Do you enjoy hiking? Do you hike in climates that require cold weather gear? Whether you are a seasoned hiker or an occasional weekend hiker, you have to know the importance of a good quality hiking jacket that will keep you warm and dry while hitting the trails.
- Women’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket from Patagonia – The trusted Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket meets Patagonia’s H2No® Performance Standard, offering outstanding waterproof and breathable performance.
- Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket at REI – This lightweight jacket is great for all sorts of outdoor activities in any weather. It keeps you dry with its waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX fabric.
- Arcadia
II Jacket from Columbia – Omni-Tech fully seam sealed technology ensures that moisture doesn’t seep through any seams, keeping you completely dry in rainy conditions. - BETA LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET from Arc’Teryx – The Beta Lightweight Jacket is a versatile and high-performance garment suitable for various activities and weather conditions. Constructed with GORE-TEX technology, it provides complete protection from water, wind, and breathability for optimal environmental shelter.
- Paramount Hooded Softshell Jacket from Helly Hansen – This hooded softshell jacket offers a blend of warmth, flexibility, and breathability, making it a versatile choice for hiking.
Continue reading for the complete list of hiking jackets that are perfect for hiking women over 50.
What to Look for in a Hiking Jacket
When choosing a hiking jacket, several factors are crucial to consider:
Weather Resistance
Look for a jacket that provides protection against wind, rain, and snow. Waterproof and windproof materials like Gore-Tex or eVent are excellent choices for keeping you dry and comfortable.
Breathability
Hiking can be a strenuous activity, causing you to sweat. A breathable jacket allows moisture to escape, preventing you from getting too hot and sweaty inside the jacket.
Durability
Hiking jackets need to withstand rugged terrain and abrasion from backpack straps and branches. Look for jackets made from durable materials like ripstop nylon or polyester.
Weight and Packability
Lightweight jackets are preferable for hiking because they won’t weigh you down or take up too much space in your backpack when not in use. Packable jackets can be easily stuffed into your pack when the weather clears up.
Fit and Comfort
The jacket should have a comfortable fit that allows for a full range of motion without feeling too tight or restrictive. Features like adjustable cuffs, hoods, and hem can enhance comfort and protection.
Ventilation
Some jackets come with pit zips or other ventilation features that allow you to regulate your body temperature by releasing excess heat.
Pockets and Storage
Consider the number and placement of pockets for storing essentials like maps, snacks, and your phone. Some jackets also have interior pockets for added security.
Hood
A hood can provide extra protection from the elements, so look for one that is adjustable and fits snugly around your head.
Reflective Elements
If you plan to hike in low-light conditions or near roads, jackets with reflective elements can improve visibility and safety.
Read 4 HIKING OUTFITS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
Hiking Jackets for Women
Some of the retailers and brands that are highly recommended for offering quality hiking gear are REI, Patagonia, Columbia, Arc’teryx, The North Face, and Helly Hansen to name a few.
Women’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket from Patagonia
The trusted Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket meets Patagonia’s H2No® Performance Standard offering outstanding waterproof and breathable performance. It ensures all-day comfort and durable waterproofing, made with fabrics, membranes, and finishes free from perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS). Plus, it’s produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket at REI
This lightweight jacket is great for all sorts of outdoor activities in any weather. It keeps you dry with its waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX fabric.
If you get too hot, just open the underarm zippers. The zippers and pockets resist water, but they’re not entirely waterproof, so be careful with sensitive items. You can adjust the cuffs and hem for a better fit. It’s made responsibly with bluesign®-approved materials.
Arcadia II Jacket from Columbia
Omni-Tech fully seam sealed technology ensures that moisture doesn’t seep through any seams, keeping you completely dry in rainy conditions.
The attached storm hood is adjustable, providing extra protection from the elements. You can customize the fit further with the drawcord adjustable hem. Zippered hand pockets keep your valuables secure, and the jacket conveniently packs into its own hand pocket for easy storage.
With a breathable mesh lining and adjustable cuffs, you stay comfortable no matter the weather. This gear is suitable for hiking and everyday outdoor activities. It’s produced in a factory that supports BSR’s HERproject, empowering women in global supply chains through health, finance, and gender equality training.
BETA LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET from Arc’Teryx
The Beta Lightweight Jacket is a versatile and high-performance garment suitable for various activities and weather conditions. Constructed with GORE-TEX technology, it provides complete protection from water, wind for optimal environmental shelter.
Produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility, this jacket embodies the brand’s commitment to worker well-being. Its multi-use design makes it suitable for a wide range of activities and conditions.
Specifically designed for alpine travel and mountain environments, the Beta Lightweight Jacket prioritizes both performance and packability. Featuring a next-generation GORE-TEX ePE membrane that is lightweight, thin, strong, and free of PFCs.
Enhanced with C-KNIT backer technology for improved comfort and breathability, this jacket also has a helmet-compatible StormHood that provides protection without compromising visibility. Pit zippers offer ventilation, while a RECCO reflector can assist in search situations for added safety and peace of mind.
Paramount Hooded Softshell Jacket from Helly Hansen
This hooded softshell jacket offers a blend of warmth, flexibility, and breathability, making it a great choice for various outdoor activities, including hiking. With its fleece backing and weather-resistant properties, it ensures both comfort and protection from the elements.
In terms of composition, the shell consists of 90% recycled polyester and 10% elastane, contributing to its eco-friendly profile. Despite its functional features, it maintains a lightweight profile with a weight of 550g.
Notable features include a YKK® zipper, offering reliable closure, and water resistance, windproofing, and breathability for adaptable performance in various weather conditions. The inclusion of a hood with cord adjustments enhances versatility, while the fleece backing adds warmth for colder climates.
The North Face Alta Vista Jacket at Dick’s
This waterproof jacket comes with an attached and adjustable three-piece hood for added protection from the elements. It features a vertical secure-zip chest pocket and conveniently stows away in its own chest pocket for easy storage.
Exposed-zip hand pockets and an internal drop-in pocket behind the hand pocket provide ample storage space. For enhanced ventilation during strenuous activities, the jacket includes pit-zip venting. The elastic drawcord with a cord lock at the hem allows for adjustability, while adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs ensure a secure fit. The jacket is lined with a printed lining for added style.
Nano Puff Jacket from Patagonia
This jacket features 60g of PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco, renowned for its exceptional thermal efficiency and eco-friendly composition, made entirely from post consumer recycled materials. Utilizing P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions) technology, it retains its warmth even when wet, providing reliable insulation in damp conditions. Encased in a windproof and moisture-shedding shell crafted from 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a durable water repellent finish, it ensures protection from the elements.
The brick quilting pattern, with narrow horizontal quilt lines on the side panels, not only stabilizes the insulation but also enhances durability with its use of robust thread, providing resistance against abrasions. Elasticized cuffs and a dual-adjust drawcord hem effectively seal out wind while retaining warmth.
For convenient storage, the jacket includes two zippered handwarmer pockets with cleanly finished zipper garages, while the zippered internal chest pocket serves a dual purpose as a stuff sack, complete with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop for added functionality.
Hikebound Rain Jacket – Plus Size
This jacket is designed to withstand various weather conditions and trails, featuring waterproof-breathable fabric and fully seam-sealed construction. Equipped with water-resistant, zippered chest and hand pockets, it securely holds all your hiking essentials.
For a snug and comfortable fit, the jacket offers adjustable hood and cuffs. The Omni-Tech fully seam-sealed technology ensures moisture doesn’t seep through any seams, keeping you dry even in rainy conditions. Additional features include a drawcord adjustable hood, zippered hand pockets, a water-resistant zippered chest pocket, adjustable cuffs, and a drawcord adjustable hem.
Vista Hike Anorak from Helly Hansen
Indulge in both style and performance with this women’s anorak, thoughtfully designed for outdoor enthusiasts. A cleverly designed zipped kangaroo pocket not only offers practical storage but also doubles as a sling bag for easy carrying when the anorak is not in use.
Designed to shield you from the sun, wind, and light drizzles, this anorak features UPF 50 protection and a water-resistant exterior. A cord adjustment at the hem, along with elastic cuffs and hood, ensures a personalized and comfortable fit.
Notable features include 2-way stretch fabric for enhanced mobility, raglan sleeves for freedom of movement, and a half zip with YKK zipper for reliable closure. Additionally, the anorak is treated with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment for added protection against the elements.
Circaloft Jacket from The North Face
The body fabric of this jacket is constructed from recycled polyester, reducing environmental impact while maintaining durability and performance. Synthetic sheet insulation ensures warmth in cold conditions, with a vertical 2×4 quilting pattern holding it in place to minimize cold spots and insulation-cluster migration.
Practical features include an exposed, reverse-coil center front zip for easy closure, and raglan sleeves for enhanced mobility. Secure-zip chest and hand pockets provide convenient storage options, while the jacket can be compressed and stowed in either the right hand pocket or an included external stow bag for effortless carrying on the go.
Elastic-bound cuffs and hem ensure a snug and secure fit, while the embroidered logo on the left chest adds a touch of brand authenticity.
Read EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS: 8 BEST HIKING APPS.
Also read 7 HIKING TRAILS IN THE USA FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you a hiker? What type of hiker are you? Do you pack a hiking jacket when you head out on the trails? What is your go-to brand for hiking gear? Tell us about it in the comments below.
