Women's hardshell jackets

How to choose a women's hardshell jacket?

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is obviously the most crucial factor when choosing a women's waterproof jacket. It is measured in millimetres (mm), indicating how much rainfall the fabric can withstand before letting water through. For mountain activities where weather conditions can be challenging, opt for a jacket with a waterproofing rating of at least 10,000 mm. Our Ultrashell® membrane offers a waterproofing 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 the build-up of perspiration inside, which could leave you damp and uncomfortable. Breathability is generally measured in grams (g) of water vapour that the fabric can release per square metre over 24 hours (g/m²/24h). A good level of breathability 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, opt for a jacket lightweight and compactable. It is an ideal feature for a women's hiking jacket or trail running. They can be easily stowed in a pocket or bag without taking up much space.

Useful features

The lateral ventilation zips are a real asset for improving the breathability of your women's hardshell jacket during intense activities. The presence of multiple practical and easily accessible pockets is also an advantage for stowing your gear quickly. Waterproof zips and taped seams are essential to prevent water from seeping through when rain is heavy.

The different types of waterproof-breathable membranes

2-layer fabric

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

2.5-layer fabric

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

3-layer fabric

Women's waterproof jackets with 3-layer fabric are the most high-performance and premium. 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 waterproofing 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 using a specialist detergent for waterproof garments. Avoid fabric softeners, as these 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

Air-dry your jacket away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not put it in a tumble dryer on a high heat setting, as this could damage the membrane. If necessary, you can use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting to reactivate the durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment on the fabric.

Re-waterproofing

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

Check out our women's softshell jackets that will bring you warmth and protection for your outdoor activities. For a warm and breathable first layer, opt for a women's thermal base layer.