7+ Best Jackets for Travel for Any Weather

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We love our versatile clothes. Not only does it help us pack light, but since we like a mix of urban and outdoor adventures, it preps us for any activity. Since we’ve lived in all types of climates over the years, we’ve had the chance to test out different jackets, and here are our favorites.

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Last Updated: January 19, 2021

In this post, we check out highly rated and recommended travel jackets and also include our personal favorites.

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Best Travel Jackets for 2021 More Popular Travel Jackets to Check Out What to Look for in Travel Jackets?

The Best Travel Jackets for Women and Men 2021

1. Patagonia 3-in-1 Parka - Best for Cold Weather Destinations

We wouldn’t have made it through our year in NYC without these jackets. They have a clean design and function well. It’s a 3-in-1 because you can wear it 3 different ways as you can detach the insulated layer from the shell layer.

Pros

Three ways to wear the jacket Water-proof shell Removable hood, so it can look dressier. Longer jacket to keep more of you warm Slimmer fit Can be dressed up but also handle outdoor adventures

Cons

Bulky to pack if you happen to need to keep it in your suitcase Limited, mute color options The men’s version is not as long as I would like.

More: How to Survive Winter in New York + How to Dress for a New York Winter

3-In-1 Parka
Women’s + Men’s

2. Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket

This is our go-to mild weather travel jacket. It’s warm enough for cool evenings and small enough to pack away in a backpack when we don’t need it. We’ve also worn it as a mid-layer on outdoor adventures.

Pros

Made from 100% recycled polyester fleece Doesn’t pill like other fleece Works as a jacket or mid-layer Offered in a bunch of colors Comes in a variety of styles if you prefer quarter zip etc

Cons

Not waterproof Looks casual, and therefore, not as versatile

Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
Women’s + Men’s

3. Anatomie City Slick Jacket - Best Style

This is my favorite mid-weight jacket when I need to dress up in the city. It works well dressed up or down while keeping me warm with the wind resistant and fleece-lined design.

Pros

Wind resistant and fleece-lined Stretchy but slim fit Collar can be zipped all the way up for extra warmth Lightweight and packable Wrinkle resistant

Cons

Not waterproof No hood, for when Priciest mid-weight jacket on this list

Anatomie Travel Slick Jacket
Women’s – Read More Reviews

4. Patagonia Nano Puff or Nanostorm - Best Lightweight Insulated Jacket

This is one of the best overall jackets for warmth and packability. It’s extremely light and comes in many different colors. The jacket also doubled as a pillow on the plane for me, since you can stuff it into the pocket.

We don’t wear the Nano Puff as often anymore, but it has served us well over the years. Now, we either wear the interior of the 3-in-1 Parka or our Nano Storm is our go-to since that one is waterproof without feeling like a raincoat.

Pros

Packs into its own pocket Bluesign approved fabric Extremely light Comes in a bunch of colors Water repellent design and windproof Uses the most thermally efficient synthetic insulation

Cons

Not waterproof Very outdoorsy look Doesn’t have a hood

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Women’s + Men’s

5. Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoodie - Best All Around

This jacket has a hoodie and non-hoodie version and one we prefer since it has a cleaner look than the waffle knit design. We have the hoodie version but might pick up a non-hoodie version too since we wear them all the time, especially when we’re out climbing. We wear it in mild conditions and have used it as a mid-layer for colder conditions.

Pros

Warm and lightweight Clean look Side panels helps with stretch, performance, and breathability Low profile hood for wind and light rain Works on it’s own or for layering

Cons

Not waterproof Has an outdoorsy look – although less so if you get one without a hood and in a neutral color

Arc’teryx Atom LT
Women’s + Men’s

6. Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoodie - Best for Hikers

This is another jacket that has both a hoodie and non-hoodie version. Since I always run colder than Jacob, I decided to get one and it’s extremely warm. It packs down small as well, although not as small as the Patagonia Nano Puff.

Pros

850-fill-power down – certified Responsible Down Standard Breathable and wind-resistant Water repellent fabric

Cons

Not waterproof Can’t be dressed up Priciest on this list

Arc’teryx Cerium LT
Women’s + Men’s

7. Baubax Travel Bomber Jacket

This Bomber jacket was built for traveling with every feature imaginable, including a built-in eye mask, inflatable neck pillow, zipper pen, tons of pockets, and more. I love all the features, but on the downside it adds to the weight and bulkiness.

Esther has been waiting for this jacket to be back in stock in her size, but it’s been over a year.

Pros

Tons of features built with the traveler in mind Comes with removable accessories, like a travel blanket, earplugs, travel bottle etc A bunch of dedicated pockets Stylish bomber-jacket look Water resistant

Cons

Heavy in comparison to the other jackets Bulky if you have all the features inlcuded Not waterproof

Baubax Bomber Jacket
Women’s + Men’s

More Highly Rated Travel Jackets

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket – Best for Rain Columbia Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange – Best for Skiing Columbia Watertight II Jacket North Face Thermoball Scottevest – We ordered these but ended up returning them because they were too baggy / boxy on us. It may look much better on other body types. Uniqlo Ultra Light Down – Best Budget

Things to Look for in Travel Jackets

Versatility – Most of our trips will take us from outdoor activities during the day to fine dining in the evening. Ideally, our jackets can transition between the outdoor and urban environments. Performance – Jackets have different features and we have a handful of them to help us fit those needs. Sometimes we need to bundle up a lot more, other times, we have to worry about rain and wind. It’s important to know what your jacket can handle. Overall, we look at if it’s waterproof or just water-resistant. Water-resistant is good if you will be getting wet but not outside for an extended period of time. Waterproof is necessary if you’ll be outside in rain a lot. It costs more and is generally less breathable. Down Material – Most jackets will use synthetic or goose down. Generally, goose is warmer and more compressible, but less breathable and less water-resistant. Packable – We’re always looking for light and easy to pack jackets, although, that isn’t always possible with larger winter coats so prioritize what you need for each trip. Comfort – Since we’ll be wearing it a lot, we want jackets that are comfy.

Are there any others we should check out that belong on our list of best jackets for travel? What’s your go-to travel jacket?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.