Here, TGO experts review the best waterproof jackets for women to help you find your perfect fit.
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. Make sure you also check out our guide to The best waterproof jackets
If you’re looking for something more lightweight than the waterproofs reviewed below, take a look at our guide to the best lightweight waterproof jackets.
How we tested the best women’s waterproof jackets
These 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.
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Our picks of the best waterproof jackets for women
BEST BUY: Mountain Equipment Women’s Makalu Jacket
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Likes: Excellent hood, tough
- Dislikes: No frills
- Price: £270
Materials: 3-layer 75D/recycled 50D Gore-Tex, PFC-free DWR | Features: internal and external chest pocket, torso pockets, pit zips | Sizes: UK8-16 | Men’s version: Yes | Website: mountain-equipment.co.uk
The Mountain Equipment Women’s Makalu Jacket is a waterproof with tried and tested features and strong build quality that should last several seasons. It is made with standard Gore-Tex and is 100% recycled 50 denier, with tougher 75 denier on the wear points at hips and sleeves. The hood is roomy and adjustable, and the zips are of the water-resistant type. It is not overly heavy and is suitable for use in the UK hills all year round.
Read the full Mountain Equipment Women’s Makalu Jacket Review
Patagonia Women’s Dual Aspect Jacket
- Rating: 4/5
- Likes: Excellent hood, technical features
- Dislikes: expensive
- Price: £450
Materials: 3-layer H2NO shell with 30D recycled nylon face | Features: 2 x chest pockets, 2 x torso pockets, pit zips, RECCO reflector | Sizes: XS-XL | Men’s version: Yes | Website: eu.patagonia.com
The Dual Aspect Jacket is made from Patagonia’s proprietary H2NO fabric and has winter-friendly features such as a waterproof hood, waterproof main pockets, and underarm zips. It also includes a RECCO reflector for locating buried avalanche victims, and a generous fit with wide cuffs. Patagonia has reduced the environmental footprint by using a recycled nylon face fabric that is protected with a PFC-free DWR.
Read the full Patagonia Women’s Dual Aspect Jacket Review
Montane Women’s Pac Plus XT
- Rating: 4/5
- Likes: Excellent hood, technical features
- Dislikes: expensive
- Price: £250
Materials: 3-layer H2NO shell with 30D recycled nylon face | Features: 2 x chest pockets, 2 x torso pockets, pit zips, RECCO reflector | Sizes: XS-XL | Men’s version: Yes | Website: eu.patagonia.com
The Montane Women’s Pac Plus XT is one of the lightest jackets that I have tried, but it is waterproof enough for the winter season. Made from 100% recycled Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, it is tough and packable, while being fairly breathable. It includes underarm zips and a brushed fleece chinguard, but the pockets detract from an otherwise great jacket. Montane claims it is a jacket for all seasons, but only if you are fastidious about zipping them up.
Read the full Montane Women’s Pac Plus XT Review
Rohan Women’s Ventus Jacket
- Rating: 3/5
- Likes: Big pockets, generous fit
- Dislikes: Oversized hood/chinguard
- Price: £300
Materials: 3-layer standard Barricade, 100% polyamide with PU membrane | Features: 2 external, 1 internal pocket, pit zips Sizes: S-XL | Men’s version: yes | Website: rohan.co.uk
The Rohan Women’s Ventus Jacket is a generous length that will suit many people who like a waterproof to cover their hips and bum. It has a Barricade membrane that has a durable DWR treatment and external pockets that are waterproof to prevent rain ingress. However, the hood is too large and the brim is not laminated and wired, making it not ideal for mountain use.
Read the full Rohan Women’s Ventus Jacket review
Keela Women’s Munro Jacket
- Rating: 3/5
- Likes: Good value, tough, full-featured
- Dislikes: Heavy, warm
- Price: £210
Materials: shell: 100% nylon w/PU coating. Liner: 100% polyester w/PU coating | Features: 6 pockets, waist drawcord, removable snow skirt, wicking lining, pit zips | Sizes: UK8-20 | Men’s version: yes | Website: keelaoutdoors.com
I was keen to test something from this reputable UK-based company. I chose the Keela Women’s Munro Jacket, which has long been a staple of many mountain rescue teams. It is a traditional design with a lining, detachable snow skirt, rollaway hood, and endless pockets. The zips are of the old-school fabric type, but are protected by vast stormguards. The mesh lining is treated with a PU coating, which helps to force moisture from the body outwards and away from the skin, but comes at a massive weight penalty. It is not a waterproof for a showery summer’s day, but it is not a bad option for a foul day in the mountains.
Read the full Keela Women’s Munro Jacket Review
