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Best Women's Hardshell Jackets

Updated March 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Columbia Women's Arcadia Ii Jacket
Columbia
Women's Arcadia Ii Jacket
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

This well-priced, lightweight rain jacket is great for travel.

Pros

Includes a hood to keep your hair dry in wet weather. Thin material makes it compress well for travel. Jacket stands up to daily use. Does a great job of keeping you dry with adjustable wrist closures and a zipper protector.

Cons

Material makes a crunching sound. May feel tight for those who are smaller on top and wider at the hips.

Best Bang for the Buck
Pooluly Women's Ski Jacket
Pooluly
Women's Ski Jacket
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

An element-resistant choice that is affordable and warm, but there are some issues with sizing.

Pros

Interior and hood are lined with soft, plush fabric. Front zip closure and hood with snaps. Great choice for layering while participating in winter sports. Weather-resistant to wind, rain, and snow. Available in multiple colors.

Cons

Sizing can be challenging to get right. Quality is lacking — some parts break or fall apart.

Wantdo Women's 3 in 1 Waterproof Ski Jacket
Wantdo
Women's 3 in 1 Waterproof Ski Jacket
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This convertible jacket can be transitioned into various uses, depending on the environment and activity.

Pros

Can be worn 3 different ways for specific needs in different environments and weather. Windproof and water-resistant with a Teflon-coated exterior. Multiple secure pockets for hand warmth and storage. Underarm vents allow for airflow.

Cons

Some issues with sizing. Not fully waterproof as advertised.

Helly-Hansen Womens Aden Jacket
Helly-Hansen
Womens Aden Jacket
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Durable & Warm
Bottom Line

This lengthy coat stands up nicely in wet, rainy weather and is quite warm, but it tends to run very small.

Pros

Features front zipper closure, stand-up neck collar with snaps, and a full protective hood. Athletic, slim fit and full-size length. Two front hand pockets and cuffs with adjustable tightness. Multiple color choices available. Ideal for cold, rainy conditions.

Cons

Runs quite small. Some users say they've had problems with the zippers.

Mountain Equipment Squall Hooded Jacket
Mountain Equipment
Squall Hooded Jacket
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Originally designed for rock climbing, this pick offers full protection from the elements with a cavernous hood.

Pros

Made from stretchy and flexible double-weave fabric. Hood is fully adjustable and helmet-compatible with a spacious, cavernous design. Front zipper is offset and has a 2-way design for convenience. Hem drawcords and adjustable cuffs. Zippered chest pocket.

Cons

Doesn't have any hand pockets.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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59
Models
Considered
103
Consumers
Consulted
30
Hours
Researched
Category cover

A hardshell jacket is designed to be waterproof (as opposed to just water-resistant) and windproof. It’s generally worn as the outermost layer when layering clothes for hiking, skiing, or other outdoor sports. The wrong hardshell jacket can leave you wet, cold, and uncomfortable. They’re generally made of synthetic fabrics like PVC or a breathable fabric like GORE-TEX. Hardshells include a hood that can sometimes be removed. It’s important that a hardshell jacket be comfortable yet provide good protection against cold weather. Another consideration is the color, since hardshells can range from conservative styles to more outlandish hues.

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