17 best waterproof jackets for women 2023 UK; including windproof and hiking coats

LOOKING to buy the best women's waterproof jacket? Check out our pick of essential styles that will keep you dry this season.

There's nothing like the unpredictable British weather to put a dampener on your day (literally), so a good waterproof jacket is essential to have on hand in your wardrobe.

Whether you're camping, attending a festival or going on an everyday walk, run or cycle, being prepared for a downpour is never a bad idea and will make getting caught in the rain a thousand times more bearable.

Rather than just being water-resistant, a waterproof jacket will be able to withstand wet weather for a long period of time without absorbing any moisture – which is great for overall comfort and breathability.

There are plenty of features to look out for, so we've scoured the shops for you, to bring a selection of the best women's waterproof jackets for every budget.

This Softshell Jacket from Sundried is great value for winter as it is both water-repellent and temperature-controlled.

As soon as we put this jacket on, we felt cosy and warm thanks to the soft fleece lining and could adjust the cuff, hoods and hem to our liking — making sure it was a close fit.

One thing we will say is that the jacket came up quite small and felt a little snug, so definitely size up. You don't need to wear a jumper underneath though; just a T-shirt, as the temperature is just right.

What we liked was the cleverly-designed chin guard, of sorts, as there was a flap of soft fabric covering the sharp top of the zipper, which protected our skin while our hood was up.

It's lightweight but sturdy in the wind and great for showers, but we wouldn't recommend it in a downpour, as it's not fully waterproof, just repellent.

Still, it's great for country walks, and short hikes and looks smart in black and red for commuting on those in-between days.

Material: 96% Waterproof, 4% Polyester, Size range: S-XL, Insulated: No, Colour options: Black.

If you're looking for a suitable waterproof for when you're out hiking – breathability is key, so this one by Bimini Bay Outfitters is a great choice.

Made from 100% breathable nylon and featuring a full mesh liner for airflow, it's perfect for avoiding the hot and sticky feel of bog-standard rain jackets.

Meanwhile, the taped seams, storm flap, various fastenings and hood with an adjustable visor will keep things watertight

'Great fit. Waterproof. Perfect for hiking,' raves one shopper, with another adding: 'Perfect for layering and keeping me dry while I was in the British Isles for 2 weeks!'

Material: Nylon, Size range: S-XXL, Insulated: No, Colour options: Pink, blue and sand.

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Cheaper than most, we think this Columbia jacket is a steal.

We'd say it was one of the more stylish waterproof jackets we tested out and we were impressed with the quality and its ability to keep us dry, too.

It has a lot of the same functions as many of the jackets in this list, like the sealed seams, an adjustable hood, cuffs and hem, and breathable fabric.

We wore it dog walking in the rain and found the zippered pockets handy for keeping our phone and keys sheltered from the elements.

Essentially, it kept us dry and we liked the jacket.

It comes in several different colourways, though you may find some colours cost more than others.

Material: 100% nylon 2L Tech Ripstop, Size range: XS-XL, Insulated: Yes or No, Colour options: Dark turquoise, black, mint, blue and orange.

We tested out this waterproof jacket from Madison which has promptly become our go-to jacket for cycling to and from the office.

It's both waterproof and breathable, with zips and vents under the armpits and at the back of the jacket, allowing the air to flow when pedalling up steep heels.

The top of the jacket is made from a super reflective material, which fills us with confidence that motorists will be able to spot us on the road.

The hem is dropped and has an adjustable cord, which is great for keeping the spray off our clothes.

The jacket comes with a lifetime warranty too.

Material: 100% polyester Ripstop, Size range: 8-16, Insulated: No, Colour options: Silver/blue and hi-viz yellow/silver.

This Craven jacket from Yorkshire-based TOG24 looks and acts the part.

It comes in an array of colours – we tried the sold-out khaki camo but we also love the Fuchsia Pink Tiny Spot Print for a splash of fun. At first, we were a little sceptical at how lightweight and thin it was, and the fact that it packed away compactly into a small, provided pouch — but it really stood up to the weather test.

After being stranded in an unexpected downpour on a long walk, we whipped the pouch out of our backpack, and as soon as we shouldered it, we were kept dry and felt fresh, rather than damp.

It's tapered, too, so doesn't feel bulky and shapeless, and the three-piece hood is fully adjustable, so all of our face and hair stayed bone dry while it rained.

The polyester mesh-lined inner helped us stay fresh, with the coat remaining breathable and almost airy — even in Monsoon-like Scottish weather.

Plus, it's on sale right now online at TOG24, making it extra budget-friendly.

Material: 100% Polyamide, Size range: 8-24, Insulated: No, Colour options: Black, turquoise, yellow, pink, purple spot print, pink spot print, pink, pink dalmatian spot, indigo floral and indigo spot.

Available at a fraction of the price of some of the other picks in this list, the NH500 by Decathlon’s in-house brand Quecha is certainly one of the cheapest waterproof jackets around.

But does it actually protect you from the elements? The answer is a resounding 'Yes!'

The coat has a waterproof coating that can withstand 2,000mm of rainfall over the course of a day, so should be able to survive all but the most extreme conditions.

This is enhanced thanks to taped seams, a high neck and elasticated cuffs that help keep the water out from the inside of the jacket.

It’s not just waterproof either, as its highly breathable design (ventilation panels at the rear, a mesh lining that keeps the coat from sitting directly on your skin) make it a solid choice for those after an entry-level waterproof hiking jacket.

We especially like the length of the jacket, too, covering your torso and buttocks, with the style of it being so that rain runs off and onto the ground, rather than making your legs wet. It looks super stylish, too.

Plus, if it ever gets sunny (you'll be so lucky!) the jacket even transforms into a handy shoulder bag, with a mesh pocket for your mobile phone. Talk about smart.

Material: Main fabric 100% polyester, Size range: XS-3XL, Insulated: No, Colour options: Faded indigo, red.

The Carson Pass 3-in-1 jacket can, as the name suggests, be worn in three different ways which makes it incredibly versatile.

Featuring a robust outer shell and a warm inner zip-in jacket, both layers can be worn alone as well as together – plus you can also remove the faux fur trim on the hood.

Everything about the design screams warmth: from the thermal-reflective lining and fleece-lined hood to the cuffs which have thumb holes to keep the sleeves snug over your hands.

Crucially, the Omni-Tech benefits from being breathable, so don't have to worry about sweating from the layers.

Material: 100% Nylon Stretch Mesh, Size range: XS-XXL, Insulated: No, Colour options: Black or blue.

If your budget can stretch a bit further than the affordable, Jack-of-all-trades Quecha, but not much beyond £100, then this hardshell from American outdoor specialists Marmot is your next best offering.

Fully waterproof, it benefits from sealed seams, adjustable cuffs, and a drawstring in the hem. Its breathable credentials are boosted with the inclusion of zipped armpit vents, which you'll thank Marmot for on those warmer hikes in humid, damp climates.

Some of its biggest selling points though are its seriously lightweight design (weighing in at just 246.6g), and the fact it can be stowed away in its own pocket when not in use.

Plus, those eco-conscious shoppers among us can rejoice as this offering contains recycled polyamide - meaning you can look good, stay dry and do good for the planet, all at the same time.

Material: 100% polyamide, Size range: XS-XXL, Insulated: No, Colour options: Cairo/Copper and navy.

This TorrentShell 3L Jacket by Patagonia deserves attention from serious hikers.

The shell is made from three layers of waterproof, breathable materials which get Patagonia’s H2No seal of approval – that's the brand's Gore-Tex equivalent.

Though simple in aesthetic – 'unpretentious,' as Patagonia states – it does a pretty top-quality job of ticking all the right boxes as it has an adjustable hood and cuffs, secret breathability pockets under the armpit, plus it folds away into a small pouch for ease of travelling.

What’s more, it’s one of the most ethical jackets on the market – its fabrics are 100% recycled and even the sewing is certified as Fair Trade.

The jacket is super flattering too and comes in a variety of stylish, on-trend colours which cater for sizes XS to XL.

Material: 100% polyamide, Size range: XS-XXL, Insulated: No, Colour options: 13 shades including black, coral, yellow, green and pink.

If the name of this jacket is anything to go by, the Berghaus Deluge means business when it comes to keeping the elements out.

Made from a rain-busting hydroshell fabric, the result is a jacket that's waterproof, durable and breathable – designed to keep you feeling fresh and dry, all walk long.

It has an adjustable hood to protect you from sheets of rain (you know the type), two zipped pockets and velcro arm cuffs to tighten around gloves when you're ascending those chilly peaks.

The pockets are also a treat for your hands as they boast a cosy, hand-warming material – a bonus if you've forgotten your gloves.

Material: Hydroshell fabric, Size range: 8-20, Insulated: No, Colour options: Red and black.

Don't let the weather hold you back on your hike with this best-selling jacket from outdoor specialists, Craghoppers.

Designed as an outdoorsy all-rounder, whatever the weather throws at you, you'll be warm and dry wearing this waterproof design. It features six handy zip pockets for all your bits and bobs, as well as a full coverage hood and mesh lining for ultimate breathability.

Made from around 85g of recycled materials, it has a quality, stretchy feel to it that's designed to face all weather in all seasons.

Plus, Craghoppers offers a lifetime guarantee if anything happens to your soon-to-be favourite purchase.

Material: 100% Polyester (part-recycled), Size range: 8-20, Insulated: No, Colour options: Green, navy, blue, silver and orange.

Weighing a rather feathery 295g, this lightweight waterproof Meteor jacket can be packed up small when needed, then dug out quickly when the rain appears.

Montane's reputation for thoughtful design and smart functionality is clear within this jacket's construction – it features tapered seams, a breathable yet sturdy fabric, a rollaway hood with peak, hidden zips, mesh-lined map-sized pockets and a robust internal storm flap.

All of these clever, unique functions combined make it the perfect go-to for everyday wet weather and weekend mountain climbs.

With a body-skimming shape and four colours to choose from, it looks pretty good, too.

Material: 100% Nylon, Size range: 8-16, Insulated: No, Colour options: Green, berry, slate and red.

Face the rain with ultimate confidence when you're equipped with this Downpour jacket by Rab, made from 100% recycled materials.

Its technical spec is on-point, with a seriously impressive waterproof performance and advanced moisture-wicking breathability for its price tag.

It has adjustable hems and cuffs, a peaked hood and deep-venting pit zips, so you can adjust the ventilation depending on your needs.

It's also super light at just 280g, making it packable, eco-friendly and high-performing – a triple win in our book.

Material: Recycled 50D polyester Pertex Shield with polyester membrane, Size range: 8-16, Insulated: No, Colour options: Mid & light blue, maroon, red, black, mid blue, marine, and blue & yellow.

Want to combine staying dry with some serious style credentials? Then it has to be the Dryzzle FutureLight from The North Face.

The outdoor brand has attracted a cooler crowd over recent years and this waterproof will certainly get the seal of approval from the fashionistas in your friendship group.

It’s not just a good-looking coat though, by any means. It’s waterproof, and windproof and has adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood to keep you completely covered.

Its lightweight nature makes it a breathable option, but it can keep you warm when there’s a chill in the air, too.

Available in a range of colours – from ember glow orange (pictured above) to soft pink or signature black – there’s sure to be an option to match your walking and fashion-focused wardrobe.

Material: FUTURELIGHT fabric technology, Size range: XS-XL, Insulated: No, Colour options: Seven hues including orange, mint, black and pink.

Don't want wet weather to cramp your style? This jacket from Joules in a bold 'antique gold' hue, is sure to add some statement to your rainy day get-up.

As well as looking good, it features all the design elements you'd expect from a good waterproof: there's the hood with storm peak and adjustable toggles, zip and popper fastening plus fully taped seams which all do the trick at keeping moisture out.

Reviewers sing its praises, with one writing: 'Love this coat. I always get compliments whenever I wear it. The attention to detail is top-notch.'

Material: 100% Polyester, Size range: 6-26, Insulated: No, Colour options: Leopard print.

Another great packaway option from Joules, this one is longer and sits at knee-length – which is usually pretty hard to find in foldaway waterproofs, it has to be said.

We love the longline relaxed fit, and of course, the multicoloured print which all adds up to a super laidback and on-trend feel.

Meanwhile, the waterproof finish with taped seams offers great protection from the rain, along with the secure zip and popper fastening.

Material: 100% Polyester, Size range: 6-20, Insulated: Yes, Colour options: Multi spot.

If you’re looking for a do-it-all waterproof jacket that suits hiking, running, cycling or mountain biking, then the Balance by Peak District-based independent Alpkit is the one for you.

The jacket is built to remain waterproof, even in heavy rain or wet snow, while simultaneously being breathable and ventilated enough for high-intensity exercise, such as trail running.

It manages this through the use of a three-layer construction that sandwiches a waterproof membrane between a sweat-wicking material on the inside and a nylon on the exterior that’s rugged enough to withstand the scraping of a rock face when scrambling, or friction from a rucksack’s straps.

All this comes in a sub-300g package that’s perfect for shoving in a day bag in case the heavens open when you're on your regular commute.

Material: 90% nylon/10% spandex, Size range: 8-18, Insulated: No, Colour options: Blue and red.

If you're looking to invest in the best waterproof jacket for women, then we'd recommend checking out specialist outdoors and sportswear brands and retailers, as they'll have extensive ranges.

More general clothing retailers will often carry waterproof jackets too, but there's likely to be fewer choices and fewer specs to choose from, so you might prefer to go specialist. These are our top picks:

Waterproof jackets are a bit more of an investment than your basic water-resistant jacket, so you can be looking at paying upwards of £150 – although, as with most things, prices vary, so there are bargains to be had.

In our search, the cheapest waterproof jacket was Decathlon's Quechua NH500 Waterproof Jacket at just £29.99, while the priciest was Patagonia Women’s TorrentShell 3L Jacket at £170.

Outside of your budget, the things to look for in a hiking jacket are whether it's waterproof and breathable.

It’s important to be aware that not all ‘waterproofs’ are the same though.

Look out for jackets with high hydrostatic head ratings (1,500 is entry-level while 20,000+ is the maximum) or the use of materials such as Gore-Tex.

If you’re planning on carrying a rucksack or day bag, it’s worth looking into the durability of the fabric too, with some waterproof membranes not able to withstand the friction from a bag’s straps.

Breathability in jackets is measured using two different methods – Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR) or Resistance to Evaporative Heat Loss (RET).

While how each is worked out doesn’t really matter to the everyday hiker, what their numbers translate to is important when comparing jackets.

With MVTR, the higher the number, the more breathable the jacket will be – something around the 8,000 mark will be fine for general walking, while 30,000 is aimed at high-intensity activities such as trail running. RET, on the other hand, is measured from 1-20 and, confusingly, the lower the number, the more breathable it is.

Hiking gilets are generally worn over the top of jackets to provide an additional layer of warmth when needed.

A gilet made from specialised fleece will take the edge off a cold wind when on a mountainside, although it won't necessarily have the same waterproof properties as your jacket.

That said, gilets that are lightweight and slim-fitting can be worn as a base layer when temperatures drop.

If you’ve ever been skiing before, there’s a good chance that you invested in a lot of expensive clothing and it’s only natural to want to get as much use out of it as you can.

The issue arises when hiking in all but the most extreme conditions. While breathable on the slopes, a ski jacket is designed to be used in cold conditions and protect you if you hit the deck.

If it’s not possible to remove the protective padding and lining from your ski jacket, then you can expect to get hot in most hiking conditions.

It all depends on how good your running jacket is. For serious runners who cover long distances, a waterproof, breathable, good-quality jacket is a must, so they may be suitable for a short hike.

Most running jackets tend to be water-repellent rather than waterproof, so they won't be suitable when a storm strikes.

Running jackets also tend to be thinner and more flexible, so won't provide the warmth you need when you're on a long walk in all weathers.

Some high-spec running jackets with a membrane for breathability and waterproof properties may work for hiking, but the vast majority aren't suitable, so it's best to find an alternative for your hiking adventures.

Down jackets are generally worn as a mid-layer in the winter for added warmth during low-key outdoor activities. Consider the conditions you're walking in and how cold it will be – it's very easy to get hot quickly in a down jacket and many serious hikers prefer layering up with fleeces so they can adapt to the weather and their level of activity.

Many down jackets are water resistant rather than waterproof, so they won't be able to withstand a downpour for long without eventually soaking in water. Because of this, during hiking down jackets are either best paired with an outer waterproof shell or worn when the weather is very cold and dry.

A lot of fashionable brands have an outdoor background, so companies such as The North Face and Patagonia are great options if you’re after something stylish and waterproof.

More specialist brands worth looking into include the likes of British brands Alpkit and Jottnar, or the North American specialists Marmot or Arc’teryx.

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