Travel Products Style Apparel Outerwear The 16 Best Lightweight Jackets for Women and Men There’s nothing more versatile than a great lightweight jacket. By Alesandra Dubin Alesandra Dubin Instagram Twitter Website Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 19, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan A lightweight jacket is a travel essential: it covers your bases when you’re planning to be out all day in an environment where it’s cool in the morning and evening but warm at midday, or where weather is unfamiliar or unpredictable. It’s not as heavy to pack as a bulkier coat — and it’s even perfect to wear on the plane. Overall, it’s generally a great pick for transitional weather in the spring and fall. When shopping for a lightweight jacket, consider the weather in your destination (and in transit). And look for versatile styles that layer easily and are appropriate for a range of occasions to maximize your packing efficiency. To help guide your search, we rounded up the best packable jackets for women and men in 2023, whether you just need to cover your arms in an air-conditioned airplane cabin or convention center, or you need serious performance for cold, windy, or wet conditions. Our Top Picks Best Overall for Women: The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Eco Jacket 2.0 at The North Face Jump to Review Best Water-resistant for Women: Lole Piper Oversized Rain Jacket at Lolelife.com Jump to Review Best Trench for Women: M.M. LaFleur Scotte Jacket at Mmlafleur.com Jump to Review Best Puffer for Women: Patagonia Women's Down Sweater at Patagonia.com Jump to Review Best Denim for Women: Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket at Madewell.com Jump to Review Best Bomber for Women: Alo Blaze Bomber at Aloyoga.com Jump to Review Best with Hood for Women: Bernardo Neo Active Double Up Hooded Puffer at Bernardofashions.com Jump to Review Best Quilted for Women: Halfdays Nellie Packable Puffer Jacket at Halfdays.com Jump to Review Best Overall for Men: Public Rec All Day Every Day Jacket at Publicrec.com Jump to Review Best Bomber for Men: Everlane Bomber Jacket at Everlane.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight Jackets for Women Best Overall for Women The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Eco Jacket 2.0 The North Face View On The North Face Why We Love It This lightweight, shopper-favorite jacket is ultra-versatile, easily transitioning from the trail to the city — and it’s sustainably made, too. What to Consider Consider sizing up if you plan to layer heavily under this slim-fitting jacket. This workhorse of a lightweight jacket is a perennial customer favorite — and a solid contender for your next travel wardrobe go-to. We love that it’s light and easy to move around in without bulk. It has a casual, sporty look, but the cut is versatile enough to wear for a range of circumstances (especially in a color like basic black, although options include more eye-catching versions, including an abstract floral print), so it moves with you seamlessly throughout your travel day. The quilting pattern guarantees serious insulation for warmth and durability while the jacket stays lightweight and packable. It’s also made with 100 percent recycled fabrics and fill so you can feel good about making a sustainable choice. Price at time of publish: $210 The Details: XS to 3XL | Black, blue, abstract floral, slate | Returns accepted within 90 days | Recycled nylon Best Water-resistant for Women Lole Piper Oversized Rain Jacket Lole View On Lolelife.com Why We Love It This water-resistant lightweight jacket is easily packable and ideal for travel. What to Consider This jacket runs large so you’ll want to size down. This lightweight jacket is water resistant, quick drying, and perfect for wet weather. It’s fully seam-sealed so you stay dry even when it’s pouring. The materials are sustainably sourced, and the construction uses no harmful chemicals. Price at time of publish: $149 The Details: XS to XXL | Oyster, paprika, black, green, white, blue, aloe | Return within 30 days of purchase date | Shell: 100 percent polyester; Membrane: 100 percent polyurethane; Lining: 100 percent nylon Best Trench for Women M.M. LaFleur Scotte Jacket M.M. LaFleur View On Mmlafleur.com Why We Love It This lightweight jacket is so chic with a cropped length, removable belt, and cinchable sleeves — and it’s beyond elegant as it’s made with 100 percent silk. What to Consider You’ll want to size down for a more tailored fit, and it’s dry clean only. This take on a trench coat is streamlined and chic, with a cropped length and made from 100 percent silk. The double-breasted jacket has a removable belt so you can change up the look, and adjustable sleeves for a bespoke — and oh-so-stylish — fit, with enough room to layer underneath. Price at time of publish: $365 The Details: XS to XXL | Khaki | Return for a full refund within 21 days of shipment | Silk The 12 Best Packable Jackets for Women and Men of 2023 Best Puffer for Women Patagonia Women's Down Sweater Patagonia View On Patagonia.com Why We Love It This lightweight jacket is equally warm and comfortable — plus it has a built-in stuff sack for travel. What to Consider It’s on the pricey side. This windproof down puffer jacket is lightweight and offers the right amount of warmth for just about everything. The shell is made of nylon ripstop from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution, and it’s insulated with responsible down that’s certified to demonstrate better animal welfare practices in the down and feather supply chain. Two hand warmer pockets have invisible zippers for security, and an internal zippered chest pocket even converts to a stuff sack with a carabiner clip-on loop for travel practicality. Price at time of publish: $279 The Details: XXS to XXL | Black, pink, green, navy, white, mauve, blue-gray | No set time limit for returns | 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon Best Denim for Women Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket Madewell View On Madewell.com Why We Love It Perfectly oversized in a goes-with-everything wash, this denim jacket will travel with you everywhere — year after year. Plus, it comes in an inclusive range of sizes. What to Consider Plan to layer for extra warmth as needed. This oversized jacket is a bestselling fan favorite, made in a classic indigo wash with a cool trucker jacket silhouette that feels both ‘60s vintage and timeless. Made of 100 percent cotton non-stretch denim, it has deep interior pockets to keep your phone or other essentials safe while traveling through congested conditions. It’s machine washable for easy wear and maintenance — and it goes with just about everything. Price at time of publish: $138 The Details: XXS to XXL (standard) and 1X to 4X (plus) | Medium wash | Refund or exchange within 30 days of purchase |100 percent cotton Best Bomber for Women Alo Blaze Bomber Alo View On Aloyoga.com Why We Love It This bomber is as comfy as it is cool, with tons of pockets and a cozy faux-shearling collar. What to Consider We wish the size range was a bit more inclusive. This sleek bomber jacket manages to be lightweight and cozy at the same time, with an oversized fit and tons of pockets (including snap pockets on the sides) that are useful for stashing essentials on the go. A soft faux-shearling flap collar adds to the warmth and edges up the style, too. The lightweight ripstop fabric holds up against travel conditions, and the relaxed fit leaves room for layering underneath. Bonus: it’s machine washable, too. Price at time of publish: $159 The Details: XS to L | Black, espresso | Returns accepted within 30 days for full refund | Lightweight woven and ripstop fabrics The 10 Best Women’s Winter Coats and Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best with Hood for Women Bernardo Neo Active Double Up Hooded Puffer Bernardo View On Bernardofashions.com Why We Love It Equally warm and chic, this jacket packs up tidily for convenient travel. What to Consider Expect a slim fit on this tailored jacket; it runs small. For how lightweight it is, this hooded jacket packs a punch for warmth when you need it: it has a sustainable recycled filler that’s warm without being bulky. And it’s super packable, with a zip-off vest design, stand collar, and neoprene panels that make it easy to move around in. Zipper pockets add a dose of extra security for all your essentials. Price at time of publish: $99 The Details: XS to XXL | Black, chocolate, russet brown, violet, navy, peppercorn, liquid metal, rose brown | Free returns and exchanges within 15 days of ship date | 100% percent polyester shell and lining Best Quilted for Women Halfdays Nellie Packable Puffer Jacket Halfdays View On Halfdays.com Why We Love It Versatile and sustainably made, this lightweight puffer packs into itself and doubles as a travel pillow. What to Consider Expect a boxy, oversized fit. Size down if you want something more fitted. Made with sustainable fabrics, this oversized puffer looks substantial, but it’s actually lightweight and supremely packable. It even packs into itself and multi-tasks as a travel pillow. A strap slides over your suitcase handle or snaps it to a backpack. And it’s warm, too: a wind-resistant shell with recycled insulation takes the sting out of the draft and keeps cold air out. We also love the relaxed, oversized fit that gives you room to layer and wear for year-round adventure. Choose to customize the fit with an adjustable hem and snap cuffs, and zippered pockets keep your belongings secure during travel. Price at time of publish: $195 The Details: XS to 2X | Back, red, blue, sage, bright green, sand, orange, pink | Returns within 15 days of receipt of order | 55 percent nylon, 45 percent recycled nylon (shell); 100 percent recycled PET bottles (insulation) Best Lightweight Jackets for Men Best Overall for Men Public Rec All Day Every Day Jacket Public Rec View On Publicrec.com Why We Love It Comfortable, warm, and versatile, this sleek jacket works for travel days, work, and everyday lounging. What to Consider It may be challenging to get the right fit, so look at size guides and reviews to determine what size will be best for you. While this lightweight jacket has an athleticwear vibe, it’s also polished enough to dress up for a sleek, put-together look that goes everywhere. It’s tailored with clean lines, and makes for an easy layering piece over T-shirts or under bulkier pieces for more warmth. Pair it with the matching joggers, jeans — or just about anything. Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, it’s comfy and holds up to rigorous use, and it’s easily machine washable. Plus, it’s packed with secure pockets for stashing essentials on travel days: two front pockets and a chest pocket all feature zippers. Price at time of publish: $128 The Details: S to XXL | Heather navy, charcoal, black | Free returns within 45 days | 88 percent nylon, 12 percent spandex The 12 Best Ski Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Bomber for Men Everlane Bomber Jacket Everlane View On Everlane.com Why We Love It This cool updated take on a flight jacket is sustainably made and water resistant — and you have a whole year to exchange it if you have any issues. What to Consider This lightweight jacket isn’t enough protection on its own for serious wind or chill. This sustainably made take on a flight jacket is a low-risk proposition: if you have any quality issues, you have a full 365 days to swap it out for a replacement. Made of a recycled water-resistant cotton-polyester blend, this lightweight jacket has magnetic closure pockets for security while traveling. And it’s machine washable, too. Price at time of publish: $148 The Details: XS to XXL | Black, navy, khaki | Returns accepted within 30 days of ship date; a replacement for any damage within 365 days | 68 percent cotton, 32 percent recycled polyester Best Trench for Men Bonobos The Mac Jacket Bonobos View On Bonobos.com Why We Love It This water-resistant trench is timeless and versatile, and it’s machine washable. What to Consider This trench is available in just one classic color. This polished trench coat is as practical as it is smart-looking. It’s water resistant for rainy days, just sporty enough to be versatile, and plenty professional for a business trip. It buttons at the center, and the body and sleeves are partially lined with an interior pocket for keeping essentials close, and tabs at the sleeve cuffs complete the look. For maintenance, this lightweight jacket goes right into the machine (wash cold on gentle and tumble dry low). Price at time of publish: $289 The Details: S to L | Khaki | Return or exchange within 45 days of order shipment | 100 percent cotton Best Puffer for Men L.L.Bean Men’s Mountain Classic Puffer Jacket L.L. Bean View On L.L.Bean Why We Love It Packable, practical, and accessibly priced, this jacket is a fan-favorite for good reason. What to Consider You’ll need an additional outlet layer for cooler conditions. This lightweight puffer is seriously performance-minded, with a water-resistant polyester shell that keeps rain and water out for outdoor activities. It’s eminently packable and practical, and can be machine washed and dried. It has lightweight insulation that makes it perfect to wear alone in warmer conditions or as a mid-layer when the weather is cold. Hand pockets have snap closures for secure storage, and a stand-up collar keeps your neck out of the draft. Price at time of publish: $99 The Details: S to 3XL in regular or tall | Barley, black, gray, blue | Return within one year for a refund | Polyester The 15 Best Puffer Jackets of 2023 Best Denim for Men Levi’s Vintage Relaxed Fit Trucker Jacket Leviâs View On Levi.com Why We Love It This iconic jacket has a relaxed fit and serves a wide range of travel and layering purposes — plus, it will last for decades. What to Consider This jacket is washable, but do so sparingly to preserve its life (spot clean instead when that will do). There’s nothing more classic or versatile than a denim jacket — and it serves just about every travel purpose (save for formalwear). This version has a broken-in, ‘90s-inspired vibe, with a boxy silhouette and roomy shoulders and sleeves. Inside pockets are spacious enough for a smartphone, wallet, and even a snack. Price at time of publish: $98 The Details: XS to XXL | Black, faded black, medium wash, light wash | Return or exchange within 60 days of purchase | 100 percent cotton Best with Hood for Men Orvis Men's PRO Insulated Hoodie Orvis View On Amazon View On Orvis.com Why We Love It While lightweight, this hooded jacket is seriously protective against strong winds and cold. What to Consider The fit on this jacket runs on the smaller/slimmer side, so you’ll want to size up. This packable jacket is built for performance — and holds up against harsh conditions, despite being so lightweight. It’s insulated for optimal temperature control while allowing significant mobility, and the ripstop nylon shell holds up against rugged conditions. Plus, an internal zippered security pocket doubles as a reversible stuff sack, so it’s ideal for travel. Price at time of publish: $249 The Details: S to XXL | Granite, black, camo | Refunds accepted by mail or in store | Ripstop nylon shell, PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation in body, hood, and arm, Polartec Alpha insulation in side panel and under arm Best Quilted for Men Patagonia Nano Puff Water-Resistant Jacket REI View On REI View On Backcountry.com View On Dick's Why We Love It This fan-favorite jacket is built for performance and for packing, too, with its own built-in stuff sack and carabiner. What to Consider Threads may have a tendency to pull. This performance-driven jacket is water resistant and retains almost all of its insulating capability — even when it’s wet. The insulation is made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, so it’s not just efficient but sustainably made, too. The windproof and moisture-shedding recycled polyester ripstop shell holds up durably against rugged conditions. Elasticized cuffs and an adjustable drawcord also help keep wind out and warmth in. Zippered hand warmer pockets are both secure and cozy, and a zippered internal chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack with a carabiner clip-in loop. Price at time of publish: $229 The Details: XS to XXXL | Black, navy, gray, dark gray, green, yellow, blue | Recycled polyester Best Water-resistant for Men Columbia Men’s Watertight lI Jacket Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It This seriously waterproof jacket packs easily, and comes in a huge range of colors and inclusive sizes. What to Consider This jacket might not be warm enough for colder weather, so we recommend sizing up and layering underneath. This breathable and fully seam-sealed lightweight jacket takes rain protection seriously to keep you dry even in formidable rain. It has an attached, adjustable storm hood and zippered hand pockets. And it’s supremely packable, too, stuffing conveniently into its own hand pocket to store away. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: S to XXL (standard), 1X to 6X (big), LT to 5XT (tall) | Navy, black, gray, graphite, red, olive, azul, bright aqua, raisin, gold | Returns within 60 days of purchase | 100 percent nylon Tips for Buying a Lightweight Jacket Consider the weather Lightweight jackets aren’t just for warmer weather, but they’re also ideal for transitional or unpredictable weather. Specifically, consider whether your destination might have rain. If so, look for hoods and water-resistant fabric to keep you protected and dry. If it’s very humid in your destination, prioritize breathable fabrics. Prioritize packability Packability isn’t just about streamlined weight and bulk. It’s also about choosing fabrics that come out of your suitcase looking their best, without losing shape, wrinkling, or creasing. Look for versatile styles The utility of a lightweight jacket lends itself to being a staple of a travel wardrobe, with the potential to wear throughout an entire day as a layering piece. Make sure your jacket works with your travel wardrobe and personal style and that the jacket is appropriate for a variety of occasions — so you can take it, say, from sightseeing straight into dinner. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best material for a lightweight jacket? The best material for a lightweight jacket is one that doesn’t wrinkle or crease, and that offers breathability in a variety of weather conditions. Cotton and cotton blend fabrics are ideal for dry conditions, whereas nylon can provide performance in the rain. How do I wash a lightweight jacket? Wash your jacket according to the instructions specified on the label. Some of the jackets on our list may be machine washed and dried, while others require fussier care such as hand washing, spot cleaning, or dry cleaning when necessary. How do I pack a jacket? Zip or button the jacket to close it before folding the sleeves over the front so it’s roughly square in shape, and then fold in quarters from there. Some of the jackets on our list come with their own stuff sacks for easy packing. Or you may choose to wear your jacket on the plane to save luggage space (and keep warm in transit). Why Trust Travel + Leisure Alesandra Dubin is a career travel and lifestyle writer and product reviewer. She’s also a frequent traveler with plenty of hard-earned packing experience. The Best Ski Jackets for Men and Women Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit