When you are packing for a trip, you always have to prepare for whatever kind of weather comes your way – which, in most cases, means packing a jacket just in case. Even if you are traveling in warmer months (or to a hot climate), there is always a chance it might rain. Of course, space in your suitcase, duffel or backpack is precious, and the bulk of a jacket may be more than what you want to pack.
Luckily, there are a variety of options for packable jackets out there that you can take on your next trip. U.S. News editors researched dozens of review sites, including Amazon, online retailers, travel industry review sites and more, to come up with this selection of the best packable jackets.
What is a packable jacket?
This type of jacket typically folds easily into a small bag or, in most cases, folds up into itself. Packable jackets aren’t just lightweight – or just rain jackets, either. You can even find packable jackets that will keep you warm without all of the bulk.
The Top Packable Jackets for Women
The Top Packable Jackets for Men
(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues.)
The Top Packable Jackets for Women
Best Lightweight Packable Jacket for Women: Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater
This lightweight packable jacket from Patagonia will keep you warm without the added bulk. It is made with recycled fishing nets – helping to reduce pollution in the ocean – and the 800-fill insulation is made with 100% Responsible Down Standard down, so you can purchase this easily packed jacket knowing the materials used are environmentally friendly. This product comes in 10 colors and weighs in at only 10.3 ounces; it will easily fit into your carry-on once folded up into a small pouch. Travelers love how lightweight the jacket is while still able to keep them warm.
[Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater: $279 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Down Jacket for Women: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket – Women’s
(Courtesy of Cotopaxi)
The colorful stripes on the front of this down jacket make it fun yet practical outerwear. This Cotopaxi jacket is insulated with water-resistant 800-fill-power goose down, and the shell is made with ripstop nylon treated with a durable water repellent to keep you dry. The product has two interior and two exterior pockets and easily stuffs into its own pocket for easy transport. Recent wearers of this jacket love the variety of bright color combinations it comes in.
[Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket – Women’s: $275 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Synthetic Down Jacket for Women: The North Face Women‘s ThermoBall Eco Hoodie 2.0
This nylon jacket has a recycled fabric and eco-friendly insulation that ensures warmth even when precipitation gets in the way of your travels. This North Face product has a slim fit and a two-by-two quilt pattern for a stylish look; it packs into the chest pocket for easy storage. Reviewers say they love the design – particularly the way the jacket fits and how light it feels.
[The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Eco Hoodie 2.0: $230 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Rain Jacket for Women: Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket
(Courtesy of Columbia Sportswear)
If you’re traveling somewhere with rainy weather, look no further than this waterproof rain jacket from Columbia. It has a seam-sealed construction yet is breathable. The jacket features an adjustable drawstring hem, as well as an adjustable hood, and is lined with soft mesh. It packs into one of the hand pockets and is available in more than a dozen colors. Users of this jacket say it’s ideal for weathering rainy days in warmer climates.
[Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket: $110 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Puffer Jacket for Women: L.L. Bean Women’s Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket
Nothing prepares you for time outdoors like L.L. Bean outerwear, so it should come as no surprise that this brand makes one of the best cold weather packable travel jackets out there. This jacket is insulated with 850-fill down; its windproof and water-resistant nylon shell is made from 100% recycled fabric. Not only does this puffer jacket pack up into its own pocket, but it’s also machine-washable, making it the ultimate travel companion. Owners of this coat love how warm it keeps them, whether they’re wearing it on a winter vacation in Europe or a hiking excursion.
[L.L. Bean Women’s Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket: $249 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Windbreaker Jacket for Women: Amazon Essentials Women’s Water-Resistant Pullover Packable Windbreaker
This ultralight, budget-friendly windbreaker is perfect to have on hand during any vacation. Made from 100% polyester, this Amazon Essentials jacket is machine-washable and features a bungee cord around the bottom for extra security as well as one front kangaroo pocket. It zips down halfway and comes in a handful of color options. Travelers appreciate that this windbreaker is stylish and functional, saying it gets the job done when you need a thin extra layer; some do caution, however, that it may not be the best choice amid heavy rain.
[Amazon Essentials Women’s Water-Resistant Pullover Packable Windbreaker: $30.52 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Anorak Jacket for Women: Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Packable Jacket
Packing easily into the right-hand pocket, this anorak jacket doubles as a travel pillow, making it the ultimate travel raincoat for women. This Eddie Bauer product features a mesh lining for breathability; adjustable cuffs, hem and hood; and a high collar to prevent any water from getting in and getting you wet. The hanger loop on the right pocket bag allows you to clip the stored jacket to your bag. Users of this anorak say they love how dry it keeps you, even in a downpour.
[Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Packable Jacket: $99 or less. View deal.]
The Top Packable Jackets for Men
Best Lightweight Packable Jacket for Men: Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket
This 100% polyester jacket features water-resistant material and a hood for added protection and warmth. It has a loose fit through the chest, with a tapered waist and a full-length zipper at the front for full coverage. Available in more than 20 colors, this lightweight packable jacket option comes with a carry bag to fold it into, making it the perfect travel jacket. Recent purchasers of this jacket are impressed by its quality, especially considering the affordable price.
[Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket: $35 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Down Jacket for Men: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody Men’s
With an ideal warmth-to-weight ratio, this jacket from Arc’teryx will keep you cozy without weighing you down. Its 850 fill-power down and nylon shell protect you from the cold weather without the bulk. The jacket’s features include a down-insulated hood, an internal zippered pocket, a stuff sack and two zippered pockets on the outside for your hands. The fabric is wind-resistant, and the jacket comes in a variety of colors. Travelers love how versatile this coat is, noting that it can be used as casualwear, hiking gear or a companion for other outdoor activities.
[Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody Men’s: $400 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Synthetic Down Jacket for Men: L.L. Bean Men’s PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket
This synthetic down jacket keeps you extra warm without the feathers, thanks to L.L. Bean’s insulation and aerogel technology. This synthetic down jacket is machine-washable and slightly fitted; it has an internal media pocket with an audio port so your phone can stay dry and packs into its own pocket. Wearers of this coat are amazed at the warmth it can provide despite being so lightweight and say it’s perfect for layering as well.
[L.L. Bean Men’s PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket: $199 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Rain Jacket for Men: REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Men’s
(Courtesy of REI)
A rain jacket is essential for almost every trip, and this rain jacket from REI Co-op is the perfect one to throw in your suitcase. With its recycled ripstop nylon material, you’ll be protected from light rain and wind up to 60 mph. The three-piece hood is adjustable and tucks away when not needed. This jacket is lightweight, waterproof, windproof and breathable, yet even with all this protection it can easily fold up into one pocket. Recent purchasers of this jacket love how breathable it is, noting that it keeps you dry but doesn’t make you overheat.
[REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – Men’s: $99.95 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Puffer Jacket for Men: Patagonia Men’s Fitz Roy Down Hoody
It may be hard to believe this super puffy down jacket is packable, but it can in fact be stuffed into one of the front pockets. This Patagonia puffer jacket is made with an ultralight recycled nylon shell, and its 800-fill down meets the Responsible Down Standard. This product has plenty of pockets to store necessities and a water-repellent coating. Wearers of this puffer appreciate how warm and comfy it is, saying it’s almost like wearing a sleeping bag.
[Patagonia Men’s Fitz Roy Down Hoody: $399 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Windbreaker Jacket for Men: Champion Men’s Packable Half-Zip Hooded Water-Resistant Jacket
This affordable windbreaker is a basic water-resistant option that will likely be just what you are looking for on a chilly, rainy night while traveling. The polyester jacket has a hood and folds into its own zip pocket. It’s also machine-washable and zips up halfway. Travelers say they’re pleased with the quality of this lightweight windbreaker for the price.
[Champion Men’s Packable Half-Zip Hooded Water-Resistant Jacket: $45 or less. View deal.]
Best Packable Anorak Jacket for Men: Mountain Hardwear Men’s Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket
This standard waterproof anorak has Gore-Tex Paclite technology that will keep you safe and dry amid all the elements. The jacket features an adjustable hood, draw-cord hem and zippered hand pockets to store your small items – one of which the jacket can tuck away in, complete with an internal carabiner clip loop for easy transport. Travelers who have worn this jacket praise its ability to keep wearers dry, even when you’re in the rain for long periods of time.
[Mountain Hardwear Men’s Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket: $200 or less. View deal.]