Best Women’s Rain Jacket for Backpacking

I’m picky about backpacks and even pickier about shells. For this guide I evaluated five popular women’s rain jackets by looking at the stuff that actually matters on trail—waterproof construction, breathability, hood design, pocket layout, packability, and value. I verified features and specs directly from each product page or brand site and prioritized models that are widely available and easy to recommend for real backpacking, not just dashing from the car to the café.

Quick Buying Questions

• How wet and how long? If you expect hours of sustained rain, lean toward a more weather-worthy hiking shell over a thin travel jacket.
• Do you run hot? Pit zips or at least a roomier underarm cut helps dump heat on climbs.
• Weight vs. durability? Ultralight 2-layer shells pack tiny but can feel clammy and abrade faster; heavier fabrics tend to last longer.
• Fit over layers? Try with your midlayer—too trim and you’ll bind at the shoulders; too loose and the hood won’t track your head.
• PFC-free DWR and care? All waterproof shells need occasional cleaning and re-proofing to keep beading.

Rain Jacket Types

Our Top Picks by Category

Hands-On Reviews

THE NORTH FACE Women’s Antora Waterproof Jacket

Best for: Trail-first hikers who want solid storm protection and a reliable, hiking-friendly cut.
Why We Like It: The Antora uses TNF’s DryVent construction with a recycled nylon shell, a dialed hood, and secure-zip pockets that sit well under a hipbelt. It’s a 2-layer hiking shell with the right “grab-and-go” feel for backpacking. Item model number NF0A8BKD.

Pros

• DryVent waterproof construction; reliable seam sealing for real trail duty.
• Secure-zip hand pockets and adjustable hood work well with a pack.
• Recycled face fabric and a true “hiking shell” fit (not just a lifestyle raincoat).

Cons

• No pit zips on most Antora variants; heat relief depends on pace/layers.
• Slightly heavier than ultra-thin options if you’re counting grams.
• Price fluctuates; watch for seasonal color markdowns.

Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket

Best for: Packability and price without giving up essentials.
Why We Like It: A long-time value favorite, Arcadia II uses Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof fabric with full seam sealing, an adjustable hood and hem, and it packs into its own hand pocket—perfect for stashing in the brain of your pack. Item/model series 153411.

Pros

• Omni-Tech waterproofing; fully seam-sealed construction.
• Packs into its own pocket; easy to carry every day.
• Excellent value with wide size/color range.

Cons

• 2-layer build with mesh liner can feel clammy on humid climbs.
• No pit zips; venting is zipper-based only.
• Fabric feels more plasticky than pricier shells.

33,000ft Women’s Rain Jacket (Model 3JL036A)

Best for: Tight budgets and casual backpacking in variable weather.
Why We Like It: Very competitive pricing, a packable windbreaker-style cut, and a feature set (adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, hem drawcord) that checks the basics. The widely sold listing identifies model code 3JL036A.

Pros

• Budget-friendly with the core adjustments that matter.
• Packable and light; comes with carry pouch on many listings.
• Broad size and color availability.

Cons

• Materials and seam finishing feel more “raincoat” than technical shell.
• Venting options are limited; can run warm on steep grades.
• Long-term durability behind premium brands.

Diamond Candy Women’s Lightweight Softshell Waterproof Jacket

Best for: Cool, windy shoulder-season trips with light rain off and on.
Why We Like It: A fleece-backed softshell with water-repellent/“waterproof” marketing, adjustable hood, and wind-blocking face fabric. It’s cozy, stretchy, and great when you need warmth, wind protection, and drizzle resistance—but not hours of downpour.

Pros

• Stretchy, wind-resistant softshell with cozy backing for chilly mornings.
• Plenty of pockets; everyday-friendly look.
• Good price for a lined softshell.

Cons

• Not ideal for sustained, heavy rain compared with true rain shells.
• Heavier and bulkier than thin packable jackets.
• Sizing can vary by color/region listing.

SaphiRose Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket (Removable Hood)

Best for: Travel and town-to-trail coverage with a lifestyle fit.
Why We Like It: A lightweight raincoat with a removable hood and a slightly longer hem for better leg coverage over leggings or shorts. Great for mixed city/travel/backpacking use when you want something that doesn’t scream “technical shell.”

Pros

• Removable hood and practical coverage; easy to style off-trail.
• Lightweight and packable enough for travel.
• Attractive price with many color options.

Cons

• Not as breathable or storm-ready as the Antora/Arcadia for big-miles days.
• Fewer hiking-specific touches (no pit vents, pocket placement can be low for hipbelts).
• Fabric hand is more “raincoat” than performance shell.

Other Things to Consider

• Waterproofing tech: Columbia’s Omni-Tech and TNF’s DryVent are proven, seam-sealed constructions for hiking in real rain. Raincoats without robust seam tape (or softshells) won’t keep you dry as long.
• Venting: Pit zips are rare at this price point; plan to vent with the main zip and pace. If you consistently overheat, step up to a shell with pit zips or a more breathable fabric.
• Fit for backpacks: Check that hand pockets clear your hipbelt and that the hood tracks your head when you turn—both are strengths of the Antora.
• Care & DWR: Clean occasionally with technical-wash and refresh DWR to keep beading; all shells wet-out eventually without maintenance.
• Weight & durability: Ultralight jackets are great to carry, but they sacrifice abrasion resistance. If your trips involve bushwhacks, lean sturdier.
• Price & availability: Colors and sizes go on sale seasonally; if you’re flexible on color you can save a lot.

Frequently Asked Question

1) 2-layer vs 2.5-layer vs 3-layer—what’s best for backpacking?

For most three-season backpacking, a well-built 2-layer shell (like DryVent or Omni-Tech) is fine if you accept a bit less breathability and durability than pricier 2.5/3-layer shells. If you hike in constant storms or want maximum longevity, 3-layer wins—but costs more.

2) Do I need pit zips?

They’re great for heat management on climbs, but many budget shells skip them. If you run hot and do big elevation days, pit zips are worth seeking out; otherwise, venting via the main zipper and pacing works.

3) Are softshells “waterproof”?

Softshells excel at wind resistance and comfort. Some are marketed as waterproof, but for hours of steady rain a seam-sealed rain shell is better. Use softshells for cool, breezy, showery conditions; carry a true shell for storms.

4) How should a rain jacket fit over a backpacking kit?

Aim for room over a fleece without swimming in fabric. Check reach (no hem lift when you raise poles), hood tracking (turn your head; the hood should follow), and pocket accessibility under a hipbelt.

5) What about packability?

If you want an always-with-you layer, look for jackets that stuff into a pocket or minimalist pouch. The Arcadia II specifically packs into its own hand pocket, which makes it easy to carry.

Conclusion

If you’re primarily backpacking and want a dependable “do-most-things” shell, go with the THE NORTH FACE Women’s Antora Waterproof Jacket for its hiking-first cut and proven DryVent build. If you want the lightest, most packable value option that still does real trail duty, the Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket is an easy yes. On a tighter budget or as a just-in-case shell, the 33,000ft Women’s Rain Jacket (3JL036A) is the best low-cost pick. If your trips are cool and windy with only light drizzle, the soft, cozy Diamond Candy Women’s Lightweight Softshell Waterproof Jacket is a comfortable alternative (carry a real shell for storms). For travel or town-to-trail coverage with a removable hood, the SaphiRose Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket brings excellent value and everyday versatility.