Two Mountain Leaders test the best waterproof jackets for women 2025

In the market for a new waterproof jacket? Overwhelmed by the choice on offer? We’ve searched around and found the best waterproof jackets for women currently on the market. Take a look and compare your options to see what jacket is the best fit for you.

Most of the jackets tested are three-season hardshells but there are also options that will suit tough winter trips in snow too. The jackets have been chosen on the basis of their protection, breathability and durability, with weight, packability, features, fit sustainability and value influencing our decisions too.

Our picks of the best waterproof jackets for women

Quick List
Best in Test: Alpkit Sigma – buy now from Alpkit
Greener Choices: Alpkit Sigma
Best Value: Harrier Exmoor – buy now from Harrier
Lightest in Test: Patagonia M10 Storm – buy now from Cotswold Outdoor

Alpkit Sigma

Quick specs
Price: $220 / £169.99 (available from Alpkit)
Weight: 340g (size 10)
Materials: 100% recycled polyester with PFC free DWR coating
Hood: Wired peak, volume adjuster, elasticated sides
Front Closure: YKK Aquaguard zip with inner storm flap
Underarm/Side Zips: No
Pockets: 2 large hand pockets
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Elasticated with velcro
Sizes: 6 – 20
Men’s version: Yes
alpkit.com

The Sigma is a nice three season jacket from Alpkit, and highlights their commitment to sustainability by not only using 100% recycled materials, but making sure they can all be recycled again at the end of the jacket’s life. I really like the fit and feel of the jacket. It’s neat without being overly tight, and it has a flexible feel, in part due to not using a Gore-Tex membrane. It dealt with all rain I experienced without issue and, as with most modern fabrics, keeping it clean will help it to continue to do so. 

The price point and lighter weight mean it should work for a wide range of people and for a range of activities. I plan to use it climbing, walking, mountaineering and biking, all of which it will manage with ease. 

Read more: Kirsty’s full Alpkit Sigma review

Montane Phase XT

Quick specs
Price	$520 / £400
Weight	458g (size uk 12)
Materials	70D Gore-Tex, 100% nylon face and backer with with ePTFE membrane
Hood	Wired and laminated peak, rear and side adjusters
Sizes	UK 8-16
Men’s version	Yes

The Phase XT is a reliable winter jacket with a standard Gore-Tex membrane and 70D face fabric and backer. It features a hood that can easily swallow a climbing helmet and offers good face protection. The hardshell jacket has big hand pockets, an internal valuables pocket, and underarm zips for venting. The cuffs are floppy to fit over insulated gloves with padded wrists, which could result in wet gloves and wrists in foul weather. Overall, the Phase XT is perfect for winter use, with the hood being near perfect.

Read Lucy Wallace’s full Montane, Women’s Phase XT review – Tested across Winter 2023/2024

Mountain Equipment Makalu

Quick specs
Price	$374.95 | £270
Weight	516g (Size 12)
Materials	3-layer 75D/recycled 50D Gore-Tex, PFC-free DWR
Sizes	8-16
Men’s version	Yes

The Makalu from Mountain Equipment went down well in our tests, mainly due to its tried-and-tested features and strong build quality. It’s not the most expensive jacket in the test – although at £270 it’s still quite a sizeable amount of money to part with. But for that you get a well-designed, robust and versatile waterproof that should last several seasons.

Its main body is 100% recycled 50 denier, with tougher 75 denier on the wear points. The entire shell has been treated with a PFC-free (less environmentally damaging) DWR to repel water.

A standard Gore-Tex waterproof membrane is employed here. It’s not the top spec Gore-Tex Pro but the quality is still impressive.

Our tester’s favourite aspect of this rain jacket is the hood. They found it roomy and adjustable and they liked that it has a stiffened brim and a wire peak.

See our full review of the Mountain Equipment Women’s Makalu Jacket review. – Tested in 2023
Available at: cotswoldoutdoor.com

Patagonia M10 Storm

Quick specs
Price: $465 / £360 (available from Cotswold Outdoor)
Weight: 279g (size small)
Materials: 100% recycled nylon H2No shell with DWR finish made without added PFAS
Hood: Stiffened peak with Recco strip, volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: 2 way waterproof zip with internal storm flap
Underarm/Side Zips: No
Pockets: 2 napoleon pockets of different sizes
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: XS – XL
Men’s version: Yes
eu.patagonia.com

Patagonia’s new M10 range really is incredibly light – I didn’t believe there was anything in the box when the Patagonia M10 Storm jacket arrived! The range has been designed for use in Alpine climates, and you can feel that in the jacket as soon as you put it on. It has a barely there feel, with a bit of stretch in the fabric, making it a great option for climbing and mountaineering as it just moves with you. The waterproof membrane is Patagonia’s own H2NO and the jacket is a three-layer design.

My main concern with this jacket is the durability in the waterproofing in UK winter conditions, as generally a lighter weight garment will let water through quicker than a thicker one. Given that on around half my winter days out my jacket will wet out, I’ll be reaching for this one when there’s more Alpine like conditions with drier weather or lower freezing levels.

Read more: Kirsty’s full Patagonia M10 Storm review

Harrier Exmoor

Quick specs
Price: $122 / £94.99 (available from Harrier)
Weight: 309g (size XS)
Materials: 100% polyester
Hood: Stiffened peak with volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: Offset front zip with internal storm flap and studs
Underarm/Side Zips: Yes, small pit zips
Pockets: 2 hand pockets, 1 back pocket, 1 chest pocket
Hem: Drawcord adjustment with an inner elasticated skirt
Cuffs: Elasticated with thumb loops
Sizes: XS – XL
Men’s version: Yes
harrierrunfree.co.uk

The Harrier Exmoor is a trail running jacket and I’m about as far from a trail runner as it gets, so bear with me! I wasn’t sure whether this would work for me, but the Exmoor almost got the Best in Test. I’ve really enjoyed wearing it as it doesn’t feel like a waterproof at all. It’s soft, flexible and quiet. It’s a good fit, and I can still just about get a duvet jacket on underneath.

The only slight drawback is the waterproof rating. I understand that it’s a compromise for a running jacket, so for me this is a jacket for lighter summer rain and drizzle. There are a couple of other nifty features like being able to pack it away into its own back pocket, and it can also be used as a bumbag in itself.

Read more: Kirsty’s full Harrier Exmoor review

Sprayway Corbitt

Quick specs
Price: $426 / £330 (available from Outdoor Action)
Weight: 450g (size 10)
Materials: 100% polyester recycled with Goretex 75D
Hood: Wired peak with volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: 2 way zip with internal and external storm flap and stud
Underarm/Side Zips: No
Pockets: 2 large hand pockets, and 1 internal
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: 8 – 18
Men’s version: Yes
sprayway.com

Sprayway are back to designing great hill gear, and this Corbitt jacket is an example of that. It’s a sleek and simple design, but hits the key points to make it a good all-rounder for typically British weather. The Gore-Tex membrane feels tough but combined with a well cut fit, it doesn’t feel too crinkly or stiff. I really like the hood and cuffs on this jacket, they’re well designed for use and ease of use too.

I’m impressed with the Corbitt and it really does feel like Sprayway have stepped up their gear to properly deal with all mountain weather. It’s a jacket I will use through winter, especially on those particularly manky days when it feels like you’re not sure why you’re even going out!

Read more: Kirsty’s full Spraway Corbitt review

Fjallraven Bergtagen Eco-Shell W

Quick specs
Price	£575 / €599,95 / $550.00
Weight	522g (size medium)
Materials	Eco-shell stretch ripstop (70% recycled polyester) with proprietary membrane
Hood	laminated wired hood with rear and side adjusters
Sizes	XXS-XL
Men’s version	Yes

The Bergtagen Eco-Shell W is a waterproof jacket that uses Fjallraven’s proprietary membrane instead of Gore-Tex. It stayed dry and comfortable during a three-day expedition in the mountains in December. The jacket is made from 70% recycled polyamide and protected by a PFC-free DWR finish. It features large pockets, venting zips, generous cuffs, and a Recco Reflector. The hood is large and may be too big for some, possibly due to its size. The Bergtagen Eco-Shell W is the most expensive and weightiest jacket in the selection, but it is a comfortable and practical mountain shell for winter with a smaller ecological footprint. It is worth a look if you’re looking for a comfortable and practical winter shell.

Read Lucy Wallace’s full Fjallraven, Bergtagen Eco-Shell W Review – tested across Winter 2023/2024

Haglofs Roc Flash GTX

Quick specs
Price	$336 / £380
Weight	471g (size medium)
Materials	Gore-tex 3L, 75D, 100% recycled polyamide with ePTFE membrane
Hood	laminated peak, rear and side adjusters
Sizes	XS-XL
Men’s version	Yes

The Roc Flash GTX hardshell jacket is a practical and stylish choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It features roomy external hand pockets, an internal valuables pocket, and a cuff that slides over insulated gloves. The jacket also has underarm zips for venting and a Recco reflector for quick rescue in winter. However, the hood is tight and the laminate panel in the peak doesn’t hold its shape in strong wind. Despite these issues, the jacket is built from 100% recycled 75 denier polyamide and has a Gore-Tex membrane, making it tough and waterproof. Haglofs has achieved these eco-credentials at a competitive price point.

Read Lucy Wallace’s full Haglofs Roc Flash GTX Women Review – tested across Winter 2023/2024

Berghaus Ridge Seeker

Quick specs
Price: $452 / £350
Weight: 440g (size 10)
Materials: Goretex 3L 100% polyester with ePE membrane
Hood: Wired peak with volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: 2 way waterproof zip with internal storm flap
Underarm/Side Zips: 2 way pit zips
Pockets: 2 hand pockets, 1 external chest and 1 internal chest
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: 8 – 20
Men’s version: Yes
berghaus.com

This jacket from Berghaus is about as classic a jacket you can get. The Gore-Tex 3L fabric feels tough and durable, meaning the Berghaus Ridge Seeker feels ready to take a bit of a battering in winter. There’s a good selection of pockets with the hand pockets just big enough to fit a map, and both the internal and external chest pockets a good option for a phone. The hand pockets do sit lower than I’d like, and so get in the way of a rucksack or harness waist belt, which limits what I put in them.

Overall, it’s a solid jacket, with good features that are almost ideal but just need a little tweak to make it a great jacket.

Read more: Kirsty’s full Berghaus Ridge Seeker review

Berghaus Paclite Dynak Gore-Tex

Quick specs
Price	£170
Weight	292g (10)
Materials	2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite, taped seams
Hood	stiffened, one adjuster
Sizes	women UK8-18 (men XS-XXL)
Men’s version	Yes

£170 is excellent value for a rain jacket of this calibre. It’s light, it’s durable, it’s breathable and protective and it’s well furnished with features – there’s a lot to like here.

It’s not quite as nice to wear as a 3-layer shell if you’re forced to keep it on for extended periods but the inner face does at least have a built-in carbon backer instead of a clingy drop liner or printed ‘half-layer’ like many cheaper 2.5-layer PU-based shells and that means it provides reasonable comfort levels. We found that it only started to feel a bit clammy when really working hard uphill.

The one-way, water-resistant main zip has an internal storm flap and a comfortable microfibre chin guard. The two hand pockets are a decent size and are placed high enough to stay out of the way of a backpack hip belt. The pocket zips aren’t watertight but they do have double storm flaps – so there’s peace of mind there.

The overall fit of this hardshell jacket is fairly relaxed, especially compared to trimmer fitting shells, with room for a layer or two underneath.

Read our full Berghaus Paclite Dynak Gore-Tex review – tested in 2023
Available at: berghaus.com

How we tested the best women’s waterproof jackets

Kirsty tested these jackets through Autumn and early winter in Scotland while hillwalking, biking and mountaineering in a mix of rain, snow and even some sunshine. Kirsty is a short size 8-10 and was aiming to get several layers under each jacket.

All weights are taken from the reviewer’s own scales. Additional waterproof jackets for women were tested by mountain leader Lucy Wallace. Lucy holds the winter, summer and international mountain leader awards. Based in Arran, she is a regular tester for TGO with a breadth of expertise in the outdoors. She used her home digital scales to weigh the jackets.

How to choose the best waterproof jacket for you

Finding the right waterproof jacket can greatly enhance your comfort and performance in adverse weather conditions. It’s also absolutely crucial from a safety perspective. First and foremost, the main things to assess when choosing a rain jacket are the levels of waterproofness and breathability as these determine its ability to keep you dry while allowing moisture to escape. Additionally, consider the hardshell jacket’s durability, weight, and packability to match your intended activities and environment. If you like to move fast and light, for instance, then a lightweight 2.5-layer shell that’s light on features will be best for you. Conversely, if you’re into your winter mountaineering then you’ll want a more durable shell – 3-layer perhaps – with pockets and lots of adjustment.

Pay attention to features like hood design: is there adjustment so that it will hold in high winds? And pocket placement: will they be accessible when you’re wearing a baclpack with a hipbelt? You’ll also want to take into account the jacket’s fit and sizing to ensure optimal comfort and freedom of movement – many of our full individual jacket reviews will specify whether a jacket is true to size or not. If we don’t specify in the review, please feel free to get in touch with us directly to ask.

Finally there’s the sustainability side of things. If you’re conscious of the environmental impact of products, check whether any recycled materials are present and also whether the materials can go on to be recycled when the jacket comes to the end of its life. Some jackets these days still come with PFCs. These are water resistant chemicals that often escape through our washing machines and into the world’s water supplies where they stay for a very long time. Studies have found these in the world’s deepest oceans and even on the summit of Everest!

Fabric

The fabric determines how ‘breathable’ a garment will be. All waterproof fabrics are fully waterproof regardless of cost. Thicker fabrics give better protection in winter weather.

Construction

Waterproof fabrics are made up of layers of material. The most durable construction is three-layer in which the waterproof layer is sandwiched between the face fabric and an inner layer.

Hood

Hoods should be easily adjusted and move with your head. A wired or stiffened peak is useful in wind driven rain and snow. Helmet-compatible hoods should have volume adjusters so they can be reduced in size without affecting your vision for non-helmet wear.

Front Closure

Water-resistant zips are now standard. These are not fully waterproof in driving rain and should have an inner flap to repel any rain that gets through.

Ventilation

Underarm/side zips can be awkward to use but do allow good ventilation. They can often be used when the front zip has to be closed due to rain or snow. Zips that curve under the armpits are effective but the most difficult to adjust. Side zips that run from the armpit down the jacket are much easier to use.

Cuffs

Cuffs that can be opened wide are good for ventilation in the arms. Elasticised and narrow cuffs can lead to sweaty wrists.

Pockets

Whilst not essential pockets that are accessible when wearing a rucksack hipbelt are useful for items like compass, phone, snacks, map, hat and gloves.

DWR

The durable water repellency treatment (DWR) makes water bead and run off fabrics. In time this degrades and needs to be restored with a wash-in or spray-on product. The DWR does not affect the waterproofness of a garment but does reduce the breathability when it wears off gets dirty so you get more condensation inside. The DWR treatment used for many decades is being phased out as it contains environmentally damaging PFCs. Unfortunately, PFC-free DWRs do not last as long so garments need washing and reproofing more often.

Fit

For the most efficient breathability, the best waterproof jackets should fit fairly closely. At the same time, they shouldn’t be so tight that they restrict movement. And a rain jacket should fit comfortably over all the layers you might need to wear underneath it. Size labels should be taken as a guide only – they’re not consistent between makes.

Waterpoofing, breathability, adjustment, fit, features, sustainability and of course price. There’s a lot to consider, but by carefully weighing these up you can make a well-informed choice and invest in a waterproof shell that could serve you well and for a long, long time.

Measuring waterproofness and breathability

If you want to know how to stay dry when hiking in the rain, it’s important to consider a rain jacket’s waterproofness and breathability. If the weather is wet and warm, the fabric needs to have the capacity to let the moisture created by sweat to escape, otherwise you will end up damp inside the rain jacket. These days there are excellent waterproof and breathable membranes (which are also windproof). Most jackets also have a durable waterproof repellency (DWR) treatment added to the outer layer of fabric.

The waterproofness of a rain jacket is measured by determining the height of a column of water that the fabric can withstand before it starts to leak through. The resulting figure is known as the hydrostatic head (HH) and this is expressed in millimetres – the higher the number, the more waterproof the jacket is considered to be.

The breathability of waterproof garments is determined by the “Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate” (MVTR). This test measures the amount of water vapor that can pass through the jacket’s fabric over a given period of time. The unit of measurement used is typically grams per square meter per 24 hours (g/m²/24h). The higher the MVTR rating, the more breathable the jacket is considered to be. 

Finally, colour choice may seem less important but a brighter shade will allow you to be more easily seen should you get into difficulty. Black, dark blues and greens blend in rather than stand out. Also, very light shades will show the dirt quickly.

Waterproof fabrics and their ratings

• Hydroshell (Berghaus) – HH: 15,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Dermizax EV – HH: 25,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Unbranded (Alpkit Balance) – HH: 20,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Polartec Power Shield – HH: 20,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Futurelight (The North Face) – HH: Unknown | MVTR: 75,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Pertex Shield – HH: 20,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• H2No (Patagonia) – HH: 10,000mm to 20,000 mm | MVTR: 12,000 – 15,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• Omni-Tech (Columbia) – HH: 10,000 mm | MVTR: 10,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• eVent – HH: 30,000 | MVTR: 15,000 to 25,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• Gore-tex – HH: 28,000 mm | MVTR: 17,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• Gore-tec Paclite – HH: 28,000 mm | MVTR:15,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• Gore-tex Pro – HH 28,000 mm | MVTR: 25,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)

How to look after your waterproof jacket

Looking after waterproof jackets can be trickier than a normal piece of clothing; they require a certain amount of upkeep if they are to continue to keep you dry and perform well for a long time. Dirty rain jackets don’t let body moisture through very well, so you get damp from condensation building up inside the rain jacket as you sweat quicker. The Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment on the outside of hardshell jackets that causes rain to bead and run off rather than soak in can also wear off and need replacing over time. This also leads to condensation as the garment is then less breathable.

There are two main elements to waterproof jacket care: washing, and restoring the jacket’s DWR treatment. Our guide on how to look after your waterproof jacket will further help you to understand common problems with hardshells, rain jackets and how to manage them.

How to repair your waterproof

To repair a small hole or tear you will need:

• Duct tape
• Seam sealant

How to do it: Patch over with tape (do this on both sides if possible). Reinforce edges with seam sealant. You could also use a Gore-Tex repair kit. You can use duct tape on clothing and sleeping bags. I have down jackets and bags with duct tape patches that have been there for years). I’ve never had to repair a softshell jacket but if there was a big hole or rip I’d just stick duct tape on it. Of course, a hole in softshell or fleece is more significant compared to one in a waterproof.

Learn more about how to repair your waterproof jacket.