Bargain £12.75 Women's Raincoat: 'Brilliant, Lightweight Waterproof Jacket'
Snap up this waterproof jacket for your spring wardrobe while it's reduced by 75%. (Regatta Outdoors)
Spring has sprung and while we're loving the warmer weather and ditching heavy coats, you can never be too prepared for unexpected showers.
The great British weather is known for being unreliable but sometimes it can feel a bit of a faff bringing an umbrella with you everywhere you go.
They can often be too bulky for your handbag or when we're feeling lazy, we simply don't fancy something else to carry.
That's why a lightweight waterproof jacket is the perfect compromise and we've just spotted an amazing bargain.
The Regatta Women's Pack-It III Waterproof Jacket has been slashed in price from £50 to just £12.45 by Regatta Outdoors – making it an absolute steal.
With many rainy days ahead, it's going straight in our shopping basket before it sells out.
This breathable, lightweight jacket packs down into a small carry bag. (Regatta Outdoors)
Why we rate itThis waterproof jacket boast a breathable design with a water repellent finish. It also has taped seams, an adjustable shockcord hood and allows moisture vapour to escape through fabric.
Perfect for hikes and music festivals alike, our favourite feature is how it packs away into a small bag, taking up very little space in your pocket or handbag.
Best of all, it's available in 14 colours, ranging from plum purple and bright red, to mint green and bright blue.
What the reviews sayThere are no shortage of five-star reviews on Regatta's website. Here's a snippet from some happy customers.
"Does the job, nice quality, doesn't feel super cheap. Not the fanciest but it is only cheap, just wanted a layer for when dog walking and it's perfect."
"Great for a showery or windy day comes in a little pouch handy for carry. [sic]"
"Bright & lightweight but surprisingly warm...A good buy & easily stored/carried."
"Nice, lightweight waterproof jacket for rainy days. I bought a size larger so I can wear it over my winter jacket in cold weather."
"True to size, will fit over a fleece, very light weight."
"Great mac! I bought this for my trip to Niagara Falls in case it was wet! It's lightweight, easy to travel with, completely waterproof and comfortable."
£12.45 £50 at Regatta £18.48 £50 at Amazon
Watch: The comfy bra everyone is talking aboutOriginally published May 9, 2023 at 11:38 AM
10 Best Waterproof Running Jackets For Women: These Will Keep You Dry During Downpours
When it comes to running, consistency is better than doing 100km one week and zero the next. But with the British weather being unpredictable and often very wet in the winter and spring months, some days you might need some extra motivation to lace up your trainers and get out the front door.
Investing in a waterproof jacket that keeps the rain off while allowing heat to escape as you run could mean the difference between sitting at home on the sofa waiting for the rain to pass, and enjoying the physical and mental benefits that follow cardio exercise in the great outdoors.
When shopping for a running jacket, look to see if it has a waterproof rating. A rating of up to 10K is enough to handle light to average rain for a short amount of time. Ratings between 10K and 15K can handle a moderate amount of rain for much longer, and jackets rated between 15K and 20K or higher are serious shells for heavy, intense rain over a prolonged period.
Other important factors to look for are reflective details – especially if you prefer to run in the early mornings or after sunset – and freedom of movement. Your core is under a lot of pressure to support the leg muscles when you run, so you need to have an ergonomically fitted jacket to be able to perform at your best, without restrictions.
It's a bonus if the jacket has a good hood, too, so you can concentrate on the path ahead without rain getting into your eyes. Last but not least, make sure to pay attention to pockets. You're going to need to carry your keys, might want to carry a phone and, if you're running longer distances, you'll also need space for gels or a banana.
How we testedWe tested a selection of waterproof jackets during light showers, misty rain and torrential downpours. Each was worn for a run of at least an hour, or around 10km, to fully test how breathable it was. At the end of each session, we finished with a sprint to check whether it could keep us dry and comfortable during interval sessions, as well as long, steady runs. We assessed the jackets on hoods, pockets, length, weight, freedom of movement and cost.
Jackets with lots of technical features, such as performance fabric and an ergonomic fit, can often cost upwards of £100. But bear in mind they are designed to last, so you will get a few years out of them, making it worth the expense if you have a race target in mind. That said, we've included some great waterproof jacket options that cost much less and still keep you dry.
The best women's running jackets for 2023 are:Running in the dark as well as the rain always makes us feel vulnerable when crossing roads, as it's doubly hard for drivers to see clearly. But when we were clad in the Proviz jacket, we felt safe knowing the fluorescent fabric is seven times more visible than other materials. In addition to that, there's a huge amount of Reflect360 highly reflective strips, which light up like the Blackpool illuminations when headlights shine on them.
We couldn't fault this jacket, as the fabric is also breathable and has a waterproof rating of 20k, so you could run through a storm without getting wet. The two side pockets are a decent size and zipped to keep belongings nice and dry, too.
Buy now £76.49, Provizsports.Com
Columbia women's flash challenger windbreaker © Provided by The IndependentWe love the two-tone contrast of chalk-white and cirrus-grey in this longline jacket. We'd easily wear it to stay comfortable in both showers and blizzards in the city, as well as wearing it for running, which makes the £65 investment decent value for money.
Made from 100 per cent polyester, it can be folded up really small, so it's a great option if you want to run to or from work and store it in your bag during the day. Another bonus is the drawstring hood, which stayed up and in position a lot better than hoods without adjustable strings.
Buy now £65.00, Columbiasportswear.Co.Uk
Lululemon down for it all jacket © Provided by The IndependentIf being outside in cold weather is just as motivation-sapping to you as rain, you need to try Lululemon's down for it all jacket. It features zoned-down insulation panels where you need them the most, plus stretchy fleece to keep you moving freely.
Wear it in the mornings and it feels like you're swapping your duvet for something just as warm but more fitted. We have to admit this did make us worry about overheating when we first tried it on, but we underestimated Lululemon's high-tech Glyde fabric – breathable stretch nylon that's wind and water resistant.
This jacket hugs the figure better than any of the other designs we tested, so you could also get away with wearing it as your casual jacket. The blue pyschic colour would look equally good with jeans as it would with leggings.
Buy now £149.00, Lululemon.Co.Uk
M&S goodmove waterproof zip up hooded jacket © Provided by The IndependentAt first glance, we fell in love with the lime-green colour of this multi-functional running jacket. It cheered us up in the morning and made us feel alive, even before we'd touched a drop of coffee.
Once outside, we fell for it even deeper, thanks to the warm fabric that's also super soft next to the skin. We really loved how the hood packs into the neck so that it doesn't flap if it's not needed, and this super-high neck gives you extra protection from the frost in the winter. That said, you could wear it with a sports bra in summer, too, as the fabric did well to emit all the heat we generated on a long run. And, as a further bonus, it's machine washable at 40C.
Buy now £79.00, Marksandspencer.Com
Decathlon women's waterproof windproof jacket – kiprun rain+ © Provided by The IndependentWeighing just 190g, this jacket is one of the lighter options available, which we appreciated. It will give you a little protection from the wind, as well as solid protection from the rain, and it will also motivate you to run faster to warm up.
We were very impressed with how chic the jacket looked. The all-black design fits close enough to the body to look shapely without feeling restrictive. When worn with black leggings, we felt slimmer when we looked in the mirror and it boosted our confidence before getting out the door.
Even during the run, we felt lighter on our feet, which goes to show how much a new jacket can affect mental performance, which then impacts the physical.
Buy now £69.99, Decathlon.Co.Uk
Tog 24 craven women's waterproof packaway jacket © Provided by The IndependentWhen we slipped on this jacket from Yorkshire-based brand Tog 24, we could really tell it had a shaped cut, which felt very flattering. It's a versatile jacket that we'd wear for more than just running – we'd feel good wearing this for a wet school run or walking the dog, just as much as we would running.
It's a little longer than some of the other jackets we tried, falling down to the bottom, which made us less self-conscious about going out in leggings. Also, the longer length kept the top of our leggings dry, which was much appreciated.
Not so much as a drop of water will get near a runner in this. It's not only waterproof but has a water-repellent coating for good measure. And, as the piece de resistance, the seams are taped, which means the holes from the stitching are covered, so no water can leak through.
Buy now £37.50, Tog24.Com
Castore women's onyx prism lightweight windbreaker jacket © Provided by The IndependentCastore specialises in high-performance clothing with the sole aim to make athletes better, hence the brand's catchline "better never stops". Whether you're a park runner or you're training for an ultra-marathon, Castore jackets take care of all the technical details needed to keep runners of all abilities comfortable, so they can unleash their full potential.
Originally a men's sportswear brand supplying elite athletes such as Adam Peaty and Andy Murray, Castore recently expanded to provide activewear for women too, all of which has been rigorously tested to ensure it performs. We noticed lots of premium details, such as flatlock stitching for ventilation, mesh panelling and ergonomic seams. And let's take a moment to appreciate the removable sleeves.
Yes, this jacket is clearly on the higher end of the cost scale, but you'll be getting a waterproof running gilet and a waterproof running jacket in one cute monochrome package.
Buy now £210.00, Castore.Com
Asics accelerate waterproof 2.0 jacket © Provided by The IndependentAsics is the sports brand of choice for Scottish athlete and multi-record holder Eilish McColgan, so we were keen to try the jacket to see if we could emulate some of her speed. The jacket did not disappoint. The hood stayed completely in place during a 60-minute run, thanks to a smart back adjustor that kept it up near the chin as well as over the forehead.
With clever Japanese engineering, it has multiple layers to keep out the rain and wind, while allowing body heat and steam to exit. All seams are sealed, so there's no chance of rain entering any gaps in the stitching. Next to the skin, it feels comfortable and stretchy, meaning you can move freely, and there's a good-sized zipped chest pocket as well as two side pockets.
Buy now £158.00, Asics.Com
On Running weather jacket © Provided by The IndependentEvery time we ran in this jacket, we noticed a new feature. Firstly, we were impressed by how lightweight it was. This is the jacket to buy if you're aiming for a PB, where every second counts.
Made from ultra-lightweight Japanese performance fabrics, it features 360-degree advanced breathability, so you can push yourself hard without feeling damp and sticky. If the sun comes out mid-run, you'll find that it's incredibly fast-drying and will most likely be bone dry by the time you get home. Should you wish to take it off during a run, it folds down into its own pocket, which is small enough to slip down the waistband of your leggings.
Want to protect your face from the elements? This jacket features a peaked cap in the hood, which weighs it downwards, so it stays put around your face and over the front of it.
Yes, it's another of the more expensive jackets we tested, but it is one that you can comfortably wear for summer showers as well as winter downpours.
Buy now £190.00, On-running.Com
Tu active black running jacket © Provided by The IndependentWe're constantly impressed by Tu activewear, as the performance fabric is high-quality while the prices are low. This active jacket is shower-resistant, breathable and fits close to the body, giving you full freedom of movement when running.
Despite costing just £25, it has some features found on more-expensive jackets, such as a stylish grey back panel and a decent reflective trim, which we appreciated on early morning runs. It even has two zipped pockets that could easily fit a phone and keys. It doesn't have a hood but it does have super-long sleeves that kept our hands toasty when the temperature dropped.
Buy now £25.00, Sainsburys.Co.Uk
CEP cold weather windbreaker © Provided by The IndependentYou may not have heard of CEP – it's mainly known for its high-tech compression socks (based on the medical expertise of its parent company, medi). Aside from socks and tights, they also offer a wide range of running-specific gear. This cold weather windbreaker does exactly what it says on the tin – a highly breathable windbreaker jacket that's perfect for a range of outdoor activities.
With minimalist features, it doesn't drag and its layer-friendly cut makes it feel light, airy, and made to move. It's designed to be worn comfortably over base layers and light mid-layers like vests, so if you're between sizes, we recommend considering sizing up.
Buy now £98.99, Bikester.Co.Uk
New Balance women's London Marathon jacket © Provided by The IndependentIf you're a long-distance runner who aims for marathon miles, chances are you're used to training in all manner of conditions. So why not invest in an official bit of New Balance kit? If nothing else, it's a nice reminder of your hard work as you try to hit 26.2 miles on the clock. Lightweight and water-resistant, it's not as tight fitting as some of the other jackets on this list – and features the official 2022 TCS London Marathon branding.
Buy now £100.00, Newbalance.Co.Uk
The Charlotte jacket © Provided by The IndependentHigh-performance sustainable sportswear brand for women, Natural Grace, is on a mission to prove that the sustainable option can be better, quicker and more desirable. Launched in April 2021 by ex-track athlete Grace Osborne, Natural Grace doesn't want you to choose between conscious and performance – instead, it offers both (but at a price).
The Charlotte jacket – designed for running (either to the gym or actually running) – is made from 78 per cent recycled materials (regenerated ocean plastic) and 22 per cent elastane, which makes it super stretchy. It's double-layered and lined, so feels heavier than most, partly thanks to its high-quality materials, including premium gold zips. We loved how this jacket felt, silky soft and luxurious, and we love what they stand for – prioritising impact on people, planet and performance over profit. If you're looking for a sustainable option, this is it.
Buy now £170.00, Naturalgraceldn.Com
Lululemon down for it all vest © Provided by The IndependentGilets are the ultimate layering essential, and great for wearing over a long-sleeve base layer, or even under a lightweight waterproof to keep your chest and core warm but your arms free. Water-resistant and windproof, the Lululemon down for it all vest is filled with goose down and offers a figure-hugging fit – so you feel snug. We loved how it looked, but ran into issues when it came to washing – it lost its "puff". A sneaky trick: pop it in the tumble dryer on low heat with a tennis ball, and the down feathers will dry and puff right out again.
Buy now £148.00, Lululemon.Co.Uk
Running jacket FAQS What to look for when choosing a waterproof running jacketRunning in the rain can actually feel quite liberating if you're wearing the right gear, as it keeps your body temperature down, so you feel like you can go faster without expending as much effort. Research also shows that running in the rain can improve the immune system too, as the combination of movement and the differences between the temperature outside and your body temperature forces it to adapt.
Sounds good, yes? But before you grab any old running jacket from your coat rack the next time it buckets down, remember that you'll be working up a sweat (or should be), so you'll need a waterproof design that's sweat-wicking and breathable. You'll also need to decide if you're after something completely waterproof to battle through the harshest of blizzards, or if you just need something windproof and warm to take the edge off. A running jacket should act as a protective shell to keep the harsh elements from piercing through – this can be anything from a light windbreaker to a fully insulated running jacket.
The verdict: Running jackets for womenIf you're outside, safety is just as important as staying dry, so the Proviz classic waterproof jacket is our best buy because not only did it deliver when it came to keeping us protected from the elements, it was also extremely attention-grabbing and visible. That said, it's a confidence boost if you look good, too, and we felt the Columbia flash challenger and the Lululemon down for it all jacket both delivered on fit and style.
After a supportive pair of kicks for your run? Check out our edit of the best running shoes for women
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Best Raincoats For Women 2023
In Britain you can guarantee a chance of rain at all times, so owning a waterproof to avoid the inevitable showers is essential.
Shopping for raincoats rarely sends the blood coursing through any fashion lovers' veins. Often dowdy, bland, and reserved for those who are partial to hiking, it's tricky finding styles that's reliable yet stylish: anything that's designed for practical reasons can't possibly look good, can it?
In fact, it seems fashionable outerwear is having a moment, with brands like Hunter and Rains designing sophisticated rubberised waterproofs, Adidas and Uniqlo collaborating with interesting designers to create joyful printed styles, and classic outdoors brands The North Face and Columbia offering steadfast wet weather warriors.
To lend a helping hand, we've scoured the market for the best raincoats to tackle all of your bad weather woes. Keep scrolling to discover our pick of the bunch.
Hunter Women's Lightweight Waterproof Jacket © Provided by Evening StandardMade using coated polyester, Hunter's jacket is waterproof without the weight. It can withstand whatever the British weather throws at it with a welded seam construction and storm flap closure, whilst remaining breathable with a back vent and mesh lining. A festival essential - and make sure you don't forget your wellies.
Buy now £150.00, Hunter
Marks & Spencer Rubber Hooded Funnel Neck Raincoat © Provided by Evening StandardStay dry for less in Marks & Spencer's take on the watertight rubber raincoat. With a funnel neck and lining for extra warmth, back storm flap to help keep away the rain and large patch pockets to keep your valuables safe, it has got everything you could ask for. Even better, the powder pink will add a dash of joyful colour to any grey, cloudy day.
Buy now £55.00, Marks & Spencer
Samsøe + Samsøe Stala Jacket 7357 © Provided by Evening StandardSamsøe Samsøe's deep seafoam green waterproof ranks well for practicality. The winter coat has been made both waterproof and water repellent with welded-closed seams meaning there's zero chance of any water leaking in even on the soggiest of days.
Buy now £95.00, Samsøe + Samsøe
Maium 01 ORIGINAL © Provided by Evening StandardSustainable brand Maium offers the perfect level of style, function, and ethics. Made using 66 recycled plastic bottles, it's fully waterproof and transforms into a poncho with nifty side zips so it will keep your legs dry when you're cycling. The front two-zipper means you can stay cool and dry at the same time. A win-win!
Also available at Fenwick
Buy now £115.00, Maium
Stutterheim Mayfair Light Sand © Provided by Evening StandardA contemporary take on the rubberised coat trend, Sutterheim's Mayfair design takes the classic trench silhouette and makes it watertight.
Designed for a relaxed fit with adjustable waist straps for versatility, a detachable storm flap, and double welded seams for maximum protection from the elements, it will keep you dry in style. The only downside? There's no hood, so you'll need an umbrealla, too.
Buy now £350.00, Stutterheim
Uniqlo Blocktech Half Coat © Provided by Evening StandardUniqlo is a go-to for everyday basics - and this coat is no exception. Constructed using the Japanese brand's trademark Blocktech fabric, it's windproof and water resistant as well as being lightweight, durable and cut to a contemporary silhouette.
Like the high street hero's entire range, it looks much more expensive than its £99.90 price point.
Buy now £99.90, Uniqlo
Arket Hooded Rain Coat © Provided by Evening StandardIf it's elevated basics you're after, Scandi label Arket has you covered - including this classic black hooded rain coat.
Made from a water resistant PU, it features a hidden zip, slanted side pockets, a drawstring hood and snap buttons at the end of the sleeve. It's a jacket that will keep you dry in style season after season.
Buy now £89.00, Arket
The North Face Women's Hikesteller Parka Shell Jacket © Provided by Evening StandardThis North Face coat acts as an impenetrable layer that will keep you protected from the elements. Offered in six colours, it is composed of a waterproof, quick drying material and is fitted with an adjustable, tight fitting hood that will keep it secure to the face and neck.
Buy now £79.75, The North Face
Rains Curve Jacket © Provided by Evening StandardTake it from us, Danish outerwear brand Rains is a kingpin of wet-weather fashion. Offering classic feminine shapes with its signature matte finishes, it's no wonder the brand has grown such a following. We particularly love the Curve Jacket in lilac which comes with a belted waist and a fishtail bottom. It's a technically proficient​ raincoat, too — adjustable cuffs, welded seams and a hidden waterproof zipper will guard you against the soggiest of days.
Buy now £105.00, Rains
Timberland 3-in-1 Trench Coat In Beige © Provided by Evening StandardIf you're in the market for a weather-resistant coat to wear in the city, then Timberland's 3-in-1 trench is ideal. Although there's no hood, so you may still need an umbrella, it's a stylish design with a detachable inner layer that can be worn separately or taken out for showers on hot summer days. The perfect season-transitional coat.
Buy now £189.00, Timberland
Levi's Sloan Rain Jacket © Provided by Evening StandardOffering maximum coverage from any rainstorm, Levi's oversized coat features a high neck, XL-hood and elongated length with adjustable drawstrings at both the hem and collar - and we love the cocoon silhouette.
Buy now £60.00, Levi's
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