Packable Travel Jackets For Cold Weather

Skiing down the slopes of epic mountains. Snowshoeing through the backcountry. Strolling along the streets of a city as pinpricks of snow brighten the air. Traveling to colder climates can be just as fun as “chasing the sun”… as long as you’re prepared. And what’s the most basic cold-weather necessity? A jacket, of course.

In this post, we’re not talking about ordinary jackets—we’re talking about packable jackets. They’re amazing for travel because, as the name suggests, they pack down into a small size that fits better inside your luggage. The definition of packable changes with every brand; however, they are generally compressible and provide exceptional warmth for minimal bulk.

Not exactly what you're looking for? Don't worry, as we also have a guide for travel jackets, which covers our favorites of any type, regardless of whether they're packable or not. We also have a separate guide for rain jackets if you're going up against rainy weather, not snowy days. If you have any more lingering doubts about packable jackets, we also answer some frequently asked questions at the end of this post.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of packable jackets.

Why You Should Trust Us

Years of one-bagging to destinations far and wide have given us a knack for efficient packing. Wherever there’s an ounce to be saved, you bet we’re at least considering it so that we can bring the most gear with the least luggage fees (ideally none at all). In short, we’ve found that the best way to save space is by bringing packable versions of typically not packable gear, like jackets. Since the day we first tried them—plus the subsequent weeks we first tested them—packable jackets have consistently made their way onto our packing lists.

We’ve tested over a hundred jackets of all types, but packable outerwear always catches our attention. Mind you, just because a jacket’s packable doesn’t mean it automatically earns our approval. We always check key features and put them through their paces through actual real-world testing.

How We Tested It

Real-world testing is how we effectively surface the pros and cons of the gear we’re testing, and it’s no different for packable jackets. These are the main features we look for:

Packability: How small a packable jacket can be compressed is important since that’s what ultimately saves you space inside your travel bag. On the other hand, we also check how easy it is to actually compress the jacket. After all, if you have to spend a lot of time and effort stuffing it inside of a pouch, the small size alone may not be worth the tradeoff in overall convenience.

Warmth: Keeping you warm is the primary purpose of a jacket. A lot of factors determine a jacket’s ability to retain warmth, chief among which are the type of down it has, fill power, and even the external shell and seals around the jacket.

Extras: The best travel jackets have additional features that make them perform better in different climates. This includes things like the number of pockets and where they’re located, such as on the chest for storing a wallet or keys. We also look for adjustment points along the hem, cuffs, and hood, which work to keep out chilly breezes.

What is synthetic fill?

As its name suggests, synthetic fill is made from manufactured fibers rather than natural sources such as duck or goose feathers. In theory, this makes it more sustainable, as well as having key advantages over down. The most distinct advantage of synthetic fill is that it maintains its thermal performance when wet. Moreover, synthetic fill generally dries quicker than down and is hypoallergenic for those with sensitive allergies.

What is down fill?

Down fill is made from natural sources, mostly from duck or goose feathers. This fill type is a go-to for many users as it still holds key advantages over synthetic fill jackets. They are generally more compressible and provide a better warmth-to-weight ratio. However, jackets with down fill tend to be pricier than their synthetic counterparts, and they generally need gentler care and maintenance.

Can I leave packable jackets compressed?

While we advocate for packability, we’re also careful not to compress packable jackets for too long. Doing so can cause the fill, whether synthetic or down, to lose its loft. Remember, it’s not just the material itself that traps heat but also the space in between. With that in mind, we recommend storing packable jackets in their decompressed state, preferably hanging in a closet.

How warm should my packable jacket be?

Your packable jacket’s ability to retain heat should be proportional to the kind of climate and activity you’re heading to. For example, a lightweight packable jacket like the Patagonia Micro Puff or Nano Puff will do just fine if you’re simply going on strolls on a non-subzero winter day. However, you might need even less insulation if you’re more active and, therefore, generate more body heat. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll want to go for something with more fill power, like the Montbell Plasma 1000 Down, if you’re tackling even colder temperatures.

Layer Up. Hit The Road.

Staying toasty while exploring the winter wonderlands of the world is easy—as long as you have the right gear. We hope this list of some of our favorite packable travel jackets has made finding that gear just a little bit easier. If you need any more cold weather travel tips, check out our video on Minimalist Packing Tips for Cold Weather Travel or scroll through our full reviews on clothing and accessories. Happy adventuring and stay warm, folks!