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Packing for a wet destination is not always easy because raincoats can take up too much space in your luggage. But that doesn’t have to be the case! See what our readers ranked as the best packable rain jacket to travel with!
Women’s Packable Rain Jacket Recommendations
Table Of Contents
Packing for the rain isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to outerwear. Often, any coat you bring can be too bulky to fit in your luggage, or if it does fit, it takes up so much room you may have little space for other necessities.
Let’s face it—wearing a heavy coat to and from a destination because it doesn’t fit in your bags isn’t always the way to go, although we’ve all done it before. Good news, though! There is a solution to finding a packable rain jacket women love to travel with. Our helpful readers share their top picks below!
For outdoor and backpacking adventures these rain jackets are lightweight and packable too!
Traveling to a city, not a mountain? Take a look at these stylish rain coats instead.
Traveling in the winter? These waterproof winter jackets are what you need.
What’s the Best Packable Rain Jacket Womens Style?
Columbia Arcadia II Jacket | Sizes XS-3X
Columbia Arcadia II Packable Rain Jacket
This popular Columbia packable raIn jacket allows for plenty of layers, and holds up under rainy day scrutiny. It fits snug around hips and wrists (which have Velcro for tightening) to keep you dry.
On top of everything else, it comes in plenty of bright, bold colors, and offers inclusive sizing. One reader, who touts the Columbia rain jacket packable options, calls this coat “awesome.” Another reader agrees, adding, “It’s a reasonable price. I’ve had mine for years.”
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Cole Haan Back Bow Hooded Jacket | Sizes XS-XL
Cole Haan Packable Hooded Rain Jacket
The Cole Haan Back Bow Hooded Jacket is elegant, lightweight, and water-resistant. It comes down to just above the knee and has a tie in the back which allows you to adjust the fit to your needs. It’s also roomy enough for plenty of layers underneath.
Readers love the features of this Cole Haan packable rain jacket. One says, “It packs small and withstands a light shower well.”
Confidently tackle the great outdoors in these winter jackets!
Lands’ End Squall Raincoat: Regular Sizes XS-XL | Petite Sizes XS-XL | Tall Sizes S-XL | Plus Sizes 1X-3X
Lands’ End Hooded Packable Raincoat
TFG readers are loving the Lands’ End Waterproof Hooded Packable Raincoat which boasts a cute and classic style and tons of great features. This jacket has sealed seams to keep it fully waterproof and wind-proof, but readers say it’s still lightweight and comfortable in a range of temperatures.
One reader shares, “This raincoat is my favorite. Thanks to the drawstring in the waist, it’s a flattering fit for a variety of shapes. And it folds up very small!”
Find out what our readers chose as the best women’s waterproof leather boots!
Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket: Regular Sizes XS-XL | Petite Sizes XS-XL | Tall Sizes S-XXL | Plus Sizes 1X-3X
Eddie Bauer Women’s Packable Rainfoil Jacket
You’ll be singing in the rain in this Eddie Bauer jacket, which packs down small into its own right hand pocket. Perfect to pull from your backpack for those unexpected showers while sightseeing or on a light nature walk. It keeps you dry and won’t trap your body heat in the process.
Read this review to learn why we and our readers LOVE Eddie Bauer’s waterproof jackets!
Coldwater Creek Women’s Light Rain Jacket: Sizes S-XXL | Petite Sizes S-XL | Plus Sizes 1X-3X
Coldwater Creek Plus Size Coat
The compact Coldwater Creek Pack-It Jacket packs down into a little hidden pouch that will easily fit in your backpack or purse. Convenient at the first sight of rain, it has room for layers underneath and when you return from a rainstorm, the material stays smooth with no wrinkling.
One reader says “It’s a beautifully tailored jacket, the fabric is comfortable and the color is gorgeous. The perfect addition to my travel wardrobe”, while another adds “a great, lightweight all-purpose jacket.”
Check out our selections of lightweight fall jackets for your next trip!
Marmot Precip Rain Jacket | Sizes XS-3X
Marmot Precip Hooded Rain Jacket
If you’re concerned about appearing boxy and drab, but you need something durable to keep the rain away, look no further than this jacket by Marmot. This womens packable rain jacket is super easy to store and, of course, it keeps you dry, yet it’s bright colors are enough to make rain fun to splash around in!
TFG’s editor likes the slim fit and compact design. Highly recommend it!
The North Face Antora Rain Jacket: Regular Sizes XS-XXL | Plus Sizes 1X-3X
The North Face Women’s Waterproof Antora Jacket (Standard and Plus Size)
Womens casual jackets are The North Face’s bread and butter and they accomplish something awesome with this cute jacket. It has a classic look but a practical zipper and pockets, and works wonders in unexpected drizzle or cold snaps.
When the temperatures drop even further, it’s roomy enough for layering, too. As one reader says, “North Face hooded rain jacket is light weight, with zippered pockets. The dry-vent lining keeps you from getting over-heated yet keeps you warmly comfortable. It’s nicely form-fitted and the navy blue color is very tasteful. A good value for the money!”
Here’s the best winter coats of the season and tips on how to choose one!
Quince Weatherproof Short Rain Jacket | Sizes XS-XL
Quince Weatherproof Womens Short Rain Jacket
TFG readers love Quince womens jackets and are all about this durable raincoat. Wind and waterproof, its breathable fabric offers ample coverage against the elements without leaving you trapped and clammy in too heavy of a cover and allows you to layer, without being too baggy.
One reader simply calls it “Yes, it is waterproof. The length is good, love the hood that is not too big & covers my hair perfectly. The jacket is lined with a waterproofing material that makes movement audible. This does not bother me but it might some people.” Also available in long version.
Check out our collection of the best waterproof boots for winter. They’ll help you keep your feet warm and dry!
Helly Hansen Packable Rain Jacket | Sizes XS-5XL
Helly Hansen Women’s Breathable Rain Jacket with Hood
A jacket design never looked so streamlined as this one from Helly Hansen. Appear less like you’re roughing it camping and more like you’re up for an urban adventure on the rain-soaked streets of Vienna or Rome.
Waterproof, lightweight, roomy, and breathable, it dries quickly and packs small in its own pocket. Readers adore its urban-chic look!
Complete your look with these boots for fall and spring travels!
Orvis Pack-and-Go Travel Jacket | Sizes XS-XL
Orvis Pack-and-Go Travel Rain Jacket
TFG readers love this quality jacket by Orvis. You can tighten it at the waist for a more fitted look or you can wear trench-style with plenty of layers underneath.
Works well for summer into fall moments, when the nighttime temperatures start to dip a little lower than expected and the material will dry fast for the next outing. There are also two secure interior pockets to hide your important stuff. Functional, yet versatile—readers continually praise this jacket!
SaphiRose Hooded Zip Up Poncho | One Size
SaphiRose Zip Up Poncho
A dependable poncho always gives great coverage but is not necessarily stylish. SaphiRose, however, has turned the tables with this fun, whimsical piece.
One reader, who purchased hers before heading to Ireland says, “I couldn’t find a plus-size option and this totally did the trick! Kept myself and my backpack nice and dry and folded up tight.”
What Is the Best Packable Rain Jacket?
When you are looking for a jacket, the most desired features (apart from keeping you dry) is breathability. This feature allows moisture produced by the body to pass through while keeping the elements out. A good product that serves this very purpose is an essential addition to any travel capsule wardrobe.
In addition, the ideal jacket will also act as a windbreaker to protect you from cold gusts of air.
Lastly, choosing a quality product with a thin yet highly effective technical fabric will help you pack light without sacrificing warmth.
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Store Your Jacket
Packing cubes will change the way you travel. You can use them for your personal items and keep your belongings organized for your journey. We’ve designed our own brand of slim cubes with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything, including your jacket!
The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video!
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What is your favorite packable rain jacket? Share and comment below!
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Thank you for the suggestions. I love my Girl on the Go rain jacket, but it seems a little heavy for carry on only packing. I’ll have to try one of these.
Very helpful. I love my Girl on the Go rain jacket, but I like to do carry on only and am afraid I need something that will pack a little better.
Thank you!
I purchased a Columbia rain jacket for travel this fall to France. It’s stylish and not too bulky and can also be used as a regular jacket for cooler days.
I love the Cole Haan Back Bow Hooded Jacket. It will be perfect for my next 2-week trip.
My go to rain jacket is the Columbia. I love it. It is light enough to use as a windbreaker also. I have two sizes. One is a size larger so I can layer my “Scottie Vest” fleece jacket under it for fall or winter. Since I always travel with my “Scottie Vest” fleece jacket it makes a perfect pair.
If you are not familiar with the Scottie Vest, it is worth the investment for me. It is specifically designed for travel with 15 to 21 specialty pockets designed with weight and location on the jacket in mind. It is perfect for when I am told I am overweight on my carry on or luggage. I just pull out the heave stuff, put in in my jacket and then I don’t pay extra fees. When I get on the plane, I pull the stuff out of my jacket and put it in a thin foldup travel bag I keep in my carryon.
I am completing a 16 day holiday from Stuttgart , Germany to Vienna to Salzburg to Innsbruck to Zurich. We encounter all types of weather from HOT and Humid to cold, wet and windy. I too need to find a stylish, go with everything jacket . The search conuinues
In my opinion, (and I have worn mine for close to 15 years) Get the LLBean GORETEX JACKET!!! Very lightweight but blocks rain and wind extremely well! By adding a primaloft vest and 2 layers ( 175 and 200 wt) merino wool sweaters underneath; keeps me warm and dry in WINTER!
All rolls up to fit in the bsck pocket of my packpack suitcase and weighs little!
It’s hard to find a jacket that is cute and actually waterproof vs water resistant. Some of the Amazon ones say waterproof in the title, but then water resistant in other places. Even the Orvis one is only water resistant. I have waterproof rain jackets for hiking but they are not cute lol. The search continues!
Still love my LLBean waterproof rain jacket! Totally rain and windproof an packs very small, with zero wrinkles.
I have worn this many times in midwinter in the Rockies, and it has kept me quite warm even on very windy days! So my travel combo includes my jacket, a primaloft vest, and ( usually) 2 layers of wool underneath. When I reach my much much warmer destination ( Hawaii) it’s easy to just remove a few layers and I’m set. Recently bought a new one, so
I can’t say how well it compares yet. But it is Goretex, and does exactly what it claims, all while being kightweight too!
Connie Q
RainCaper is cute, stylish and packable
Thank you for sharing your recommendation with us Audrey! ?