
Cons: Heavy, not the most breathable or packable, long arms
During our tests, we found the 66 North Dyngja Shell Jacket to be an ideal companion for truly rough weather here in the UK. While too bulky and warm for the summer season, for cooler temperatures from spring through to autumn – we’ve found it to be a very trusty shell jacket for keeping out the wind and rain.
OM tester Jazz has been using the Dyngja jacket all throughout the winter on some hiking trips in Ireland, as well as in some snowy conditions in the Cairngorms. She reports: “A lot of jackets nowadays opt for slim, stretchy fits so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Dyngja’s structured feel – but it quickly became clear this wasn’t just another lightweight rain shell. It’s a properly tough jacket that uses a strong, three-layer construction to sort you out on really miserable hiking days.”
“I’ve found the boxy, slightly oversized cut great for fitting your base and midlayers under, something I’ve really appreciated on particularly freezing walks. It also gives it a versatile look that makes it just at home on the mountains as on a city commute when it’s chucking it down. My only real qualm is that the arms are quite long but it’s not a huge dealbreaker for me (I’m 5ft 6 with a curvy build and averagely long arms by the way).”
“The angled pockets are also very handy. They’re positioned thoughtfully so you can slip your hands into them quickly for warmth, and are easy to access even with gloves on. I will say the jacket’s structured shell can feel a bit stiff at first, but it breaks in nicely and hasn’t restricted my movement when I’ve been out and about in the hills.”
Overall, we think this jacket balances technical performance with everyday reliability very well – we also appreciate the recycled content used in its construction, as well as the attention-to-detail in the design details. This colourway – the fisherman print – has a pretty cool backstory too. It’s inspired by the original kit 66 North designed for the Icelandic search and rescue team way back in 1926. Pretty neat. “Nearly a century later”, 66 North reports, “the fisherman coat remains a staple in the Icelandic fishing industry, with countless fishermen still relying on 66°North gear at sea.”
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: This is a unisex fit. If you like a boxy, slightly oversized look, we think you’ll get along with this jacket, however, if you prefer lots of articulation and tapering, we’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Full Specifications
Main fabric: 100% recycled polyamide / 3-layer fabric with 10,000 mm waterproof protection / two large pockets on front / stiff design / adjustable drawcords at back of hood, at chin, and at front and bottom hem / button closure at wrists / lowered hem at rear / double taped seams.
9. Passenger Five Element Recycled Jacket
Passenger Five Element
★★★★
Price: £190
Weight: approx. 700g
Best for: Everyday use, day-to-day hiking, casual walking
Pros: 100% recycled, PFC-free DWR, very abrasion-resistant, nice cut
Cons: Not the most breathable, front pockets aren’t hipbelt compatible, heavy
Through sustained downpours, lashing winds, and a few eerily warm spells, the Passenger Five Element jacket has performed well during our tests. We can see it excelling as an everyday walking jacket when you need a reliable and protective waterproof that isn’t overly technical.
“During my tests, I faced some pretty relentless spring showers while hiking across various trails in the UK”, said OM tester Jazz. “I found that the Five Element jacket was reliable in keeping my dry and was effective at blocking out wind too. I did get a touch clammy at times, but that’s where the pit zips come in handy. I’ve found them very effective at dumping unwanted heat and easy enough to use on-the-move.”
“I’ve enjoyed wearing it in my day-to-day life too. Love it or hate it – the GORP era seems here to stay, and this jacket has a look that fits right in. In particular, I can see it being a great jacket when you’re exploring a new country and need something that will perform reliably across an eclectic range of activities.”
Our thoughts on the women’s fit: The cut is pretty relaxed on this jacket, which makes it great as an everyday jacket as well as a casual hiking shell. “There’s not much in the way of tapering, though I’d say it’s a little shorter than most waterproof jackets”, said OM tester Jazz. “This is partly what gives it that versatile peak to pub look.”
Full Specifications
ully seam sealed / taped using Bemis tape / PFC-free waterproof DWR coating / 20,000mm waterproof rating / adjustable hood with a laminated peak / 2 waterproof YKK zipper side pockets / underarm pit zips / adjustable velcro on the cuffs / adjustable cord-locks in hem.
Read our full Passenger Five Element jacket review.
