The 7 Best Women's Rain Jackets of 2024
By: Sarah Ziffer: Women's & Kid's Techwear Buyer | October 27, 2023
The best rain jacket is the one you have with you. That’s a simple maxim, but it carries a lot of weight. The best women’s rain jacket doesn’t do you any good if it’s at home hanging in your closet. So a good rain jacket needs to be lightweight and packable enough that there’s no excuse not to slip it into your pack whenever you head out. And it should be comfortable enough that you don’t hesitate to slip into it as soon as the sky starts to open. But beyond that, there are a lot of design features that come down to personal preference. Looking for a minimalist option with no pockets? We’ve got that on this list. Want something that breathes well so you can continue to do high-output activities in the rain? We’ve got it.
New This Year:
These are the best women's rain jackets on the market, but that doesn’t mean that they’re all equal. Instead, each jacket on this list has specific strengths and weaknesses that make them appeal more or less to different types of outdoor recreationists. So it’s up to you to decide what you’re looking for. No matter what though, the rain jackets on this list will expand the range of acceptable weather for you to play in outdoors with their specialized waterproofing.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Grey skies? Put on the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket and add a little pep to your step. The Torrentshell is a closet staple; a three layer rain jacket made with H2No™ Performance Standard Shell fabric. It keeps the day moving and the moisture from seeping in. Conveniently stuffable into one of its hand pockets and with an attached adjustable hood, you can go anywhere with the the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket and put it to the test in wet weather.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| H2No™ Performance Standard | Two Handwarmer | $179.00 |
The North Face Antora Rain
Rain rain go away, but if you're wet and have to stay, zip up The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie and do it in style. No one will know you're wearing a rain jacket that has DryVent® 2L fully windproof and breathable fabric, because it'll look like you're wearing a fashion forward and slightly cropped sweatshirt! Nothin' like running through puddles in style.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 70D 88 g/m² 100% Recycled Nylon | Covered, Secure-Zip Hand Pockets | $120.00 |
Outdoor Research Apollo Rain
Not only does the Outdoor Research Apollo Rain Jacket offer unbeatable weather protection, but it comes at a price that won't break the bank. This weather shield is made from a waterproof and breathable fabric, so you can hike, climb, camp, and commute in the rain without feeling like you're inconvenienced. Additionally, all the seams are sealed, making it impossible for water to penetrate through, and the hood is adjustable so you can customize the fit to feel just right depending on the type of excursion you're embarking on. Rain or shine baby, rain or shine.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| Ventia™ 2.5L 100% Nylon 70D Ripstop | Zippered Hand Pockets | $129.00 |
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic™
Whether you're zipping through rainy city streets or ticking off wilderness peaks, you need a rain jacket that can handle it all. The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic™ Jacket is built with a Dry.Q™ Active membrane, designed to remain highly breathable and waterproof during strenuous activity. Lightweight 40D 4-way stretch face fabric punches above its weight for durability and allows full mobility for you to get after it with no holds barred, wherever you find yourself.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 90 g/m² 100% 40D 4-Way Stretch Nylon | Zip Chest Pocket | $229.95 |
Rab® Downpour Eco
The Rab® Downpour Eco Jacket is an all-around rain shell that brings together sustainability and performance. Pertex Shield is lightweight and breathable, and the recycled monopolymer fabric is easier to break down and reuse at at the end of the jacket's life. Rab® is known for their quality gear though, so you won't have to think about that for years to come.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| Recycled 50D Polyester 2.5L with Polyester Membrane | YKK Zipped Pockets with Storm Guard | $139.95 |
Mountain Hardwear Threshold™
The Mountain Hardwear Threshold™ Jacket is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts hitting the trail in soggy climates. Tough, breathable 3-layer fabric keeps you comfortable in wet and windy weather, and the whole thing packs down small into its own hand pocket for easy storage when the sun comes out.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| Dry.Q® 70D 3L Nylon Ripstop – 100% Recycled Nylon | Two Zippered Hand Pockets | $179.95 |
Arc'teryx Salal
The Arc'teryx Salal Jacket was built for urban missions in our often times unpredictable coastal climates. With its waterproof and windproof 3L GORE-TEX fabric and soft, breathable C-KNIT backer technology, the Salal Jacket will keep you bone dry through the nastiest of downpours while the elongated fit and articulated patterning provides the sleek city styling and coverage you need for all your various errands and endeavors.
| Material | Pockets | Original Price |
| 40D 3L GORE-TEX | Zippered Hand Pockets | $500.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Kid & Toddler Snowsuits
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Sarah Ziffer
Growing up in Florida, I missed out on the chance to get involved in snow sports. Tired of the heat, and seeking out the mountains, I moved to Seattle to start a new adventure. A few years after moving to WA I fulfilled my dream of learning to snowboard and immediately fell in love with it. After just one time out on a friend’s board I was hooked. I outfitted myself from head to toe with gear from evo, and got a season pass at Snoqualmie.
I quickly realized that snowboarding inspired me to live a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. I left my job at a fashion company to come and work for evo and become immersed in the culture and experiences that make the snowboarding community so vibrant. I have been at evo since 2017, am currently the women's and kids' techwear buyer, and enjoy learning and experiencing everything this incredible community has to offer.