"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

A good umbrella will serve you fine for short jaunts between your car and the office, or running errands in some off-and-on rain, but when its a torrential pour and you find yourself unsheltered, and umbrella won’t do the job. A water-resistant rain jacket is the way to go, keeping you from getting drenched in transit to work or on your favorite trail. Unlike other inclement weather like snow and sweltering heat, rain can spring up at anytime during the year so you want a versatile rain jacket that will serve you through three seasons or more.

As avid outdoors people that also commute, we’ve tested rain jackets for women (and several rain coats for men) that can help you stay comfortable and protected. There are plenty of styles, from shell silhouettes that easily layer over trail gear to elevated options that look great on slick city streets. We (a.k.a., my women coworkers) tried out a slew of women’s rain jackets to find the best for outdoor adventures, commutes to work, and all of those unexpected showers.

The Best Rain Jackets

• Best Overall: Jack Wolfskin Bike Commute Mono Women's Rain Jacket

• Best Budget Option: 33,000 ft Packable Women's Rain Jacket

• Best for Hiking: Outdoor Research Aspire II Gore-Tex Women's Rain Jacket

What to Consider

Weatherproofing

There’s almost too much information out there when it comes to fabrics and technologies that brands promise keep you dry. Good news—pretty much all waterproof materials work similarly and will keep water at bay.

Rain jacket shells are made of nylon or polyester, which is then treated with a DWR (durable water-resistant) coating to make water bead and run off the surface of your jacket. A DWR coating will wear down after years of use, but it lasts a good while and can be revived with an inexpensive treatment like this Nilwax Tx-direct wash. Polyurethane fabric naturally repels water, but it’s still usually treated with a DWR coating to bolster weatherproofing.

Rain jackets are constructed from two to three layers to provide more of a barrier between you and the rain. Some include a waterproof membrane, like Gore-Tex, that physically repels water like a rubber dry bag. Gore-Tex claims to be one of the most breathable waterproof membranes out there, but most rain jackets feel at least a little damp inside once you start sweating in them. Gore-Tex provides more breathability than a PU layer, but if it’s a humid day, you probably won’t notice the difference.

Another major factor to consider is construction, particularly at the seams. Seam-sealed jackets are either taped over or bonded using heat so water won’t seep through the seams. Critically seam sealed rain jackets are taped or bonded at the most vulnerable points to prevent leakage where the water hits hardest and most often.

Fit and Use

Similar to ski jackets, rain jackets are meant to function as a top layer that repels precipitation. But unlike ski jackets, rain jackets are typically lightweight with a minimal lining and no insulation so they won’t offer any warmth. Opt for styles that are cut more generously if you want to layer sweaters underneath in colder months.

If you want a rain jacket to keep you dry on hikes, biking, or running, you’ll need a hip-length jacket that has a streamlined fit. Our best fitted shell selection from Janji is cut close to the body with just enough room for mobility to keep you comfortable and protected while in motion—and our editor friends at Runner’s World agree.

How We Selected

We crowd sourced recommendations in our Easton and New York offices to determine the best women’s rain jackets. We compared water-resistance, comfort, and style that served us well on hikes around Easton as well as rainy commutes around the city. Our picks include rain jackets for women that staff have used for years and can personally speak to performance and durability, along with styles that we haven’t tried ourselves but we’ve vetted through positive reviews and excellent construction and materials.

Bike Commute Mono Women’s Rain Jacket

This jacket has effective waterproofing, a flattering cut, and versatile style. The tailored silhouette gives you shape while still being comfortable enough to hike in and move around. The large pockets have waterproof zippers to keep your belongings dry and the laminated, extended cuffs provide extra protection.

Zoë Hannah, our deputy editor, swears by this jacket. “I’ve been using this all summer now, so it’s been through several downpours and countless drizzles.” She likes that tailored fit and the less swishy sounding material has a more muted look than DWR-treated jackets—they typically have an unattractive sheen that looks plasticky when you’re on the trails.

“I’ve never found my clothes or hair wet after a jaunt in this jacket, especially because the length in the back keeps the top of your pants dry,” Hannah says, “something that’s missing in so many women’s jackets.”

Packable Women’s Rain Jacket

This rain jacket packs a lot of the same weatherproof features of more expensive styles at less than half the price. It’s packable and lightweight so it’s perfect to have in a pinch, whether it’s in your daypack on a hike or stashed in your work bag.

It has an adjustable hood for a better fit but it won’t accommodate a helmet. The adjustable velcro cuffs and drawstring hem seal out wind and rain and the mesh lining has feels more comfortable next to skin than an unlined PU fabric.

The standout feature for such an inexpensive jacket is its fully taped seams. Even some higher price-point jackets only have some of their seams sealed but the 33,000ft jacket delivers on waterproof construction.

Aspire II Gore-Tex Women’s Rain Jacket

The Aspire II is a durable rain jacket that uses Gore-Tex textiles for both the shell and lining. It has a flattering fit and a generous cut so you can layer sweatshirts or even a lightweight down jacket underneath. It’s better suited to cooler weather because of the thick material.

While you’ll find pit zips on a lot of rain jackets for ventilation, the Aspire II takes it up a notch with a vent running from the armpit down to the bottom hem. It’s a quick way to get air flowing and it’s more efficient than standard pit zips because of the transparent size of the vents.

Beta LT Women’s Rain Jacket

This lightweight shell from Arc’teryx is as technical as it is versatile. The simple design has an array of waterproof features like a three-layer construction and sealed seams to ensure you stay dry in the heaviest downpours. The hip length gives you plenty of mobility for hiking and biking and the clean silhouette fits great on city streets.

The hood, cuffs, and hem are all adjustable to block out rain and wind and give you a more customized fit. The Beta has a generous cut for you to layer underneath but it can be worn with just a tee when hiking on a mild day.

Rainrunner Pack 2.0 Women's Rain Jacket

This packable jacket is a lightweight option that can be easily taken out or shed between unexpected downpours. It packs into its own pocket that has an elastic strap for easy toting.

The editors at Runner’s World tested the Rainrunner under a shower-head at full-blast for five minutes and it didn’t leak. The absence of an interior liner reduces bulk and separate venting under the arms and at the torso give you breathability in warmer temperatures.

Beadnell Waxed Cotton Women’s Rain Jacket

Waxed canvas is a weatherproof fabric first used by 18th-century seamen to keep their sails from getting soaked in water. The tightly woven cotton canvas material on this jacket is treated with an oily wax that repels moisture, and you can always re-wax it when it wears down.

The Beadnell jacket was a staple of British equestrians but gained popularity for its versatile style and outdoor performance—today, it’s a stylish pick for men and women. A snap-button flap over the two-way zipper adds protection against wind, which goes a long way on a chilly winter evening. A detachable hood can be purchased separately.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?