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10 best women's walking jackets
If you’re heading on a wintery hike, make sure you’re protected from the elements. IndyBest finds cover-ups for outdoor adventures
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From lightweight but seriously cosy coats to waterproof jackets with added insulation, we’ve tried and tested kit for winter walks. Here’s our pick.
(1) Regatta Keeta 3 In 1 Jacket: £90, amazon.co.uk
For anyone after a coat that will work for winter and summer, this one has a waterproof outer shell with a zip-out fleece and a hood that packs away for the non-rainy days. The fit’s relaxed so it’s roomy enough to layer-up underneath if the mercury goes below zero.
(2) North Face Women Resolve Insulated Jacket: £120, thenorthface.co.uk
If you're going to be out in wet and cold, here’s a waterproof, breathable coat from the US outdoor specialists that will keep the elements out and you toasty but – crucially – not sweaty. Comes in four colours, we like the ultra-visible turquoise and pink version.
(3) Sherpa Women's Devi Hooded Jacket: £90, blacks.co.uk
The soft-shell coat doesn’t necessarily look like a technical jacket, but behind it’s paired-down exterior, the fleecy inside will keep you warm. It was also more flexible than some jackets we tried - one for strenuous hiking.
(4) Craghoppers Reaction Plus Jacket: £48.67, gooutdoors.co.uk
The Duke of Edinburgh Award involves hiking and camping in the British countryside, whatever the weather. So rest-assured a jacket approved by the scheme will be a match for the rain, cold and style-consciouss teens - and it's currently on offer.
(5) Icebreaker Helix MerinoLOFT Hooded Jacket: £220, cotswoldoutdoor.com
This lightweight, sleek-looking jacket gets its toastiness from insulation made from merino wool. Unlike some synthetic fibres, it stays warm when wet. There's more merino in the lining and the recycled polyester exterior is water-resistant - it certainly kept us dry and toasty.
(6) Columbia Women’s Fusion Exact Jacket: £139, nevisport.com
Want a coat that works for a ski holiday as well as the British countryside? This top-spec jacket is waterproof, breathable and has added features like a snow skirt and ski pass pocket. The bright colour-ways mean you’ll stand out in the snow - whether it’s in Courcheval or the Cotswolds.
(7) Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Jacket: £180, gooutdoors.co.uk
Rab’s super-lightweight but cosy jackets have a loyal fan base, for good reason. This one is filled with down treated with a water-repellant coating so it absorbs less water and dries faster than rivals. It packs down really small and if the weather’s exceptionally vile, pop a waterproof shell over the top.
(8) Berghaus Women’s Calisto Jacket: £95, blacks.co.uk
Berghaus has a deserved reputation for hard-wearing gear, and this versatile waterproof coat with a detachable fleece is a classic example of the brand's quality kit that won't break the bank. Buy this now and it will last you.
(9) Uniqlo Down Jacket: £89.90, uniqlo.com
If it’s more a walk in a park than scaling a peak you're doing, check out Uniqlo’s quality outerwear. This high-collar down coat is reassuringly toasty but not bulky. Choose from five colours.
(10) Schoffel Whitewell Wax Jacket: £349.95, schoffel.co.uk
Our tester wore this smart, belted wax jacket with a micro fleece lining in the Scottish Highlands in high winds and drizzle and was singing its praises. This is pricey, yes, but you’ll be wearing it for country walks for the next decade.
Verdict: For a versatile coat that works for winter and summer and will keep you bone-dry in a deluge, we recommend Berghaus’ Calisto. Rab’s Microlight jacket lives up to its name but packs a serious punch in the warm stakes, too.
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