These Tried-And-Tested Rain Coats Might Actually Make You Not Hate Rain

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Picture your outdoor happy place: You're out on a run, you're out hiking with your bestie. Perhaps you're just sitting in the park reading a book. The one thing that can put a (literal) damper on that mood? Rain. That's probably why you already own a waterproof or rain jacket, but how good is it really? Unless you enjoy getting soaked (more power to you, if that's the case!) it's important to have a high-quality, durable, waterproof rain jacket with a hood on-hand.

There are a ton of rain jacket options out there, but one quality that tends to be overlooked is breathability. Breathability refers to how well a jacket can release moisture from its fabric, says Josh Herbert, stylist and founder of Captain Creps. "Breathability is graded on a scale. The higher the number on the scale, the more breathable the jacket is," he says.

"For everyday wear, I would recommend looking for jackets with a breathability over 10,000g." This is helpful to keep in mind if you plan on getting active in your jacket or tend to sweat a lot. Ready to add a new addition to your closet? Read on for the 15 best women's rain jackets, according to rave reviews from warm and dry customers.

Triclimate 3-in-1 Water Repellent Jacket

This isn't just waterproof—it's water repellent. Yes, it's pricey, but it comes with a fleece liner that you can wear with the waterproof inner shell or alone. The fabric is flexible enough to wear for workouts, but durable enough to take on hiking or camping trips, too.

Rave Review: "This jacket is everything I want in one. The inside layer is so comfortable and can be worn alone. The outer shell is so light! This is my go-to everyday on the run jacket!"

Beta AR Jacket

It's a splurge, which is why Arc'teryx's Beta AR jacket is loved by serious hikers and frequent campers for how durable its outer shell is. Built to withstand a range of alpine environments, it's also designed to be packable and lightweight so it won't take up too much space in your backpack.

Rave Review: "Decided to take the plunge on this jacket before hiking the Inca Trail and it was the best decision I made. The pit zips were my ultimate savior, as it reduced the heat but still gave me the waterproof shell for when I was above the clouds hiking up the stairs. My trekking group was very jealous and even took turns trying it out!"

Retro Parachute Waterproof Parka

ICYMI, activewear brand Sweaty Betty is all about athletic wear that's just as functional as it is stylish. The neutral color accented by pops of neons make this a trendy favorite amongst fashion lovers, but don't judge this book by its (pretty!) cover.

The cinched sleeves and bottom make it so you can really pack yourself in to the fully waterproof silhouette, and it's super lightweight so you can easily keep it in your work tote without worrying about it taking up too much room.

Rave Review: "Love everything about this parka. Super stylish, the colors are amazing without being overwhelming, and I could wear it over anything, not just activewear. It's super lightweight, practical, and entirely waterproof. It is very lightweight so in the colder months I can layer up underneath it, but in the summer it will work just as well with only a single layer underneath. The pockets are spacious and zip up. There is also a secret inner pocket, and the main zip is double ended. I will be wearing it a LOT!"

Cross Chill RepelShell Jacket

Designed for you rain-or-shine kind of runners, Lululemon's aptly-named RepelShell technology was literally formulated to repel water. The fleece keeps you warm, and it features four-way stretch fabric unlike some restricting rain jackets out there. It also comes in a bright neon shade if you like to run early in the AM or later in the night.

Rave Review: "Great jacket! I happened to wear this to a race where it rained towards the end and the water really just bounces off the jacket. The lining of the jacket is warm and soft."

Waterproof Hiking Coat

Both waterproof and windproof, many reviewers report even wearing this jacket for snowy conditions, or while skiing. For the price, it's a steal, too—the removable hood and ten internal pockets are just a couple of the many features it has to offer.

Rave Review: "Love my jacket! I bought this to go skiing and it worked great! I wore several layers underneath and it helped keep me warm and definitely kept me dry lol (I fell a lot). I loved the design of the pockets, too. They kept everything safe and waterproof. I kept my phone in my pocket the whole day with no problems."

Double Breasted Rain Jacket

No rain jacket list is complete without considering a classic trench that'll make you feel like a posh Londoner, but most don't actually feature waterproof material like this one from Calvin Klein. The stylish design features a removable hood when you just want to wear this as a light spring or fall layer, too.

Rave Review: "I bought and returned four raincoats before finding and keeping this one! The technology of it is great—nice hood that keeps out the rain/wind and a great belt that stays on and doesn't hit you with the buckle. It looks tailored, like it can be a regular jacket or a raincoat, which is what I was looking for on my trip to Ireland (and in regular life in the rainy Midwest). My only issue with it is that it's a little too warm for summer."

Lightweight Packable Raincoat

There's no need to spend over $100 on a rain coat if you're lucky enough to live somewhere where rain is a very occasional inconvenience, or if you may be traveling somewhere where it might rain. This super lightweight raincoat is great for hot weather runs in the rain, and it even folds in to its own little palm-sized tote. It's simple and gets the job done.

Rave Review: "I bought this for a trip to Amsterdam, where I understand it rains frequently. Luckily, I had this lightweight, easy-to-carry jacket with me, and was able to keep my upper body and head dry. When it stopped raining, the jacket dried quickly and was easy to pack back into its pouch. I'm glad I had it—much easier for a trip than juggling an umbrella."

Switchback III Jacket

While most rain coats have hoods, finding the right kind of hood can actually be a bit of a challenge. The one on this Switchback jacket can be pulled out or stored away. It also comfortably frames the face so that you won't have to worry about water dripping down on you. It was designed with adjustable cuffs and a 100 percent nylon shell to keep you dry in the most intense downpours.

Rave Review: "It has a light but warm shell that's well-fitting. It's windproof, waterproof, and easily packable. The attached hood is a great option that's easy to store. Couldn't ask for more!"

Light Rain Jacket With Hood

Minimalistic rain coats are great, but if you want something that's multi-functional, you'll love this option from Arthas. Made from polyester spandex, this jacket comes with adjustable drawstrings on the waist and a detachable hood. The lined pattern inside also makes for a stylish finish.

Rave Review: "I’m really happy with this jacket. Our weather is hot and humid and storms can pop up quickly. This jacket keeps me dry and not too warm. I love the length so I don’t accidentally sit on a wet chair outside as well."

Rainout Sutro Long Trench

This long trench is perfect for your commute to and from the gym or even work. It's sustainably made from recycled polyester, has a high collar for colder days, and cuts off just above the knees. It's also designed without harsh PFC-based chemicals.

Rave Review: "The quality of the coat is excellent and exactly what I was looking for. The elastic band at waist gives great shape to the coat. It's very flattering. It has great color. Big win for me."

City Breeze Rain Jacket

If you live in climates where it could be cool and rainy one moment and humid and foggy the next, this North Face is for you. The midweight (neither light or heavy) jacket has adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs, a waist cinch with a drawcord and cord locks, and a three-piece adjustable hood. It also has a drop-tail hem, so you won't have to worry about the back of your pants getting wet.

Rave Review: "I LOVE my jacket! I decided to bring this jacket on my trip to Oahu and THANK GOD I did! It rained during my stay and this jacket kept me dry and warm! Definitely a great purchase, and I highly recommend it if you're in the market for a super lightweight, waterproof jacket."

New Englander Wind & Waterproof Rain Jacket

Being outdoors late at night means it can be hard for cars or other people to see you. Luckily, this New Englander jacket comes with reflector panels that run horizontally and vertically for better visibility. Additionally, it comes in 24 other colors and has a two-way zipper for better mobility.

Rave Review: "I purchased this for a trip to Scotland because I knew it would likely, at the very least, drizzle every day. It did exactly what I bought it for—kept me 100 percent dry! It looked really cute on, too. This will definitely be my go-to jacket for travel from now on. I got a medium so I could wear sweatshirts underneath."

Packable Outdoor Hooded Rain Jacket

If you're always on the go, you need a rain jacket that you can easily store away. Enter: Avoogue's packable rain jacket. Once you're done using it, simply roll it up and slide it into the matching bag. The bag fastens securely, making it ideal for travelers who like to pack light as well. If blue isn't your vibe, no worries! It comes in 24 other colors.

Rave Review: "Bought this for a trip to Prague as an afterthought, and it was probably what I wore the most! Versatile, cute, and honestly very impressive for the price and packability. Wouldn't have gotten through my trip without it!"

Always Effortless Jacket

Calling all Lululemon fans! This rain jacket comes at hip length, so you won't feel like it's holding you back when you're on the go. It's available in five other muted colors to keep you stylish and dry. Bonus: it has a hidden phone sleeve as well.

Rave Review: "This jacket is fantastic! The quality of material and workmanship is superb. The color is exactly how it is pictured. Love it!"

Waterproof Rain Jacket

Depending on the material of your jacket, it may end up with a lot of wrinkles that are tough to remove. This jacket from SaphiRose will keep you looking effortlessly put together with it's wrinkle-proof features. The outside is also designed with waterproof polyester, while the interior is made from soft cotton plaid fabric, for a smooth feel.

Rave Review: "This rain coat is excellent. It is both functional and super cute. I bought this for a trip to San Fran because the forecast called for rain every day. This coat did not disappoint."

How Our Team Chose The Best Rain Jackets

Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and senior commerce editor Neha Tandon, researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated rain jackets. Our team consulted stylist Josh Herbert and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 15 best rain jackets for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What should I look for in a rain jacket?

Value

It can be hard to determine what kind of jacket will give you the best quality for your buck. However, there are a few ways to test the waters before you make a purchase. "The best judge of value is to check the actual waterproof and breathability ratings of the materials to get an idea of whether you’re actually paying for high-quality, breathable fabrics, or if you’re simply paying for the brand name," Herbert says.

He notes that you may also find brands that aren't as popular matching up with the criteria of a high-quality jacket. So, it's best to keep your options open. Ultimately, the value of an item comes down to what you're willing to pay. So if something is really speaking to you, use your best judgment and go for it.

Water resistance

ICYDK, there's a difference between rainproof and waterproof. "While a jacket can pass as rainproof (not waterproof) at the lower end of the scale at 5,000mm, I would highly recommend that you look for jackets with a minimum waterproof (and not rainproof) rating of 15,000mm," Herbert says.

If you have your eye on premium brands, he suggests finding an option with 20,000mm or more. This is especially the case if you plan on using the jacket for outdoor activities.

Durability

Durability is an essential part of any jacket. To keep it simple, Herbert recommends looking for materials such as GORE-TEX, DryVent, or DWR (durable water repellent). Most products will list these features in the product description.

Comfort and mobility

Nothing is worse than feeling like your clothing is stopping you from moving the way you want. Depending on what you're wearing underneath, it can be a seriously uncomfortable experience. "I always recommend that you try your jacket on with your layers prior to purchase, as you don’t want it to already be snug before you add your fleece and supporting items," Herbert suggests.

If you're ordering online, you may also want to size up to be on the safe side—just be mindful of how that can affect the way the sleeves or torso area fit you.

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