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.
Patagonia Micro Puff Men's & Women's
Best Value
Though it’ll cost you a chunk of change, this synthetic puffer jacket is exceptionally packable—it’s lighter than the Patagonia Nano Puff—and made from quality materials, including a ripstop nylon shell that’ll stop any small tears from becoming jacket-ruining holes. Although, since it’s so lightweight, you should still be careful with it. It’s finished with a DWR coating to protect you from winter’s plethora of precipitation, but don’t mistake it for a rain jacket—trust us. It’s more of a midlayer than an outer-layer and works the best in temperatures hovering between 35-50 degrees. For anything colder, we recommend layering.
Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer Jacket In Essex, England
Best Budget
While it’s not as compressible as some of the other jackets on this list, the Amazon Essentials Puffer is the cheapest on this list. And it’s still super lightweight. Its water-resistance won’t hold up against torrential downpours but will protect you from light rain, snow, sleet, or any combination of precipitation winter throws at you. The sourcing of the down is quite murky—and Amazon seemingly doesn’t have any plans to change that. If that concerns you, you can pick up a synthetic version of the same jacket.
Arc'teryx Atom Hoody
Best Splurge
The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody has been a popular recommendation on sites like Reddit for years, and we've had great experiences with their parkas and lightweight (now discontinued) jackets. The brand recently updated the Atom, so we took a closer look. It isn't the thickest jacket on the market, although we've found that it layers well and provides more than enough warmth when paired with a thick base layer or sweatshirt underneath. There are small details that you might overlook at first, but they go a long way in adding comfort and versatility, like the stretch on the perimeter of the hood and the unique zipper pull that makes it easier to zip up while wearing gloves.
The colorway options are solid, with minimalist and vibrant choices available. This is one of the most expensive jackets on this list; however, Arc'teryx has one of the best warranties and return policies of any clothing brand we've tested, which demonstrates their confidence in their products. In fact, our managing editor has worn her Arc'teryx for years, and it's still holding up strong; when a zipper needed a small repair after four years of almost daily wear in the winter months, Arc'teryx repaired the zipper for free (minus the cost of shipping the jacket, which was around $20). All that said, if you're looking for a warm jacket that offers solid warmth and attention to detail, yet is still easy to pack into your travel backpack, the Atom Hoody is a great choice.
Why We Like It- It's incredibly warm considering how thin it is
- The materials are high-quality and backed by a solid warranty
- It isn't budget-friendly
- Certain colors can look sporty, making the jacket slightly less versatile in different settings
REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 In Kentucky
While it doesn’t compress as small as other puffer jackets on this list, it’s not going to take up much space in your pack, and it makes a great travel pillow in its compressed state (#ProTip).
Best for: Full-time Travelers
Patagonia Nano Puff Men's & Women's
This versatile synthetic jacket is great to have on hand for world travel. It’s ideal for weather ranging from 30-50 degrees, but it's super easy to layer for colder temperatures. And it has better water and wind resistance than a number of puffy jackets on the market—Patagonia claims it, “Maintains 98% of warmth, even when wet.” Plus, it stuffs into its chest pocket and is super lightweight.
Best for: Frugal Travelers
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket In Essex, England
This ultra-light down jacket lives up to its name. Plus, it packs into a compression pouch that’ll hardly take up any space in your pack. We’re also digging the sleek look and affordable price (if you’re a budget traveler, Uniqlo should definitely be on your radar). The insulation is a mix of synthetic down, real down, and feathers. Unfortunately, the source of that down is murky from an ethical point-of-view—although we’re happy to report that Uniqlo says it plans to use down certified by Responsible Down Standard (RDS) by 2020.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket
The Mountain Hardware Men's Ghost Whisperer Jacket offers a stellar packable size-to-warmth ratio, but that's not the only reason that we like it. When packed, it's the size of a small pillow, which is handy for long flights or unexpected layovers. When used as a jacket, it fits like a standard garment—it's neither too tight nor too loose. For this reason, you can wear it for a hike, an adventure through the city, or dinner with friends.
The jacket is warm enough for most weather conditions, although it may not be sufficient in extremely cold temperatures. However, if you're walking around in subzero conditions, you can likely layer this jacket as the pièce de résistance on the exterior and stay warm enough. There are multiple colorways available, including vibrant and minimalist options, ensuring something for everyone.
Why We Like It- It's pretty small when packed away
- The fit is standard, so it isn't too tight or baggy
- It won't work in extreme cold on its own
- Has a technical look that doesn't translate to every setting or occasion
FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
If choosing the perfect colorway is your thing, the Free People Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket might be the perfect option for you. At the time of writing, there are 29 colorways, ranging from staples like Black to vibrant options like Flame. This jacket is more than just a colorway—the style has a unique cut compared to other travel jackets that we've tested. It's slightly feminine in style, though we feel it's an unisex option for anyone looking for something boxy and that fits a short torso.
The jacket covers your neck when fully zipped, keeping you warm and protected from winter winds, and it doesn't rub on your chin. You can unbutton the cuffs if you have a thick sweatshirt on underneath, or are wearing gloves or mittens. The jacket is packable, although the size is pretty significant when packed. This makes it easier to stow away than tiny models that require a lot of pushing and pulling, and it's roughly the size of a pillow when in the pouch. Those aren't a dealbreaker to us if you're not concerned that it'll take up a lot of room in your travel backpack!
Why We Like It- There are dozens of colorways available
- The styling is unique compared to other travel jackets
- There are a few loose threads
- When packed, it isn't very small
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!