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Picture this: it’s early summer and you’re heading towards the train station, hair styled, lippie on. Nothing is stopping you. Well, apart from that good old UK weather.
(We forgot to mention that bit.)
Out of nowhere, the heavens open and you are left drenched and frazzled, reluctantly throwing your bag over your head for some shelter as you run to the nearest Starbucks.
Why is it that our effort to look on-fleek when we travel goes out of the window? Sometimes we don’t want to carry an umbrella or wear a big wintry coat, especially if we already have heavy luggage that’s weighing us down.
And sometimes rain isn’t even on the weather forecast, which is why a lot of us get caught unaware. Sigh.
Not to worry, ladies — we have the solution. And it’s called the lightweight rain jacket.
Contents
What Makes The Perfect Rain Jacket For Travel?
First things first, what makes a great travel rain jacket? Well, it must be water-resistant — that’s a given!
However, it should also be:
- Breathable, meaning that the fabric allows perspiration to escape
- Lightweight, so it doesn’t add to your load if you’re carrying a backpack or dragging a suitcase
- Easy to pack, so it folds up small and doesn’t take up much storage space
- A single colour, meaning that it will complement different outfits and palettes
And it helps if it’s fashionable as well as functional, right?
12 Best Lightweight Rain Jackets For Travel
All that being said, let’s take a look at the best lightweight rain jackets for travel currently on the market.
Keep in mind that these are investment pieces that you can wear and re-wear for years to come.
1. Orvis Pack-And-Go Travel Jacket
The best lightweight rain jackets for travel 101: Orvis’ Pack-And-Go Travel Jacket.
Described as “earth-friendly” and “wind-resistant”, this option not only protects you from bursts of rain, but it also keeps you sheltered from the wind. Lightweight, packable, breathable and stylish, it has an internal drawstring that cinches the waist.
As a result, you can look and feel on-trend while staying dry and warm. Win-win.
2. Stenhamra Rain Jacket
Moving on to a personal favourite of ours, the Stenhamra Rain Jacket has all the features needed to make the perfect lightweight travel jacket. It’s waterproof, as light as a feather and has been designed to keep you cool during those warmer, wetter months.
Another plus to the Stenhamra Rain Jacket is its unique, detailed design that’s very different from your typical rain jacket. Crafted in a way that suits both men and women, this jacket can be worn as a cute couple’s outfit when roaming around cobbled city streets and dashing in and out of the rain.
However, the only downside is that it doesn’t come with a packable bag. But when you look this good, why would you be removing the jacket anyway?
3. M&S Rubber Raincoat
M&S has a beautiful collection of coats and jackets, one being the Rubber Raincoat.
Sophisticated and efficient, this staple piece will be an easy throw-on this year, keeping the rain off, the wind out, and your image as classy as ever. True to size, this rain jacket will flatter your silhouette while successfully protecting you from the elements.
Storage is also made easy with large outside pockets and an internal pocket, allowing you to keep your valuables clean and dry.
4. The North Face Tanken Triclimate Jacket
As seen on our Travel Fashion Favourites, The North Face Tanken Triclimate Jacket (*) definitely makes the cut for the best lightweight rain jackets for travel — there’s no doubt about it!
Perfect for outdoor activities, it uses The North Face’s proprietary waterproof fabric technology, DryVent.
DryVent fabrics are designed to be fully waterproof, windproof and breathable. Not only do they repel water, but they’re also fully seam sealed and fully taped to support the wearer’s specific activity needs and conditions.
Need we say more?
5. Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket
When hiking, backpacking or heading somewhere like the Cliffs Of Moher, this is the jacket you absolutely need. Unlike typical hiking jackets, the Columbia Arcadia II Rain Jacket (*) is available in a range of bright colours so you can stand out from the crowd.
In addition, this jacket is innovative in design. Instead of coming hand-in-hand with a separate stuff sack, it has its own stuff sack that folds up into one of its own zip-up hand pockets!
Pretty smart, huh?
6. Cole Haan Signature Packable Rain Jacket
Next on the list is the Cole Haan Signature Packable Rain Jacket (*).
This cover-up will make you look effortlessly elegant with its cinched waist, roll-up sleeves and sleek fit. Paired with a cute beanie and a pair of leather gloves, it will keep your outfit looking glam without compromising on practicality.
This statement rain jacket is also super lightweight with a vent at the back and removable hood, meaning that it’s a surefire contender as one of your travel fashion staples.
7. Adidas MYSHELTER Rain Jacket
Whoever said fashionable and functional rain jackets don’t exist?
The Adidas MYSHELTER Rain Jacket (*) can be found in JD Sports, giving you that streetwise, sporty look that’s cruising the runways.
As well as keeping the wind and rain at bay and featuring a pull-string hood for extra coverage, the adjustable hood stows in the collar when not in use.
It also has hands-free carry straps that allow you to shed a layer quickly without fully removing the jacket and an internal zip pocket with a headphones channel. In other words, it’s nothing short of nifty.
8. Joules Waybridge Waterproof Raincoat
Up next is the Waybridge Relaxed Fit Waterproof Raincoat (*) — a sassy addition to our 12 best lightweight rain jackets for travel.
This new little number by Joules comes in a chic, adventurous tanned leopard print and includes its own little stash bag for quick and easy storage.
If you are looking for a stylish raincoat with useful features such as an adjustable hood, elasticated cuffs and luxury trims and finishes, this is the raincoat for you.
9. Nike Sportswear Windrunner Jacket
Whether you are an avid runner or not, the Nike Sportswear Windrunner (*) is a great choice if you like the sporty-chic aesthetic rocking the fashion scene right now. It ticks all the boxes being:
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Easy to carry
It’s also the ideal mix of old and new.
How come? Well, its Chevron design is inspired by the iconic 1978 Windrunner Jacket and it’s constructed from 100% recycled polyester fibres.
Sustainable and stylish? It’s a big yes from us.
10. ZARA Water-Repellent Raincoat
ZARA’s Water-Repellent Pouch Pocket Raincoat has just about everything you need to stay ahead of the style pack when it’s raining.
In fact, thanks to its distinctive features such as a pocket pouch and an asymmetric hem, this raincoat remains one of the most in vogue raincoats we have come across this year.
Having said that, its practicality and utility truly outweigh its beauty. With an adjustable hood and a polo-style fastening with a thermo-sealed zip, you can stay cool or keep warm despite the unpredictable British weather.
11. Adidas Terrrex Techrock Gore-Tex Pro Rain Jacket
Even though the Adidas Terrrex Techrock Gore-Tex Pro Rain Jacket (*) is on the pricey side, it’s worth it. After all, it was designed to take you to the summit in all weathers.
As well as having a stylish, athletic fit, it features ventilation zips in all the right places, meaning that this rain jacket really is next-level.
If you’re looking for an option that’s not just lightweight and water-resistant but also truly designed for harder, rougher climates, this is the piece we recommend.
12. Avoogue Long Raincoat
Last but not least is the striking Raincoat by Avoogue (*).
Beautifully light, waterproof and suitable for all seasons, this rain jacket will make the perfect travel companion.
Standing out as individual from the above picks, the Avoogue Raincoat has a futuristic look and would ultimately take your casual outfit out of this world.
Don’t Forget To Take Your Rain Jacket With You!
Let’s go back to you walking towards the train station, head held high, hair blowing as the breeze picks up. It starts raining, but this time you pull out your very own rain jacket from your bag and simply throw it on.
And voila.
You invested in one of the best lightweight rain jackets so you can stay dry and look stylish whenever you’re on the move. Result.
Eloise Blower is a coffee-drinking, book-reading copywriter from the UK with a brutal love for travelling. Currently living in Seoul while writing her way through life, Eloise has developed a habit of taking long walks while listening to Korean Ted Talks she doesn’t understand.
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