Best women’s waterproof jackets in the UK, tested

As Alfred Wainwright wrote, "there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." In boggy Britain, where it rains more than 150 days a year, a reliable waterproof jacket is a year‑round essential. I put 15 jackets through their paces in rainy hike conditions to find the best women’s waterproofs for different types of adventure.

Testing ranged from the sea‑sprayed Cornish coast to high paths in the Lake District, with plenty of wet days to judge both waterproofing and breathability. The tester has been evaluating outdoor kit across the globe for more than a decade and used those long, damp days to assess fit, performance and durability.

New jackets called in for this article were donated to the Julian Trust Night Shelter in Bristol. Top picks include the Montane Torren as the best overall: a lightweight, slim‑fitting shell with a recycled nylon shell and Petrichor waterproofing (20,000mm) that kept the rain off even in Storm Ashley, plus a helmet‑compatible hood and harness‑friendly pockets.

United Kingdom, Bristol, Cornwall, Lake District

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