Women's hardshell jackets

How to choose your women's hardshell jacket?

Waterproofness

Waterproofness is obviously the most crucial factor when choosing a women's waterproof jacket. It is measured in millimetres (mm), indicating the amount of rainfall the fabric can withstand before letting water through. For mountain activities where weather conditions can be challenging, go for a jacket with a waterproofness rating of at least 10,000 mm. go for a jacket with a waterproofness rating of at least 10,000 mm. Our Ultrashell® membrane offers a waterproofness rating of 20,000 mm for optimal protection even in extreme conditions.

Breathability

Breathability is the fabric's ability to allow water vapour (sweat) to pass from the inside to the outside. A breathable jacket is essential to prevent moisture build-up inside, which could leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable. Breathability is generally measured in grams (g) of water vapour the fabric can release per square metre over 24 hours (g/m²/24h). A good breathability level starts at 10,000 g/m²/24h, but for intense activities, a breathability of 20,000 g/m²/24h or more is recommended.

Weight and compressibility

If you plan to carry your rain jacket in a backpack, go for a jacket lightweight and compactable. It is an ideal characteristic for a women's hiking jacket or on trail. They can easily be stowed in a pocket or bag without taking up much space.

Useful features

Side ventilation zips are a real asset for improving the breathability of your women's hardshell jacket during intense activities. Multiple practical, easy-access pockets are also a bonus for quickly stowing your gear. Waterproof zip closures and taped seams are essential to prevent water from seeping through in heavy rain.

The different types of waterproof-breathable membranes

2-layer fabric

In a 2-layer fabric, the membrane and outer fabric are laminated together. This construction may include a mesh lining inside the jacket to protect the membrane. However, breathability and waterproofness performance is generally lower than other construction types.

2.5-layer fabric

The 2.5-layer fabric adds a printed protective film onto the membrane, making it lightweight. These jackets are often used for running and trail due to their lightweight nature and packability. They offer good protection while being more breathable than 2-layer jackets.

3-layer fabric

3-layer fabric women's waterproof jackets are the most high-performance and premium options. The membrane is placed between two layers of fabric and all three layers are laminated together. This creates an extremely durable and effective rain jacket, capable of protecting you in the most demanding conditions. 3-layer jackets offer excellent waterproofness and breathability, ideal for mountain activities and expeditions in bad weather.

In cold weather, pair your waterproof jacket with a women's technical fleece for good thermal insulation.

How to care for your women's waterproof jacket?

To maintain the performance of your waterproof jacket, it is essential to follow the care instructions on the product label. Here are some general tips:

Washing

Wash your jacket at 30°C with a specialist detergent for waterproof garments. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can degrade the waterproof and breathable properties of the fabric. Regular washing removes dirt and body oils that can clog the pores of the membrane, reducing its breathability.

Drying

Dry your jacket in the open air, away from direct sunlight and any direct heat source. Do not tumble dry on high heat, as this could damage the membrane. If necessary, you can use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting to reactivate the fabric's durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment.

Re-waterproofing

Over time and with repeated washing, the DWR treatment on your hardshell jacket can wear off. Use a waterproofing spray or a dedicated solution to re-waterproof your jacket.

Also explore our women's softshell jackets that will keep you warm and protected during your outdoor activities. For a warm and breathable base layer, women's thermal base layer.