Some of our best travel memories are bound to happen in the rain, cold, and snow. The key to ensuring that the weather doesn't put a damper on your trip is to be prepared with a proper travel jacket, which can sometimes feel daunting to find. There are hundreds of options, each with unique qualities and features. That's where we come in.
A travel jacket is one of many ways to stay dry, warm, and happy. Just because a jacket can do those things doesn't mean it's great for travel—it has to fit inside your travel backpack, daypack, or even sling, when not in use. It can't keep you comfortable if you can't bring it with you!
Are you looking for something that will keep you dry but not too hot in warmer climates? Or is warmth your biggest concern, and anything else an added bonus? The best travel jacket depends on many factors, and we'll cover them all in this post. And if you have more questions by the end of it, don't worry. We've included an daypack, or even FAQ section at the end to answer more questions you may have. Now, without further ado, let's dive in!
- Patagonia Nano Puff
- Amazon Essentials Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket
- Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
- REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0
- Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket
- Relwen Quilted Insulated Tanker Jacket
- Carhartt Rain Defender Relaxed Fit Lightweight Jacket
- Dickies Insulated Eisenhower Jacket
- Cotopaxi Teca Calido Hooded Jacket
Best for: Full-time Travelers
Patagonia Nano Puff Men's & Women's
Best value travel jacket
Why We Like It: Extremely packable for a puffer jacket.
What To Know: Not as warm or lightweight as other offerings from Patagonia.
When picking a lightweight travel jacket, finding one that is warm without taking up too much space is imperative. The Patagonia Nano Puff fits the bill—keeping you comfortable when you need it most and packing down to fit into the palm of your hand. The exterior Polyester has a DWR coating to keep you dry, too. The interior utilizes PrimaLoft® Synthetic Insulation to ensure that you don’t get cold—and, most importantly, not need to seek out another travel jacket. Complete with YKK zippers, this jacket is built to last.
If you want something a little warmer, go with the Patagonia Macro Puff, and if you want something a little more lightweight, go with the Patagonia Micro Puff. Whereas all three of these jackets get the job done (we wrote an entire post post about it), the Nano Puff is the best of the three, we think.
Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer Jacket In Essex, England
Best budget travel jacket
Why We Like It: A budget-friendly option for those just getting into travel.
What To Know: Isn’t great in cooler temperatures and lacks some of the features we’re used to.
A travel jacket needs to keep you warm—but if you’re just jumping into exploring the world, you might not have the budget for some of the more expensive versions out there. Or, maybe you typically head to beach resorts, but your cousin is getting married in Winnipeg, and you’re only going to need to grab a travel jacket for this trip. Whatever the reason, the Amazon Essentials Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket picks a few features from some of the best models available, like packability and a detachable stuff sack, and packs them into a lower price point.
It’s crafted from Nylon and Polyester and uses YKK zippers, which is par for the course as far as a travel jacket is concerned. It won’t keep you as warm as a model that costs seven times as much, but it's a good option for someone just getting into travel or a jacket you aren’t going to use often!
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka
Best splurge travel jacket
Why We Like It: It’s three jackets in one, so you have an option for all weather conditions.
What To Know: The jacket is packable, though it’s larger than most items on this list.
While exploring the world, knowing what you're getting yourself into is tough. Whether you're venturing across the mountains of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula or the outskirts of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, it's best to be prepared for anything Mother Nature could throw at you. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka can be worn three ways depending on the weather, so you're ready no matter what crosses your path.
The jacket comes in two parts and has three different styles. The first option is to wear the waterproof yet breathable shell when the weather isn't too cold but you want protection from the rain. Or, just wear the insulated jacket when the skies are clear but the temperature is chilly. Last, you can combine the two when the weather looks stormy and the temperature starts to drop. You might be thinking, wow, there's no way this thing is meant to be used as a travel jacket. Well—it does stuff into the breast pocket, but it isn't very small once you've packed it. It's better suited to fit inside a travel backpack or checked baggage, though when you arrive and it's below freezing, you'll be happy that you brought it along!
REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 In Kentucky
Why We Like It: The warmth to weight ratio is off the charts.
What To Know: It doesn’t compress as well as we thought it would.
If you’re someone who tends to watch their weight while packing to ensure you don’t get any fines at the airport, getting a travel jacket with an excellent warmth to weight ratio is a good bet. The lightweight REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 ensures you don’t get flagged at check-in and aren’t stuck sweating with your jacket on at the gate. Plus, you’ll be warm enough in even the chilliest climates.
Men’s and women’s versions are available, so you can get the perfect fit no matter your body shape. The jacket is crafted from nylon and has YKK zippers, both of which hold up well over time. It isn’t the smallest jacket when compressed, though the warmth to weight ratio makes it well worth including on this list.
Best for: Professional Travelers
Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket Review
Why We Like It: It’s a casual jacket that gets the job done for most trips.
What To Know: The hood can be awkward to wear.
Not every trip calls for something highly technical, though having a dedicated travel jacket is key to having a comfortable trip. The Western Rise Airloft Hooded Jacket doesn’t compress as small as others on this list, but it has a casual look that is just as at home on the trail as it is crossing the city. It’s crafted from polyester and uses YKK zippers, both of which suit it well in use as a casual travel jacket.
Another aspect that we dig is that it has a baffle-less design (no stitching lines that hold insulation in place), which we feel enables it to fit in while exploring urban environments more than its baffled counterparts. The hood is quite tight, which feels a little hypebeast-y, but it offers warmth when you forget to bring a hat along and the wind whips wickedly. If you want a more low-key travel jacket that still gets the job done, the Western Rise Airloft Hooded Jacket is worth consideration.
Relwen Quilted Insulated Tanker Jacket Review
Why We Like It: Has a relatively simple and casual design that still keeps you warm at low temps.
What To Know: We wish it had one or two internal pockets.
So you want to stay warm without looking like you've just returned from an Arctic expedition. If avoiding the intense style of down-laden jackets while still keeping warm is what you have in mind, then the Relwen Quilted Insulated Tanker Jacket may be up your alley. Featuring a tame quilted fabric exterior, it has a work jacket vibe that you can still rock casually for everyday use. It's smooth, matte, and rugged-looking, but still feels comfortably soft on the inside thanks to soft fleece-like material around key areas, such as the neck.
Both the fill and fabric do a good job of insulating you from the cold. In our testing, we were able to stay comfy in 25°F weather (about -3.9°C), and that's very decent for a jacket you can walk into a bar with without turning heads (in a bad way). All of that said, the jacket's also relatively well sealed around the hem, snap-fastened cuffs, and soft-lined collar. In other words, breezes and chills have a tough time finding their way to your skin with this jacket on. On a related note, there are no pockets on the inside (bummer). Silver lining: you'll have no incentive to open the jacket and let the cold in.
Carhartt Rain Defender Relaxed Fit Lightweight Jacket
Why We Like It: Low-key look that can handle unexpected changes in weather.
What To Know: Difficult to pack inside a smaller bag.
When packing for a casual weekend trip in moderate weather, you may not have room in your carry-on for a raincoat and a more casual jacket. The Carhartt Rain Defender® Relaxed Fit Lightweight Jacket is the best of both worlds—offering protection in light rain and a subdued look that works as well at a bar as it does at a housewarming party in Cheboygan for your best friend who moved across the country.
Although it isn’t necessarily a standard travel jacket, it’s crafted from 100% nylon and as durable as you’d expect something from Carhartt to be. If you want something a little warmer, there’s an insulated version, too, but we dig this model for its versatility.
Dickies Insulated Eisenhower Jacket
Why We Like It: A stylish option that can be dressed up or down and still keeps you warm and dry.
What To Know: Not a traditional packable jacket.
When most people think travel jacket, they think of baffled exteriors and their lines of stitching, stuffing the coat into its own pocket, and 1990’s wind pant materials. As much as we love these jackets (seriously, we have dozens of them), sometimes it’s nice to opt for something with sleeker lines and a more minimalistic profile.
The Dickies Insulated Eisenhower Jacket offers just that—with water resistance and durability to boot. The exterior is crafted from 65% polyester and 35% cotton with a poly coating and the lining is 100% nylon–all of which come together to create a sleek jacket that can be dressed up or down. Plus, it keeps you warm when the temperature drops and is more durable than a standard travel jacket.
Best for: Sustainable Travelers
Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Hooded Jacket Review
Why We Like It: It gives new life to repurposed fabric.
What To Know: The hood is quite large.
If you’re looking for sustainability, this is the jacket for you. The insulation is recycled polyester and repurposed taffeta, so the coat requires fewer virgin materials. Plus, the Teca Calido Hooded Jacket from Cotopaxi is reversible, so you have two colorway options while hitting the town. One side has a smooth two-tone look, while the other is a solid color with quilting like a puffer jacket. It packs into its own chest pocket, so it’s easy to fit in your travel backpack and comfortable enough for all-day wear.
You won’t sacrifice convenience for portability, either, since it includes zippered hand-warmer pockets, two-way patch pockets, hand pockets, and a zippered pocket on the chest for small accessories. Plus, the hem, hood, and cuffs have elastic binding to keep out the whistling wind.
How to choose a travel jacket
There are many aspects of jackets to consider. First off (and arguably most importantly), you want a jacket that’s effective in keeping you warm. For that purpose, there are jackets with down or synthetic fill that have excellent insulation, parkas that protect you from the rain, and even windbreakers designed for milder weather.
Another aspect we like to consider is how many pockets a jacket has and where they’re placed. Apart from the standard hand pockets most jackets include, some have interior pockets big enough to store a warm bottle, while others will have a Napoleon-style chest pocket for a pair of sunglasses. If you’re going to be wearing another layer of clothing, you might as well take advantage of the extra storage it can afford you, so this is a key aspect we look for.
Of course, being travel-minded, we also factor in packability and fit when choosing a jacket. A jacket has to be easy to move in, whether that’s due to soft materials or good adjustment courtesy of drawstrings and elastics. That’s important if you’re going to be sitting in a tightly packed economy seat or walking down a crowded market—comfort and agility are key. Some brands even put a cherry on top by making their jackets packable so you can stow them away easily inside your bag; it’s a much more elegant solution compared to the awkward roll-and-fold technique some do in order to make their jackets fit.
Is synthetic or down fill better?
Synthetic and down fill are both popular insulation options but have key differences. Down is super warm for its weight and compresses easily, making it ideal for travel jackets. It’s great for dry conditions but loses its warmth when it gets wet, though water-repellant coatings like DWR can help with that. That said, down is typically made from duck or goose feathers, so it’s not an ideal choice if you’re an animal lover.
On the other hand, synthetic fill is made from man-made fibers that perform better in wet conditions since they still trap heat even when damp. It’s usually bulkier and heavier than down but is more affordable, easier to care for, and great for rainy or humid weather. Synthetic insulation doesn’t last as long as down, but it’s a solid choice for many outdoor activities.
What is a good fill for a jacket?
Common types of fill include down, synthetic, wool, fleece, cotton, and hybrid options. Down made from duck or goose feathers is lightweight and provides excellent warmth in dry conditions but loses effectiveness when wet. Synthetic fills, like PrimaLoft, are moisture-resistant and affordable but can be bulkier. Wool retains warmth but is less compressible when wet, while fleece is lightweight and breathable but less windproof. Cotton is soft but absorbs moisture, making it unsuitable for wet weather. Hybrid fills combine down and synthetic materials for a balance of warmth and moisture resistance.
With all of that in mind, if you’re looking to simply stay warm while traveling but not necessarily doing anything outdoors, then you may not need the quick-drying benefits of synthetic fills, and down or cotton fill jackets are suitable. However, if you’re going on adventures while snow is falling, you may want to opt for synthetic fill just in case you get soaked.
What is the most packable down jacket?
In our experience, Patagonia’s Nano Puff and Micro Puff jackets are the most compressible while also delivering excellent insulation. Both stuff into their own pockets, so there’s no separate pouch to mess around with to keep them compressed, and they’re relatively easy to pack. That said, they have their limitations as well, so check out our full reviews for a detailed breakdown of how each jacket performs in different weather and temperature conditions.
Are packable jackets worth it?
Jackets are some of the bulkiest gear you can bring. Yes, while you can technically wear them to sidestep this caveat, what about those situations where it’s already warm? For example, plane cabins can get either too hot or too cold, and the former is a situation where we wish we could stuff our jacket back into our bag. It’s also more efficient to have a piece of clothing that delivers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, thus allowing you to bring more gear or save a few bucks in luggage fees.
Storing a packable jacket
With all the benefits of a packable jacket in mind, it’s worth noting that proper maintenance is still a must. In their case, packable jackets generally benefit from being uncompressed and letting the fill relax and puff out. Leaving it compressed can mess with the material’s ability to insulate, so we recommend leaving the jacket hung up at home when you’re not traveling.
Why You Should Trust Us
Being headquartered in Detroit, the Pack Hacker crew is no stranger to cold weather. Jackets of all types are part of our everyday lives for most of the year, alongside hand warmers, cups of hot coffee, and the grit to make sure we’re taking notes while it’s biting cold outside. We’ve tested over a hundred jackets from top brands, such as Patagonia, The North Face, Arc’teryx, and Columbia. We’ve even tested budget outwear from Amazon. Along the way, we’ve come to appreciate key features and how they’re designed, such as a good fill, how many pockets there are, and where they’re located. Even tiny details like the seal around the cuffs and if there’s any discomfort stemming from the liner fabric don’t escape our watchful eye—when you’ve lived long enough in a chilly city, you start to notice these things.
How We Tested It
While there are many aspects to a jacket worth checking out, we’ve boiled it down to three key performance features. These are by no means the be-all and end-all of all travel jackets. However, in our experience, they are what we think matters the most.
Insulation and waterproofing: Jackets add an extra layer of protection between you and the elements. That said, what you’re protecting against also matters. After all, protecting yourself from cold temps and rain are two different beasts, and some travel jackets may not offer both. With that in mind, we’ve tested each jacket to ensure it keeps you warm, dry, or (ideally) both.
Pockets and layout: Some jackets afford you extra pockets on top of extra protection. That means you can carry more everyday carry gear without expanding the size of a sling or daypack to hold gloves and a hat, or you can simply have existing gear within easier reach. Some offer Napoleon-style chest pockets, typical hand pockets, or deck out the interior liner with plenty of pockets, open and zippered alike. There’s possibly an infinite number of combos brands can go for, and we take note.
Adjustment and fit: As much as we’d like for a one-size-fits-all jacket, that’s understandably hard to achieve. As such, brands often employ a number of tricks to make their jackets fit more comfortably. These range from using comfy fleece liners and materials to using elastics and drawstrings for a better seal around the hem, cuffs, and neck areas. We ensure each jacket is comfortable to wear all day because you never know where your adventures take you.
Packability: When you’re traveling, you’ll want to wear clothing that’s easy to move in and can fit in your bag—the same is true for jackets. Some jackets are thin and light enough that you wouldn’t mind keeping them on once you’re inside, say, a plane, while others can pack into themselves. The latter is one of our favorite features, so we make sure to point it out if a jacket has it.
So there you have it, 12 travel jackets for nearly any trip. Whether you’re heading to Scandinavia, aren’t sure the weather will cooperate with your trip, or just want to stay warm—these travel jackets will ensure you are comfortable no matter where the journey takes you.
If you need more travel jacket ideas, go check out this video!