Which are the Best Women’s Outdoor Jackets? Our Top 5!
Women Outdoors understand it is essential to have the right outdoor jacket to remain warm, dry & allow you to stay comfortable regardless of the
December 5, 2024
Hiking is a fantastic activity for women who love to explore the great outdoors. It’s a chance to breathe in fresh air, get some exercise, and disconnect from the daily grind. Hiking offers a multitude of benefits, from improving cardiovascular health and reducing stress, to improving mental health, all whist connecting you with nature.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely day hike or a more challenging adventure, having the right gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. It can make a real difference in keeping you comfortable whatever the weather!
If you’d prefer a hiking guide and to walk with like minded women, here at Women Outdoors we offer guided hikes with qualified leaders to suit all abilities! – Why not join us?
We often get asked ‘what do I need to take for a hike?’. Here is our recommended kit list and everything you need to take with you on a hike!
You can find further advice on which products may suit you specifically based on your personal needs and also our tried and tested recommended products.
Which are the best walking boots for me?
Boots are a very personal thing. We all have different shaped feet. It can sometimes take time to find that perfect fit, so we would always recommend you try boots on! Stores like Go Outdoors will have outdoor footwear experts to help you.
Walking boot or walking trainer?
Boots provide superior ankle support and protection, making them a safer choice for tackling challenging terrains with uneven surfaces, rocks, or steep inclines, to prevent twists and sprains. Boots can also provide more protection on wet or muddy ground. Trainers lack the necessary ankle support, and are not waterproof, however you can wear waterproof socks if you really prefer the lighter feel of a trainer.
Leather or Fabric?
Leather and waterproof fabric walking boots each offer distinct advantages. Leather boots are renowned for their durability and natural breathability, providing excellent support and protection in harsh conditions. However, they require regular maintenance and can be heavier. Waterproof fabric boots are often lighter, quicker to dry, and offer superior flexibility. Many modern fabric boots incorporate advanced technologies to enhance waterproofness and breathability.
Here are all the reasons why we love Scarpa’s Boreas GTX Mid Walking Boots…
💚 These boots have a GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Membrane that keeps water out but allows air in, providing a full waterproof experience whilst allowing your feet to breathe.
💚 They have a remarkably grip on any surface
💚 They are super light & soft for an ankle boot
💚 Water repellent suede leather with protective edge on toe and heel, plus a reinforced toe section
Women Outdoors is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that is what allows us to keep producing free content.
High quality socks are important to keep your feet happy and, therefore, you are more comfortable whilst on longer walks. They will help you avoid blisters (by taking away friction from your boots) and absorbing moisture (Marino wool is great for this). They also provide extra cushioning & ankle support
💚 We love these Bridgedale and Smartwool hiking socks because they contain the necessary Marino wool and Lycra, making them super stretchy and comfortable
💚 They have excellent moisture management thanks to overfoot ventilation and carefully considered details including flat toe seams and Thermofit technology
💚 Boot length sock for all day protection and next-to-skin comfort
Which is the right jacket for me?
Jacket selection is a trade off between being breathable vs waterproof. The more waterproof the jacket the less breathable it will be (and sweaty you will get!).
The choice is yours really, but we tend to recommend a breathable down jacket with a separate waterproof, compact thin jacket to put over the down jacket in wet, colder months, which can of course be used on its own in the warmer months. This way, you use both jackets all year round, proving to be great value for money.
Here are all the reasons why we love the Rab Microlight Alpine Natural Down Jacket….
💚 100% recycled, high quality down feathers. This jacket is extremely warm! The Pertex Quantum exterior seals out wind very well and keeps warm air inside, increasing warmth beyond what we normally expect from a 700 fill down jacket
💚 Remarkably light weight (some might say light as a feather) & having the ability to be packed down incredibly small, you won’t even noctice there is a jacket in your backpack! Great purchase for those unpredictable weather days.
💚Rab finish all their down with a hydrophobic treatment that enables it to retain its loft in damp conditions, so that your gear dries fast and stays warm
💚Adjustable hood with stiffened peak, protecting your face from the wind & damp
💚 This jacket allows for an excellent range of movement and effectively resists abrasion
💚 It makes for a brilliant waterproof system on colder days when worn under a hardshell
💚 We love the slim fit style and the colours of this down jacket so much we often wear ours as an every day jacket!
For more information on the different type of jackets head to our blog Which are the Best Women’s Outdoor Jackets? Our Top 5! This guide explores the different types of women’s outdoor jackets, detailing their pros and cons, and the technologies behind them.
A thin waterproof jacket is essential for protecting yourself from rain and wind. Lightweight foldable options are great to keep in your rucksack for unexpected spring and summer showers too.
As mentioned above, they are a great for wearing over a breathable jacket too, so can be used at all times of year.
We particularly like this Rab Vital Softshell Hoody and here are the reasons why..
💚As a jacket that doesn’t sacrifice wind resistance or weight for performance, the Rab Vital Hoody is an easy choice for overall value
💚 PFC-free DWR coating that bolsters this jacket’s ability to keep you dry during passing showers
💚 A snap across the chest to keep the jacket in place, even when it’s fully unzipped
💚Stiffened brim to keep water out of your face
💚 Highly breathable – allows for excellent moisture management
💚 Dries very fast
💚Small pack size, making it versatile and handy to have packed for spring and summer adventures.
💚 Stretchy and comfortable for high-energy activities.
💚Osprey Talon 22L packs a punch. It’s a versatile little daypack with an adjustable torso length along with great features and impressive durability. It was one of our favorite small daypacks overall. Though it’s not the cheapest, it holds some seriously impressive value as being a pack that can just about do it all. It’s large enough for a full-sized laptop and securely stores your bike helmet on the back while still full of technical features for your weekend hikes. The pack comes in two base sizes, and the velcro-adjustable torso length adds versatility. The Tempest is also one of the comfiest packs on the market.
If your chosen rucksack doesn’t come with a cover, its always a good idea to ensure you have a waterproof cover to protect your rucksack and belongings in the event of rain, especially on longer hikes.
Staying hydrated is key. Choose a reusable water bottle with enough capacity for the length of your hike.
💚 We love these Opex water bottles, as they look cool and have a stainless steel inner, perfect for keeping drinks cold and as insulator for warm drinks and soups!
A breathable t-shirt is a must, instead of trapping moisture next to your skin, these fabrics move it away to outside the fabric to evaporate.
💚 Of course, it goes without saying that our recommendation would have to be our very own fitted Women Outdoors T-Shirt. It’s breathable, 100% recycled from 6 (650ml) plastic bottles, quick drying, comes in various colours and obviously looks amazing too!
Choose comfortable, weather-appropriate trousers, leggings or shorts that allow for freedom of movement. (Lightweight, water repellant material is great for unexpected showers).
When it comes to clothing, the choice really is yours ladies. The most important thing being comfort! Some ladies prefer leggings with plenty of stretch and movement, whilst some prefer the loser, airy feel of trousers. The same applies to shorts – some prefer cycling shorts, some prefer looser fitting shorts.
Another thing to factor here is warmth. Choose something lightweight for warmer weather and maybe something fleece lined for cooler weather. Be mindful that whilst walking you will naturally get warm, so to be sure not to get too hot and uncomfortable.
An insulating mid-layer fleece or similar is perfect for regulating your temperature during hikes, during cooler weather.
The role of the mid-layer is to keep you warm by insulating and trapping body heat whilst still being breathable enough to allow moisture to escape without making you feel clammy or cold.
Here is why we love the Columbia Fast Trek Fleece Jacket..
💚 This fleece is brilliantly soft and comfortable to wear
💚 Wicks away moisture and dries quickly
💚 Affordable and versatile for various a activities, ideal for everyday wear
💚 Flattering fit and streamlined design
If rain is potentially forecast, its always a good idea to pack waterproof trousers in your ruck sack for unexpected rain or wet conditions. Once you’re wet, everything seems ten times harder and it can put a dampener on the day.
💚We love these Berghaus Womens Stormcloud overtrousers. The Hydroshell technology offers complete waterproof protection whilst remaining breathable, ensuring you stay cool and dry. The packable design means the overtrousers can be packed down small into your bag so they’re barely noticeable until you need to use them.
With snap release opening, the pants can be put on over your walking boots, helping you adapt quickly to sudden downpours.
Walking Poles are a great aid for walking up and down hill When used properly poles will absorb some of the shock and weight, taking pressure off your legs and body. They can reduce fatigue and prevent knee pain, whilst also helping to maintain your balance.
Carbon Fibre poles are lightweight, strong and offer excellent shock absorption, perfect for long distance hikes. Aluminium are durable and more affordable, providing enough shock absorption for most hikes.
All walking poles help, depending on your preference and budget.
Lightweight gloves can be helpful for chilly mornings or protecting your hands on rough terrain, whilst thicker gloves are great for those extreme cold hikes.
Depending on the weather, be sure to pack a cap to protect you from the glare of the sun and prevent overheating.
Did you know we lose 45% of our heat through our heads in the winter, making a warm hat vital for those colder days!
The choice really is yours here ladies depending on the style that you prefer. Be mindful that you will get warm whilst walking, so something too thick should probably be saved for those very cold, longer hikes.
You need to be able to use your phone in case of emergencies, as well as using them for navigation, and those all important photographs. Having a water proof case, ensures that you’re phone remains projected from unexpected rain at all times.
💚 For less than a tenner, the JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch is a great buy and is great for those who don’t want to opt for a dry bag straight away and simply want to keep their phone dry.
💚 It’s 100% waterproof and suitable for most phones (please check link for compatibility). All this means you’re able to capture your adventures taking photos under water and above water. Above all else, this is a fantastic safety feature too as you can keep your phone will you at all times and call for help if required.
Shield your eyes from the sun’s glare. A strap helps prevent them from falling overboard. With so many different styles, the choice really is yours here ladies.
💚 We’ve chosen this particular Mountain Sun Cream as its Factor 50, highly water resistant, sweat resistant and specifically designed for those who are active in and out of the water, providing up to 8 hours protection, great for those who perhaps plan to have a little dip in the water while out and about. The handy stick design makes it easy to fit into your kit bag too.
It’s always best to be prepared to deal with injuries whilst on any hike. A basic first aid kit will treat common hiking injuries and ailments such as cuts, grazes, blisters and other minor injuries.
Insect repellent is always worth taking with you on any hike in the summer months. Even if your just out for a leisurely evening stroll over the fields. The little pests can strike at any time.
💚 We’ve chosen Smidge as its a leading brand, offering protection for up to 8 hours, water and sweat resistant, and most importantly, repels midges, mosquitoes, horse flies, sand flies, fleas and ticks.
For those on longer hikes these handy extras will prove invaluable, saving you space in your kit bag, projecting your belongings and providing extra comfort!
Waterproof Bags: Protect your belongings from rain and splashes with waterproof bags and most importantly – keep your sandwiches dry!
💚 We think this 5 piece drybag set is a bargain and can be used to keep your belongings dry in rain and snow but also clean from dirt and sand making them handy for your holidays too! They’re 100% waterproof too !
Thermal Pad:
A lightweight thermal pad provides extra warmth during rest stops or unexpected weather changes on longer hikes.
💚 This Trinordic waterproof, folding sit mat will allow you to take a well earned rest anywhere and in comfort. Use it on rocky, wet & cold ground. Waterproof, insulated, cushioned, and small for your rucksack too.
Water Filter (Optional):
Consider a water filter for treating water sources on longer hikes or in remote areas.
💚 We always recommend this Katadyn Water Filter which allows you to take water from running streams and lakes, so you don’t have to carry so much water on longer hikes. Also, the bottle itself is collapsible, saving room in your rucksack – bonus!
Map, Waterproof Case and Compass:
Even with GPS, a physical map and compass are always recommended for navigation, especially in remote areas, and a waterproof map case is essential for our lovely British weather!
By having the right gear on hand, you can focus on enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with conquering a hike. With Women Outdoors, you’ll have a supportive community of women who share your passion for exploration.
So put on your boots, grab your backpack, and let’s hit the trails!
Get the latest Women Outdoors news & events straight to your inbox….
Women Outdoors understand it is essential to have the right outdoor jacket to remain warm, dry & allow you to stay comfortable regardless of the
5 Easy Peak District Walks: 5 Scenic Adventures for Women! Get your boots ready ladies and enjoy the beautiful Peak District National Park ! Fancy
Your Gateway to Hidden Treasures! Learning basic navigational skills is your gateway to discover hidden waterfalls, conquer epic peaks, and simply banish the fear of
What Do I do If I Need the Toilet While Out Walking? ‘’What do I do if I need the toilet?’’ is a question we
Paddleboarding is a fantastic activity for women of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a low-impact workout that improves balance, core strength, and cardiovascular health,
Wild & Wonderful: A Beginner’s Guide to Wild Swimming Take the Plunge into Wild Swimming! Have you ever arrived at a tranquil lake or rippling
A Mental Health Remedy at Your Door….. Did you know, there are many mental health benefits to spending time in nature? In today’s fast-paced world
Unleash your inner adventure queen with Women Outdoors! Fun & empowering outdoor activities for women of all levels
Solo Hiking: Skills and Confidence Building for Beginners What are the Benefits of Solo Hiking? Solo hiking in beautiful countryside, uplifted by the heartening sounds