The Best Women's Hiking Jacket | Buyer's Guide
Whether you're day-hiking in the Rockies or thru-hiking the PCT, a seasoned hiker always has a few core items in their pack. When you’re at the mercy of mountain weather that can change in an instant, it’s critical to be prepared. In addition to water, snacks, and a first aid kit, a savvy hiker always brings a jacket. But choosing the best women’s hiking jacket can feel like a daunting task. In this guide, we break down what to look for in terms of fit, fabric, and features, including insulation vs. breathability, waterproofing and weatherproofing, women-specific design elements, and layering considerations to help you find the best jacket for you. We also get into different needs for different climates, care tips for how to make your gear last longer, and a few of our favorite hiking jackets. If you don’t want to wait, you can jump right to our recommendations here.
Types of Women’s Hiking Jackets & Their Best Uses
Let’s begin by differentiating between the various types of jackets you may see on the trail, so you can determine which one is right for you. Accounting for climate, geography, intensity, and personal preference, we’ve broken it down into three main categories: rain jackets, insulated jackets, and outer layers/shell jackets.
Waterproof Hiking Jackets: Best for Wet Weather & Rain Protection
Sometimes it’s heavy mist from a waterfall, and sometimes it’s a full-on downpour. If you’re hiking in rainy climates or regions prone to sudden thunderstorms, you need a waterproof hiking jacket to keep you dry. For shorter day hikes and multi-day treks alike, look for key features like waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX fabric, waterproof zippers, adjustable hoods, and outer pockets for storing gear.
Insulated Hiking Jackets: Best for Cold Weather & Winter Hikers
Don’t let winter weather and cold temperatures keep you away from the great outdoors. Insulated jackets are best for winter hiking, snow-covered trails, and sub-zero exploits. Consider whether you want down vs. synthetic insulation and look out for features like chest pockets and fleece-lined pockets for added warmth, as well as helmet-compatible hoods for any technical alpine adventuring.
Breathable & Lightweight Jackets: Best for High-Output Activities
For sunny summer hikes or simply faster pacing, you want your jacket to be breathable, lightweight, and layerable. In addition to good breathability, moisture-wicking fabrics can keep the sweat from building up. A shell jacket or lighter outer layer can be your best companion for high-output activities like trail running and warmer summer hiking. A more lightweight jacket can also give you more layering flexibility when combined with base and mid-layers for hiking in varied conditions and terrain.
Essential Features to Look for in a Women’s Hiking Jacket
Once you’ve decided on what type of hiking jacket best suits your needs, what features should you prioritize? From waterproofing to zippered pockets to fully-sealed micro seams, these functional features can improve comfort, durability, and performance.
Waterproofing & Weather Protection
GORE-TEX is a waterproof membrane with pores small enough to keep water from getting in while still being large enough to allow sweat vapor to get out, making it the optimal material for an active rain jacket. This means you get all the protection from the elements without all the sweat buildup. In addition to GORE-TEX fabric or similar waterproof technology, you want to make sure the jacket’s seams are fully sealed so water can’t seep in through any cracks. Storm flaps can also provide an extra layer of protection around the body of the rain jacket specifically. A durable water-repellent coating (DWR) can also be reapplied if the waterproofing starts to wear off, keeping you dry and keeping your outdoor gear in play for longer.
Fit & Mobility for Women Hikers
One of the benefits of a hiking jacket designed for women specifically is the fit and articulation. As it moves with you, a women’s-specific jacket cut can enhance comfort and mobility. Articulated sleeves keep them from flapping or snagging while gusseted underarms offer a little extra range of motion in the upper arms and chest. Ultimately, active women hikers want an ergonomic design so their jacket works with them to enhance mobility, not restrict it.
Layering Compatibility for Versatility
A solid shell jacket can be your best friend in all seasons. You can throw it over your shirt during a summer thunderstorm in the mountains, or you can put it on over your moisture-wicking base layer and insulated mid layer for versatile protection in colder weather. Check out our layering guide to learn more about the importance of dialing in your layering system.
However, if you know you’ll be doing a lot of cold weather hiking, an insulated hiking jacket can streamline your layering process by providing insulation and weather protection all in one.
Functional Storage: Chest & Outer Pockets
A great hiking jacket doesn’t just have pockets; it has well-placed, functional pockets. A chest pocket is essential for easy access storage, especially when navigating a pack with a hip belt and chest strap. Outer pockets are also important to secure your hiking gear while still being able to access it quickly as needed. And in the cold, fleece-lined pockets can give you a little extra warmth.
Hood & Cuff Adjustments for Maximum Protection
Adjustable features like hoods and cuffs offer extra protection by allowing you to create your perfect fit. A helmet-compatible hood is key for rocky or high alpine objectives, and an adjustable hood can keep the rain out of your face in a sudden downpour. Elastic cuffs on the sleeves can cinch down to seal off your extremities, ensuring no water sneaks in and soaks your other layers.
Arc’teryx Women’s Hiking Jackets: The Best Choices for Your Adventure
Not all women’s hiking jackets are the same, and with good reason. Different adventures call for different features, and your personal preference should play a role in your jacket selection as well. The best jacket is one that you love enough to always have with you. That’s why Arc’teryx offers a range of high-performance hiking jackets designed for various weather conditions, activity levels, and layering needs. Here are a few of our favorites.
Best Insulated Jacket for Cold Weather Hiking: Cerium Hoody
Ideal for cold weather and winter day hikes, the Cerium Hoody packs a punch with its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Insulated with premium European goose down, it’s not only ultra warm but also ultralight and packable, making it a great choice for layering under a waterproof shell in wet weather. The insulated StormHood™ keeps your head warm and fits around a helmet for alpine adventures. If you’re a winter hiker looking for lightweight warmth without the bulk, look no further than the Cerium, one of our best winter jackets.
Best Waterproof Jacket for Wet & Harsh Weather: Beta AR Jacket
Designed with GORE-TEX Pro fabric for extreme wet weather, the Beta AR Jacket is one of the most durable waterproof jackets out there. From climbing couloirs to glissading down glaciers, the Beta AR is as hardcore as you are. The adjustable, helmet-compatible hood makes it an ideal companion for alpine adventures, and the elastic cuffs and outer pockets add additional functionality and ease of access. This jacket has your back on rainy hikes, snow-covered trails, and long backpacking treks where staying dry is crucial. The Beta also plays well with others—our revised design accommodates a range of mid-layer types, including the Cerium.
Best Lightweight & Breathable Jacket for High-Output Hiking: Taema Hoody
A breathable jacket for when you’re moving fast and light, the Taema Hoody is a trail runner’s best friend. Lightweight and moisture-wicking, it’s ideal for warmer weather hikes, and it even offers light rain resistance without sacrificing breathability. The Taema offers UV protection to shield you from the high alpine sun, and its low-profile seams fit comfortably under your pack. Say hello to your new favorite layer for everyday hiking and high-altitude summer adventures.
Best Versatile Mid-Layer for Multi-Season Hiking: Atom Hoody
The Atom Hoody is a classic for a reason. Whether you need a reliable mid-layer or a standalone jacket, the Atom can handle whatever you throw at it. Coreloft™ synthetic insulation provides warmth while maintaining breathability, and the DWR coating gives you light rain resistance without sacrificing mobility. Wear it under a waterproof shell in wet weather or solo on milder days—the slightly wider collar and roomier sleeve openings make it easy to layer without getting bulky. If you’ve ever been packing for a hike and wondering which jacket you should bring, you have your answer.
Caring for Your Women’s Hiking Jacket
When you take care of your gear, it takes care of you. A little TLC goes a long way and will ensure your jacket stays durable and reliable for years to come. Here are a few tips on washing, drying, and storing your trusty hiking companions.
To wash your jackets without damaging their waterproof coatings, use a mild detergent or, better yet, one made specifically for technical fabrics like Nu Technical Detergent. After washing, don’t be afraid to put your jacket in the dryer on low heat—a little heat actually helps reactivate GORE-TEX’s water-repellent finish. Reapply DWR treatments when the jacket starts absorbing water instead of making it bead on the surface.
Once your jacket is clean and dry again, store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. It’s best to hang your jackets to avoid creasing and prolonged compression, especially if they’re insulated. If you need to fold your jacket, fold it loosely to prevent any potential cracking in the waterproof membrane.
Where to Buy the Best Women’s Hiking Jackets
Wherever you are, you can shop for authentic Arc’teryx gear online, and you might have in-person options even if you’re not close to an official Arc’teryx store. Try on different styles in your local gear shop or peruse all your options online to find your new favorite hiking jacket.
Arc’teryx Retail and Online Stores
In an Arc’teryx store, you’ll find friendly staff along with the season’s freshest gear and mountain equipment. The staff know the lineup inside and out, and as outdoor adventurers themselves, they can help you find the best hiking jacket. Shopping in person also lets you try on different jacket styles and sizes to find your perfect fit, along with our wide range of hiking clothing and hiking shoes.
If going to a brick-and-mortar store is not feasible, you can shop the most extensive catalog of hiking jackets online. Buying directly, whether online or in person, gives you the best warranty protection and ensures your jacket is the real deal. As a bonus, the Arc’teryx online store offers free shipping within Canada, the United States, and beyond, as well as free returns.
Local Outdoor Outfitters
Your local gear shop is a great place to get hands-on service and specialized recommendations. Advice from a friendly local gear expert who understands your local environment, climate, and specific needs is invaluable. Shopping local also allows you to try on different styles to find your perfect fit.
Arc’teryx Outlet Locations
With both online and brick-and-mortar options, Arc’teryx outlets can be a more accessible shopping option in terms of both price and geography. Check out past-season jackets at deep discounts and get gear at a fraction of the price.
Investing in the Right Women’s Hiking Jacket
Your jacket might be your single most important piece of hiking gear, so you want it to be the best. At Arc’teryx, we love outdoor adventure as much as you do, and we walk the walk, leading the outdoor industry in innovation and sustainability. With a little intentionality and care, your hiking jacket can become your best friend on the trail. Suit up for your next adventure by exploring our women’s hiking jackets today.