Top women's waterproof jackets to keep you dry through autumn rain - from Columbia, Decathlon and more
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From lightweight packable shells to a warm jacket designed for temperatures as low as -10°C, these are four women's waterproof jackets to consider for autumn.
There’s no denying that the seasons are changing now, and September is just days away. That means Autumn is just days away too, and it’s time to get our wardrobes ready for the seasonal change.
Autumn weather can be notoriously unpredictable, with bright spells and sunshine quickly giving way to heavy showers and blustery wind. So, a good waterproof jacket is an autumn fashion must-have, whether you are heading out for a countryside walk, commuting to work or simply trying to stay dry while you run errands.
We have picked out four women's waterproof jackets that are worth considering ahead of the wetter and cooler months, from lightweight packable options to a warmer design made for colder conditions as autumn gives way to winter.
Columbia Pouring Adventure III Waterproof Hiking Jacket
If you want a lightweight waterproof that can be thrown into a bag whenever the forecast looks uncertain, the Columbia Pouring Adventure III is a strong option.
The jacket is designed as a waterproof, breathable shell for walking and hiking. Columbia says its Omni-Tech fabric is fully seam sealed to prevent moisture getting through the seams, while the adjustable hood, cuffs and hem can be tightened to help keep rain out.
Having worn this jacket during the recent rainy days I can confirm that it delivers. I liked it because it kept me dry but was lightweight and cool; a must at the moment given that temperatures are still quite high.
The jacket has quite a roomy fit, however, so I know I’ll still be able to wear it when I have a jumper on because the temperatures have dropped and I do need a bit more warmth. I found the adjustable cufs and hems really useful, not only for their practical purpose, but also to adapt the fit on the jacket as I wished.
One particularly useful feature is that the jacket can be packed into its own hand pocket. That means it does not take up much room in a bag and can easily be carried around. It also has zipped chest and hand pockets for keeping essentials secure, while the outer shell is made from recycled nylon.
Sizes from XS and XL, with various colours available including black, pink, red, green and blue. At the time of writing, it is priced between £63 and £90, depending on the colour chosen, with some colours on sale.
Altura Nightvision Nevis Waterproof Jacket
For anyone who cycles, commutes or regularly finds themselves outdoors after dark, the Altura Nightvision Nevis is a top choice.
The fuchsia pink jacket uses 10K/10K waterproof and breathable fabric, with fully taped seams designed to provide protection from the rain while allowing heat and moisture to escape.
It also has reflective detailing designed to improve visibility in low-light conditions, which could be especially useful as the evenings get darker. The hood is helmet compatible, so you can wear this while cycling if you wish, while the adjustable hem helps create a more secure fit.
All round, this jacket makes me feel safe and secure. I have been reaching for this if I need to head out after it’s gone dark because I take reassurance from the fact the reflective material - and beautiful bright pink colour - will help me be seen easier. This feature will mean I will continue to use this as we go into winter too. In addition, I know I’ll be kept dry if the rain does decide to pour.
Another practical touch is its packable design. The jacket folds into its own chest pocket, so it can be carried easily when the forecast changes. Its relaxed fit also allows room for layering underneath, making it suitable for walking and everyday outdoor use too.
Available in sizes 8 to 16 and priced at £75.
Ayacucho Adventure Jacket II
The Ayacucho Adventure Jacket II is another option that combines waterproof protection with a few clever features for days when the weather cannot make up its mind.
Ayacucho says the jacket has a 15,000mm water column and a breathable membrane, while taped seams, a storm flap over the front zip and adjustable cuffs and hem add further protection against wet and windy weather.
It is also designed with practicality in mind. The jacket packs into its own pocket, which can then be worn as a cross-body bag, while the inner packed pocket includes an extra space for valuables which I really like. I’ve found it to be a very handy place to keep my keys and my phone if I’m going out on a walk and don’t want to take a bag with me. The inner pocket gives extra peace of mind. In fact, this was my favourite feature of this jacket.
With its combination of waterproofing, breathability and windproofing, this is a particularly versatile choice for all outdoor activities. It has a more fitted style than some other jackets, which I personally prefer, but I’m not sure if it will be generous enought to fit my thicker jumpers under as the weather turns even cooler. But, it’s ideal for the kind of weather conditions we are experiencing right now; wet but still quite mild.
I also appreciated the adjustable hood as it meant I could adapt it to what worked best for me. With jackets I have had in the past I have found the hood is so large it flops down in front of my face and impairs my vision, but not with this.
At the time of writing, the jacket is available in blue, green, pink and navy, and priced between £47.89 and £85, with some colours on sale. The price varies depending on colour. Sizes XS to XXL available.
Quechua Decathlon NH500 waterproof hiking jacket
Autumn walks can mean colder temperatures as well as rain, the Quechua NH500 from Decathlon is the warmest option on this list.
The jacket has been designed for hiking in cold conditions, with Decathlon saying it provides comfort down to -10°C. Now, I haven’t been anywhere that cold to really put it the test, but what I can say is I felt instantly warmer the moment I put it on. It has such a cosy feeling too, thanks to the fleece lining, and if I dare say it I’m actually looking forward to the temperatures dropping so I have more of a reason to wear it.
It has 150g/sqm insulation through the body, 100g/sqm in the arms and warm fleece-lined pockets, so it offers considerably more warmth than a lightweight rain shell jacket, but that’s why I chose it. They’ll be no doubt in my mind about whether jacket is going to keep me warm as I reach for it when it does get even colder - and that’s exactly what you need to feel when you’re heading out for the day with no chance to come back home to change coats if it is cooler than you think.
The jacket also has a 5,000mm waterproof coating and taped main seams to help stop water getting through, alongside windproof protection, an adjustable hood and tightening at the hem and cuffs.
There is plenty of storage too, with two fleece-lined secure hand pockets and another highly valued inside chest pocket. The jacket has a standard fit and enough room for a warm second layer underneath, making it a practical choice when autumn starts to feel more like winter.
It’s available in pink, black and blue, and sizes XS to 2XL. Priced at £39.99, down from £44.99 at the time of writing.
Whether you want a lightweight jacket to keep in your bag, a high-visibility option for the truly dark night or something warmer for proper chilly walks, these four waterproof jackets offer plenty of choice for the changeable months ahead.
- Please note that delivery charges may apply.
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