The short answer
The Columbia Arcadia II Jacket – Plus Size is an entry-tier packable shell that plus-size posters on Reddit name repeatedly, the Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket – Plus is a seam-taped NanoPro shell for hiking (Marmot’s page for its standard version lists pit zips), and the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Rain Jacket – Plus is a 3-layer shell the maker sizes from 1X to 4X, with hem-to-bicep vents (GearLab tested the straight-size version).
Our verdict
Top Picks: Eight Plus Size Rain Jackets
A rain jacket in a plus size is harder to find than it should be. In the r/HerOneBag thread that ranks for this search, one poster writes: “A 4x rain jacket is very rare, and most places only carry to 3x.” And in AFAR’s plus-size coat test, the writer found a 2X raincoat that would not fit back into its own pack pocket, a sign that “nobody ever checked to see if the larger versions still fit into the pack-pocket.”
So every jacket here is a maker’s plus-size line or a jacket the maker cuts to 3X and beyond, and we link the exact 1X, 2X or 3X child on Amazon. Each review says why it fits plus size, what the maker states about waterproofing, and what an independent test or plus-size posters found. The eight come from Columbia, The North Face, Marmot, Lands’ End, Helly Hansen, Outdoor Research, Carhartt and Eddie Bauer. We have not worn them. For more layers, see our outdoor clothing guides.
Rain jacket finder
Find a plus size rain jacket by use
Pick a use and a price tier. Each suggestion comes from the maker pages, the OutdoorGearLab and Allday reviews and the Reddit threads cited in the eight reviews below; it is an editorial starting point, not a test result.
Price tiers in this guide: $ = entry level, $$ = mid-range and $$$ = premium, relative to the eight jackets here. They follow each maker’s published list price; Helly Hansen and Eddie Bauer publish none we could read, so their tier follows the Amazon price at the time of writing, and Marmot’s follows the list price of its standard PreCip Eco. The live Amazon price for each is in the table.
Compare the picks
Compare the 8 Plus Size Rain Jackets
Plus range is the maker’s, from its own page or its Amazon listing; shell and vents are as each maker states them. None of the eight makers publishes a waterproof rating for the linked plus version on the pages we read (Marmot’s New Zealand page lists a “10,000k Waterproof Rating” for the standard PreCip Eco, with no test standard named), so the table names the shell instead. “Not listed” means the maker’s listing does not mention the feature.
Columbia Arcadia II PlusPackable 2L Plus ShellEveryday, travel1X-3XOmni-Tech 2LNo$100.00 Prime
Evidence: OutdoorGearLab, women's Arcadia II, size not stated; not the plus version
North Face Plus AntoraPlus-Cut DryVent ShellEveryday, walking, travel1X-3XDryVent 2LNo$91.00 Prime
Evidence: Allday magazine, Women's Plus Antora Jacket; size and colour not stated
Marmot PreCip Eco PlusSeam-Taped NanoPro ShellHiking, travelPlus versionNanoProStandard version: yes$89.19 Prime
Evidence: OutdoorGearLab, standard women's PreCip Eco, size not stated; not the plus version
Lands' End Plus SquallWaist-Cinch RaincoatEveryday, travel1X-3XPolyesterNot listed$149.95
Evidence: owner reports, no independent test
Helly Hansen Seven J PlusLined Helly Tech ShellEveryday, hiking1X-3XHelly Tech 2LNot listed$97.45 Prime
Evidence: maker specs only, no independent test
OR Aspire 3L Plus3L Shell with TorsoFloHiking, wet climates1X-4XAscentShell 3LTorsoFlo$259.95
Evidence: OutdoorGearLab, straight-size women's Aspire 3L, size not stated; not the plus version
Carhartt MontereyLoose-Fit Work ShellWork, everydayXS-3XStorm DefenderVented side hem$99.99 Prime
Evidence: owner reports, no independent test
Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Plus2.5L Shell with Pit ZipsHiking, everyday1X-3XWeatherEdge 2.5LYes$85.38 Prime
Evidence: maker specs only, no independent test
How the Eight Jackets Were Picked
How this guide was built
built from manufacturer documentation, published third-party reviews and owner reports; we have not tested these products ourselves.
What each jacket had to show
- A plus-size line or a size range that runs to 3X or beyond, named by the maker on its own page or its Amazon listing, with the exact 1X, 2X or 3X child in stock on Amazon.
- A shell the maker calls waterproof. Seven of the eight makers list taped or sealed seams; Columbia’s listing does not mention seams. Jackets the maker calls water-repellent or “for light precipitation” were left out.
- A hood (where the maker describes one) and adjustable cuffs, hem or waist, as the maker lists them.
- A clear role: everyday and travel, hiking and active use, or work in the rain.
Sources and how they are graded, what plus-size posters on Reddit said and stock and seller checks
Sources and how they are graded
OutdoorGearLab’s women’s rain jacket test covers two of these jackets in their straight-size versions (Marmot PreCip Eco, Outdoor Research Aspire 3L) and reviews two more separately (Columbia Arcadia II, The North Face Antora). GearLab does not say which size it tested, and none of its tests is of a plus version, so we grade them as same-series evidence. Allday magazine reviewed The North Face’s Women’s Plus Antora Jacket itself. Everything else is maker documentation: product pages where they opened (Marmot, Outdoor Research, Carhartt) and the makers’ Amazon listings where the maker’s site refused our reader (Columbia, The North Face, Lands’ End, Helly Hansen). Each review’s Evidence line says which applies.
What plus-size posters on Reddit said
The ranking thread on r/HerOneBag (May 2025) started with a traveller who wears “3-4x for tops” asking for a packable waterproof jacket; an older thread on r/PlusSize (2019) asked for a “basic, packable raincoat designed for hiking”. The reviews quote posters from both where they name a jacket here. These are individual posters, not tests, and their bodies and sizes vary.
Stock and seller checks
We read each listing’s size, colour, stock and seller on Amazon on 2026-10-30. Six picks are sold by Amazon.com, the Lands’ End by Lands’ End’s own Amazon storefront, and the Outdoor Research by Grivet Outdoors, a third-party seller shipping through Amazon. Several plus children showed low stock that day; if your size is gone, the same review covers the other plus sizes in the family.
Detailed Reviews of the 8 Plus Size Rain Jackets
Columbia Arcadia II Jacket – Plus Size, Packable 2L Plus Shell
Plus-size women who want an entry-tier packable rain shell for errands, commuting and travel.
$100.00 from AmazonAs of Nov 4, 09:35 UTCVerdict
Columbia’s plus-size version of its packable Arcadia II shell, linked in 3X Cirrus Grey; a light, simple rain jacket for errands and travel.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. OutdoorGearLab: women’s Arcadia II, size not stated.
Why it fits plus size: Columbia sells this as the “Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket – Plus Size” (style 1534113), and the Amazon title of the linked child reads “Women’s Plus Size Arcadia II Jacket … 3X”. The listing offers 1X, 2X and 3X. Two posters on r/HerOneBag and r/PlusSize wear it in 2X and 3X; one calls the 2X “generously sized”.
Per the Amazon listing, the shell is Omni-Tech, “100% nylon 2L fabric with a 100% polyester mesh lining”, with an adjustable storm hood, a drawcord hem and zippered hand pockets, and it packs into its hand pocket. Columbia calls Omni-Tech “waterproof and breathable” and says it shields “from drizzle to downpour”; it publishes no waterproof rating.
OutdoorGearLab tested the women’s Arcadia II (size not stated, not the plus version): “The Colombia Arcadia II will get the job done if you need protection from the elements for mellow activities like running errands, commuting to work, or hanging around camp.” Its caveat: “With no pit zips, it lacks breathability and ventilation.” GearLab also says “we appreciate this jacket’s flattering fit and find that it’s a good option to stay dry in light to moderate rain.” A 2017 backpackers.com review, which says the jacket “has not received any major updates” since, gave breathability two stars and waterproofness three.
Against the Lands’ End Squall: both are packable entry-to-mid shells for everyday rain. The Columbia sits in the entry tier and has the GearLab test behind it; the Lands’ End is sold as a raincoat with a waist cinch, and posters say Lands’ End plus sizes run large.
Specs (linked variant)
Pros
- Light 2L shell that packs into its own hand pocket, per Columbia’s listing
- Plus-size line in 1X to 3X, with posters reporting a generous 2X
- Same-series test by OutdoorGearLab for everyday rain
Cons
- No pit zips; GearLab found breathability limited on uphill walks
- GearLab found it a tight squeeze into its stow pocket
- One r/PlusSize poster calls it “very noisy”
Who should buy it
Plus-size women who want an entry-tier packable rain shell for errands, commuting and travel.
- Linked listing: Arcadia II Jacket – Plus Size, 3X, Cirrus Grey
- Plus range: 1X, 2X, 3X, per the Amazon listing
- Shell: Omni-Tech, 100% nylon 2L with polyester mesh lining, per the Amazon listing
- Hood: adjustable storm hood, per the Amazon listing
- Pit zips: none, per OutdoorGearLab
- Packing: packs into its hand pocket, per the Amazon listing
- Waterproof rating: not published
- Sold on Amazon by: Amazon.com, at the time of writing
- Price tier: $ (live Amazon price in the table above)
The North Face Women’s Plus Antora Jacket, Plus-Cut DryVent Shell
Plus-size women who want a mid-tier rain jacket cut for plus sizes for commutes, walks and travel.
$91.00 from AmazonAs of Nov 4, 09:35 UTCVerdict
The North Face’s plus-size Antora rain jacket, linked in 1X TNF Black; a seam-sealed DryVent 2L shell for everyday rain and walks.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Allday magazine: Women’s Plus Antora Jacket, size and colour not stated.
Why it fits plus size: The North Face sells it as the “Women’s Plus Antora Rain Jacket” (style NF0A7QJN); the Amazon title of the linked child ends “1X Plus”, and the listing says “Available in plus sizes (1X, 2X & 3X).” Allday magazine describes it as “Patterned specifically for extended sizes (1X-3X)” and writes: “The fit in the plus sizing is thoughtfully designed, providing ample room for layering without feeling overly baggy.”
Per the Amazon listing, the shell is “a seam-sealed DryVent 2L performance tech shell, coated with a non-PFC Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish”, with an adjustable three-piece hood and zip hand pockets. Allday adds a hook-and-loop storm flap over the zip, elastic cuffs, a hem cinch-cord and a length “hitting just below the hip with a subtle drop-tail hem”. The North Face publishes no waterproof rating on the listing.
Allday’s reviewer wore it “through several unexpected downpours” in Alberta and found it kept her “completely dry underneath”, with this caveat: “it’s not designed for high-exertion, sweat-inducing activities like trail running (where you might miss pit zips)”. OutdoorGearLab tested the standard women’s Antora and agrees on venting: “The Antora falls short when it comes to breathability.” GearLab also found that “the elastic wrist cuffs got wet” in its tests, and that the jacket “does not pack into a stow pocket but fits into its hood.”
Against the Columbia Arcadia II: both are 2L shells without pit zips for everyday rain. The North Face has a review of the plus version itself (Allday) and a drop-tail hem at the mid tier; the Columbia packs into its pocket and sits in the entry tier.
Specs (linked variant)
Pros
- Plus-size DryVent 2L shell, reviewed in its plus version by Allday magazine
- Seam-sealed with an adjustable three-piece hood, per the maker’s listing
- Drop-tail hem for coverage below the hip, per Allday
Cons
- No pit zips; GearLab found it hot on an uphill walk (standard size)
- Elastic cuffs let water in on GearLab’s test jacket
- No stow pocket; it packs into its hood
Who should buy it
Plus-size women who want a mid-tier rain jacket cut for plus sizes for commutes, walks and travel.
- Linked listing: Women’s Plus Antora Jacket, 1X, TNF Black-NPF
- Plus range: 1X, 2X, 3X, per the Amazon listing
- Shell: DryVent 2L, seam-sealed, non-PFC DWR, per the Amazon listing
- Hood: adjustable three-piece hood, per the Amazon listing
- Pit zips: none, per OutdoorGearLab and Allday
- Length: just below the hip with a drop-tail hem, per Allday
- Waterproof rating: not published
- Sold on Amazon by: Amazon.com, at the time of writing
- Price tier: $$ (live Amazon price in the table above)
Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket – Plus, Seam-Taped NanoPro Shell
Plus-size hikers who want a mid-tier seam-taped shell from a line GearLab tested in its standard version.
$89.19 from AmazonAs of Nov 4, 09:35 UTCVerdict
The plus version of Marmot’s PreCip Eco, linked in 1X Papyrus; a seam-taped NanoPro shell for hiking in the rain, with pit zips per Marmot’s page for the standard version.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. OutdoorGearLab: women’s PreCip Eco, size not stated.
Why it fits plus size: Marmot’s own Amazon listing is titled “Marmot Women’s Precip Eco Jacket – Plus” and the linked listing is size 1X in Papyrus, named in the title. We found no Marmot.com page for the plus version, so the plus sizes beyond the linked 1X are not confirmed here.
Per the Amazon listing, it uses “Marmot NanoPro lamination”, is “100% seam-taped”, and has a PFC-free DWR finish. Marmot’s page for the standard regular-fit PreCip Eco lists pit zips, an attached adjustable hood that rolls into the collar, a DriClime-lined chin guard, zippered hand pockets, adjustable cuffs, an elastic drawcord hem, and a jacket that “Stuffs into its own pocket”. Marmot gives the standard version’s fabric as “NanoPro, 100% Recycled Nylon, Ripstop, 83g/sqm”; it publishes no separate figures for the plus version. Marmot’s New Zealand page for the standard Wm’s PreCip Eco lists a “10,000k Waterproof Rating, 17,000k Breathability Rating” without naming a test standard; we found no rating for the plus version.
OutdoorGearLab tested the standard women’s PreCip Eco (size not stated): “We also like the Marmot PreCip Eco, with feature-rich details like a chin guard, adjustable cuffs and hood, and a drawcord hemline.” It notes that it and the REI Rainier both “have armpit zips for releasing heat”, and in the Antora review GearLab says the PreCip Eco “offers better performance for those seeking a budget rain jacket that can hold up to rain in an active environment.” The linked listing is the version Marmot’s Amazon text calls “the newest version” for the jacket’s 20th anniversary; GearLab does not say which version it tested.
Against the Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Plus: both have pit zips (the Marmot’s per its standard version’s page). The Marmot has the GearLab test behind its standard version; the Eddie Bauer lists a 2.5-layer shell and a waterproof front zip, with maker specs only.
Specs (linked variant)
Pros
- Marmot’s page for the standard version lists pit zips and a stow pocket
- Same-series praise from OutdoorGearLab for active use
- Marmot’s page for the standard version lists a hood that rolls into the collar
Cons
- Marmot publishes no page or size range for the plus version that we could read
- Specs beyond the listing come from the standard version’s page
- Low stock in the linked colour at the time of writing
Who should buy it
Plus-size hikers who want a mid-tier seam-taped shell from a line GearLab tested in its standard version.
- Linked listing: PreCip Eco Jacket – Plus, 1X, Papyrus
- Plus range: plus version; 1X linked, per the Amazon listing
- Shell: NanoPro lamination, 100% seam-taped, PFC-free DWR, per the Amazon listing
- Hood: attached, adjustable, rolls into the collar, per Marmot (standard version)
- Pit zips: yes, per Marmot (standard version)
- Packing: stuffs into its own pocket, per Marmot (standard version)
- Waterproof rating: not published for the plus version; “10,000k” for the standard version, per Marmot New Zealand
- Sold on Amazon by: Amazon.com, at the time of writing
- Price tier: $$ (live Amazon price in the table above)
Lands’ End Plus Size Squall Packable Raincoat, Waist-Cinch Raincoat
Plus-size women who want a packable raincoat with a waist cinch for town and travel.
$149.95 from AmazonAs of Nov 4, 09:35 UTCVerdict
Lands’ End’s plus-size Squall raincoat, linked in 3X Woodland Forest; a packable waterproof raincoat with a waist cinch, sold by Lands’ End.
Evidence: No independent test; owner reports. r/HerOneBag: Lands’ End packable rain jacket, model not named.
Why it fits plus size: The Amazon title of the linked child reads “Lands’ End Plus Size Squall Packable Waterproof Raincoat 3X Woodland Forest”, and the listing offers 1X, 2X and 3X. Lands’ End lists it in its Women’s Plus Size Squall collection. On r/HerOneBag, posters say Lands’ End plus sizes run large: one wrote “The plus sizes with Lands End run on the larger side, in my experience”, and another that the 3X “packable rain jacket from LE would very likely fit up to 4x”. Neither names the Squall by model.
Per the Amazon listing, it is “100% polyester”, waterproof and windproof “thanks to sealed seams”, with a draw cord to “cinch the waistline”, “a storm flap with hidden snaps and elastic cuffs”, and it “slips into its own pocket”. Lands’ End publishes no waterproof rating and lists no pit zips. The listing says it “doesn’t look baggy but gives you enough room for layering”; that is the maker’s description.
Against the Columbia Arcadia II: see the trade-off there. Against the Carhartt Monterey: both pack into a pocket; the Lands’ End has a waist cinch, and Lands’ End pitches it for the office as well as workouts; the Carhartt has a loose fit, a waterproof zipper and a droptail hem.
Specs (linked variant)
Pros
- Packable waterproof raincoat with a waist cinch, per Lands’ End
- Posters report Lands’ End plus sizes run large
- Sold by Lands’ End’s own Amazon storefront
Cons
- No independent test; posters do not name the model
- No pit zips listed
- Hood adjustment not described in the listing
Who should buy it
Plus-size women who want a packable raincoat with a waist cinch for town and travel.
- Linked listing: Plus Size Squall Packable Waterproof Raincoat, 3X, Woodland Forest
- Plus range: 1X, 2X, 3X, per the Amazon listing
- Shell: 100% polyester, sealed seams, per the Amazon listing
- Hood: hooded, per the Amazon listing; adjustment not stated
- Pit zips: not listed
- Packing: slips into its own pocket, per the Amazon listing
- Waterproof rating: not published
- Sold on Amazon by: Lands’ End, at the time of writing
- Price tier: $$ (live Amazon price in the table above)
Helly Hansen Seven J Plus Jacket, Lined Helly Tech Shell
Plus-size women who want a lined everyday rain jacket and may need sizes past 3X (4X and 5X are listed in one colour; their stock was not checked).
$97.45 from AmazonAs of Nov 4, 09:35 UTCVerdict
Helly Hansen’s plus-size Seven J, linked in 3X 990 Black; a lined 2-layer Helly Tech rain jacket in a regular fit.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Helly Hansen (Amazon listing).
Why it fits plus size: Helly Hansen sells it as the “Women’s Seven J Plus Rain Jacket” (style 53947), and the Amazon title of the linked child reads “Seven J Plus Jacket, 990 Black, 3X”. Amazon’s variation table lists 1X, 2X and 3X in several colours and 4X and 5X in one colour (Azurite).
Per the Amazon listing, Helly Tech Protection is “Fully waterproof, windproof and breathable”, the jacket is “Fully seam sealed” with DWR, and it has a “2-layer construction, Lined for comfort, Quick dry lining, Front storm flap, YKK front zipper, YKK zipped hand pockets, Adjustable cuffs, Bottom hem Cinch cord, Anti-chafe chin guard”. Helly Hansen describes the fit as “Regular – Neither slim nor oversized. Regular-fitting garments may be worn over thicker midlayers.” The listing does not describe the hood or list pit zips, and Helly Hansen publishes no waterproof rating there.
We found no independent test of the women’s Seven J Plus; OutdoorGearLab’s Seven J review covers the men’s jacket, so we do not cite it here.
Against the North Face Plus Antora: both are 2-layer everyday shells. The Helly Hansen runs to larger sizes in one colour and has a chin guard and cinch hem; the North Face has a review of its plus version.
Specs (linked variant)
Pros
- Fully seam-sealed, lined 2-layer shell, per Helly Hansen
- Plus line with 4X and 5X in one colour on Amazon
- Chin guard, cinch hem and adjustable cuffs, per the listing
Cons
- No independent test of the women’s plus jacket
- No pit zips listed; hood details not given
- Only one left in the linked size at the time of writing
Who should buy it
Plus-size women who want a lined everyday rain jacket and may need sizes past 3X (4X and 5X are listed in one colour; their stock was not checked).
- Linked listing: Seven J Plus Jacket, 3X, 990 Black
- Plus range: 1X-3X; 4X and 5X in Azurite, per the Amazon listing
- Shell: Helly Tech 2-layer, fully seam sealed, DWR, lined, per the Amazon listing
- Fit: regular, per Helly Hansen
- Hood: not described in the listing
- Pit zips: not listed
- Waterproof rating: not published
- Sold on Amazon by: Amazon.com, at the time of writing
- Price tier: $ (live Amazon price in the table above)
Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Rain Jacket – Plus, 3L Shell with TorsoFlo
Plus-size hikers in wet climates who want a 3-layer shell, big vents and sizes to 4X.
$259.95 from AmazonAs of Nov 4, 09:35 UTCVerdict
The plus version of Outdoor Research’s 3-layer Aspire, linked in 2X Black; a technical shell with hem-to-bicep vents for long wet hikes.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. OutdoorGearLab: women’s Aspire 3L, size not stated.
Why it fits plus size: Outdoor Research sells the “Women’s Aspire 3L Rain Jacket – Plus” in 1X, 2X, 3X and 4X on its own page, and the Amazon listing says its sizing ranges “from 1X–4X”. On r/HerOneBag, one poster found the Aspire 3L was the only 4X rain jacket in a filtered REI search. Another poster with an Outdoor Research raincoat (model not named) warns: “it does run small through the hips. True to size up top though.”
Outdoor Research gives the fabric as “AscentShell Dry 3L 100% Recycled Nylon 40D with Mechanical Stretch”, fully seam-taped, with a fully adjustable hood with a bonded brim, zip chest and hand pockets, and TorsoFlo venting that runs “from the pit to the hem of your jacket”. It lists a center back length of 30.5 in and a weight of 16.05 oz (455 g); it does not say which size those figures are for.
OutdoorGearLab tested the straight-size women’s Aspire 3L: “The Outdoor Research Aspire 3L is a standout rain jacket design that combines great ventilation with water-resistant performance.” Its caveat: “we noticed the fabric quickly began to wet out during a moderate storm in Yosemite Valley. That said, the moisture was not able to penetrate the fully sealed seams and inner layer of the jacket to dampen the shirt underneath.” GearLab adds that “there is no pocket stow option”.
Against the Marmot PreCip Eco Plus: both suit hiking. The Outdoor Research is a 3-layer shell with full-length side vents and a 4X size at the premium tier; the Marmot is a mid-tier shell whose standard version, per Marmot, has pit zips and a stow pocket.
Specs (linked variant)
Pros
- 3-layer stretch shell with hem-to-bicep TorsoFlo vents, per Outdoor Research
- Plus line from 1X to 4X, per the maker
- Same-series GearLab test found its seams kept the shirt underneath dry
Cons
- Premium tier for a rain shell
- GearLab saw the outer fabric wet out in a moderate storm; no stow pocket
- One poster says the Outdoor Research raincoat they own runs small through the hips
Who should buy it
Plus-size hikers in wet climates who want a 3-layer shell, big vents and sizes to 4X.
- Linked listing: Aspire 3L Rain Jacket – Plus, 2X, Black
- Plus range: 1X-4X, per Outdoor Research
- Shell: AscentShell Dry 3L, 100% recycled nylon 40D, mechanical stretch, fully seam-taped, per Outdoor Research
- Hood: fully adjustable with bonded brim, per Outdoor Research
- Vents: TorsoFlo, hem to bicep, per Outdoor Research
- Length: 30.5 in center back; weight 16.05 oz (455 g); size not stated, per Outdoor Research
- Waterproof rating: not published
- Sold on Amazon by: Grivet Outdoors, a third-party seller (shipped by Amazon), at the time of writing
- Price tier: $$$ (live Amazon price in the table above)
Carhartt Women’s Monterey Jacket, Loose-Fit Work Shell
Plus-size women who want a loose-fit, packable work rain jacket for chores and outdoor jobs.
$99.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 4, 09:35 UTCVerdict
Carhartt’s packable Storm Defender rain jacket in a loose fit, linked in 2X Black; a work-wear shell for chores, dog walks and job sites.
Evidence: No independent test; owner reports. r/HerOneBag: a version of the Monterey (style 106904 linked), size not stated.
Why it fits plus size: Carhartt sizes the Women’s Monterey Jacket (style 106904) from XS to 3X in one regular range on its product page, rather than as a separate plus line, and calls the cut “Loose fit”. A poster on r/HerOneBag linked this style and wrote: “I have a version of this one … and it goes to 3x. I love mine and it’s actually waterproof.” She may own an earlier version, and she does not give her size.
Carhartt lists a “4.2-ounce, 100% nylon” fabric, “Storm Defender waterproof, breathable technology”, DWR, “Fully taped, waterproof seams”, a “Waterproof zipper front with storm flap”, an “Adjustable hood, cuffs and droptail hem”, a “Vented side hem”, and a jacket that “packs into front zippered pocket for compact portability”. It gives a back length of 28.5 in for size Medium; it publishes no waterproof rating on that page.
Against the Lands’ End Squall: see the trade-off there. Against the Columbia Arcadia II: both are entry-tier packable shells; the Carhartt has a waterproof zipper and a droptail hem, the Columbia a same-series GearLab test.
Specs (linked variant)
Pros
- Loose-fit waterproof shell with fully taped seams and a waterproof zipper, per Carhartt
- Packs into its front pocket, per Carhartt
- A poster who owns a version of it calls it “actually waterproof”
Cons
- Sized in one regular range to 3X, not a separate plus pattern
- No independent test; owner report only
- No pit zips listed
Who should buy it
Plus-size women who want a loose-fit, packable work rain jacket for chores and outdoor jobs.
- Linked listing: Women’s Monterey Jacket, 2X, Black
- Size range: XS-3X, regular range, per Carhartt
- Shell: 100% nylon, Storm Defender, fully taped seams, per Carhartt
- Hood: adjustable, per Carhartt
- Vents: vented side hem; no pit zips listed, per Carhartt
- Packing: packs into its front zippered pocket, per Carhartt
- Waterproof rating: not published
- Sold on Amazon by: Amazon.com, at the time of writing
- Price tier: $ (live Amazon price in the table above)
Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Rain Jacket – Plus, 2.5L Shell with Pit Zips
Plus-size women who want pit zips for active days at the entry tier.
$85.38 from AmazonAs of Nov 4, 09:35 UTCVerdict
Eddie Bauer’s plus-size Cloud Cap, linked in 3X Dk Plum; a 2.5-layer shell with pit zips and a waterproof front zip.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Eddie Bauer (Amazon listing).
Why it fits plus size: The Amazon title of the linked listing is “Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Rain Jacket – Plus”, and the family’s plus children are 1X, 2X and 3X. A poster on r/PlusSize wrote in 2019 that “Eddie Bauer has rain- and waterproof jackets that go up to 3x”, without naming a model.
Per the Amazon listing, the Cloud Cap has a “2.5-layer WeatherEdge seam-sealed, waterproof/breathable” shell, “StormRepel Super DWR”, “Pit zips for quick venting to prevent overheating while active”, a “Waterproof front zip” and an adjustable hem and cuffs. Eddie Bauer calls its DWR “our longest lasting moisture-shedding finish”; that is the maker’s claim. The listing does not describe the hood, and Eddie Bauer publishes no waterproof rating there.
Against the Marmot PreCip Eco Plus: see the trade-off there. Against the Helly Hansen Seven J Plus: both are entry-tier plus lines; the Eddie Bauer adds pit zips for active use, the Helly Hansen a lining and larger sizes in one colour.
Specs (linked variant)
Pros
- Pit zips and a waterproof front zip on a 2.5-layer shell, per Eddie Bauer
- Plus line in 1X to 3X
- Entry tier at the time of writing
Cons
- No independent test; maker specs only
- Hood details not given in the listing
- Low stock in the linked size at the time of writing
Who should buy it
Plus-size women who want pit zips for active days at the entry tier.
- Linked listing: Cloud Cap Rain Jacket – Plus, 3X, Dk Plum
- Plus range: 1X, 2X, 3X, per the Amazon listing
- Shell: WeatherEdge 2.5-layer, seam-sealed, StormRepel Super DWR, per the Amazon listing
- Pit zips: yes, per the Amazon listing
- Front zip: waterproof, per the Amazon listing
- Hood: not described in the listing
- Waterproof rating: not published
- Sold on Amazon by: Amazon.com, at the time of writing
- Price tier: $ (live Amazon price in the table above)
Choosing a Plus Size Rain Jacket
Plus sizes versus XL and XXL
A plus line (1X, 2X, 3X and up) is a maker’s extended size range, and some are patterned for it: Allday says The North Face’s plus Antora is “Patterned specifically for extended sizes (1X-3X)”. Straight sizes may not stretch that far. The original poster on r/PlusSize wrote: “We went to REI and discovered that none of the rain jackets they had would fit over her chest.” The poster added that men’s jackets fit, “but then the sleeves were practically a foot past her hands, and the waist was way too big.” Most picks here are separate plus lines; the Carhartt is sized to 3X in one regular range. Check each maker’s chart; the FAQ below covers sizing up.
Waterproof, water-repellent and breathability
Every pick’s maker calls it waterproof; seven of the eight list taped or sealed seams (Columbia’s listing does not mention seams). A water-repellent (DWR-only) jacket is a different thing: OutdoorGearLab writes: “DWR, or Durable Water Repellent, refers to the topical treatments or chemicals coating the outer shell of a rain jacket to allow water to bead away from the material rather than pool and absorb into the textile. This treatment can be reapplied every year or so to re-up your jacket’s water resistance.” GearLab also describes the layers: 2-layer jackets are “the most basic designs”, 2.5-layer ones are “often less expensive and less durable than 3-layer jackets”, and 3-layer jackets “will provide the best waterproof protection yet sacrifice some comfort and mobility”. No maker here publishes a waterproof rating for the linked plus version (Marmot New Zealand gives one only for the standard PreCip Eco), so the layer count and seam taping are the comparable facts.
Pit zips and vents for hiking
For a plus size waterproof hiking jacket, GearLab’s advice is to look for vents: “For those who want maximum breathability, we recommend a jacket with armpit vents, which help offload body heat while still offering some protection from the elements.” The Marmot (pit zips per its standard version’s page) and the Eddie Bauer have pit zips, the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Plus has hem-to-bicep TorsoFlo vents, and the Carhartt a vented side hem; GearLab found the Columbia Arcadia II and North Face Antora hot on an uphill walk without them. Pair a shell with cold-weather hiking pants for wet autumn trails.
Hood, length and packing
Six of the eight makers describe a hood (Marmot’s on its standard version’s page); Helly Hansen’s and Eddie Bauer’s Amazon listings do not describe one. Outdoor Research’s has a bonded brim, and Marmot’s standard-version page says its hood rolls into the collar. Length varies: Allday describes the North Face Plus Antora as “hitting just below the hip”, AFAR’s tester praised a raincoat whose “wide, long cut flowed nicely over my hips”, and the Lands’ End is cut as a raincoat. For packing, the Columbia, Lands’ End and Carhartt stow in a pocket, as does the Marmot per its standard version’s page; GearLab found the Antora packs into its hood and the Aspire 3L has no stow pocket. Remember AFAR’s 2X that did not fit its pack pocket: try the stow pocket on arrival. Anglers who also want a wading-friendly shell can see our women’s fly fishing clothing guide.
Women’s plus or men’s big sizes
Some posters buy men’s sizes for more room. One on r/HerOneBag wrote: “A men’s 3X normally accommodates a 54~56″ chest which I believe is generally comparable to a Woman’s Plus sized 4x. Granted the sleeves are longer but that’s where adjustable wrist cuffs come into save the day.” That is one poster’s estimate, not a size chart, so compare the maker’s measurements. If you want to wear an insulated layer underneath, size for it; our women’s winter coat comparison covers the warmer layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which plus size rain jackets have a hood?
Six of the eight makers describe a hood (Marmot’s on its standard version’s page). The best plus size rain jacket with hood for heavy rain depends on adjustment: Columbia lists an adjustable storm hood, The North Face a three-piece adjustable hood, Outdoor Research a fully adjustable hood with a bonded brim, and Carhartt an adjustable hood. Marmot’s standard-version page lists an adjustable hood that rolls into the collar. Helly Hansen’s and Eddie Bauer’s Amazon listings do not describe a hood.
Q. Do plus size rain jackets come in 4X and 5X?
Some do. Outdoor Research sizes the Aspire 3L Plus from 1X to 4X, and Amazon’s listing for the Helly Hansen Seven J Plus shows 4X and 5X children in one colour (stock not checked). AFAR says the Duluth Trading Dryfecta raincoat “runs through size 4X”. The other plus lines here list sizes to 3X, except the Marmot, whose range beyond the linked 1X we could not confirm.
Q. What is the best plus size waterproof jacket for hiking?
Look for vents. Of the eight, the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Plus has hem-to-bicep TorsoFlo vents and a 3-layer shell, and the Marmot (pit zips per its standard version’s page) and the Eddie Bauer have pit zips. GearLab’s same-series tests praise the Aspire 3L’s ventilation and the PreCip Eco’s active-use features.
Q. Should I size up in a plus size rain jacket?
It depends on the maker and on layering. Posters on r/HerOneBag say Lands’ End plus sizes run large, and one says the Outdoor Research raincoat they own runs small through the hips, and of an insulated Carhartt jacket AFAR’s tester wrote: “Though it does run up to a 3X, the sizing ran on the small end, and I would recommend ordering up a size, particularly if you hope to layer underneath it.” Measure your chest and hips over the layers you will wear and use the maker’s chart.
Q. Is a water-resistant jacket enough for rain?
For light showers it may be; for steady rain, look for a jacket the maker calls waterproof with taped or sealed seams. We left out jackets whose makers call them water-repellent or “for light precipitation”, such as Columbia’s Switchback IV.
The bottom line
Final Verdict
For everyday rain and travel, the Columbia Arcadia II Jacket – Plus Size (check price) is an entry-tier packable shell that posters name repeatedly, and The North Face Women’s Plus Antora Jacket (check price) is a mid-tier DryVent shell reviewed in its plus version. The Lands’ End Plus Size Squall Packable Raincoat (check price) adds a waist cinch (posters say Lands’ End plus sizes run large), and the Helly Hansen Seven J Plus Jacket (check price) is a lined shell with 4X and 5X in one colour. For hiking, the Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket – Plus (check price) (pit zips per its standard version’s page) and the Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Rain Jacket – Plus (check price) have pit zips, and the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Rain Jacket – Plus (check price) is a 3-layer shell with full side vents in sizes to 4X. For chores and work, the Carhartt Women’s Monterey Jacket (check price) is a loose-fit packable shell to 3X. Each review shows how strong its evidence is.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
