11 Best Stylish Raincoats with Hoods for Traveling Women (2022 Update)
Updated March 2022 | Stylish Raincoats with Hoods
Looking for stylish raincoats with hoods so you can find one to take on your next trip? It’s a good idea to bring one…because sometimes it just rains, even when it is the last thing you expect. Whether you are planning an outdoor adventure or might be sightseeing in the rain, sometimes mother nature does not play along with excellent weather. Here are our favorite rain jackets with hoods so that you can stay dry.
Our Top Picks For Stylish Raincoats with Hoods
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What To Look For In A Raincoat
When you are out looking for stylish raincoats for women with hoods, first consider some of the features you need in your jacket. Here is a list of some of the things to consider:
Water Resistant vs Water Repellent vs Waterproof
It is important to understand the difference between “waterproof” and “water resistant”.
Water resistance is the least protective. It basically means that the material is woven tightly enough that the fabric of the jacket is keeping you and your clothing from getting wet. This may be fine in a quick light rain, but will not protect you in heavy rainfall.
Water repellent is the next level of protection. Water droplets have a difficult time getting through a water repellent fabric, and bead up on the top instead.
Waterproof is your best bet for heavy rain. Waterproof fabric is often coated in a way that makes it extremely difficult for water to get through, and offers you the best option for staying dry. Waterproof membranes and fully sealed seams are features common to the highest quality waterproof jackets.
Interestingly, whether a jacket is considered waterproof or not depends on its “waterproof rating”. The scale is complicated and a discussion for another day. If you want to read about it though, here is an article that spells it out nicely.
Breathability
The trick with waterproof fabric is that it keeps water out, AND in (yes, I am talking about sweat…). So, if you are exploring somewhere during some seriously inclement weather, you want to make sure your jacket is also breathable. Like the waterproof rating, there is also a breathability rating for fabrics discussed in that same article.
Some jackets will also have features like pit zips that you can use to keep airflow going if you get too hot in your jacket.
Jacket Style
Form vs function is always the question with items like women’s rain jackets, right? Often fashion raincoats are water resistant vs waterproof, whereas the really amazing rain jackets look more like outdoor gear than a fashion statement. You need to evaluate the perfect rain jacket for you, and here are some of the styles you will see as you are shopping.
- Waterproof Shell – A waterproof shell is exactly this, a straight up shell with little to no extra warmth added. This is a great type of jacket if you are going somewhere with inclement weather, but you really wont be outside terribly much. The nice thing about this jacket is it also serves as a windproof shell. The trick is that you need to carefully consider your climate. If it is cooler, make sure to wear layers underneath to keep you warm. Also, if it is cold at your destination – truly cold – these types of lightweight jackets will not work well.
- Trench Coat – This classic style is typically a long raincoat, sometimes belted and provide great protection on an every day basis. Most trenchcoats do not have hoods.
- Pea Coats – Traditionally wool, peacoat style is often adapted into a cute rain jacket! Double breasted and usually just below your bum, they can keep your body dry but don’t traditionally come with a hood.
- Parka Style Jackets – The term parka refers to the silhouette of the coat, the fact that they often have many pockets, and are insulated for warmth. Parkas are also hooded. It may even be a detachable hood that you can remove if you prefer.
Warmth
Just need a rain jacket or is it for cold weather too? Parka-Style Jackets will be more insulated than a shell so are a great choice for cooler climates and chilly days.
Shells, on the other hand, are lightweight jackets. You can find a fully waterproof shell that will protect you from torrential downpours, but you will need to make sure you are adequately dressed for your climate. If it is cold outside, the shell will not provide warmth.
Other Features
- Hoods are nice but sometimes bulky. You will find a variety of hood types: detachable, stowaway, and adjustable hood.
- Pockets are essential. You will want to find a jacket designed to keep your belongings dry and can often find an inner pocket and maybe even a hidden phone sleeve.
- Price point is critical for choosing your jacket. The price range of jackets in this list starts with quite affordable to a much higher price tag. Often, the jackets with the most technical features are the highest price, as the companies have engineered the products with performance in mind.
The Best Lightweight Rain Jackets With Hoods That We Found
Eddie Bauer Women’s Charly Jacket
The Eddie Bauer Women’s Charly jacket will keep you dry on your travels. We like the colors that are available and love the fact that it is machine washable. The cinched waist will flatter your figure and the fabric will keep you dry.
The Eddie Bauer Women’s Charly jacket will keep you dry on rainy days. We like the colors that are available and love the fact that it is machine washable. The cinched waist will flatter your figure and the fabric will keep you dry.
What We Like
- Cinched Waist
- Machine Washable
- Inside secure pockets
- Adjustable cuffs
- Variety of colors available
What to Watch Out For
- One reviewer wished the jacket had a more feminine cut
Calvin Klein Women’s Long Packable Anorak Jacket
We love the stylish look of the Calvin Klein Long Packable Anorak jacket and the fact that it packs nicely into a small pocket (provided with purchase) for our travels. The hideable hood means you can tailor the jacket to your look and need for the day.
This post is about stylish waterproof jackets and this jacket fits the bill perfectly. Plus the fact that it packs nicely into its own pocket (provided with purchase) for our travels. The hideable hood means you can tailor the jacket to your look and need for the day. This black raincoat is an excellent option for everyday use.
What We Like
- Stylish Cut that can be dressed up or down
- Machine Washable
- Tailored Details
What to Watch Out For
- Water resistant as opposed to waterproof
Cole Haan Women’s Back Bow Packable Hooded Rain Jacket
This Cole Haan Packable Rain Jacket is a stylish raincoat with a hood, and bow detailing in the back. It packs down into a small pouch that is provided with purchase and we love the available colors! Like some of the others, you can wear it with or without the hood. The jacket is not lined so will not provide warmth so make sure to get a size that you can fit layers under if you are going somewhere cool.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Removable Hood
- Several Colors Available
What to Watch Out For
- Water resistant as opposed to waterproof
Marmot Womens Lea Waterproof Rain Jacket
Marmot is a great brand that in our experience, makes quality products. This jacket is no exception. It is waterproof, breathable and is designed to keep water out. In addition, you have internal pockets to keep valuables secure. A few different colors are available to match your travel capsule wardrobe!
What We Like
- Waterproof and breathable jackets
- Secure Inner Pockets
- zip pockets
- Stowaway Hood
What to Watch Out For
- Not as flattering or feminine as some of the other jackets.
The North Face Women’s Resolve 2 DWR Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
This is a cute, functional jacket (the image does not do it justice). It’s waterproof and windproof for all your adventures. We would use this jacket for more outdoorsy adventures as opposed to city sightseeing. For a trip where you need both hiking and city coverage, it is an excellent option!
What We Like
- Waterproof-breathable rain jacket
- Secure inner pockets
- Lightweight
- So many colors available
What to Watch Out For
- We wish it was a little longer.
Cole Haan Womens Short Packable Rain Jacket
This lightweight jacket has a flattering stylish cut and packs down into it’s own little pouch. Several colors are available to match any travel wardrobe. It’s lightweight so if you need warmth, make sure to size up to accommodate layers.
What We Like
- Drawstring Adjustable Waist
- Packs into a pocket
- Machine Washable
What to Watch Out For
- Water resistant as opposed to waterproof
Jones New York Womens Parka in a Pocket Rain Jacket
This is a cute, water resistant jacket that packs into a pocket for travel. We like the flattering form and the extra zip up bib for wind protection. Like some of the others in this list, make sure to layer up if you are looking for warmth!
What We Like
- Stylish design
- Packs Into a Pocket
- Lightweight
What to Watch Out For
- Water resistant as opposed to waterproof
Marmot Women’s Essential Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket, GORE-TEX with PACLITE Technology
Marmot makes a high-quality rain jacket, and the Marmot Essential Lightweight jacket is no exception. It is designed to give extra protection in heavy rain.This is an incredibly functional waterproof raincoat that also is windproof. Despite it’s durability it is lightweight and packable. Plus, you can control your temperature by taking advantage of the “pitzips” for fresh air. Also, it’s just the right length to keep more of you dry in the rain.
What We Like
- Waterproof and taped seams
- Lightweight
- Machine Washable
What to Watch Out For
- More “technical” look than some of the others
Women’s Long Hooded Rain Jacket Outdoor Raincoat Windbreaker
We love the lining of this coat! Combined with a flattering cut, you have a darling rain jacket that will also protect you from the wind in style. This jacket can be dressed up or down, depending on your destination.
What We Like
- Slimming Cut
- Versatile Look
- Stylish Lining
What to Watch Out For
- Water resistant, not waterproof
SoTeer Rain Jacket Women Floral Lined Hooded Lightweight Raincoat Waterproof Outdoor Windbreaker
This waterproof raincoat is functionally great and has a contrast liner that makes it fun. It’s lightweight and packable, and according to reviewers, runs a little large. They took advantage of the roomy fit to add some layers underneath for warmth!
What We Like
- Fit waist
- Stylish Detailing
- Lightweight
What to Watch Out For
- Runs really large
Columbia Arcadia
The Columbia Arcadia is an excellent waterproof jacket for those rainy days on the go. It is designed to keep you dry when it’s raining, and to pack down tight for those times you don’t need it.
What We Like
- Waterproof
- Taped seams
- Packable
- Adjustable hood and hem
What to Watch Out For
- More of an outdoorsy silhouette
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best lightweight waterproof jacket?
This is a tough one. If you are looking for true WATERPROOF as opposed to water resistant, our fave is either The North Face Women’s Resolve 2 DWR Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket for a shorter jacket, or Marmot Women’s Essential Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket, GORE-TEX with PACLITE Technology for a longer coat.
(And pssst… you can get our FREE Travel Capsule Packing Guide HERE.)
Q: What is the best waterproof rain gear?
When we hear “rain gear”, we think something a little more technical than what is in this post. Our post covers women’s styish rain jackets and raincoats with hoods. If that is what you wanted, scroll back up and check it out! If you are looking for more technical gear or outdoor adventures, check out this post from REI.
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