The Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for Women

Outerwear for when it’s wet and not winter.

By Outdoor Life Commerce Team | Updated May 4, 2021 5:24 PM EDT

Gear

A blonde woman with yellow jacket standing staring the big lake between mountains.

A lightweight rain jacket can be carried nearly anywhere, so you’ll always have protection from a drizzle to a downpour. K B, Unsplash

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Lightweight rain jackets fill multiple needs. First, they keep you dry in those months when you don’t need a lot of, or any, insulation. Second, they’re easy to carry with you so you can be ready if the skies open up. They should be able to be worn both alone or over a layer, and, ideally, keep the wind out as well as the water. Here are some shopping tips, along with some recommendations.

Fit: You never want a jacket to restrict your range of motion, but beyond that baseline, what will the jacket need to accommodate? Do you plan to cycle? Kayak? Reach overhead for any reason? Just dash from car to grocery store? Consider what movements you’ll need to make, and what jacket design and size will support them best. (Likewise, if you want to, come fall, wear layers under the jacket, consider that, too.)
Packability: This may matter to you greatly or not at all, but you should think through where you’ll be when you need the rain jacket. Many lightweight jackets are designed to be packable in their own pocket-turned-pouch, so you can toss it into your bag and have it at the ready, or take it hiking, camping, etc. (You’ll forgive any wrinkles because you’re staying dry.) If this is a feature you’ll want to use, choose accordingly.
Head and Neck: The collar and hood may seem simple, but they need consideration. Collars (with a detachable or packable hood, or no hood at all) protect the neck from the elements, particularly wind, and add a more structured look to the jacket, though some people are sensitive to their potential chafing. Hoods will of course keep the rain off your head…but unless there’s a cord or adjustable elastic to tighten it, the hood can just fly off and create more frustration than protection.