Women’s waterproof jackets 2021: hiking jackets from North Face, Columbia, Joules, Proviz and Finisterre
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Look for a waterproof jacket that either uses branded technology, such as the reliable Gore-Tex, or own-brand technology to render its outer membrane waterproof.
Stay away from ‘water repellent or water resistant’
Waterproof jackets (check they aren’t just labelled water repellent or water resistant, which tend not to be fully waterproof) are also known as hard shells, and you’ll often see jackets rated by millimetres of waterproofness – as a guide, up to 1,500mm is water resistant (so not useful in anything more than drizzle), 1,500mm-5,000mm is waterproof and good for most wet conditions, 10,000mm and above is highly waterproof and great for mountain conditions and snow.
Tight or roomy?
Think about how and where you’ll wear your jacket.
If you want something for casual use, a roomier design is good for layering underneath on cold mornings, and a longer parka-length jacket with some insulation will offer more warmth. If you’re planning fast-paced hikes or cycles, you’ll want something light and breathable and without insulation.
A good jacket should fit snugly but not too tightly at the waist, cuffs and neck and include taped seams, sealed or protected zips, zipped pockets and a well-designed hood (look for a helmet-compatible hood if you want to wear it for climbing and cycling). Underarm zips will stop you overheating.
If you’re out in extreme conditions, it’s smart to pick a brightly coloured jacket so you’re easy to spot in bad weather.
We tested all of these jackets in heavy rain and they kept us dry for multiple hours. To check a jacket is effectively waterproof, see if water spilled on its outer shell balls into droplets and rolls off the surface. If water starts to be absorbed after regular use you can re-waterproof your jacket by treating it with a technical wash.
Looking for a men’s waterproof jacket?:Best men’s waterproof hiking jacket UK 2021: beat the rain with these jackets from Rab, Columbia, Berghaus
Further reading:Which is the best sleeping bag for adults? We review sleeping bags from Vango, Rab, Trespass and Jack Wolfskin
Key specs – Waterproofing technology: OutDry; Pockets: 2, Colours available: black, white
Travelling light? Pack Columbia’s OutDry Extreme NanoLite in your rucksack or bike pannier – it compacts down into its own pocket and is so lightweight you’ll barely notice you’re carrying it.
Columbia’s own-brand OutDry technology plus sealed seams offer reliable waterproofing if the rain starts up, and we wore this jacket for hours in grim weather without getting damp or sweaty.
While we like the looks of this jacket, we’d choose the black colourway over the white, which could end up looking dirty, and not everyone will like the rather shiny finish of the Extreme NanoLite.