Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. Buy It: The Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket foils rain with its stow-away hood and StormRepel fabric, and it packs into its right-hand pocket when the suns out. This breathable coat is designed for hiking and other outdoor activities. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. These coats come in a dozen colors, range in sizes from XS to 3X for women, and are available in both bigger and taller options for men. Though very waterproof, the jacket is also very breathable and includes two sealed-zipper underarm vents as well as a hem cinch cord. Mountain Steals, $118.99. 2022 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Buy It: It also works great in windy conditions and comes in a variety of colors to choose from. So far it has done the job for me, and I would highly recommend it.. Naturally, the lightweight jacket also packs into its own bag as well. Designed to fit over a running vest outfitted with water bottles or a backpack, the jacket easily slips over either. Filled with proprietary PrimaLoft ThermoBall insulation with a water-resistant shell, the jacket has zippered hand pockets that it can pack into. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. The Triclimate jacket by The North Face is another great all-in-one jacket to pack everywhere you go. Made of a slinky, lightweight fabric (and stuffed with 100 percent recycled materials), this jacket takes up minimal space when packed into its own pocket, yet serves as a substantial insulating or primary layer. Ad Choices. Backcountry.com, $119.21 - $158.95. Traveler's articles director Stephanie Wu says she's a fan of all of Aritzia's puffer jackets, but for packability, the Little Puff is the way to go. The ultra-warm layer, made of responsibly sourced 700 fill power goose down, tightly folds into a carrying bag with a button closure that, conveniently, can double as a travel pillow when you need it to. Read on. From unexpected rain showers and a drop in cooler temperatures to a makeshift pack cover or even a pillow in a pinch, packable jackets are always good to have on hand. The attached hood has a brim to keep the sun and rain out of your face, and the elastic cuffs and hem keep the breeze at bay. It has been updated with new information. Travel Smarter! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. You want something that will keep you dry without making you sweat bullets. Like the other rain jackets, Outdoor Researchs Helium jacket is made to be very waterproof, windproof, and quite durable. The fabric is weather-resistant, and the 700-fill-power goose down is certified to the Responsible Down Standard. Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. The Fuego packs into the included stuff sack to throw into your pack or suitcase to be at the ready. Buy It: The lightweight vest compresses and packs into its own pocket, so you easily can tuck it away in a corner of your bag until you need it. With tight paneling and a flattering cut, this water resistant and windproof coat would be equally at home in the city or on the trails. The North Faces ThermoBall Full-Zip Jacket is stylish and rugged enough for town and travel. Weighing in at less than six ounces, the Outdoor Research Helium II is a tough, waterproof shell ready for any wilderness or urban adventure. Women's Fleece Kangaroo Hoodies Sweatshirt for Baby and Mother Hoodie Sweatshirt Jacket, Men's Rain Jackets Waterproof Lightweight Windbreaker Packable Cycling Running Raincoats with Removable Hood, Womens Waterproof Rain Jacket Lightweight Outdoor Windbreaker Rain Coat Shell for Hiking, Travel, Men's Lightweight Packable Accent Puffer Jacket, Water-Resistant Winter Jackets, Womans Raincoat - Waterproof Slicker Shell Windbreaker Rain Jacket (S-3XL), Women's Ultra Light Weight Packable Down Jacket with Removable Hoodie, Mens Summer Outdoor Work Safari Fishing Travel Photo Vest with Pockets, Professional Journeyman 300D Rip-Stop Fire Retardant Reflective Jacket - Fire Resistant Hi Vis Jackets for Men, Women's Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket, RFID Blocking Vest with 26 Concealed Pockets | Travel Vest for Men, in Men's Active & Performance Shell Jackets, Wind & Water-Resistant Pullover Rain Jacket (Reg/Ext Sizes), Women Packable Raincoat Waterproof Lightweight Outdoor Hooded Rain Jacket, Women's Lightweight Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket, Form Meets Function - Quikflip 2-1 Backpack Hoodie, Waterproof Warm Fleece-lined Softshell Pants. Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Patagonias Down Sweater jacket is a classic packable staple for anyone. With zippered pockets, a chest pocket, and water-tight seals on all of the zippers, you can rest assured that water will not leak in whether you are crossing a ridge or walking across town. Its also made with a hem cinch cord. It has a fluffed-up, boxy fit, which makes it even more incredible that the hood easily stows into the collar, and the whole thing can pack into one hand pocket. Lightweight, water-repellent, and constantly updated based on customer feedback, this down jacket is the go-to you'll never want to leave at home. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure. It has adjustable waist tabs that let you customize the fit based on what youre wearing. The second is a down jacket with some sort of stuff sack to keep you warm when the temperature dips. The 800-fill down jacket is not waterproof, but it can be layered with a shell if need be. Made with two and a half layers of recycled waterproof, breathable fabric and taped seams, this anorak is designed to handle all kinds of weather well. For those situations, and beyond, we turn to packable jackets that are no-brainers to bring along, just in case. Mammuts Masao Light Hard Shell Hooded Jacket is water- and wind-proof yet breathes when youre playing hard in the outdoors. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Its a great value option for a jacket under $200. However, when things start warming up, you can simply unzip the liner and remove it from the shell to cool off while staying dry. The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. Like Patagonias Torentshell jacket, this raincoat is also designed with two core vents to let you cool off when you need to. Sign up for our free newsletter. All rights reserved. Fortunately, weve rounded up the best options on the market at the moment all of which are worth taking along on any adventure. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. You'll find Uniqlo's packable down jacket in many traveler's bags, and it's no wonder why. Depending on where you live or when you plan to explore the outdoors, there are three kinds of jackets you should pick from. 2022 Cond Nast. The stylish, cropped jacket folds not into a pocket or pouch like most, but into a travel pillow that you can use on your flight or long car ride. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for style and travel photos from around the world. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. A mid-thigh length puffer for $40? Made of recycled material, the Nano Puff is easy on the environment while being tough in the elements. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. Warm and water-repellent, Patagonias Nano Puff packs into its hand pocket. All of which is to say, it's a jacket you'll wear a ton, making it well worth the price. Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story. The outer shell looks like a stylish tweed jacket and can be worn alone or paired with the insulated liner for really cold days. The North Faces version is very lightweight, water-repellant, and made to dry very quickly if it does get wet. Mountain Hardwears Ghost Whisperer jacket weighs less than eight ounces, and its 800-fill hydrophobic down stands up to frigid temperatures and moisture. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sporty and stylish, Columbias Switchback II with a stow-away hood packs into its own hand pocket. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. The seams are completely sealed, the pockets are zippered, and there's a drawstring at the bottom so you and your stuff will be protected no matter how bad the downpour. 2022 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. It also costs under $60 but still goes on sale (right now, you can snag some colors for $15seriously), making it even easier to add to cart. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. They come in a small drawstring bag that easily fits in a backpack or travel bag, which makes it perfect for a quick, unexpected rain shower during your travels., If youre likely to get caught in heavy rains, youll need a jacket that keep you dry in more than a drizzle. As with everything at The North Face, it has a lifetime warranty. The liner can be worn alone and works well when youre active. (There are also kids' sizes if the whole family wants to match.). Climate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. This jacket is a timeless classic: Regardless of the color you choose, the simple trench coat silhouette and subtle details all but ensure it will remain in style for years to come. For Charles Breitbart, the founder of TripTins, this one which folds into one of the pockets is it. The jacket also comes with its own bag that it easily packs into so you can easily toss it into your backpack. This unisex number, made of rubberized cotton, will keep you totally dry, with details like solid snap buttons, a drawstring hood, and double welded seams. Though this soft-shell jacket wont be the best pick for places with a lot of rain, it can certainly handle a passing shower. Marmots wind-resistant, water-repelling Air Lite Jacket packs tiny into its chest pocket and weighs only less than four ounces. Buy It: 2022 Warner Bros. Bulky jackets are the bane of cold-weather travelers. Backcountry.com, $98.95. Buy It: This hooded option, from Rainraps, can be worn unbuttoned as a shawl or buttoned as a poncho. Buy It: The jacket fits slim to keep you dry and is incredibly lightweight. This quilted pullover from Patagonia is perfect for fighting low tempsit can stand alone against the chilly breeze coming off the San Francisco bay or work overtime as a layer for a day on the slopes. The water-resistant shell keeps the elements out, and two hand pockets and two interior stash pockets keep your items organized. The Arcteryx Mens Atom LT Hoody is a packable jacket that delivers the warmth needed in a whole host of situations and environments. The Cerium LT Hoody from Arcteryx is incredibly lightweightjust 10.8 ouncesyet its surprisingly warm thanks to its combination of goose down and synthetic insulation. Bright, bold and bomber in the rain, the Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker comes in an assortment of colors, uses recycled technical fabrics and is completely waterproof. Big Agnes is known for its lightweight and sturdy outdoor gear, and its Chilton Sweater is no exception. Finally, the last kind of jacket that is nice to own and keep on hand is a combination of the two a thermal waterproof packable jacket. Priced right and ready for travel or the outdoors, 32 Degrees' Down Puffer packs into a detachable stuff sack that can be used as a pillow. Omni-Heat lining and insulation give Columbias Mighty Lite Jacket plenty of warmth. Wu suggests packing this stylish coat, which is both wind- and water-resistant, when you're traveling between climates. Patagonias Vosque 3-in-1 Parka has it all. Other details include a carabiner loop and key clip as well as reflective logos which are never a bad addition. This lightweight coat wont add much bulk to your bag and has a handy interior security pocket to stow valuables. British-brand Superdry makes a number of sleek coats that just so happen to pack down nicelywhether that was the initial idea or not. The pull-on style features two zippers that angle down from the neckline. The attached storm hood and zipper cover protect from the elements, and the fun design ensures you look good in any condition. This winter jacket is water-resistant and made of recycled polyester and nylon. Marmots Minimalist 3-in-1 jacket is a packable workhorse. Lululemon gear is designed for people who move, yet this long down jacket is as stylish as it is practical. The water-resistant, windproof jacket is also breathable and stretches with your movements. The Storm Racer jacket is one of the most advanced yet simple technical garments that Patagonia makes. Based in the snow sports mecca of Aspen, Colorado, since 1947, Obermeyer knows a thing or two about cold and wet weather. And the versatility knows no bounds: You can transition seamlessly from a walking tour to a trendy dinner without feeling underdressed in a too-casual raincoat. It has a collar, instead of hood, which lends it a more structured look, and small details like soft stretch tape that holds the sleeves in place when you roll them up. Though pricier, this jacket can be your all-in-one go-to for any trip or outdoor adventure you take off on. Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. The loose-fitting jacket is ultra-lightweight and stuffs into its own pocket for storage. The jacket includes an affixed hood, elastic cuffs, and a drawcord hem to seal water out when you need to. Looking for a packable jacket that works for every part of your trip, from the mountains to the city? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. It can also be used as a camping or travel pillow when stored. Unlike some other methods of insulation, you can feel good about this jacket: Its 60-g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco is more than 50 percent recycled material. The rain jacket ultimately stuffs into its own chest pocket. Backcountry.com, $99.95. The North Faces versatile Arrowood Triclimate Jacket (available for women and men) is a three-in-one coat thats perfect for travel: You can wear the waterproof, windproof shell or comfy inner fleece liner by themselves, or combine them to make a warm winter jacket. The hood, wrist cuffs, and hem cinch cord are all adjustable for a better fit. If youre looking for an affordable and packable down jacket, try Uniqlos Ultra Light Down Parka, which folds up into its own handy carrying pouch so you can easily slip it into your suitcase. The jacket which is available in womens, mens and kids styles is fully waterproof and includes a hood that packs into the collar. You can remove the hood to further cut down on weight and space. The Essential Guide for MenThe Manual is simple we show men how to live a life that is more engaged. Waterproof yet breathable for trail running and other exertions, it packs small enough into its one side pocket to fit into your pocket in case of sudden summer downpours. Women's Mountain Waterproof Ski Snow Jacket Winter Windproof Rain Jacket, Women's Hooded Packable Ultra Light Weight Short Down Jacket, Men's Rain Jacket Waterproof Lightweight Packable Rain Shell Raincoat with Hood for Golf Hiking Travel, Women's Puffer Jacket, Lightweight Warm Hiking Jacket with Post-Consumer Synthetic Insulation, Men's Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket Windbreaker Lightweight Packable Raincoat. All products featured on Cond Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. With a shiny quilted exterior (offered in hot pink, shimmery mint green, gunmetal grey, and black), this toasty layer comes with side pockets and a hood, and can scrunch up into the tiniest corner of your carry-on. When you are not using it, the anorak packs down into a small pouch for easy storage. Arc'teryx, $129.00. Ventilation panels help regulate temperature, and the jacket is water-resistant. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Mountain Hardwear, $243.75 (Originally $325). When you are done using it, the jacket simply packs into its own pocket for easy storage. Lightweight, weather-proof and warm, these jackets are designed to pack down tight to take up minimal space in your backpack or carry-on. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Amazon, $129.99 - $218.99. Another great anorak option comes from Marmot. Patagonias classic Torrentshell Jacket is waterproof and vented for comfort with underarm zips. It's also on super-sale right now at 50 percent off. The parka uses 100-g THERMOLITE eco insulation, an environmentally friendly material (its 92 percent recycled) thats lightweight but still super warm. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. When it comes to packing for a trip especially if youre limiting yourself to a carry-on not all apparel is created equal. These jackets, which have a flattering slim fit, are insulated with 60 percent real down feathers, have a detachable hood and water-resistant fabric, and zip up into an included pouch the size of a liter bottle. The smart design extends to the materials, too: The inside is stuffed with fluffy down, and the polyester fabric exterior is designed to quickly dry when it gets wet. The simple raincoat is designed to keep you and your gear dry when you are hiking or trail running. For a fresh change, try Orolay down jacket. Time is fleeting. The lightweight and windproof jacket will keep you warm under almost any circumstance. Amazon, $75.14 - $280.00. The Stockholm Lightweight is just a slimmer edition of their classic cut, so even though it doesn't technically pack into one of its pockets, it'll take up minimal space in your bagwithout compromising quality. Save space with these packable rain jackets and puffers. Its a particularly helpful feature for those in sunny destinations such as coastal or desert trips. Together, the soft shells features are great for hiking or climbing among other activities in mild weather. The SL in the Arcteryx Incendo SL Superlight jacket's name stands for superlight, and at less than three ounces, that title is spot-on. Though the long jacket is the best for keeping your legs warm on colder trips, the brand also makes a short version for men and women. A Very Scottsdale Summer: Why Visit The Wests Most Western Town Now? The Pack It Down Jacket can be folded up into the right-hand pocket, making it one of the best packable down jackets for women. Find it in the Tuscany II Jacket, which also uses another unique Obermeyer material: Thermore Classic insulation, which is thin and light but still warm. Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others. The ThermoBall Eco Hoodie, available for women and men, packs down incredibly small thanks to PrimaLoft technology that traps heat within small air pockets. Its fun pattern and ability to pack into its own hand pocket makes this jacket perfect for urban travels as well as the trail. The womens version weighs just 10 ounces (the mens is 12.8 ounces), yet is ultra-warm and waterproof. Its classic design goes with any outfit and wont make you look like a tourist who just wandered into town off a hike. A great packable and lightweight jacketcan be one of the best items in your backpack for a number of reasons. The first is a packable shell that is lightweight and just right to keep you dry during wet weather. It packs into an internal zippered pocket, and it also has two zippered hand pockets. Backcountry.com, $148.47 - $269.95. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Buy It: Madewell's packable puffer was previously named the Travel Buddyand that it is. Not only do these jackets have thoughtful details like a storm hood and breathable mesh lining (great for hiking), they're also no-joke waterproof. It comes in a range of colors and can be found for a surprisingly low price when on sale. These rain jackets are great because they are lightweight and easily packable, Duiser said. Zippered hand pockets are glove-friendly, and the water-resistant shell sluffs rain and snow in the backcountry or on city streets. The Hyper Core down jacket, which has a 90/10 down ratio filling, does just that. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Another great feature is that the jacket blocks harmful ultraviolet rays up to 50+ for added sun protection. This allows you to control how much air is moving through the jacket so you can stay as cool as you need to. Made with Gortex-Paclite, two and a half layers of taped seams, and sealed zippers, you are guaranteed to stay dry in this waterproof and windproof jacket. It is by far the lightest jacket I own, and I own tons of jackets. If youre more of a hat person, the Nano Puff also comes in a hood-less version. Its developed a patented HydroBlock Sport fabric tested to resist nearly 400 inches of rain (and roll stain-causing liquids right off). It really is a well-designed packable jacket for casual use that doesnt require too many technical details. Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. Editors note: This story was originally published in 2017. Other features include an internal chest pocket, zippered pockets, and an adjustable cord to fit the jacket to your hips if need be. For a short, no-nonsense rain jacket that will keep you dryand keep a low profileColumbia's Arcadia II (for women) and Watertight II (for men) are trusted go-tos. It packs into its hand pocket and has an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs to seal out the weather. The North Face Print Venture Jacket is made of lightweight DryVent fabric technology and has a stow-away hood, so its no slouch in a serious downpour. The Apex Bionic jacket is another great option to face many kinds of weather with. Thanks to the insulated synthetic lining, it will keep you warm in -15 degrees F (with moderate activity). The level of warmth this jacket provides is suitable to myriad climates and is an incredibly versatile jacket. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. It stuffs into its one chest pocket all but disappearing until you need it. Insulated with 60 grams of lightweight, water-resistant Coreloft, this hoody maintains thermal performance if exposed to moisture, and compresses into the tiny nooks of your backpack when not in use. To the avid traveler, the word packable is like catnipspace in a carry-on or checked bag is always precious, and any chance to save it is appreciated. In fact, this works as a chic, light outer layer even when its not raining. As they say, everything comes back around in fashion. (Note that on rainy or extremely cold days, its best combined with a weatherproof shell.) These Are the Best Winter Boots for Travel. It is well-made with sturdy zippers and provides enough warmth for spring, summer and fall, she said. These basic raincoats work hard to keep you dry, but they can also be used as perfect layering pieces. These allow you to access your water or your backpack anytime you need to. Details like a two-way zipper, removable hood, and a hidden card pocket are especially useful for travelers, though the removable stuff sackdesigned for stowing the coat awaymakes it perfect for packing in a hurry. Amazon, $52.76 - $149.31. Buy It: It features elastic at the wrists and a hem cord to seal the water out as well. Here are 11 of the best packable, lightweight winter jackets for travelers that will keep you feeling warm and looking stylish on the road. Cotopaxis Fuego jacket comes in both hooded and hoodless versions and is packed with 800-fill down to keep you toasty no matter the conditions. Plus, there's a plush hood for keeping your face and ears warm when temperatures really drop. REIs Co-op gear is worth noting for this spring season. Buy It: An extra layer, thrown in at the last minute, might be the thing that saves you on a frigid skiing trip or winter camping adventure; that backup rain coat might be the insurance you need when bad weather threatens to ruin your day on the trails. As our name implies, we offer a suite of expert guides on a wide range of topics, including fashion, food, drink, travel, and grooming. You may not need to waste space on a fully jacket, but its still a good idea to have an extra layer handy in case of a chill. Thoughtful details such as off-set shoulder seams to prevent chaffing with backpacks make this a truly technical jacket, and it all packs into an internal chest pocket. Its not realistic to pack a different jacket for every activity on your itinerary which is why bringing a simple topper thats as appropriate for hiking as it is for exploring an urban metropolis is key.