The 10 Best Women’s Lightweight Rain Jackets

Waterproof, breathable, and packable.

The 10 Best Women’s Lightweight Rain Jackets

Waterproof, breathable, and packable.

Spring is beautiful, with warm sunshine and fresh flowers blooming everywhere. But it’s also a season of unpredictable weather patterns, especially regarding rain. If you’re someone who loves to enjoy the outdoors during spring, you’ll want a lightweight rain jacket that’s both functional and stylish. A great rain jacket will keep you dry and comfortable without weighing you down or making you feel too hot.

Whether you’re going for a hike, running errands around town, or simply walking in the rain, a good rain jacket is essential. But with so many rain jackets on the market, finding the perfect one for you can be a challenge.

We’ve compiled a list of the best women’s lightweight rain jackets for spring. When choosing a rain jacket, we’ll look at the top brands, materials, and features. We’ll also highlight the most important factors to remember when shopping for a rain jacket: breathability, waterproofness, and durability.

Considerations When Choosing A Rain Jacket

When shopping for a lightweight rain jacket, several key factors must be remembered.

Waterproof: Firstly, it should be waterproof, with high-quality materials and construction that will keep you dry even in heavy rain.

Breathability: Essential to prevent feeling too hot or sweaty inside the jacket. A good rain jacket should also be lightweight and easy to pack, making it convenient to bring with you to outdoor activities.

Durability: Essential to ensure the jacket can withstand the wear and tear of daily use outdoors and while carrying a backpack or bag. Other features you should consider include adjustable hoods, cuffs, hemlines, and pockets for storing small items.

Packability: The reason you’re likely looking for a “lightweight” rain jacket in the first place. A product that packs down small and easily, ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. Leave the bulky jacket at home and opt for one of these instead.

Our Picks:

Outdoor Research Women's Helium Rain Jacket

Outdoor Research Women’s Helium Rain Jacket

Outdoor Research’s Women’s Helium Rain Jacket is popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Made with Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric, the jacket is waterproof and breathable, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable even during heavy rain. It also features fully adjustable hoods, elastic cuffs, and hem, which help to keep out water and wind.

The Helium Rain Jacket has zippered hand pockets for storing small essentials and can be packed into its pouch for easy transport. The Helium Rain Jacket is a practical and reliable option for those who want a jacket that can withstand unforgiving outdoor conditions.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket is another top pick for rain jackets. Made with a three-layer H2No Performance Standard shell, this jacket is waterproof and breathable, making it ideal for multiple outdoor activities. It features a hood with a laminated visor, adjustable cuffs, and a drawcord hem, which help to keep out water and wind.

The jacket also has zippered hand pockets and an interior chest pocket for storing essentials. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket is a reliable and versatile option for those who want a rain jacket that can keep up with their adventures.

On Weather Jacket

On Weather Jacket

The On Weather Jacket is a sleek and stylish option for those who want a rain jacket that’s both functional and fashionable and who need a lightweight covering during those early morning runs in inclement weather. Made with On’s own waterproof and breathable membrane, the jacket is designed to keep you dry and comfortable in inclement weather conditions.

It features a hood that can be stowed away when not in use and adjustable cuffs and hemline. The jacket also has a zippered chest pocket for storing small items. The On Weather Jacket is an excellent choice for those searching for a rain jacket that looks as good as it performs.

Arc'Teryx Norvan LT Women's Hoody

Arc’Teryx Norvan LT Women’s Hoody

The Arc’Teryx Norvan LT Hoody Women’s is a high-performance rain jacket for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Made with Gore-Tex fabric, this jacket is both breathable and waterproof, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable even during heavy rain. It features an adjustable hood, cuffs, hemline, and zippered hand pockets for storing essentials.

The jacket also has reflective elements for added visibility in low-light conditions. The Arc’Teryx Norvan LT Hoody Women’s is a premiere choice for those who demand the best performance and durability.

Rab Women's Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket

Rab Women’s Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket

Although expensive at $200, Rab’s Phantom has a stellar reputation. It is a minimalist rain jacket perfect for those who want to travel light. Made with Pertex Shield fabric, this jacket is waterproof and breathable, making it ideal for various outdoor activities. It features a half-length zipper for easy on and off and an adjustable hood and hemline.

It also features a kangaroo pocket for storing everyday essentials. The Rab Women’s Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket is a solid choice for a lightweight and packable rain jacket.

Kuhl The One Shell

Kuhl The One Shell

The Kuhl The One Shell is a versatile and stylish rain jacket perfect for everyday wear. Made with a three-layer waterproof and breathable fabric, this jacket is designed to keep you dry and comfortable in all types of weather. It features an adjustable hood, cuffs, hemline, and zippered hand pockets for storing essentials.

This rain jacket also has a flattering silhouette and comes in various stylish colors. The Kuhl The One Shell, is an excellent choice for those who want a rain jacket that can be worn both on and off the trail.

Orvis Women's Ultralight Storm Jacket

Orvis Women’s Ultralight Storm Jacket

It looks sharp, and this lightweight and packable rain jacket is our pick for those who prefer to travel. Made with a three-layer waterproof and breathable fabric, this jacket is designed to keep you dry in wet weather while looking sharp. It features an adjustable hood, cuffs, hemline, and zippered hand pockets for storing essentials.

The jacket also has a flattering silhouette and comes in various stylish colors. The Orvis Women’s Ultralight Storm Jacket is an excellent choice for those who want a rain jacket that’s both functional and fashionable.

The North Face Women's Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket

The North Face Women’s Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket

The North Face Women’s Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket is a high-performance rain jacket for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Made with FUTURELIGHT fabric, this jacket is waterproof yet breathable (a recurring theme on this list) ensuring you stay dry during heavy rain. It features an adjustable hood, cuffs, hemline, and zippered hand pockets for storing essentials.

The jacket also has reflective elements for added visibility in low-light conditions. The North Face Women’s Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket is a top choice for those who demand perfection in performance and durability.

Black Diamond Equipment StormLine Stretch Rain Shell

Black Diamond Equipment StormLine Stretch Rain Shell

This rainy-day shell is a durable, high-performance rain jacket designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Made with BD.dry fabric, this jacket is waterproof and breathable, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable even during heavy rain. It features an adjustable hood, cuffs, hemline, and zippered hand pockets for storing essentials.

The jacket also has a stretchy and flexible design that allows for a full range of motion. The Black Diamond Equipment StormLine Stretch Rain Shell can’t be overlooked as a rain jacket that can keep up with your outdoor adventures.

Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket

The Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket is a classic, affordable option for everyday wear. Made with Columbia’s own Omni-Tech waterproof and breathable fabric, this jacket was made to keep you dry in climates that produce nothing but rain.

It features an adjustable hood, cuffs, hemline, and zippered hand pockets for storing essentials. The jacket also has a flattering silhouette and comes in various stylish colors.

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