These are the best down and synthetic jackets to wear anywhere.

Credit:

Travel + Leisure

If you’re flying somewhere warm this fall or winter, the last thing you want is to be lugging around a parka or peacoat when you land. A bulky jacket won’t be useful either, especially if your travel plans include activities like hiking, running, or camping. Fortunately, that’s why packable jackets exist.

Insulated either with down made from duck and goose feathers or synthetic materials, packable jackets are ultra-lightweight, keep you warm, and magically stuff into their own pocket or carrying sack for optimal portability. While these jackets tend to look like puffers, they aren’t the big and bulky ones you’d see in a ‘90s hip-hop video. They’re much thinner and weigh next to nothing, making them perfect for layering. 

We tried out the best packable jackets available firsthand and wore them for our travels and day-to-day activities during the testing period. We found jackets that are not only comfortable, warm, and provide good value, but that also have travel-friendly features like inside pockets and stashable hoods. These are our favorites.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLite Down Jacket at Amazon $129 Jump to Review Best for Snow Sports: SALE Rab Alpine Down Jacket at Amazon $295 $239 Jump to Review Best for Transitional Weather: Decathlon Forclaz Men’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket at Decathlon.com Jump to Review Best for Layering: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket at REI $167 Jump to Review Most Breathable: Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Waterproof: SALE Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-on Jacket at Amazon $215 $134 Jump to Review Best Splurge: SALE Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody at Amazon $360 $285 Jump to Review Most Versatile: Vuori Venture Track Jacket at Nordstrom $118 Jump to Review Best Wind Protection: L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket at L.L. Bean $149 Jump to Review Most Durable: Carhartt Storm Defender Packable Jacket at Amazon $100 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Eddie Bauer Men’s CirrusLite Down Jacket

Credit: Amazon $129 at Amazon $129 $71 at Kohls.com View on Eddiebauer.com Why We Love It

• This is a comfortable, wrinkle-resistant, midweight jacket at an unbeatable price.

What to Consider

• There’s no extra packing pouch or a way to pack it into its own pocket.

This Eddie Bauer jacket earned top scores during our testing, and for good reason. It’s the kind of jacket that’s perfect for cool summer nights, whether at home or on your travels. While it’s fairly thick, it’s not as bulky as a winter puffer, making it ideal for camping and hiking when you need an extra midweight layer—like packing for a trip to Iceland.

Filled with real down that’s responsibly sourced and made with recycled nylon and polyester, this jacket packs down super small into a backpack and quickly de-wrinkles upon pulling it out. After six months of testing, we think it's perfect for shoulder season when the days are warmer, but it gets cold at night. We also found it fashionable and unlikely to go out of style in the coming years. While this trusty Eddie Bauer jacket doesn’t come with an extra bag to stuff it into and can’t be folded into its own pocket, it’s extremely comfortable, made with real down feathers, and has a classic style. 

The Details: S to 2XL (regular and tall) | 650-fill premium down, recycled nylon and polyester | 9.6 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Best for Snow Sports

Rab Alpine Down Jacket

Credit: REI $295 $239 at Amazon $295 at Backcountry View on Rab.equipment Why We Love It

• It’s thicker and more insulated than many on this list.

What to Consider

• It might be too heavy of a layer depending on your activity.

For colder-weather adventurers, this Rab jacket is wonderful. It’s made of warm, water-resistant down as well as high-quality polyamide including nylon. We loved the brimmed hood, which kept us as comfortable as if we were wearing a hat. It’s very easy to pack down and comes with an extra sack to stuff into.

While expensive, in terms of quality, insulation, and comfort, we feel that it’s certainly worth the price. After wearing the coat daily for six months, it shows no signs of wear and tear and has proven to be a durable winter coat.

The Details: XXS to 2XL | Fabric: recycled 30D nylon Pertex Quantum, 50g/m² with DWR; Lining: recycled 20D nylon, 38g/m²; Insulation: recycled 700 fill-power down Nikwax hydrophobic (water-resistant) finish; Composition: 100 percent recycled polyamide outer with 100 percent recycled polyamide lining | 16.5 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Best for Transitional Weather

Decathlon Forclaz Men’s MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket

Credit: Decathlon View on Decathlon.com Why We Love It

• This lightweight jacket is built for moderate temperatures, making it a great layer for spring and fall.

What to Consider

• The zipper is a bit finicky. 

For years, outdoor gear was expensive, making it inaccessible to the vast majority of us who are curious about the outdoors but aren’t looking to spend our entire paychecks on gear. Then came Decathlon. The French retailer has proven that you don’t have to be flush to own high-quality gear. Case in point, this down puffer jacket. 

Made from warm, responsibly sourced 800-fill down and a water-repellent polyamide shell, it’s built for temperatures between 23 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal as an extra layer for your travels. The jacket stuffs into its left-hand pocket, which seems to magically expand to fit the rest of the material, and the jacket feels very durable overall. Even after six months of wearing the coat for daily activities including yard work and walking the dog, plus washing in a standard washer and dryer, it still looks new—all the qualities you want in a great men’s down jacket. It’s comfortable, too, and we definitely see it being a go-to for our next camping trip or hike.

The Details: S to 3XL | 800-fill down and polyamide | 10.2 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Best for Layering

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Credit: REI $167 at REI $239 at Backcountry $120 at Dicks Sporting Goods Why We Love It

• It’s surprisingly warm for how thin it is.

What to Consider

• It doesn’t come with a hood, though you can pay a bit more for the hooded version. 

Patagonia needs no introduction. The height of sustainability and corporate responsibility, the brand is a reliable choice for travel gear, and this synthetic puffer jacket is no exception. Remarkably thin, we found that the Nano Puff kept us warm in windy, cooler temperatures. The absence of bulk makes it stand out as a base layer for activities like skiing and mountaineering, and while you could reasonably wear it for a run, it isn’t very breathable. 

The quilted pattern isn’t just a classic look; it’s also meant to prevent rips from spreading, and this jacket has a great system of pockets, including a zippered chest pocket that doubles as a packable sack. Also since it’s synthetic instead of down, you don’t have to worry about getting it wet, and you can keep it packed down for longer without risking damage. Still, after six months of use, its puffiness remains nice and plush, and it has kept us warm on milder days.

For those who want a hood, Patagonia also sells the Nano Puff Hoody version for a bit more.

The Details: XS to 3XL | Recycled polyester | 11.9 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

Most Breathable

Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket

Credit: Amazon $120 at Amazon $180 at REI View on Cotopaxi.com Why We Love It

• This jacket has side meshing that allows for plenty of airflow.

What to Consider

• After six months of use, we noticed the zips in the side pockets snag on the fabric frequently.

This synthetic jacket is stylish and functional. Bright color combinations like wine/blue violet and mezcal/sunset are irresistible—but there’s even more to love about this packable jacket than style alone. The mix of a nylon shell and polyester/spandex sleeves makes it super comfy and it fits snugly on the arms. It’s also very breathable due to side meshing, and the sleeves feature convenient thumbholes.

This jacket is insulated with a recycled synthetic polyester material, PrimaLoft Gold P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions), which is stretchy and temperature-regulating. And we love that it packs into the chest pocket, though we did find it simpler to toss it in a tote bag for easy grabbing. It is also still in great condition after multiple wash cycles.

The Details: S to 2XL | Shell and lining: 40 grams recycled 20D ripstop nylon with PFC-free DWR; Side panels and sleeves: 200 grams 97 percent recycled polyester, 3 percent spandex; Insulation: 40 grams PrimaLoft Gold P.U.R.E. (recycled synthetic polyester) | 24 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Best Waterproof

Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-on Jacket

Credit: Amazon $215 $134 at Amazon View on Rab.equipment Why We Love It

• When water hits this jacket, it turns to droplets that roll right off.

What to Consider

• There are no pockets.

The technology that British clothing brand Rab has put into this jacket is astonishing. While reducing water to droplets that slide right off, it’s paper-thin and at just 3 ounces, it feels like you’re wearing little more than a (comfortable) plastic bag. Since it’s so thin, it’s terrific for running and we found packing it to be a breeze—it rolls into a sack no bigger than a soda can. You can also roll the hood down when you don’t need it thanks to a nifty stash loop that we can’t believe is not more common. Speaking of the hood, it’s very well-designed with a wired brim to keep the rain off your face.

Note that this jacket has virtually no insulation, nor any pockets, and that it’s on the pricier side. But we see it as an ideal shell for the active person who wants to stay dry on all their outdoor adventures.

The Details: S to L | 40 grams 7D Pertex® Shield 2.5 liters | 3 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The 11 Best Puffer Jackets for Women, Tested and Reviewed

Best Splurge

Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody

Credit: Amazon $360 $285 at Amazon Why We Love It

• It keeps you warmer than other options without sacrificing a light weight.

What to Consider

• After six months of wearing, we've noticed some minor stains developing on the outer fabric.

We were very impressed with this jacket in all aspects, including packability (it stuffs into its pocket), warmth, weight, mobility, and comfort. The higher 800 down fill means that it can trap more air, thus ensuring greater insulation. It's also incredibly lightweight—we almost can't believe how warm it is when it feels like we have nothing on. But the thin outer layer seems to be quite durable and didn't scratch when we brushed against blackberry bushes in the woods, so we're optimistic about its longevity.

As a bonus, the jacket is quite stylish and perfect for everything from walking around town to hanging out at base camp. After six months of regular wear, it still looks and feels new. It's our go-to coat for backpacking trips and has stood up well to many outdoor adventures.

The Details: S to 2XL | Recycled and non-recycled nylon, 800-fill RDS®-certified down | 8.8 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

Most Versatile

Vuori Venture Track Jacket

Credit: Nordstrom $118 at Nordstrom View on Vuoriclothing.com Why We Love It

• This sporty jacket is stylish enough to pair with various outfits.

What to Consider

• There’s no hood and it’s not adjustable.

If you don’t like the feel of a puffer, check out Vuori’s soft and comfy Venture Track Jacket. This jacket manages to pack up to roughly the size of a mango without looking wrinkled when it’s unfurled. Wear it around town or to the bar, then scrunch it up and put it in the central console of your car, a bag, or even a pocket of a pair of cargo shorts. It’s also great for cooler weather workouts, and if it gets sweaty you can simply throw it in the wash (on cold) with like colors.

Note that this jacket isn’t built for temperatures cooler than 50 degrees, and the cuffs don’t have much stretch, so we couldn’t push them up to stay on our forearm or above the elbow on their own. However, this works as a great layering piece to wear above or below other pieces in your travel wardrobe.

The Details: S to 3XL | 88 percent polyester, 12 percent elastane

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Best Wind Protection

L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket

Credit: L.L. Bean $149 at L.L. Bean Why We Love It

• This jacket is plenty warm and blocks aggressive wind chills.

What to Consider

• The sleeves may not be long enough for taller users.

This synthetic jacket deploys two state of the art technologies to make one fine product. One is Aerogel, a polymer and solvent mixture designed by NASA that’s one of the lightest solid materials ever created. The other is PrimaLoft Gold, an extremely light synthetic insulation. Along with a shell of recycled ripstop polyester, this jacket is extremely lightweight while keeping you warm and protected from the wind and rain. After regularly wearing the jacket for six months, it still looks brand new with no signs of wear and tear.

The Details: S to 3XL (regular and tall) | Aerogel, PrimaLoft Gold (polyester fibers); Shell and lining: recycled ripstop polyester | 13.44 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Most Durable

Carhartt Storm Defender Packable Jacket

Credit: Amazon $100 at Amazon View on Academy.com View on Carhartt.com Why We Love It

• It’s rugged and very waterproof.

What to Consider

• It isn’t breathable.

If you’re in the market for a durable packable jacket, consider this one from American workwear brand Carhartt. This jacket is tough and exceptionally waterproof, even under heavy rain. It’s much lighter than you’d expect for something so durable and it packs up into its left pocket. 

One thing we really loved is that it comes with velcro cuff straps and a big hood that kept water from dripping onto our face. It also kept us dry in rain and snow throughout our six months of tests. The price is right as well.

The Details: S to 4XL; Tall: L to 3XL | Nylon | 15.7 ounces

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Best Down

Stio Men’s Hometown Down Hooded Jacket

Credit: Stio View on Stio.com $231 at Evo.com Why We Love It

• This plush jacket is incredibly warm while remaining breathable for comfort.

What to Consider

• The main pockets are a little small, especially if you're wearing winter gloves.

Down can be a tricky insulation material that can sometimes clump or get packed down unevenly, so we were pleasantly surprised to see none of these issues with this jacket from Stio. We stuffed it in the included storage bag multiple times and didn’t have any problems with feathers leaking or being compacted. We also loved how luxurious the down felt, like we were wrapping ourselves in a pillow every time we put the jacket on.

This jacket is extremely warm and kept us toasty during a 30-degree day with gusty winds, but remained breathable so we never became overheated. It also has thoughtful features like bungee cords around the base of the jacket and on the hood, as well as extra internal pockets for storing small items like keys. We'd love to see slightly bigger pockets, but we will be wearing this jacket for daily activities when the weather is cold.

The Details: XS to 3XL | Nylon, down | 1.13 pounds

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Best Vegan Down

Save The Duck Erion Packable Quilted Puff Jacket

Credit: Nordstrom $228 at Amazon $228 $91 at Nordstrom Why We Love It

• This is made with recycled insulation that is an effective substitute for down.

What to Consider

• The slim fit isn't great for layering, so you may need to size up if you like to wear bulkier clothes under your jackets.

If you want the warmth of down but don't want to buy the real thing, this vegan down jacket is a great alternative. We wore it while camping and hiking and appreciated how lightweight it was—much lighter than standard down jackets. Although it wasn't heavy, it still insulated us well while remaining breathable. It has a slimmer fit that is ideal for traveling and athletic activities, and the entire jacket packs down easily into the included carrying bag. Overall, we think it's a stylish warm jacket that's ideal for anyone who prefers not to buy traditional down.

The Details: S to XL | Recycled polyester

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

  Credit: Travel + Leisure

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Other Packable Jackets We Liked

A few of the other jackets we tested didn’t quite make our list of the very best, but were still worth an honorable mention. 

Coolibar Men’s Arcadian Packable Sunblock Jacket UPF 50+: We loved how light and breathable this jacket was, but it felt too thin and not warm enough to be as versatile as we would have liked. 

Eddie Bauer Men’s RainPac Anorak: This jacket is a terrific water- and windproof shell that packs into a neat travel backpack. Unfortunately, the strings of the packable backpack felt uncomfortable when we put it on.

Our Testing Process

We tested firsthand the best packable jackets on the market for ease of use, design, comfort, and value. After unboxing, we tried the jackets on, tested out their zippers and evaluated their comfortability and overall feel. We tested design features such as pockets, hood, and tightening cords. Then we tested the jackets’ packability by stuffing them into their sack, pocket, or directly into a bag or backpack. After packing them, we unfurled them to check whether they came out wrinkled or not (most came out wrinkled, but flattened out relatively quickly). Then we put the jackets into circulation in our daily routines for six months to assess their value and durability.

Tips for Buying Packable Jackets

Look for something lightweight

The idea behind a packable jacket—just like a packable backpack—is that it’s something you can pull out when you need it, and won’t mind carrying around in your backpack or luggage. So make sure it’s as lightweight as possible so it won’t add extra bulk to your travel gear and won’t be cumbersome to wear while you’re out and about.

Consider your activities

The jackets on this list are meant to keep you warm and pack down small. After that, features vary widely. Not all are waterproof or windproof, and many aren’t breathable enough to wear for high-intensity exercise like running. If you want a jacket for activities that involve sweating, look for something that’s breathable by checking for venting and materials that wick away moisture. If general warmth or an extra lightweight layer is what you’re looking for, you’ll want to look for different features more suited to your needs.

Size up if you plan on layering

Most of these jackets fit snugly to the body, allowing you to layer a rain shell over them, but if you plan to wear layers underneath—such as a fleece jacket—consider getting a size larger than you usually do. Many packable jackets are inherently lighter weight to account for wearing more layers on top or underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

You May Also Need

No matter where you're going, you can make your trip better with these other packable accessories.

Weatherman Travel Umbrella: This high-quality umbrella packs down to a small size for easy packing. It’s also sturdy enough to stand up to strong winds and storms.

Bellroy Lite Daypack: This was our favorite packable backpack thanks to its sleek design, high-quality materials, and thoughtful design details. It fits more than you would think and feels comfortable even when fully packed.

Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat: The mesh ventilation on this hat will keep your head cool in warm weather. It also has a UPF 50+ rating and a moisture-wicking fabric that can withstand spills and splashes.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Travel + Leisure contributor Joel Balsam summarized our reviews and put them into context for this roundup. He also did his own research and added his own insights from experience gathered from more than a decade of full-time travel.

The 6 Best Fleece Jackets for Women of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week

Edited by Updated by and Read More: