Rain jackets are a must for those who live anywhere rain is unavoidable or worse, unpredictable. We take our jackets to work on downcast days, pack them in suitcases, and stuff them into backpacks before heading out onto the trails.
But wouldn’t it be nice not to worry about how the raincoat could fit into an already overstuffed luggage bag? Or whether you should put your damp jacket into your purse? Or how to pack your jacket separate from your main backpack on a hiking trip?
That’s where packable jackets—coats that fold into themselves and disappear into their own pockets—come in handy. Simply unzip the hand or chest pocket and smooth out the jacket before putting it on. And when the sun comes out, shake off the water drops and roll the raincoat back into its own little compartment.
What’s even better? Some of these jackets below fold up pretty small—about the size of your palm. How’s that for convenience?
When shopping for packable rain jackets, don’t forget to take note of the jacket fabrics. Make sure it’s both waterproof and breathable.
If the fabric of the jacket is breathable but not waterproof, well, that’s the definition of a fair-weather friend. And if it’s waterproof but not breathable, you’re in for a sauna-like experience when a deluge comes in just as you begin the trek back to the campsite.
Either way, it’s not fun.
Here’s a list of some of the more well-known, breathable, and waterproof fabrics you might find in high-quality rain jackets:
- Eco-Shell – Recycled polyester without the use of fluorocarbons. Waterproof, breathable, and environmentally friendly.
- Gore-Tex – Water Repellant Stretched polytetrafluoroethylene that is breathable, windproof, and waterproof.
- Proflex – A PU hydrophilic membrane sandwiched between two high gauge knit fabrics rendering softshell jackets as waterproof as hardshell jackets.
- Futurelight – A lightweight, air-permeable nano-fiber membrane by The North Face that allows air to pass through for better venting and breathability without sacrificing waterproofness and durability.
- Dermizax – A Japanese waterproof and breathable Polyurethane fabric technology from Toray.
- Marmot Membrain – A breathable and waterproof polyurethane laminate fabric.
As you take a look through the following twelve packable rain jackets, keep an eye out for ventilation details, water-repellent finishes, and leak-proof zippers. All these—and more—ensure comfort, protection, and freedom of movement in all kinds of weather. Looking for men’s packable rain jackets instead? Shop those here.
Marmot Women’s PreCip Eco Jacket
Looking for something ultralight, waterproof, and stylish? This jacket has you covered—literally. The Women’s PreCip® Eco Jacket comes with an attached and adjustable hood that easily rolls into the collar for easy transport. Not only that, but the Marmot® NanoPro™ fabric is both weather-proof and breathable, ensuring first-class protection and total comfort. The taped seams, elastic drawstring hem, adjustable velcro cuffs, and chin guard come together to make sure you stay well and dry, come what may.
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Color Options: 9 colors to choose from, including Black, Paisley Purple, and Solar
- Weight: 9 oz
- Waterproofing: Marmot® NanoPro™ Waterproof/Breathable Fabric
- Best Use: Biking, commuting, and hiking
- Price: $100.00
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Women’s
Play in the rain without a moment’s worry over getting wet. Vertical rivers are no match for this waterproof, breathable, and windproof REI Co-op Rainier Rain jacket. Crafted with a recycled ripstop nylon shell that holds back deluges and blocks wind up to 60 mph, the sealed seams, zippered pockets, drawcord hem, and hook-and-loop cuffs stand impenetrable between you and the elements. The three-piece adjustable hood stows away when it’s not needed, and the entire jacket packs itself into the left pocket.
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Color Options: Beachstone Grey, Black, Larkspur/graystone, Red Birch, Rustic Gold, and Sky Dive
- Weight: 11.4 ounces
- Waterproofing: Peak 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate
- Best Use: Running, hiking, climbing
- Price: $89.95
Columbia Women’s Aracadia II Rain Jacket
Is a drizzle holding you back from enjoying the great outdoors? Or is it a deluge that’s keeping you stuck indoors? This raincoat protects you from the smallest raindrops to the most intimidating storms. Seam-sealed with an adjustable storm hood that folds neatly into itself, the Arcadia™ II Rain Jacket rolls up into a zippered hand pocket for convenient storage and transportation. The soft mesh and regular fit of this versatile jacket provides for breathability and comfort.
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Color Options: Comes in more than 14 colors, including Dark Nocturnal, Geyser, and Peach Cloud
- Weight: Unsure
- Waterproofing: Omni-Tech™ waterproofing technology
- Best Use: Trail hiking
- Price: $100.00
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Stretch Ozonic Jacket
Made with 100% recycled shell fabric, this Stretch Ozonic Jacket provides weather protection that moves with you—whether that be down a trail in a thunderstorm, or going through a light drizzle while biking to work. The stretchy yet protective ripstop fabric is super soft, super quiet, and super weather-proof. The Mountain Hardwear Women’s Stretch Ozonic Jacket features a drawstring hem, an adjustable hood, and zippered hand pockets. The underarm zip vents add comfort and breathability to this outstanding jacket.
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Color Options: Glacial, Black, Dark Fire, Vinson Blue, Black Spruce
- Weight: 11.4 oz
- Waterproofing: 2.5-layer waterproof stretch ripstop fabric
- Best Use: Superlight Backcountry, Backpacking/Hiking, Rainwear, Camping
- Price: $200.00
Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell – Women’s
Try as we might to avoid the wet, sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate when we’re in the great outdoors. But with the Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell, storms no longer leave you drenched. The climbing-helmet-compatible hood makes sure your head is covered during every adventure in the rain, while the sealed and zippered pockets keep your belongings dry. The back vent allows for passive air flow as you move, sweat, and rest. The whole jacket neatly packs into its own pocket, complete with a carabiner clip loop.
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Color Options: Available in 8 colors, including Sunflare, Blackberry, and Coastal Blue
- Weight: 8.96 oz
- Waterproofing: BD.dry™ waterproof/breathable/windproof solution
- Best Use: Hiking, Trail Running, OUtdoors Adventures
- Price: $130.00
Outdoor Research Women’s Helium Rain Jacket
What do you really look for in a rain jacket? Style? Durability? Lightness? Water resistance? The Helium Rain Jacket has it all—and more. Tested and trusted since 2010, this jacket offers everything you’ll need for protection and comfort in all kinds of wet weather, and packs down to the size of your palm when the sun comes out. Fully seam-taped to ward off any sneaky raindrops, yet completely breathable, windproof, and lightweight, this is one high-performing rain jacket.
- Size Range: XS to 3X
- Color Options: 9 colors to choose from, including Naval Blue, Elk, and Sunset
- Weight: 5.6 oz
- Waterproofing: Pertex® Shield with Diamond Fuse Technology
- Best Use: Hiking, Commute, Outdoors Sports, Travel
- Price: $159.00
Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Simple and unpretentious, the name of the jacket spells out its purpose for existence—to protect you from vertical torrents. The Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket sports a snag-free center-front zipper with external and internal storm flaps leading to a chin guard, all to hold back the elements from reaching your clothes. The drawcord hem, adjustable cuffs, zipped pockets, two-way-adjustable hood, and microfleece-lined collar seal out precipitation and ensure you stay comfy and dry—even under a torrent.
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
- Color Options: 10 colors to choose from, including Classic Navy, Dark Borealis Green, and Fresh Teal
- Weight: 12.5 oz
- Waterproofing: 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard technology
- Best Use: Casual Wear, Hiking, Work
- Price: $149
The North Face Women’s Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket
Weather-proof and breathable, the slim-fit Women’s Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket offers three zip-secure pockets, an adjustable hood, and an internal stowaway pocket to stash the jacket into when the rain goes away. Coming in at about 13 ounces, this lightweight jacket packs a rain-repelling punch when it comes to the cinched hem, non-PFC DWR finish, and seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT™ shell. No raindrop can squeeze past the leak-proof zippers in the pockets and front of the jacket.
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Color Options: Tea green, Slate Rose, Goblin Blue, TNF Black
- Weight: 13.65 oz
- Waterproofing: FUTURELIGHT™ shell; Non-PFC Durable Water-Repellent (Non-PFC DWR)
- Best Use: Casual, Commuting, Hiking
- Price: $230.00
L.L.Bean Women’s Trail Model Rain Jacket
It keeps you dry when you need it. It packs away when you don’t. What is it? The Trail Model Rain Jacket, of course. The adjustable hood, hem, and cuffs seal out drizzly elements on your way to the office or the lake. Made from 100% recycled nylon and armed with TEK waterproof technology, this jacket provides breathable comfort while minimizing negative impact on the environment. This durable and lightweight rain jacket is sure to be a favorite go-to for wet days.
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Color Options: Black, Burgunday, Clover, Deep Sapphire, Nautical Navy, Yellow Jasper
- Weight: Unsure
- Waterproofing: TEK waterproof technology
- Best Use: Casual, Commute, Hiking
- Price: $99.00
ExOfficio Lagoa Women’s Jacket
Searching for convenient, portable, and dependable weather protection? This lightweight rain jacket packs neatly into its own compartment—there’s no reason to leave it behind on your next adventure. Soft recycled nylon fabric with sealed seams repels both wind and rain. The full-coverage hood on this ExOfficio Lagoa rain jacket ensures your head and neck stays warm and dry no matter the weather. Leak-free zippers and a secret pocket on the right front add extra protection to you and your goodies.
- Size Range: XS to L
- Color Options: Black or Sleet
- Weight: 8.7 oz
- Waterproofing: 2.5-layer 10,000 mm/10,000 g waterproof/breathable membrane
- Best Use: Casual
- Price: $78.73
Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Rain Jacket
Water resistant zippers. Breathable comfort. Ease of movement. This jacket has everything you could possibly need in a drizzle, a shower, or a torrent. Eddie Bauer`s Cloud Cap Rain Jacket packs right into its own pocket, leaving you with zero excuses not to take it along with you everywhere. The ultralight nylon shell blocks both the wet and wind. Raindrops bead on the durable, water-repellent finish and roll off harmlessly, keeping you completely dry and sound.
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Color Options: Dusted Indigo, Black, Dk Plum, Storm
- Weight: 8 oz
- Waterproofing: 2.5-layer WeatherEdge seam-sealed, waterproof/breathable technology; StormRepel® Super DWR
- Best Use: Everything from casual commutes to outdoor adventures
- Price: $99.00
Marmot Women’s Minimalist Pro Jacket
Last, but certainly not least, is the Marmot Women’s Minimalist Pro Jacket. If you’re looking for a practical, gets-the-job-done weather-proof jacket that provides both complete protection and lightweight breathability, this is the jacket for you. Durable, packable, and waterproof GORE-TEX Paclite® Plus fabric and taped seams keep water away from your body, whether you’re facing a small drizzle or a big ol’ thunderstorm. The adjustable drawcord hem blocks wet and windy drafts, while PitZips ventilation helps to regulate body temperature.
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Color Options: Black, Storm, Forest Green, Solar
- Weight: 12 oz
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Paclite Plus
- Best Use: Casual, Hiking
- Price: $250.00
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