15 Best Hiking Jackets for Women: Expert Review

If you are looking for the best hiking jackets for women before you head to the trail, you have got to the right place! As I am always on a search for the best hikes in the world, part of my research also goes for the best gear that will make the best experience. So, trust me when I say I have done lots of research and testing. Now I am here to share the best women’s hiking jacket for you!

If you love to get out sometimes to explore the outdoors with a good hike, then you understand how important it is to invest in a good hiking jacket for your adventures. And with different seasons and changing climates, hiking jackets are never one size fits all.

Finding the perfect jackets for hiking is a lot like finding the ideal hiking backpack because there is just so much to consider and so many options available which can pretty much get anyone confused very fast.

In this article, I answer all the questions by providing detailed professional reviews of the best jackets for hiking, plus proving all the important factors to consider before making a decision. However, your search will be a lot easier if you are pointed in the right direction, which is the purpose of this article.

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Disclaimer: This review has been done by an expert hiker, who actually researched, buy, use and test many hiking gears. You can trust that here you can find the best options for women’s hiking jackets in the market today and that you have all the guidance to purchase the jacket that suits you perfectly.

You can have a quick scan of this table if you don’t have the time to read this article right now. It shows the best hiking jackets for women and a rundown of what each one offers! 

Based on the considerations above, I browsed through the endless list of best-hiking jackets for women on the market to find my top 5 recommendations based on weight, breathable and fabric quality, comfort, portability, customizable designs, and additional features.

⇒ BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SHELL JACKET: Mammut Women’s Meron Light Hard Shell Jacket is the perfect full-featured jacket for emergency protection from a heavy downpour. It’s comfortable, warm, ultralight, and highly compressible.

⇒ BEST ULTRALIGHT HIKING JACKET:  Women’s Resolve Waterproof Jacket is an excellent option for extended summer hiking/camping in mountainous regions with unpredictable weather. This hiking jacket is warm, comfortable, and easily compressible, with a minimalist design.

⇒ BEST INSULATED DOWN FOR SPRING AND FALL: mountaineering or high alpine adventures require a well-insulated jacket to comfortably hug your body and keep you warm. My top choice here is the Women’s Insulated Hooded Jacket

⇒ ULTRALIGHT AND QUALITY FLEECE HIKING JACKET: the Columbia Benton Springs full zip fleece jacket is a great choice for when you need an added layer of warmth on the trails. It’s a soft fleece that comfortably warms up your body like a blanket.

1. OVERALL Best Hiking Jacket for Women: The North Face Thermoball Triclimate Jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: long hikes in extreme weather
• MATERIAL: Dry-Vent Shell and ThemoBall
• WEATHER RESISTANCE:  the jacket is both wind and waterproof
• DURABILITY: solid 2.5-layer construction and very durable
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: 1.71 lbs and highly compressible
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: This 3-in-1 waterproof jacket features synthetic insulation and removable layers for versatile wear. Two secure-zip hand pockets and a zip chest pocket keep your valuables safe

PROS	CONS
The 3-in-1 waterproof jacket features synthetic insulation and removable layers for versatile wear	The inner jacket has no adjustment options
Made with a DryVent shell, this jacket features a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR)
A multipurpose 3-in-1 jacket for hiking in cold weather and highly compressible for portability
Underarm vents allow for ventilation so you can keep warm and covered without overheating.

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2. Best Lightweight Shell Jacket: Mammut Women’s Meron Light Hard Shell Jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: long hikes in extreme weather
• MATERIAL: GORE-TEX 2.5-layer polyester
• WEATHER RESISTANCE:  the jacket is both wind and waterproof
• DURABILITY: solid 2.5-layer construction and very durable
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: 1lb 11.7oz and highly compressible
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: a full-length water-resistant front zipper, underarm zippers for ventilation, two zippered hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, and an adjustable hem for a customizable fit.

PROS	CONS
Great jacket, that balances weight, comfort, and durability. Provides all-year-round protection from inclement weather	The inner jacket has no adjustment options and the jacket isn’t windproof
The 750-fill duck down with DWR coating provided the perfect insulation and warmth while providing reliable year-round performance
A multipurpose 3-in-1 jacket for hiking in cold weather and highly compressible for portability
Underarm vents allow ample flow of air, the hood is adjustable for better fit during a downpour

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3. The Best Extreme Weather Jacket for Hiking: Helly-Hansen Women’s Odin

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: cold, windy, rainy weather.
• MATERIAL: a 3-layer waterproof/breathable fabric 100% polyamide 70D X 70D face & 100% polyurethane back
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: Waterproof and weather-resistant
• DURABILITY: made with quality materials to last for years
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: weighs 1 lb 4 ounces and is compressible
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: fully adjustable hood with a stiff brim, large zippered hand pockets, adjustable hook-and-loop wrist closures

PROS	CONS
Very heavy and warm jacket, perfect for unfriendly icy weather	The jacket is too heavy and if you’re looking for a lightweight jacket, then this isn’t for you.
Hand pockets are roomy and comfortable, the hood is stiff and effectively defects raindrops from the face
Chin guard keeps your neck, cheek, and chin safe from extreme weather, and you won’t feel like you’re being choked.

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4. Top-Pick Waterproof Jacket: Women’s Resolve Waterproof jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: hiking on rainy and windy days
• MATERIAL: 100% nylon ripstop DryVent fabric
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: 100% water-proof jacket with 2-layer waterproof breathable laminate
• DURABILITY: This jacket for hiking is very well-made and should last a long time.
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: 16 oz. and packable
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES:  comes with an adjustable hood that stows in the collar, hem cinch cord for better fit, storm flap with a hook and loop closure for added protection in harsh weather, and secure zippered hand pockets.

PROS	CONS
Comfortable, lightweight, and stylish windbreaker with a breathable fabric	Has poor ventilation and restricts movement
It certainly keeps you warm during cool conditions	Not a winter jacket because it doesn’t come with a thermal lining or padding
The fabric dries very quickly
It has a loose fit which makes it great for winter layering

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5. Best Versatile Rain Jacket: Marmot Women’s Minimalist Gortex Waterproof Rain Jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: hiking jacket in unfriendly weather
• MATERIAL: Gore-Tex PacLite 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: weather-proof and breathable fabric
• DURABILITY: very strong fabric and feature-rich design for durability
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: weighs 15 oz., designed to be light and packable
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: it has a hood and chin guard for facial coverage, a drawstring hem for good fitting, zippered hand pockets, and a zippered chest pocket.

PROS	CONS
It’s generally warm and comfortable, and the zippered underarms are great for ventilation	This jacket has a heavy shell and is certainly not ultralight
The hood offers enough protection and has a stiff brim to deflect water from the forehead and face. And a chin guard protects the sides of the face and the chin.

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6. Best Jacket for Summer/ Spring: Columbia Women’s Arcadia Casual Jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: summer hiking and camping
• MATERIAL: Nylon with fine mesh polyester lining
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: Waterproof and breathable fabric
• DURABILITY: high-quality durable jacket
• WEIGHT& PACKABILITY: 11.2 oz. and easy to stuff down
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: adjustable hood and velcro cuffs help keep the rain out, drawcord adjustable hem for custom fitting, and 2 zippered pockets on each side help secure your small items.

PROS	CONS
Lightweight rain jacket with breathable feature-rich design to keep you dry and comfortable during the heaviest of downpours	The waterproof fabric makes noise when you walk.
Adjustable velcro cuffs at sleeve opening and adjustable hood help to keep the rain out
Comfortable and warm, 100% waterproof

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7. Best Isolated Down Jacket for Shoulder Season: Women’s Thermoball Eco Insulated Hooded Jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: day hiking or trekking
• MATERIAL: 100% Polyester, ThermoBall Eco synthetic insulation fibers
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: The shell has a DWR coating that works well in a drizzle, but the fabric is not waterproof.
• DURABILITY: well-made with quality materials for durability
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY:  at 15.9 ounces, it’s not ultralight but packable
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: has internal elastic-bound cuffs, a hem cinch cord, two generously-sized zippered hand pockets, and a small internal zippered chest pocket.

PROS	CONS
This jacket can be both a comfortable outer layer in cool weather or a mid-layer when it’s freezing cold. It’s certainly a jacket for different seasons	This hiking jacket is not an ultralight jacket, it’s actually much heavier than most of its counterparts
The fabric is DWR-treated which provides enough shield for a drizzle. And the hood blocks of biting wind to keep the head warm	Not very breathable
Well-positioned secure-zip pockets for storing small items

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8. Best Compact Lightweight Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Men’s & Women’s Ghost Whisperer hoody

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: backcountry day hikes
• MATERIAL: 100% recycled, ultralight ripstop shell fabric with DWR finish
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: certainly not weather resistant
• DURABILITY: Made of high-quality durable material
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: weighs less than 8 oz. and is highly packable
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: two zippered hand pockets, elastic cuffs, and drawcord hem adjustment

PROS	CONS
Very comfortable, warm, and lightweight	This jacket is an expensive buy
The soft fabric seems delicate but surprisingly warm and effectively blocks wind and small rain	It has a slightly boxy fit, especially around the torso
Very compact and portable jacket, easy to pack and carry	The hood doesn’t have a drawcord cinch and the cuffs are not elastic

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9. Best Outdoor Sports Jacket: Outdoor Research Illuminate Men’s & Women’s Down Jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: spring/fall day hikes
• MATERIAL: material shell: 100% nylon; insulation: 100% goose down
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: slightly weather resistant
• DURABILITY: it’s delicate but durable
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY:  11.8 ounces., and very compressible
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: adjustable hood, 2 zippered hand pockets, zippered chest pocket, elastic cuffs, and drawcord hem for custom fit and more warmth.

PROS	CONS
Great lightweight sporting slim fit jacket	The nylon shell is very thin and delicate, and may not be very durable.
Very soft fabric, comfortable and provides enough warmth
You can wear a fleece jacket beneath it without an added bulk
Can act as an outer shell in mild weather and a mid-layer in freezing temperatures

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10. Best Windbreaker for Fall/ Spring: North Face Men’s & Women’s Apex Bionic 2

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: day hikes in windy and cold weather
• MATERIAL: 100% Polyester With Non-PFC DWR Finish
• WEATHER RESISTANCE:100% windproof fabric but not waterproof
• DURABILITY: high-quality jacket
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: 1 lb. 7.9 oz. and compressible
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: breast pocket with a secure zip and two hand pockets with zippers

PROS	CONS
This jacket is very effective at blocking wind, and it feels much warmer than it looks	The material is loud and makes an annoying noise when you swing your arms.
Great for cold spring/fall days, and light enough for windy but not-so-cold days.	Feels a little boxy, and sometimes the zipper sticks on the jacket
	The sleeves do not have cuffs to block out drafts, so you have to wear them with gloves to help keep your wrists warm in cold weather.

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11. Best Jacket for Hiking on Very Cold Weather: Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: backpacking, hiking & camping
• MATERIAL: 100% polyester, DWR treatment
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: wind and waterproof 3-layer jacket
• DURABILITY: extremely durable
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: 1 lb 4.1 oz., and very compressible
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES:  2 massive zippered chest pockets and a zippered sleeve

PROS	CONS
Fully waterproof and a good windbreaker for hiking and backpacking	No hand pockets by the sides, the only pockets are two chest zipper pockets which can be a bit awkward and unnatural.
Zippered sleeve promotes ventilation and large chest pockets for storing small items
Adjustable hem drawcord and velcro cuffs to seal out cold and lock in warmth

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12. Best Value Windbreaker Jacket: Columbia Flashback Windbreaker jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR:  Hiking
• MATERIAL: 100% polyester
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: Incredibly wind-resistant
• DURABILITY: Very durable
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: 1 lbs.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES:  Front zipper closure, machine wash, matte face wind-breaking material.

PROS	CONS
A versatile jacket is an excellent outer layer to help take the edge off cool mornings	This jacket doesn’t have DWR – Durable Water Repellent
Very inexpensive	This jacket has a baggy fit
This jacket is water repellent and can handle most elements while keeping you warm.

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13. Top-Pick Fleece Hiking Jacket: Columbia Benton Springs full zip fleece jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: hiking in cool fall weather
• MATERIAL: 100% polyester MTR filament fleece
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: Not weather resistant
• DURABILITY: Great quality
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY:  weighs 8.8 oz. and is very packable
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: drawcord hem, hand zipper pockets, and high neck provides extra warmth

PROS	CONS
Very soft and comfortable lightweight fleece jacket	It’s an anti-cold-weather but doesn’t block wind
Drawcord hem and high neck give better protection from cold
Very good quality and great price too

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14. Best Fleece Jacker for Spring/ Fall: North Face Osito Full Zip Fleece jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: camping in cool weather
• MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: Not weather resistant
• DURABILITY: Not very durable since it sheds
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: 1 lb. 3 oz. and compressible
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES:  2 zipper hand pockets

PROS	CONS
Very soft fleece jacket, perfect for layering	The coat sheds severely, not sure about the durability
Zippered hand pockets to securely hide your small items	Fleece gets stiff with a cold-water wash

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15. Best Fleece Jacket for Chilly Days: Mountain Hardwear Polartec High loft jacket

Best Hiking Jackets for women Features:

• BEST FOR: cool evening outdoors by a campfire.
• MATERIAL: 97% Polyester
• WEATHER RESISTANCE: Not weather-resistant, excellent for layering
• DURABILITY: well-made and durable
• WEIGHT & PACKABILITY: 14.8 ounces and very packable
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: 2 zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket provide plenty of space for storing small essentials

PROS	CONS
Very warm, breathable, and comfortable jacket	Great jacket but not worth the price, plus it sheds.
Has a cozy feel, nice fitting sleeves, and full-zip closures
Lightweight and packable, excellent for layering

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Type of Hiking Activities:

There are several things to consider when shopping for a hiking jacket, but the very first consideration should be your hiking style. This is a no-brainer, but it’s certainly worth mentioning because it’s one of the major factors that determine the type of jacket for hiking you need.

Your hiking style here includes a number of things; the climate you most often hike in and how easy or challenging the trails are. For instance, if you tend to enjoy summer hikes, then you should be looking for a that’s both waterproof and light enough for summer use.

And if you prefer to hike in spring or winter, then you’re better off with a weather-proof hardshell jacket and a well-insulated soft shell mid-layer for absolute protection from the elements.

Material:

When it comes to hiking jackets, the quality of the material is what determines how effective and durable the jacket will be. The most common label you’ll likely see on many hiking jackets are Gore-Tex, Nylon, Polyester, Canvas, etc.

Any of these materials can be a great option depending on your needs. Before deciding on the materials you need in a jacket, consider the need to layer. Gore-Tex or canvas are excellent for an outer shell waterproof jacket, Nylon with a DWR finish is also a good option for a waterproof shell while polyester fleece is perfect for a mid-layer.

Weather Resistance:

Jackets for hiking are generally designed to be wind and water-proof and different materials and methods are used to achieve these features.

The most common method for water-proofing jackets is the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment. This is basically the process of applying a thin layer of hydrophobic material over the jacket for waterproofing.

The DWR coating is applied to polyester and nylon and doesn’t last for very long because every wash will make it less waterproof. A more durable wind and waterproofing method is the Gore-Tex laminate technology in which a microporous membrane with thousands of holes is worked into the jacket.

These holes are too tiny for water molecules to penetrate but big enough for air molecules to pass through, this feature makes Gore-Tex jackets 100% waterproof, highly breathable, and very durable. They can literally last for decades.

Fit & Functionality:

A good hiking jacket should have a good fit and not restrict your movement in any way, it should neither be too bulky, too heavy, nor too tight. When selecting a jacket for hiking, make sure you think of how you intend to use it and also consider how well it will fit when you layer. For instance, if an outer shell fits too snugly when worn alone, it may be too tight and uncomfortable when you wear a fleece underneath.

Durability:

Buying a hiking jacket is an investment that should serve you for a good number of years which is why durability should never be overlooked. The best hiking jackets are able to take some beating from continuous use on the trails and still maintain their fabric quality and weather-proofing ability. A less durable or thin fabric may be easily snagged which will ruin the jacket.

Care and maintenance will also affect the durability of a jacket for hiking. Your jacket should be washed with a mild detergent since a build-up of dirt and grime can affect its waterproofing ability.

Weight & Portability:

The ideal jacket for hiking and backpacking should be lightweight and easy to stuff into your backpack. A minimalist jacket that is highly compressible and tucks into its own pocket is a great option for hikers and backpackers.

Price:

Hiking jackets come at different prices, and you can spend over $500 or less than $100, but of course, this will depend on your budget. There are budget hiking jackets with decent quality and feature-rich designs. However, the most durable hiking jackets with a high-quality construction that will last for decades tend to come with premium price tags.

Additional Features:

•  Sealed/taped seams to ensure the jacket is 100% waterproof
• Adjustable velcro cuffs and hem drawcord will trap warmth and seal off cold weather
• Bonded zips and storm flaps will ensure water doesn’t get in through the zip
• Pit zips for added breathability and proper ventilation, an essential feature in trekking jackets
•  Adjustable hood to achieve a good fit and a stiff brim for complete coverage
• Zippered hand pockets for securing small personal essentials

I hope you have found this best hiking jackets for women article helpful and that you have found the perfect jacket for you!

Every hiker knows the importance of great quality jackets for hiking. Or you simply cannot function properly let alone enjoy your hike when you’re freezing (if your jacket isn’t warm enough), very sweaty (if the fabric doesn’t breathe), or struggling to move if the jacket is restricting your movement.

These are some of the biggest challenges you face when wearing the wrong hiking jacket on the trails, and I can tell you that it’s absolutely no fun—the wrong jacket can totally ruin your hike.

Finding the ideal hiking jacket also has a lot to do with your personal preference and in addition to that think of weight, breathability, fabric quality, comfort, portability, customizable designs, and the additional features we mentioned above.

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