17 Best Women's Lightweight Waterproof Jackets UK 2025

Need a quick verdict? Grab the Take a Hike UK Ultralite StormShell for all-round performance, the Regatta Calderdale IV if you’re pinching pennies, or the feather-light Keela Cairn when every gram counts.

A jacket only earns a spot here if it tips the scales at 400 g or less and shrugs off at least a 10,000 mm hydrostatic head—figures that strike the sweet spot between packability and true waterproofing. We also insisted on real-world testing in 2025’s typically British mix of sideways hill rain, humid city drizzle and surprise summer squalls, because lab numbers mean little once the clouds burst on Kinder Scout.

Before you scroll, tick off this seven-point cheat sheet:

• Secure fit that seals out draughts but still layers over a fleece
• Proven membrane tech (e.g. Gore-Tex, FUTURELIGHT, StormShell)
• Packs down to pint-glass size or smaller
• Easy ventilation: pit zips or two-way front zip
• Recycled fabrics or PFC-free DWR for lower impact
• Price that matches intended use, not marketing hype
• Solid warranty and repair options

Our shortlist blends hands-on hill days, deep dives into brand spec sheets, and feedback from hundreds of verified UK owners—distilled by writers who spend more weekends in waterproofs than in pubs. Below you’ll find our 17 top picks—starting with a home-grown favourite from Take a Hike UK.

1. Take a Hike UK Ultralite StormShell Jacket

Born in Yorkshire showers and refined on brisk Peak District ridges, the Ultralite StormShell shows how light a true waterproof can be without cutting corners. At 280 g it’s barely heavier than a banana yet shrugs off lashing rain, making it a no-brainer starting point for any women’s lightweight waterproof jacket shortlist.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Proprietary 2.5-layer StormShell fabric: 20 000 mm waterproof / 20 000 g m² breathability
• Fully taped seams, YKK AquaGuard zip and helmet-friendly, three-point adjustable hood
• PFC-free DWR and lifetime repair scheme keep the jacket – and the planet – going longer
• Packs into its own chest pocket to a size roughly equal to a large orange

Fit, Size & Style Notes

A slightly tailored “British” cut skims the hips and employs a drop-tail hem for extra bum coverage. Sizes 6–18 run true, but consider sizing up if you’ll stuff a chunky winter fleece underneath. Choose from Navy, Aubergine, Stone or this year’s limited Peak Print.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Built for everything from lung-burning trail runs to damp cycle commutes, the StormShell stays windproof in 50 mph gusts and vents quickly thanks to 25 cm pit zips—goodbye boil-in-the-bag.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: lightest UK-designed shell we tested; eco credentials; sub-£160 price tag
• Trade-offs: no hand pockets; ultralight fabric isn’t as abrasion-proof as beefier 3-layer rivals

2. Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket Women

Arc’teryx rarely misses the mark, and the 2025 Beta LT is no exception: a sub-400 g fortress that partners the brand-new PFAS-free Gore-Tex ePE with classic, fuss-free styling.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE membrane (28 000 mm / highly breathable) meets future EU chemical regs.
• 1.6 mm micro-seam allowance and WaterTight™ zips keep weight trimmed to 375 g (UK 10).
• Cohaesive® hood adjusters cinch easily with gloves; laminated brim sheds water away from eyes.

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Athletic but not skin-tight, the hip-length cut, articulated elbows and generous under-arm gussets give full reach for scrambling. UK sizes 6–18; colour choice is limited to Black, Borealis Blue and a subtle Rouge—buy fast if you’re picky.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Built for Scottish Munro bagging and mixed alpine routes, the Beta LT shrugs off hammering rain and wet snow while venting heat efficiently on brutal ascents.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: bomb-proof durability; eco-friendly membrane upgrade; meticulous Arc’teryx craftsmanship.
• Cons: eye-watering £450 RRP; no external chest pocket for on-the-go snacks.

3. Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Jacket

Rab’s Downpour Plus 2.0 proves you don’t need an alpine-expedition budget for real protection. Recycled Pertex and clever vents deliver solid stats in a 310 g package.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Pertex Revive 2.5-layer recycled nylon; 20K/20K performance
• Long pit-to-hem Aquaguard zips turn the jacket into a bellows
• PFC-free DWR, taped seams, stuffs into hand pocket

Fit, Size & Style Notes

• Relaxed women’s fit leaves room for fleece; cinchable hem and cuffs
• Sizes 8–18; 2025 colours Deep Ink, Ash Grey, Firecracker Red

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Best for weekend hikers, dog walkers and DofE leaders who need reliable storm cover that won’t hog pack space. Dual vents dump heat during steep slogs in spring drizzle.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: sub-£180; recycled fabric; packs to grapefruit size
• Cons: slightly rustly face; less abrasion-proof for scramble days

4. Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket

Patagonia’s Granite Crest blends summit-grade weatherproofing with class-leading sustainability, earning it a solid place on any “lightweight waterproof jacket women” radar for 2025. At 395 g it sneaks under our weight cap yet feels far burlier than most 3-layer shells in this list.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• H2No® Performance Standard 3-layer fabric, 30 000 mm waterproof / 15 000 g m² breathability
• 100 % recycled nylon face plus PFC-free DWR and Fair Trade Certified™ sewing
• Laminated, two-way adjustable hood; watertight centre zip with interior storm flap

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Regular cut with clever under-arm gussets lets you throw both arms up without the hem riding. Sizes XS–XL; earthy Patagonia colourways like Lagom Blue and Smoulder Pink keep things subtle.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Excels on multi-day treks and long hill grinds where uphill airflow matters as much as keeping sideways rain out. The fabric’s matt finish also looks at home in city drizzle.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: impeccable eco credentials, great mechanical ventilation, stout warranty
• Cons: heavier edge of our list (395 g); premium price bracket

5. Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Women’s

Helly Hansen calls this the “do-everything” shell and, judging by our sodden Lake District field day, that isn’t hype. Sitting just on the lightweight threshold at 420 g, it feels tougher than many jackets half its mass yet still stuffs neatly into a lid pocket—an impressive balance for a women’s lightweight waterproof jacket aimed at serious mountain use.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• LIFA INFINITY™ Pro membrane delivers permanent water-shedding without chemical coatings
• 3-layer construction with reinforced shoulders and elbows for rucksack abrasion resistance
• YKK® AquaGuard zips, fully taped seams, and a helmet-compatible hood with laminated peak

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Alpine-leaning cut is slim through the torso; size up if you favour thick winter puffies. UK sizes 6–18, with new 2025 colours Fjord Blue and Burnt Ochre.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Designed for year-round mountaineering, hut-to-hut tours and Scottish winter gullies, the jacket shrugs off horizontal sleet while the membrane’s excellent air-permeability keeps sweat build-up in check on steep boot-packs.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: durable yet packable; chemical-free waterproofing; extended bum-covering length
• Cons: 420 g nudges our weight limit; trim fit may feel restrictive over bulky layers

6. Mountain Equipment Manaslu Jacket Women’s

A cult classic among winter climbers, the Manaslu trims excess grams without skimping on full-on storm armour—slotting neatly into the “serious but still lightweight” bracket at just 405 g.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Gore-Tex Pro Most Breathable 3-layer, 40 denier face fabric
• Mountain HC helmet-compatible hood with laminated peak
• 2-way YKK AquaGuard front zip and alpine-height Napoleon pockets

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Technical cut with pre-shaped sleeves and generous reach for high axe swings. Roomy enough to slip over a belay jacket; long cuffs cover glove gauntlets. Sizes 8–18, colours Atlantic, Berry and classic Black.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Built for spindrift-ridden ridges, Cairngorm blizzards and wet winter walk-ins. High collar, long hem and stiffened hood brim keep driving sleet out while the Pro membrane vents uphill sweat impressively.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: bomb-proof construction, UK-friendly long sleeves, harness-accessible pockets
• Cons: stiff fabric needs breaking-in; premium RRP north of £450

7. Berghaus Paclite Dynak Jacket Women

7. Berghaus Paclite Dynak Jacket Women

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Gore-Tex Paclite 2.5-layer keeps water out (≈28 000 mm) yet the jacket weighs only 308 g (UK 12).
• Packs to fist size in the supplied stuff-sack with hang-loop.
• Recycled nylon face and PFC-free DWR earn the bluesign® tick.

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Relaxed women’s cut skims a fleece and still lets shoulders move on the bike. The drop-tail hem shields wet saddles. Sizes 8–20; pick loud Sun-Kissed Coral or understated Jet Black.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Barely bigger than a baked-bean tin when stuffed, the Dynak is travel gold: hand-luggage hikes, festival fields, daily commutes. Paclite fabric shrugs off squally showers, though it can feel clammy in hours-long rain.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: mainstream £170 price, trusted Berghaus after-care, reflective trims.
• Cons: Paclite rustles and grows clammy on extended deluges; only one internal pocket.

8. The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket

New for 2025, the Dryzzle upgrades classic TNF styling with the brand’s nano-spun FUTURELIGHT membrane, giving you soft-shell comfort in a bona-fide storm shell that still weighs just 350 g.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• FUTURELIGHT 3-layer fabric: air-permeable waterproofing that vents continuously without pit zips
• Fully seam-sealed with waterproof VISLON® zips and an internal storm flap
• PFC-free DWR and 100 % recycled face fabric tick the eco box

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Regular women’s cut with a hint of mechanical stretch lets you power-arm on the poles without pulling at the shoulders. Adjustable hem and cuffs seal out draughts; sizes XS–XXL in Asphalt Grey, Agave Green and bold Boysenberry.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

A superb commuter-to-trail crossover jacket: handles brisk Lakes hikes, breezy seafront dog walks and city downpours, yet feels breathable enough for pub garden stops.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: soft hand-feel, quiet fabric, respectable 20 000 mm HH, mid-range price (£260)
• Cons: no pit zips for rapid dumps, lower HH than Gore-Tex rivals, hood peak a touch floppy in gale-force gusts

9. Columbia OutDry Ex Reign Lite Shell

Columbia’s Reign Lite takes a different tack to most women’s shells, parking the waterproof membrane on the outside so rain rolls straight off and the jacket never “wets out”—handy in drawn-out British downpours.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• OutDry™ Extreme external membrane eliminates saturation and cuts post-shower chill
• PU-bonded seams and YKK AquaGuard zip; claimed weight 310 g (UK 12)
• Generous under-arm vents plus 360° reflective detailing for safer night hikes

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Boxy, hip-length cut with a drop-tail works well over curvier shapes and winter layers; sizes 8–20, in Glacier Blue or Black.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Perfect for coastal walks, park runs and multi-hour hill slogs where other lightweight waterproof jacket women models can wet through and feel clammy.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: membrane never saturates; standout visibility; easy-wipe exterior
• Cons: exterior film can scuff on gritstone; styling splits opinion

10. Craghoppers Brontë 2.5L Stretch Jacket

Looking for something comfy enough for the school run yet technical enough for spring Lakeland fells? The Brontë’s quiet stretch fabric and under-£130 ticket make it a crowd-pleaser.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• AquaDry Membrane 2.5-layer (15 000 mm / 15 000 g) with 8 % spandex for four-way stretch
• NosiDefence finish keeps midges and mozzies at bay on muggy evenings
• Helmet-cut hood, YKK water-resistant zips and fully taped seams

Fit, Size & Style Notes

True-to-size women’s fit with articulated elbows; sizes 6–20. The soft, matte face fabric drapes nicely rather than crinkling. Choose Meadow Green, Pebble Grey or a zingy Coral.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Best for spring–summer hikes, Nordic walking sessions and dog-park duty where showers blow through but temperatures stay mild. Stretch panels prevent that “straight-jacket” feel when using poles.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: sub-£130 price; forgiving stretch; insect protection a UK bonus
• Cons: lower 15 K waterproof rating; fabric less hard-wearing on rocky scrambles

11. Jack Wolfskin Go Hike Jacket Women

Jack Wolfskin’s 330 g Go Hike is a fuss-free shell built for everyday UK drizzle.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Texapore Core two-layer fabric (≈20 K HH) with breathable mesh lining
• PFC-free DWR; designed to work with Jack Wolfskin zip-in mid-layers

Fit, Size & Style Notes

German sizing can feel roomy—check the chart or order two sizes. A straight, hip-length cut plus wired hood brim keeps spray off face and bum.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Ideal for moderate hill walks, city errands and school-gate dashes where a reliable, lightweight waterproof jacket is required but gram-pinching isn’t critical.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: sensible price, comfy lining, durable face fabric
• Cons: bulkier pack size than ultralight rivals; muted colour range

12. Sprayway Fen Jacket

Sprayway pitches the Fen as a no-nonsense daily shell, and its 334 g weight keeps it comfortably inside lightweight territory without feeling flimsy.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Two-layer HydroDRY® fabric delivers around 10 000 mm waterproofing for puddle-hopping confidence
• Part-mesh/part-taffeta lining stops the dreaded clammy-plastic feel on bare arms
• YKK water-resistant zip, adjustable cuffs and a wired peak for drip-free vision

Fit, Size & Style Notes

A straight, true-to-size cut (UK 8–20) slides easily over a chunky woolly. The deep, ponytail-friendly hood scores bonus UK points for blustery coastal paths.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Made for lowland rambles, school-run dashes and dog-walks where showers threaten but pack space is at a premium. HydroDRY shrugs off short downpours, though it’s not built for all-day hill flogging.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: generous sizing, solid warranty, sub-£140 price
• Cons: average breathability compared with premium membranes; colour palette limited to Black, Lagoon or Berry

13. Regatta Calderdale IV Women’s Waterproof Jacket

Proof that staying dry needn’t drain the bank balance, the Calderdale IV slides under our weight ceiling at 395 g while costing little more than a night out.

• Isotex 5000 two-layer polyester, fully taped, with wash-friendly DWR
• Fold-away hood, adjustable cuffs and hem, plus five roomy pockets (yes, an OS-map fits)

Relaxed, parka-style shaping leaves space for a thick fleece; inclusive sizing runs 8–24.

Ideal for leisurely hill strolls, touchline spectating or dog walks where showers appear but effort levels stay low.

• Pros: around £80, machine-wash easy care, broad colour range
• Cons: modest 5 000 mm waterproof rating; heavier than pricier ultralight shells

14. Keela Cairn Jacket Women

Scottish brand Keela’s Cairn is a 285 g shell that handles real mountain rain yet disappears into a side pocket.

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Rainlife 20000 fabric (20 000 mm / 20 000 g) balances storm proofing with impressive airflow
• Under-arm zip vents plus two-way front zip for extra pump-out on sweaty climbs
• Packs into its own hand pocket; PFC-free water repellent

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Cut with roomy Scottish layering in mind, the jacket sits long over the hips and has pre-curved sleeves for pole work. Sizes 8–18; colours Raspberry, Tamarack and Cobalt.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Built for fast-packing, mountain marathons and emergency summit layers, the Cairn shrugs off spindrift while venting hard on calf-burning ascents.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: very light for £150; generous vents; UK lifetime repairs
• Cons: slim hood volume restricts bulky beanies; limited colour range

15. Adidas Terrex Xperior GORE-TEX Paclite Jacket

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Gore-Tex Paclite Plus 2.5-layer fabric: fully waterproof yet only 320 g (UK 10)
• Laser-cut under-arm perforations back up the membrane’s breathability for tempo runs
• Storm-proof VISLON® zip and PFC-free DWR; packs into rear pocket to grapefruit size
• Subtle reflective logos add 360° flash without looking like hi-viz kit

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Athletic “Terrex” tailoring hugs the torso, and articulated sleeves allow full pole-swing. Sizes 6–18, but the hip area is trim—pear-shaped athletes may prefer to size up. Matte colourways (Shadow Navy, Semi Flash Aqua) slip from peak to pavement without shouting “gym gear.”

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

A commuter-friendly shell that pulls double duty on trail intervals and hand-luggage city breaks. Paclite Plus vents well in shoulder-season sprints while shrugging off sharp showers.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: big-brand reliability, tiny pack size, discreet reflective hits
• Cons: snug hips, single chest pocket only, Paclite can feel crisp in cold winds

16. Sherpa Adventure Gear Nima 2.5-Layer Jacket

Sherpa’s Nima shows you can buy a genuinely ethical, lightweight waterproof jacket for women without sacrificing performance. The 2.5-layer Himaltec laminate clears the 10 K/10 K bar and the whole thing weighs just 285 g, so it disappears into day-pack corners.

• Himaltec® shell, fully taped, PFC-free DWR; stuffs into its own hand pocket
• Nepal-inspired trims and prayer-flag hanger loop add character to trail kit
• Relaxed global fit (sizes 8–18) layers happily over a microfleece

Ideal for gap-year backpacks, summer storms or festival weekends where every gram and every penny count.

Pros: ethical supply chain, feather-light, travel-friendly price (~£120).
Trade-offs: lower waterproof rating than Gore-Tex peers; no pit zips for rapid venting.

17. 66°North Snaefell Polartec NeoShell Jacket

17. 66°North Snaefell Polartec NeoShell Jacket

Stand-out Features & Tech

• Polartec NeoShell 3-layer: air-permeable waterproofing (~30 K HH, 0.5 cfm breathability)
• Weight 380 g (UK 10); YKK AquaGuard Vislon zips and fully taped seams
• Laminated wired brim with single-hand hood pulls; packs into its own inner pocket

Fit, Size & Style Notes

Technical Icelandic cut—long sleeves, dropped rear hem and high napoleon pockets sit clear of a harness. Sizes XS–XL; hood adjusters lie flat. Colours Ash, Arctic Sky and limited Glacier Rose.

Ideal Use & Weather Performance

Made for high-output scrambles, bikepacking epics and storm-lashed ridge runs where sweat management counts as much as rain defence. NeoShell’s constant airflow keeps you drier inside during muggy Lakeland showers or windy Welsh ascents.

Pros & Potential Trade-offs

• Pros: class-leading breathability; lifetime repair promise; tough 20 D face fabric resists crampon scuffs
• Cons: steep £500+ price; scarce UK stockists; hood feels bulky when stowed

Wrapping Up Your Rain-Ready Kit

Weight, waterproof rating and fit are the “big three” for 2025. Keep the scales below 400 g, insist on a 10 000 mm-plus hydrostatic head, and choose a cut that moves with you over fleece or down. Try each jacket on with the layers you actually hike in, play with the hood toggles, then take advantage of generous UK return policies if it isn’t love at first zip.

Show your shell some TLC: wash with specialist cleaner, re-proof once a year and always pack it away bone-dry. Do that and even an ultralight will last for seasons.

Need more colours, sizes or bundle bargains? Check out the full women’s waterproof range at take a hike uk before the next cloudburst.