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
Women Outdoors understand it is essential to have the right outdoor jacket to remain warm, dry & allow you to stay comfortable regardless of the weather! Choosing the perfect women’s outdoor jacket depends heavily on the activity, climate, and your personal preferences. This guide explores the different types of women’s outdoor jackets, detailing their pros and cons, and the technologies behind them.
Having tried and tested many over the years – we’ve also provided links to each type of women’s outdoor jacket that we’d personally recommend.
Down jackets are renowned for their exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Filled with pockets of fluffy duck or goose feathers, the down traps air effectively, providing excellent insulation in cold weather.
The ‘down’ side (get it?) to natural down is that if the jacket gets very wet the feathers clump together losing its insulation power. The jacket is water resistant due to its Nikwax waterproof treatment but this will not keep out water from heavy downpours. Our recommendation is to combine your system by wearing a hardshell women’s waterproof jacket (see number 4 Hardshell Jacket) over your down jacket for heavy rain conditions.
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!
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.
Synthetic Down Jackets have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional down jackets, ideal for those seeking a more durable and low-maintenance option.
In place of duck down, synthetic down jackets are filled with tiny clusters of synthetic fibres, often made from polyester or nylon. These fibres mimic the warmth-trapping properties of natural down (although not quite as effective), providing excellent insulation, and work more effectively when wet.
Here are all the reasons why we love the Rab Cirrus Alpine Synthetic Down Jacket
💚 Although a little heavier & bulkier than natural down, the 100% recycled synthetic insulation retains its insulating properties even when damp, making it more reliable in unpredictable weather conditions
💚 Adjustable waist hem that protects you from the elements
💚Adjustable hood with stiffened peak, protecting your face from the wind & damp
💚Light weight & packs down into small spaces, although bulkier than natural down
💚More durable to punctures and tears than natural down, making it a more durable option for outdoor activities.
💚Machine washable and dryable, making them easy to clean and maintain.
💚 Hypoallergenic, making it a suitable choice for people with allergies to down feathers.
Soft shell jackets offer a balance between warmth, breathability, and weather protection. Softshell jackets are light, airy & offer weather protection, but they’re not as waterproof or windproof as hardshell jackets.
Typically constructed from a stretchy, water-resistant fabric, they are better suited for light rain and snow, and you can layer them under a waterproof jacket for heavier rain.
Here are all the reasons why we love the Rab Vital Softshell Hoody
💚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.
Hardshell jackets are not breathable or as well insulated as down jackets however, they are the ultimate waterproof protection. Made from a waterproof and breathable membranes (like Gore-Tex) laminated to a durable outer fabric, they will keep you dry in the most challenging weather. So if you are an all year round, all weather hiker this jacket is a must!
Here is why we love the Montane Women’s Spirit Hardshell Jacket…
💚 Be ready for anything fully waterproof and seam-sealed – perfect for heavy rain and snow
💚Adjustable hood with stiffened peak to keep the wind & rain away from your face
💚 For a hardshell jacket the Montane Spirit is extremely lightweight, an ideal kit companion with a down jacket because it can be easily stashed away in your pack ready for when the weather changes
💚 Windproof – provides added warmth in windy conditions
💚 Hang Loop: Reverse hang loop on the back of the neck to easily hang your jacket without damaging the fabric
💚We love the style and colour options, making it a jacket you can wear to all events!
💚 Highly durable – can withstand abrasion and harsh environments.
A fleece jacket is an ideal mid layer or a cool summers day lightweight jacket and are a favourite for their warmth and comfort. Made from synthetic fibres that trap air, they provide lightweight insulation and excellent breathability.
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
Now that you understand the different types of women’s outdoor jackets, let’s see which is likely to be best for you…..
Finally, which women’s outdoor jackets are most suitable for different outdoor activities?
Hiking and Backpacking:
Camping:
Skiing and Snowboarding:
Waterproofing: Over time, the water-repellent finish (DWR) on your jacket can degrade, reducing its effectiveness. Luckily, you can revitalise this coating with a DWR treatment spray. Nikwax offers a wide range of DWR products specific to different jacket materials.
Here at Women Outdoors, our passion is for all women to be able to enjoy the great outdoors and the health benefits it brings. We are all about breaking down barriers and having fun, with like minded ladies.
Please check out website for upcoming events including relaxing walks, more challenging hikes, paddle boarding and overseas adventures.
Be sure to check out our hiking kit list with more recommended products too.
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