Best Hiking Jackets for Women (Rain Jackets to Insulated)
Looking for the perfect hiking jacket that is lightweight, waterproof, and warm yet breathable can be easily overwhelming.
I’m sure you’ve wondered exactly how much insulation you need. Is it lightweight enough while still being warm enough… Exactly how “water-repellent” is DWR or why do all these jackets make me have a square shape?
These are all probably things you’ve considered when looking for the best women’s hiking jacket.
We’ve tested dozens of hiking jackets and recommending our favorites based on comfort, packability, and performance.
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Best Womens Hiking Jackets
-Editor’s Top Picks-
Best Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Frontline
Backpacking Jacket: Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt
Best Down Jacket: Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
Types of Hiking Jackets
Rain Jackets: are great for Spring showers and Summer monsoons when you are definitely going to want a hiking jacket that is waterproof, not just water-resistant. Gore-Tex is the best material for rain jackets, but we’ve also listed some of our other favorites below.
Synthetic Insulated Jacket: is best for the lightest weight to warmth ratio. Think summer backpacking trips, cold morning hikes that turn into warmer summit temps, and when there is a chance of rain in the forecast as the synthetic fibers allow you to stay warm even when wet. Synthetic jackets are also great as mid-layers during cold winter hikes.
Down Insulated Jacket: while the bulkiest of hiking jackets, down jackets are also the warmest hiking jackets. All the down jackets we list below are very warm yet lightweight, treated with water-resistant DWR to keep out light rain and snow, and most importantly can easily pack down into your pack when not in use. Down jackets are best as the outermost layer.
Jump to Things to Consider for details on DWR, GORE-TEX, and Synthetic vs Insulated
Best Hiking Jackets for Women
Rain Jackets
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell
Top Feature: quickest-drying, packable rain jacket
PROS
100% Waterproof, fully seam sealed
Armpits have zippers for venting
Easily packs down
Underarm gussets for full range of motion
Review: If you need a seriously waterproof rain-jacket, this should be your first choice. The fabric on the Stormline Stetch Rain jacket is one of my favorite materials ever made.
It’s durable, yet very lightweight and more breathable than most rain jackets. The fabric is also very stretchy and between the roomy underarm gussets and pit zips, you don’t need to worry about sweat building up as you’re hiking.
For some reason, zippers seem to be an issue for a lot of fully waterproof jackets, but I’ve never had an issue with the zipper on this jacket and it feels much nicer than any other waterproof zipper on any jacket I own.
Once the rain lets up, just fold down the jacket into its own pocket to easily store away.
I will admit Black Diamond sizing can be off from one piece of clothing to the next, but I normally wear a size Large in all jackets and the size Large was perfect for me.
REI XeroDry GTX Hiking Jacket
Top Feature: most versatile and most affordable GORE-TEX® jacket
PROS
GORE-TEX® Paclite® is the best at being windproof and waterproof
Pockets are mesh lined to double as core vents
Stretch fabric to easily move with you
CONS: no pit zips to vent air
Review: This is my go-to jacket when I need a slightly thicker waterproof jacket for colder temps.
This jacket isn’t bulky at all and still has plenty of room for me to layer a long sleeve underneath if needed. Additionally, this jacket easily packs into my backpack once it heats up, and is stylish enough to wear out on a normal day in town.
After 5 years and hiking over 500 miles in it, I only have one small snag. You can’t beat the quality at this price point.
Synthetic Insulated Hiking Jackets
When you are hiking in colder, humid climates or want to keep moderately warm without the bulkiness of a down-filled jacket.
Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt Insulated Jacket
Top Feature: Perfect outer layer in Spring and Fall or as a mid-layer in winter.
PROS
60g of insulation
3 zippered pockets
DWR finish to shield light rain and snow
stuffs into own zippered pockets
beautiful color options
CONS: not as durable as we’d like
Review: This is a go-to jacket for those chilly Fall and Spring mornings when you know you’re going to heat up at some point on the hike, but still need some extra warmth to start the hike.
I use this jacket as my outer layer in 30°F to 60°F and because it is so lightweight, it easily packs down into your pack without taking up much space at all.
The cut isn’t boxy at all allows for full-range of motion, even with a long sleeve underneath.
This jacket is also perfect for a mid-layer during winter hiking or skiing.
I really like the non-hood option when pairing it as a mid-layer since your outer-layer will have a hood. Additionally, for any of you backpackers, this is so comfortable to sleep since it’s so light, warm, and there isn’t a hood bunching up behind your head.
Additionally, this jacket does fit true to size
Last, but not least, the flattering women’s cut and colors options for this jacket ARE SO GOOD! I may like camping and hiking, but I still want to look as good as I feel!
Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShel
Top Feature: Warmest insulation for being so light.
PROS
very lightweight to warmth ratio
abrasion resistant
AirMesh lining has tubular interior fibers to regulate temperature
4 zippered pockets (2 chest)
lining has anti-odor protection
CONS: not as great for wet climates
Review: This light and packable jacket is perfect for hiking in colder temperatures and ideal for layering under and over additional clothing.
I really like that it’s treated with anti-odor protection as well since hiking in layers can easily get sweaty. This jacket is great for cold morning hikes, cross-country skiing, and easily layers under a pack.
It does only come with a hooded version, but it is light enough to not get in the way.
Down-filled Hiking Jackets
If you are looking for extra warmth that is still packable, these down-filled hiking jackets are our top picks.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket
Top Features: Flattering Fit, Superior Warmth *Editor’s Choice*
PROS
Superior quality and warmth
Durable, abrasion-resistant fabric
Hooded and non-hooded options
Zipper pockets, packs down into a small bag
Plus-sizes available at O.R. online
Review: Outdoor Research is highly rated for their cold weather clothing and gear, and honestly, they are becoming one of my most favorite brands for hiking clothes altogether.
If you are planning to hike in the Rockies or Sierras from Fall to Spring, you are going to want a warmer down-filled jacket like this one.
This down jacket has the perfect amount of fill for warmth without being bulky and unflattering. I also wear this as an outer layer when snowshoeing or skiing in Colorado’s sunny winter days.
The details are what make this jacket phenomenal. For example, the side pockets are lined with a cozy fleece and the fit and flare don’t make you look like a box.
You won’t see much warmer or high quality down at an 800 fill, especially in this fitted or packable jacket.
→ Read next — 10 Best Women’s Hiking Shirts
Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket
Top Feature: Very flattering fit and incredibly comfortable
PROS
Extremely comfortable with freedom to move
Abrasion resistant
Hood and non-hooded options
Stuffs into own zippered pockets
Made of 55% recycled contents
Beautiful color options
CONS: expensive (keep watch for all holiday sales)
Review: If you’ve ever tried on down jackets, you know that while very warm and comfy they aren’t always the most flattering. I mean how many times I look more like Humpty Dumpty in a down jacket is disappointing.
Needless to say, the stitch work and pattern make a hell of a difference and somehow Patagonia got the details perfect with this jacket! It actually shows I have curves while not being too fitted.
I can layer just about anything under this jacket comfortably (if I even need to with that 800 fill down).
Don’t forget Patagonia’s one of the highest-rated B-corp brands thus far so it feels damn good to support them and know I’m getting a lifetime jacket as well.
Things to Consider - Buying a Hiking Jacket
Fit:
As you are probably well aware, it’s not always easy determining the fit of a jacket when online shopping. Sometimes you may need to go up a size if you plan to layer thicker shirts underneath or with the new trend of oversized jackets, you may actually want to go down a size so you don’t look like a box.
Material:
The material of the jacket will determine breathability, stretch, and whether it’s waterproof or water-repellent. Typically, polyester is the most common fabric for hiking jackets.
You will notice a lot of hiking jackets are made with DWR, which stands for Durable Water Repellent, it is a treatment they add to the filling to help resist water and eventually can wear down over time.
If your jacket is made of GORE-TEX, then you probably paid a higher price, but it is because GORE-TEX has the waterproof technology built right into the fabric and weaving so it will last much longer than DWR.
Down vs. Synthetic Fill:
The key difference you will see between down and synthetic fill is that down is incredibly insulating and much warmer than synthetic.
On the other hand, synthetic is made from polyester fibers and is designed to imitate down properties so it has the plus of being able to retain warmth even when wet, whereas down fill doesn’t dry fast or retain warmth when wet.
Synthetic is also easier to wash and usually more affordable. The higher the down fill the warmer the jacket will be, for example, 750 fill is going to be much warmer and quality made than a 500 fill.
Quality:
I know it’s tempting to want to just find a cheaper jacket on Amazon, but know that you will not be getting the same quality, constructed, and produced jacket as if you buy from someone like Patagonia, Athleta, or REI.
The biggest thing we can do to help our planet is to reduce, and if you must buy new then try to use fabrics from recycled plastics and materials.
Don’t forget where you put your money helps keep companies afloat, and a lot of those companies may have unethical business practices and work requirements.
I know it can be a lot to figure out which hiking jacket will work for you, and then have to figure out if that company is also practicing ethical fabric sourcing and work environments. Kudos to you though for acknowledging this and trying to do better!
read next —
Why Trust Us?
We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, especially when you’re just searching on websites like Amazon with paid reviews.
Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:
Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles across countless national parks, lakeshores, and terrains.
We field test the products we recommend or let you know when it’s a product we haven’t tried, but have heard raving reviews.
We do in-depth research on products and the brand before spending our hard-earned money.
We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
