The Best Women’s Rain Jackets of 2024

The Outdoor Research Aspire II GORE-TEX Rain Jacket ($225) secures its position on our best overall list with its innovative design — one that literally has a trick or two up its sleeves. With literally hundreds of rain jackets on the market, narrowing in on one to crown the winner is a tough row to hoe, but combining a time-tested membrane, smart feature set, and a cure-all to the breathability question, we’re confident that the Aspire is among the best out there.

Crafted from GORE-TEX Paclite material, this shell boasts an impressive waterproof rating of 28,000 mm, ensuring reliable protection against even the most relentless downpours. Enhanced by its eco-conscious DWR treatment, fully taped seams, a fully adjustable hood, YKK Aquaguard zippers, and secure hook and loop cuff closures, the Aspire II provides comprehensive protection from precipitation from all angles, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable throughout your adventures.

In terms of breathability, the Aspire II has a rating of 15,000 g/m², which is more breathable than others on our list. However, due to its 2-layer construction, we found it wasn’t the most breathable during activity, as condensation struggled to be wicked away internally.

Nevertheless, its innovative TorsoFlo feature — a two-way zipper extending from hip to bicep — ensures plenty of ventilation when needed the most. When fully deployed, these zips provide a crazy amount of mechanical breathability, bypassing that membrane completely.

What we also liked about this jacket is its ability to strike a balance between roominess for layering and not feeling too overwhelming. Furthermore, the Aspire II stands out for its environmental friendliness, featuring a fairly robust 50-denier fabric made from 100% recycled polyester. And it’s treated with a C0 DWR, which is free from forever chemicals, marking it as OR’s most eco-friendly jacket in its 2024 line-up. 

While the Outdoor Research Aspire II may initially come with a premium price tag, its lightweight construction (just 11.7 ounces) and abundance of quality features make it an undeniable value proposition for adventurers whose priority is staying dry. If you’re looking for an all-around rain jacket that just plain works, the Aspire should be on your shortlist.

Step into originality. Cotopaxi dares to be different with its retro block color palette, proving that rainwear doesn’t have to be mundane or costly. Discover the perfect blend of style, affordability, and comfort with Cotopaxi’s Cielo Rain Jacket ($145) — a city-ready shell for light showers.

This is undoubtedly a comfortable shell with a boxy fit, offering ample room to move around without feeling constricted. On this particular jacket, we didn’t mind this feature as it didn’t result in a baggy appearance and facilitated easy layering underneath, which was particularly beneficial during chilly and drizzly days around the neighborhood or when running errands.

Built with a proprietary 2.5-layer membrane, the Cielo specs out at a waterproof rating of 10,000 g/m² and breathability of 10,000 mm/24-hour — which isn’t the most weather-resistant jacket out there. However, similar to jackets featuring a C0 DWR finish, taped seams, and a 27.5-inch hip-length back, it offers adequate protection for casual use in light wind and rain. Also, those who seek out pit zips may be disappointed, especially given its slightly hefty weight at 16 ounces and with no extra breathability.

However, after outdoor casual hiking tests, the Cielo shell actually offers a good amount of room that prevents a lot of heat buildup.

Compared to many other jackets, the Cotopaxi Cielo Jacket won’t break the bank and won’t let you blend in, either. This is definitely a go-to rain jacket for around town when the weather calls for light precipitation.

The Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket ($279) earns its place among our selections because it combines the quality rain jacket attributes we’ve come to expect with some more technical features. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for impromptu adventures, whether that be an alpine scramble, commuting by bike to work, or walking your dog on your favorite trail.

Designed with climbers in mind, this jacket boasts accessible pockets designed to accommodate backpack waist belts and harnesses, a helmet-friendly hood, and the ability to condense down and pack into its own pocket.

While it shares similar features with the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell, such as high-placed pockets and a helmet-friendly hood, it does weigh slightly more at 12.6 ounces compared to Black Diamond’s 7 ounces. Nonetheless, we still found the Granite Crest to be plenty lightweight.

When it comes to performance, the Granite Crest exceeded our expectations. Its waterproof membrane is an in-house special from Patagonia — an H2No 3-layer polyurethane construction — and that’s paired with generous pit zips, ensuring great breathability.

Additionally, its 30-denier face fabric has a 0-CFM (completely windproof) rating, effectively blocking out cold air and ensuring warmth, sleekness, and comfort. Our testers have used this shell for everything from snowboarding to trail running and bike touring, and haven’t felt short-changed across all of it.

Last but certainly not least, the shell is made from NetPlus 100% postconsumer recycled ripstop nylon, made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution, and treated with a PFC-free DWR finish — which is another check on our list. Rain jackets have historically been pretty rough on the environments they’re made to enjoy, so the pivot to a material that pulls plastic out of the environment instead of putting more into it is worthy of praise in our books.

While it may not be the most rugged option and is still considered expensive, the Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket stands out for its ability to withstand some serious rainy moments. Packed with useful features, this jacket provides comfort for all-day wear, excellent breathability, and the technical capability needed for use at the crag.

A recent update to an already legendary shell, the Marmot Precip Eco Pro Jacket ($160), represents a significant step up from its predecessor, the Precip Eco. Moving away from the previous NanoPro 2.5-layer construction, it now has a more breathable and rugged 3-layer design with fully taped seams, all while being PFC-free. Our testing has shown that adding that half layer can actually make a significant difference in performance, the Pro version of this jacket only reinforced our findings.

This new construction offers notable breathability and waterproofing, with ratings of 20,000 mm and 20,000 g/m², providing excellent protection during moderate to heavier rainstorms. Adding an internal backer to the membrane of any rain shell does two things: decreases the clammy feeling that can build up as a jacket wets out, and helps to wick and shuttle away moisture from the skin — which is essential with a non-air-permeable membrane.

At 13 ounces, the Precip Eco Pro is slightly heavier than its predecessor, but its increased durability and warmth justify the trade-off, especially for chilly beach outings and shoulder-season hikes. Surprisingly, despite its affordable price compared to premium jackets, the Precip Eco Pro doesn’t skimp on performance. Its backpack-accessible pockets make retrieving items a breeze, and the addition of pit zips allows for easy temperature regulation on the move. The three-point hood adjustment is also something we always like to see to ensure full protection.

With most other 3-layer rain jackets commanding easily north of $200, the $160 Marmot Precip Eco Pro offers excellent value for its breathability, waterproofing, and warmth, making it a top choice that gives you more bang for your buck. 

For those in the market for outsized value, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L should also be considered, as it too is a 3-layer jacket, and the $20 you’ll spend nets you access to a wider range of colors and sizes. The Precip Eco Pro alternatively has better stretch, and we see it on sale more often.

Upgrade your adventure game with the FORLOH Airalite Jacket ($399). FORLOH (which, by the way, is For the Love of Hunting) prides itself on its performance-oriented outdoor apparel and gear, and after testing the Airalite, we understand why. Whether you’re into hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying adventures that take you deep into the woods and require a jacket to keep up, look no further.

Alongside FORLOH’s other products, the Airalite jacket is American-made. Moreover, the Airalite jacket is also designed by women, for women, ensuring a plethora of thoughtful features packed into this jacket. It employs FORLOH’s proprietary Airadigm Pulse Plasma fabric, which is one of the more novel fabrics we’ve tested in a while.

This air-permeable membrane is similar in construction to eVent, where a hydrocarbon DWR is vacuum-applied to an ePTFE membrane to coat every surface, not just the exterior. This allows for free air exchange, and in practice, this jacket just breathes dang well.

At its initial price, this jacket is undoubtedly expensive. Nevertheless, its exceptional quality and innovative features, such as RECCO detectors, which enhance your visibility to rescuers, along with its truly impressive outer membrane rating of 35,000 mm for waterproofing and breathability rated at 40,000 g/m², unquestionably distinguish it from the competition.

Although it claims to be “ultra-lightweight,” at 14.8 ounces, this jacket doubles the heft of The North Face Papsura at 7 ounces, so we imagine this to be ultralight for your grizzled hunters out there. Additionally, we would be remiss if we didn’t point out the crinkliness of the fabric, but after a while, we didn’t seem to notice.

It’s rare to find not only a rain jacket that’s tough as nails but also designed by women, for women. Certainly, it may be among the pricier jackets on our list, but the air permeability alone represents a wise investment if you intend to embark on serious adventures. For getting deep into the backcountry, the FORLOH Airalite Jacket is the shell we keep reaching for.

Clocking in at 7 ounces, The North Face FUTURELIGHT Papsura Jacket ($400) is tailored for those who don’t want to be weighed down. Aside from being incredibly lightweight, what also impressed us is its 3-layer air-permeable construction with a slight stretch, made of 100% recycled nylon and a non-PFC DWR finish, which held up admirably in light to slightly moderate rain conditions.

The Papsura rain shell offers a distinct advantage for climbers, thanks to its packability. It easily compresses down into its right-hand pocket, making it convenient to pack away. Moreover, the jacket is harness- and helmet-compatible, and even though the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch and Patagonia Granite Crest are also climber-friendly options, neither can match the weightlessness of the Papsura. Parked on the back of our harnesses, it’s tough even to tell it’s there at all.

The FUTURELIGHT membrane used in the Papsura is one that we’ve been fans of for a long time. This TNF homebrew membrane is an air-permeable design that uses nano-spinning to construct a polyurethane matrix, allowing for air transfer while keeping moisture at bay. The North Face hasn’t published breathability numbers for the Papsura specifically, but if it’s anything like the stuff we’ve used in the past, it’s near a mind-boggling 75,000 g/m². In the field, it felt every bit as breathable.

When it comes to an ultralight jacket, you can expect it to have a bare-bones design. There are no drawcords, extra pockets, pit vents, or fancy closures, as these would only add unnecessary bulk — although there is an internal drop-in pocket and gear loop for keys.

Despite its simplicity, the jacket doesn’t compromise quality and functionality. For instance, we particularly liked the lack of shoulder seams, reducing potential weak points for water penetration. The bonded cuffs and pre-tensioned elasticity were welcomed additional features that aided in enhancing weatherproofing.

Indeed, The North Face FUTURELIGHT Papsura Jacket comes with a hefty price tag of $400, positioning it as not just the lightest but also the most expensive choice on our list. However, if your priority is the fast and light approach, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a jacket lighter than this one, while still ensuring comfort and dryness during your lightweight excursions.

True to its name, the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell ($180) delivers a two-way woven stretch — a must-have feature for dynamic activities like rock climbing that demand flexibility for movement and helmet compatibility. Like its counterparts, it also packs down into its right-hand pocket and comes equipped with a carabiner clip loop that can attach to a harness.

While there are certainly other climbing jackets on the market, we find ourselves leaning towards the Stormline when we require a decent amount of stretch. At 12% elastane and weighing 9.5 ounces, it kept us from feeling too restricted and weighed down. While we found the REI Co-op Flash Stretch Rain Jacket to have the same amount of elastane but feel stretchier, the Flash does weigh more at 14.5 ounces and is not designed for the rigors of climbing.

In terms of performance, the Stormline Stretch doesn’t have the highest ratings for breathability or waterproofness at 10,000 mm and 10,000 g/m²/24-hour — making this an ideal “low probability/high consequence” shell for fending off impending showers as you try to finish the pitch. However, its Bluesign-approved, non-PFC, and EMPEL water-free DWR finish does add an extra punch when fending off mild precipitation. And the inclusion of pit zips certainly helps shed extra heat, which is necessary with a 2.5-layer construction.

The jacket also gets the helmet-compatible hood we’re after when climbing and sports underarm gussets that don’t limit us when reaching overhead. With the Black Diamond Stormline, you get a cost-effective option, commendable stretch, and performance against abrasive rocks and mild weather suitable for rock climbing. Clip it to your harness and go.

The French company Decathlon certainly piqued our interest with its Quechua Women’s MH500 Jacket ($109). Beyond its attractive price point, this jacket has a multitude of features that truly caught our attention.

To start, its 3-layer construction with fully taped seams provides an impressive waterproof rating of 25,000 mm, which proved itself during several shower and outdoor rain tests. Getting into a 3-layer jacket below $200 is a rough go, and with both the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and Marmot Precip Eco Pro coming in at higher prices than the MH500, this shell wins the race to the bottom.

Made from 78% polyamide and 22% polyester, the face fabric lends a satin-like texture that glides smoothly and doesn’t crinkle, while its 13% elastane content gives comfort and unrestricted mobility while on the move. 

While it may not be the lightest option at 15 ounces, the jacket compensates with a handful of desirable features that secured its spot on our list. The anatomically designed 3-way adjustable hood and high face guard were more effective at shielding us from wind and sideways rain than others.

Other inclusions like pit zips and four pockets (two exterior pockets for hands, and two interior drop pockets) made the Quechua jacket not only functional and comfortable, but we also found the fit and design quite flattering.

Decathlon’s clothing line may not be as widely recognized in the United States, resulting in a lack of certain details for direct comparisons. For instance, its breathability is rated as a 6 or ‘very good’ on the Thermal Evaporative Resistance (RET) scale, unlike other jackets that use grams per square meter (g/m²) measurements. We’ve begun to see this breathability test used in more jackets, however, such as shells that use GORE-TEX ePE.

Regardless, if you’re in the market for a jacket that offers exceptional value along with several features to keep you dry in some pretty nasty weather, then the Decathlon Quechua Women’s MH500 Jacket is certainly a strong contender.

The North Face Women’s Alta Vista Jacket ($140) proves to be a versatile option suitable for travel, day hikes, and everyday urban wear. 

Throughout our outdoor tests, the Alta Vista’s 2.5-layer DryVent, coated with non-PFC DWR, demonstrated admirable resilience against sudden downpours and variable weather conditions, from light drizzles to mild showers. Despite its sturdy 70-denier fabric, it compresses to a manageable size and endures dense underbrush during hikes. Notably, it excels in storage, featuring three zip pockets and two internal drop-in pockets — ideal for lightweight everyday items.

While the Alta Vista excels in affordability and offers generous roominess for layering, it does lack in the breathability department, resulting in a tacky feel during intense activities, despite the inclusion of pit zips. This isn’t surprising given the limitations we’ve experienced with 2.5-layer polyurethane membranes in the past, and slots this jacket more into the casual section in our gear closets.

Fit-wise, the Alta Vista is flattering without being too trim, and is brought together with a water-resistant zipper that forgoes the typically bulky zipper storm flaps such as used on the REI Co-op Flash Stretch. This does have a bit of a trade-off, we found however, as we observed some bunching along the front zipper. No day ruiner, but something to consider. The hood is 3-way adjustable, but we noticed that the hood frequently required readjustment throughout the day. However, when fully zipped, the high neck guard did a good job keeping the rain off our faces.

When deciding on a rain jacket, the North Face Vista Alta is a convenient choice that won’t break the bank, yet still offers all the essential features required for various activities when light rain may be in the forecast. It won’t be your storm bunker to end all storm bunkers, but for day hikes and jetting into town in the rain, it well makes the grade.

Sorting through a multitude of rain jackets can be an overwhelming process, but the new REI Co-op Flash Stretch Rain Jacket ($169) seriously stands out as a solid choice you truly can’t go wrong with. 

While it’s true that its 2.5-layer construction may not match the breathability of a 3-layer jacket, it compensates for this by offering extended pit zips that stretch from the bicep to the lower chest, effectively releasing heat. Weighing in at 14.5 ounces, it’s not the lightest option, but this weight is justified by features such as the brushed tricot lining on the inner collar and chin guard, providing a plush softness against the skin when fully zipped. Additionally, the outer shell is soft and lacks a shiny finish, resulting in quieter movement compared to others.

A standout feature, as implied by its name, is the 12% spandex stretch, comparable to the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell. When compared head-to-head in a directional stretch test, the Flash Stretch clearly outperformed with a superior stretchiness. We’re big fans of rain jackets with built-in stretch for active endeavors where we don’t want to be held back, and while there is a slight trade-off in a quicker wetting out, the Flash Stretch is a joy to move around in.

Despite initial concerns stemming from the absence of detailed specifications on waterproofing and breathability ratings, our testing confirms that while the Flash Stretch isn’t the best in moderate to heavy rain, it still stands to be a dependable go-to choice for light rain. The HydroWall 2.5 membrane used is a new proprietary fabric for REI, and we’re continuing to test it to see where it lands in the market.

The aforementioned pit zips are generous in ridding us of our moisture build-up, and the front zipper storm flap has a bit of a hidden feature: the Velcro tabs used to secure it can keep the shell closed without having the zip up — adding to the venting options.

A solid shell with an excellent dose of stretch, the REI Co-op Flash Stretch Rain Jacket will work excellently for anyone after a rain jacket that will move with them. We are constantly impressed with the Co-op’s ability to turn out jackets that check all of the boxes we’re looking for, and from the ample cut to the impressive stretch, the Flash Stretch is another winner.

Hailing from the U.K., Finisterre is a brand rooted in surfing and sailing, and its Stormbird Waterproof Jacket ($295) is certainly a product of their experience in those realms. Upon testing this remarkable and sturdy jacket, its standout power became quite apparent, justifying itself as the toughest, sturdiest rain jacket featured on our list.

Its highlight feature is that robustness, which weighs a whopping 1 pound, 7 ounces. While it’s not aiming for ultralight status, its strength shines through in providing warmth, layering capability, and waterproofing.

Constructed with a 3-layer polyester fabric with a ripstop outer, it offers 20,000 mm hydrostatic head waterproofing and a 15,000 g/m² 24-hour breathability rating. Designed for the sea, we subjected it to rigorous shower testing when outdoor rain wasn’t enough, and it emerged as certainly capable of handling downpours.

This heavy-duty shell boasts several standout features, including its cozy brushed polyester inner and microfleece rear neck guard for added comfort in chilly conditions. What sets it apart further are its practical elements: a three-panel hood with three-point adjustments, robust two-way YKK front zipper, ample room for layering, and four deep, sturdy pockets that allow for generous storage.

We were also thoroughly impressed by its outstanding value. Priced at $295, it offers excellent affordability considering the level of protection it provides. Moreover, Finisterre’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just lip service; they actively demonstrate its dedication by minimizing air shipments to reduce carbon emissions, eliminating fluorocarbon chemicals since 2017, and providing repair services to extend the jacket’s lifespan. In these actions, Finisterre goes beyond mere eco-friendly claims, embodying an ethos of environmental responsibility.

So whether you’re braving the high seas or facing extreme weather conditions on land, the Finisterre Stormbird Jacket is a top recommendation for its blend of robustness, value, and environmental responsibility. It’s always a gamble when you take a chance with a brand that doesn’t enjoy the name-rec that some of the others in our lineup do, but by performance alone Finisterre deserves every bit as much as they do.