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We tested women's rain jackets from Outdoor Research, Arc'teryx, REI, Rab, Patagonia and more to determine the top performers that will stand up to the worst squalls
The best women's rain jackets were thoroughly tested to find the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Our experts have bought and tested 45 of the best women's rain jackets in the last 12 years, with 12 excellent options featured in our current lineup. We tested these jackets in every condition, from spring snowboarding to hikes in steamy tropical storms, to get a well-rounded picture of how each garment performs in the wild. We also ran each product through a set of controlled tests, including wearing them in the shower and pouring a cup of water over each zipper to test their waterproofness. We compiled the data to craft a thorough review to help you choose the best rain jacket for your personal needs.
Editor's Note: Our women's rain jacket review was revised on October 11, 2024, to incorporate additional product details and comparative analysis across the lineup.
Weight: 10.5 oz | Material: Gore-Tex with Paclite 2 and polyester 50D plain weave
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Great water resistance
Superior ventilation
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier than the lightest weight models
Doesn't pack into a pocket
Waterproofing Issues?
We read several accounts of online user reviews stating that this jacket wasn't waterproof, so we purchased a new one for retesting. After running it through our shower test, wearing it in real-life rainstorms, and pouring a cup of water on the zipper, we achieved the same testing results as we did the first time around — the Aspire II is a superb jacket with excellent waterproofing. However, sometimes, DWR needs refreshing. See Gore-Tex's website for instructions on restoring the DWR of your Gore-Tex rain gear.
The Outdoor Research Aspire II is an all-around great jacket, performing well in every aspect of our tests. The design is well thought out and shows significant attention to detail. It has one of the most customizable fits we saw in the lineup to keep moisture from penetrating openings, including an adjustable cinching hood, internal front storm flap, drawcord hem, Velcro cuffs, and high-end components such as waterproof YKK Aquaguard zippers. While its Gore-Tex Paclite 2L fabric offers some of the best water resistance we encountered in testing, the jacket remains light and easily packable at only 10.5 ounces and proved flexible without stiffness or restricting the wearer's range of motion in use. We love the Aspire's TorsoFlo venting, which runs from the armpit to the bottom hem. Our testers celebrated this unique feature, calling it “a creative solution to balance water resistance and breathability that allows you to quickly dump heat when fully open.” This ensures a much more comfortable wear for anyone who runs hot. The only other jacket that outperforms the Aspire II in this, or any other metric, is the Arc'teryx Beta LT. But the distinctions are minimal, and such an upgrade will cost you double, so it's hard to argue there's a need to go premium unless you are truly committed to buying the best of the best without concern for cost.
Despite all the bells and whistles, the unexpected design feature the Outdoor Research Aspire II lacks is a double zipper on any of the pockets. You can actually stash the jacket into its chest pocket without issue. But since it was not designed for this purpose, you will not be able to zip the pocket closed, making it far less convenient for carrying when not in use. Many other lower-scoring models come standard with such a stow pocket feature, including the Outdoor Research Helium, which also proved to be the lightest and most packable jacket in our lineup and a favorite for backpacking trips when inclement weather was an outside possibility. All in all, we think the Aspire II offers an impressive combination of water resistance, breathability, and comfort. For a performance-driven rain jacket, it is an excellent option at a more-than-fair price. Budget shoppers who don't want to cut corners on storm protection should take a look at the impressively water-resistant yet highly breathable Torrentshell 3L from Patagonia. You won't find it quite as responsive and flexible as the OR Aspire II, but you'll save 20% on its cost and enjoy excellent performance overall.
The Aspire II's flawless performance both out in the field and under lab testing made it a tester favorite and an easy recommendation to make for most shoppers.
Weight: 12.3 oz | Material: 3L Gore-Tex 100% nylon
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent water protection
Waterproof zippers
Good fit
Excellent range of motion
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't pack into its pocket
Very expensive
Our testers loved the Arc'teryx Beta LT, saying it “offers the best-of-the-best rain protection when inclement weather gets wet and wild and allows you to stay out longer and go further with confidence.” Its three-layer N40p Gore-Tex shell with DWR finish held up to every lab test we threw at it, handling hikes in some seriously unpleasant weather with ease, from tropical storms in Hawaii to chilly fall rain in the Sierra Nevada. The sealed WaterTight Vislon zippers down the front and along the pockets worked exceptionally well to keep the body and valuables inside dry. The clever design, including gusseted underarms, a slightly tailored fit with a dual-adjustable drop hem, Velcro cuffs, and a helmet-compatible StormHood, provide a good range of motion even though the fabric is thicker, heavier, and a little stiffer than many other options. The only other jacket to come close to matching the Beta LT's superb performance is the Outdoor Research Aspire II, which offers a nice cut in weight - at nearly two ounces less than the Beta LT - and a dramatic drop in price, but doesn't deliver quite the same degree of watertight protection or durability in design.
At 12.3 ounces, the Beta LT is one of the heaviest jackets in our review. It's also interestingly one of the few jackets that is not designed to pack down into one of its own pockets, much like its top competitor, the OR Aspire II. The price point is also, by far, the highest of any contender in our lineup. This may place it out of practical range for many shoppers. But in truth, not everyone needs such extreme weather protection. Many users will be content with a jacket that delivers reasonably high-quality water protection and a nice balance of comfort and breathability without breaking the bank. If you want great performance and you're not ready to shell out the big bucks, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L or the Rab Downpour are excellent alternatives that require only minor sacrifices. Still, if you seek ultimate extended wet weather protection and you're not looking to go specifically ultralight, the Beta LT is the jacket we recommend when serious squalls roll through.
Testing the Arc'teryx Beta LT's water resistance capabilities took us from the lab to the trail and everywhere in between, with standout results every time.
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L offers the best water resistance for its price bracket out of all the jackets tested, and while it may not have the many bells and whistles of a few of the higher-end jackets like the Arc'teryx Beta LT or OR Aspire II, it is exceptionally water-resistant, equally breathable, and reasonably comfortable for most everyday activities. We would highly recommend this quality jacket to anyone looking for a good layer to keep them dry no matter how bad the weather is outside without breaking the bank. Jackets that drop any lower in price, like the Rab Downpour or the Marmot PreCip Eco, often come with a reduction in storm protection as well. For some, such limited designs may still prove quite adequate. Yet the Torrentshell does such an excellent job of bridging the divide between superior water resistance and cost, and it quickly topped our list of recommendations for budget shoppers.
The 3-layer 50D H2No Performance ECONYL fabric of the Torrentshell 3L is finished with a PFC-free DWR treatment to provide excellent water resistance. However, that also means this jacket ends up on the stiffer, more crinkly side of the spectrum. Its zippers are not sealed but do come with a fabric placket to keep moisture out. Lead tester Jessica Albery reported these storm flaps worked pretty well in most situations, but “on occasions when water managed to get underneath, the zipper was vulnerable, and moisture would seep through.” Still, this is an excellent jacket for the price and one we have no reservations in recommending. If you can't quite swing the cost, the Marmot PreCip Eco discussed below is another great jacket for an even more affordable price. Or, if you tend to run hot or you need a lightweight rain-resistant layer to pack away in case of irregular downpours, the Rab Downpour will serve you well and can save you another 20% in cost.
The well-priced Patagonia Torentshell 3L demonstrated impressive water resistance in both a controlled shower setting and out in the field during stormy conditions; it also packs down to an easily stowable size.
The Marmot PreCip Eco sits firmly in the intersection of value and functionality, with a price tag that won't break the bank while not skimping on the essentials. It's one of the lightest garments in our review and easily packs into its hand pocket, making it a great option for travel. The recycled nylon ripstop fabric is lightweight and comfortable, moving well while keeping the wearer dry.
With the lower price tag, the PreCip Eco is missing a few of the extra features of the higher-end jackets, like key clips, additional zipper pulls, or dual zippers. But it does include all the essentials, like pit zips, hand pockets, and an adjustable hood. This is a great option for a functional, packable, and affordable rain jacket to get you outdoors, no matter your budget or the weather. If you want more bells and whistles without paying top dollar, check out the Outdoor Research Aspire II.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic was a top performer for breathability and mobility and was our testers' top choice for active endeavors. The stretch fabric, soft hand feel, and relaxed fit combine to give this garment outstanding movement, allowing the body its full range of motion while keeping the wearer dry. The lightweight 2.5L fabric combined with the pit zips sent the breathability over the top.
As one may expect, breathable and flexible fabric such as this comes with a few trade-offs. Compared to contenders with more robust fabrics, the Ozonic was not as waterproof and took up water sooner. The hood tightens around the top of the head from the back, which worked effectively to keep it in place but was less comfortable than some other models. Still, this is your best bet if you prioritize mobility and breathability for more intensely active adventures in less-than-ideal weather. For a versatile jacket that can move in any direction, vent heat efficiently, and is ideal for a wide range of activities and conditions, it is hard to beat the Ozonic. But in a downpour when water resistance matters most, the Arc'teryx Beta LT is the best choice.
The Outdoor Research Helium is by far the best jacket for ultralight travel, with the smallest pack-down size and a scant weight of only 6.3 ounces — less than half the weight of many jackets tested. It packs into a hand pocket, and the compact package can fit in just about any space or clip onto a bag or harness.
With the focus on a minimalist, ultralight design, this jacket lacks a few key features, such as pit zips, adjustable wrist cuffs, and a substantial visor on the hood. Even though the fabric is one of the most breathable, without vents, it was not quite enough to quickly vent heat when temperatures rose and activity increased. Everything considered, this was the jacket we found ourselves reaching for when trying to keep backpacks or suitcases light while traveling and backpacking, and it's our first pick for a lightweight, packable option. The second lightest top contender is the Marmot PreCip Eco, which includes pit zips but weighs a few ounces more.
The OR Helium Rain jacket is lightweight and packable so it fits in any bag.
Credit: Jessica Albery
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We tested jackets in a wide range of conditions and while participating in a variety of activities to see how each garment performed in different situations.
Credit: Jessica Albery
How We Test Rain Jackets for Women
Before testing began, we researched the wide range of rain jacket options available on the market. After narrowing the field down, we purchased the jackets reviewed here at full retail price. We then tested our selection for months in the field and in our home labs. Our testing included over 100 total assessments. Water resistance was our top priority, and along with real-world tests in every type of rainstorm mother nature threw at us, we also designed three lab tests to do a side-by-side comparison in a controlled environment. To test breathability, we walked the same one-mile uphill route at an air temperature between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Comfort and mobility were tested through hours of use in the field, as well as a set of stretches. Every jacket was weighed and packed into dedicated pockets and measured. We repetitively tested zippers, velcro, and drawcords, meticulously inspecting each product to assess durability.
Our rain jacket testing is divided into five performance metrics:
Water Resistance (30% of total score weighting)
Breathability (25% weighting)
Comfort and Mobility (20% weighting)
Weight (15% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
Testing range of motion in the Marmot PreCip Eco with a couple stretches.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Why Trust GearLab
This rain jacket review is brought to you by Jessica Albery. Jessica has worked outdoor jobs in New Zealand, Australia, and Oregon and is currently based out of Truckee, California. She loves backpacking, hiking, snowboarding, and running and never lets inclement weather get in the way of a good adventure. She believes that having the right gear for a situation means you can stay out longer and go further. Jessica has a degree in journalism and values scientific, unbiased research when reviewing outdoor gear in order to present accurate information. She recruited a few friends to help test jackets on their adventures to get additional input and provide a well-rounded picture of how these jackets work for a range of people in different climates and situations.
We get our human and furry friends involved in testing.
Testing The North Face Antora while camping.
Analysis and Test Results
Following our testing period, we scored each jacket based on its performance in every field, crunched the numbers, evaluated each jacket based on our testing criteria, and discussed the variations in performance to help you find the ideal jacket to fit your lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket that can withstand a torrential downpour or a featherlight jacket for shoving in a pack, just in case, we have an option for you.
What's the Best Value?
When shopping for outdoor gear, many hope to find the best performance-to-cost ratio. Some less expensive raincoats may be friendly to the wallet but may also be overly easy on weather protection. However, there are options that manage to keep the cost low while still offering excellent performance.
The Marmot PreCip Eco comes with a mega bargain price, but this jacket punches above its weight regarding storm protection. It held its own in all tests and is comfortable, reliable, and easy to use. It also doesn't cut corners regarding functionality and is a practical wet-weather staple.
The latest version of the Marmot PreCip Eco saw an increase in durability.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is another garment that offers great value. It comes with a higher price tag than the PreCip Eco, but of the jackets tested in the midrange price field, it offers the best water resistance and would be an excellent choice for those looking for maximum weather protection without breaking the bank. The Rab Downpour is also worth considering for its value. It performed decently well in all tests, with comfort, mobility, and breathability being its top features. Its moderate price tag makes it a good investment, especially for those looking for something for more active endeavors.
Testing the Rab Downpour and OR Helium jackets on a misty coastal backpacking trip.
Credit: Claire Lawrenson
Water Resistance
This is the most important aspect of a rain jacket, and we were meticulous and thorough in our testing. We tested the water resistance of each jacket outdoors in storms to get real-world first-hand experience, as well as through multiple tests inside the lab to get a good side-by-side comparison of how each one performed under the exact same conditions. We spent upwards of 10 hours in the shower testing water resistance in a controlled environment, wearing garments made from a wide variety of fabrics. Besides testing the fabric technology, we also considered the details, including taped seams, hood size and adjustability, and the ability to tighten the cuffs. Additionally, we assessed the water resistance of the zippers, whether this was achieved with a water-resistant Polyurethane coating or a zipper flap.
The Arc'teryx Beta LT performed outstandingly well in every water resistance lab test. It also kept testers dry in the gnarliest weather, even over a multi-day camping trip in a tropical storm. The 3L Gore-Tex excelled at preventing water from penetrating the fabric, and the large helmet-compatible hood is fully adjustable and offers some of the best coverage in our test fleet. This one also stayed the driest for the longest in our lab tests, and the sealed zippers proved they would not let water in, keeping underlayers and valuables like phones and keys dry in pockets. We did not find a weak spot whatsoever — the Beta LT is the best for those looking to get out in the worst squalls in continually wet climates.
The Arc'teryx Beta LT excelled in all water resistance tests.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Outdoor Research Aspire II is another top contender in this category, with its 2L Gore-Tex Paclite shedding water like a duck in the rain. While this jacket took up water a little sooner than the Beta LT, it was still able to hold its own in all water resistance tests. The Aspire also has water-resistant coated zippers that kept the pockets dry for longer than many others. The large brim on the hood excelled at keeping water off of the face, and the hood cinched down tight to keep rain sealed out.
The OR Aspire excelled in our zipper water resistance tests.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and Marmot Minimalist jackets demonstrated commendable water resistance in our tests but fell slightly short in comparison to the Aspire and the Beta. While these two jackets remained dry during the shower test for a considerable amount of time, their zippers did not fare as well. Unlike the Aspire and Beta, which have coated zippers, both the Torrentshell and Minimalist have zipper flaps on their pocket and chest zippers. In our pooled water test, the coated zippers of the Aspire and Beta proved to be significantly more effective. Of the four jackets, the paper towels in the zippered hand pockets of the Minimalist became damp the fastest.
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L jacket offers great water resistance.
Credit: Jessica Albery
It is also worth mentioning the Patagonia Granite Crest, which has decent water resistance but started to show moisture inside sooner than the top performers discussed above, and its hood, while large, lacks the structure and coverage of the Beta and Apsire.
The Patagonia Granite Crest offers admirable water resistance, but it's hood isn't as structured as other options.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Breathability
While keeping outside moisture from penetrating a rain jacket is of utmost importance, ensuring internal moisture can escape is also crucial. To evaluate the breathability of our tested jackets, we conducted a range of tests to gauge how well the fabric, lining, and pit zips could dissipate heat and moisture. In addition to trying out the jackets for biking, hiking, walking, and splitboarding under varying conditions, we also walked the same steep one-mile path in each jacket when the temperature ranged from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During the first part of this trek, we kept the pit zips closed to evaluate the breathability of the fabric itself. For jackets with vents, we opened the vents at the halfway mark to evaluate their effectiveness. Our least favorite experiment in this review was wearing the jackets on a hot day to assess their sweat-handling capabilities.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic takes the cake in the breathability department, with its combination of highly breathable fabric as well as pit zips. This was by far our testers' favorite for active endeavors.
The Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic's breathable fabric and pit zips make it an excellent choice for active endeavors.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Rab Downpour was a close second in breathability for active endeavors, and the long vents quickly dumped heat. Despite thicker fabrics, the Beta LT and Torrentshell 3L also performed admirably in this metric. The OR Helium doesn't have vents but relies on an ultralight 2.5-layer fabric to vent heat and internal moisture.
The OR Helium's lightweight fabric vents heat and moisture well on cooler days, but we missed pit zips on warmer or more strenuous activities.
Credit: Claire Lawrenson
The OR Aspire features a dual zip pit vent that runs from the inside of the arm all the way down to the bottom hem of the jacket. While the fabric is not quite as breathable as the Downpour and Ozonic, it is the quickest to vent heat when the vents are opened, thanks to their extended length.
The Outdoor Research Aspire II features a full-length vent for maximum airflow.
Credit: Jason Albery
Comfort and Mobility
We considered a few different aspects when assessing comfort, including fabric feel, range of motion, fit, adjustability, and ease of use. Much of this was evaluated in the field over repetitive use in different situations. For fabric feel, we tested each jacket with a short-sleeved shirt underneath to see how the inner fabric felt against the skin and evaluated the neckline, cuffs, and pockets. Besides wearing the jackets for various activities, we did the same stretches in each one to assess range of motion. We evaluated the cut, as well as how well it fit over layers. We also tested every feature that allowed us to customize the fit. And finally, for ease of use, we tested all the little details while out in the field. We considered how smoothly zippers slide, how easy pit zips were to use, if drawcords were accessible, how well the hood adjusted to our head, and if phones, snacks, and keys fit in the pockets.
The Stretch Ozonic was a tester favorite that we kept reaching for because of its high comfort level. The fabric is lightweight, has a slight stretch, and moves effortlessly with the body. It is on the slightly roomier, longer side of the group, which helped with coverage, comfort, and layering.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic offers a relaxed fit with stretch for a full range of motion no matter what activities the weekend holds.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Outdoor Research Aspire also scored high for comfort, with its lightweight, flexible fabric, a fit that offers a full range of motion, and great features that provide good adjustability. Its thoughtful design made it one of the most easy-to-wear jackets.
Putting the Outdoor Research Aspire II through its paces while squeezing in some late spring riding.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Arc'teryx Beta LT is constructed from a three-layer Gore-Tex, which is the pinnacle of great waterproofing. However, this fabric is stiffer and more crinkly than others. Still, the cut and design are fantastic, and there are underarm gussets to allow for more mobility through the arms and shoulders. The fit is flattering while still leaving plenty of room for free movement. The Beta has the biggest hood in our lineup, which can fit over a helmet but is still fully adjustable and can be cinched down around the face when bare-headed. Arc'teryx has done an excellent job of ensuring this jacket is highly waterproof and quite comfortable, and it has one of the most well-thought-out designs loaded with features and adjustability.
The Arc'teryx Beta LT was one of the most customizable jackets tested.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Rab Downpour is another outstanding option for comfort, with a soft, flexible fabric that feels good against the skin and moves with the body. It is packed with details to make it adjustable and easy to use.
The Rab Downpour is fairly light and is easily stowed into a hand pocket.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Weight
When deciding whether to bring a rain jacket along on an outing or trip when the weather can be unpredictable, weight and packability can be crucial factors, especially if space or weight is limited. Although many manufacturers provide weight specifications, we personally weighed each model using our own scale to obtain accurate measurements. It is worth mentioning that all the jackets in this review were in size small, and the weight may differ depending on the size of the jacket you purchase.
Furthermore, we packed each jacket into its pocket if this was an option or rolled it up tightly into its hood and then measured the dimensions to get an idea of how small they pack down. We packed and unpacked jackets repeatedly, tossing them in daypacks, overnight packs, and our favorite luggage to discern which were simple to travel with and which ones we were excited to take along.
Many of the jackets tested pack into a hand or chest pocket.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Outdoor Research Helium jacket is by far the lightest, most compact jacket we tested. It weighs a minuscule 6.3 ounces, several ounces lighter than the next lightest option and half the weight (or less) of many others tested. The fabric is featherlight, but the jacket also takes a minimalist approach, ditching certain features to save on weight, including pit zips and adjustable cuffs. This allows it to pack into one hand pocket, creating a tiny package that will tuck into any pack. We found that we were more likely to bring it as an emergency layer when the weather was unpredictable or if there was a low chance of rain in the forecast because of its lightweight packability.
OR Helium Rain Jacket is the lightest jacket tested and stashes down smaller than a water bottle.
Credit: Jessica Albery
For those looking for a good balance of functionality in a compact, lighter package, the Marmot PreCip Eco is an excellent option. It's quite light at 9.2 ounces and easily packs down into a hand pocket, thanks to the slight stretch of the fabric. It includes more comfort features, including adjustable wrists, hand pockets, and pit zips. The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is another great option. It weighs 9.7 ounces, is easy to pack into its small chest pocket, holds up well in the rain, and includes all the bells and whistles, from three pockets to pit zips.
The Marmot PreCip Eco packs down easily into one of its hand pockets and was one of the lightest tested.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Durability
Throughout the course of our evaluation, we extensively wore these jackets and put them through rigorous real-world scenarios, including backpacking trips, daily bike commutes, hiking, splitboarding, running errands, and doing chores. We hiked wearing backpacks to determine durability from rubbing. We conducted rapid, repetitive zipper tests to test their performance. We twisted and pulled at the seams. Additionally, we conducted thorough research on the materials used and carefully examined the construction for any potential weak spots that could lead to failure down the road.
The Arc'teryx Beta LT was the cream of the crop in this metric. The 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric is a little heavier, and we found it durable and rugged enough to stand up to frequent use. The components and construction are top quality, and the garment has a well-thought-out design.
The Arc'teryx Beta LT is made of quality components and is built to last.
Credit: Claire Lawrenson
We were impressed with the quality construction and components in the Patagonia Granite Crest jacket as well. The 3-layer 30-denier ripstop fabric was abrasion-resistant through the testing process, and it is made of 100% post-consumer recycled nylon from fishing nets.
The Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket is made of quality components.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is made with 50-denier ECONYL recycled nylon ripstop fabric that is sturdy and held up well through the testing process. The newest version of this jacket was upgraded with a more PFC-free DWR coating that is much gentler on the planet than old-school repellants.
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is built for longevity.
Credit: Jessica Albery
The Outdoor Research Aspire II also features top-quality components and a 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite outer fabric that performed well in all tests.
Testing the Outdoor Research Aspire II with the assistance of a furry friend.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Conclusion
Finding the right rain jacket that meets your requirements can be a daunting task due to the vast array of options available. Ideally, you want to invest in a piece of gear that is tailored to your lifestyle and will keep you dry during unfavorable weather conditions for several years. If you're planning to use a waterproof jacket as part of a comprehensive layering system, it may be wise to consider a technical hardshell or a top-rated women's ski jacket. If you think you'll be facing more wind than water, a lightweight windbreaker could be the best fit. Whatever we decide, we hope the information in this review has helped you start to make a plan for the best gear, whether you're embarking on an epic backcountry adventure or merely braving a drizzle to step outside.
