Best Travel Jackets for Men and Women (2024)

Whether you’re packing for travel or a particular adventure, there’s always one baffling question: “which travel jacket should I pack with me?”

In this article, I’m going to walk you through my top picks on the best travel jackets out there- plus give you tips on what features to look for.

The thing is…we’ve all been there- trying to think of all the situations we might need one and wishing there was one jacket that satisfied them all! Unfortunately, there isn’t one magical travel jacket that could answer this much-asked question, so the next best thing to do is to think about what its main use will be.

The main factors to keep in mind are comfort, durability, and performance. If a jacket has these, then you’re pretty much set for anything.

To help find the best travel jacket for you, we’ve picked the best jackets for both women and men in a variety of categories.

Comparison Table for Travel Jackets

Editor’s Picks for Travel Jackets for Women

Best Travel Jackets for Women

Best All-Around Travel Jacket for Women

Arc’teryx Atom Lt Hoody

Best For: Everything

Weight: 12.7 ounces

Type: Polyester with nylon shell

Windproof: Yes

Pros: Lightweight | Versatile | Breathable | Water-resistant

Cons: Not completely waterproof

Men’s Version: Arc’teryx Men’s Atom LT Hoodie

One of the most versatile jackets on the market, the Arc’teryx Atom Lt Hoody is the best all-around travel jacket for women.

Warm, but breathable, lightweight but insulated, stretchy but form fitting, this wind and moisture-wicking jacket is perfect for any climate.

Made from polyester and nylon, Arc’teryx perfected insulation with their Polartec technology and Coreloft insulation. It will keep you warm without making you sweat, which is perfect for women who love activity but don’t want a heavy jacket.

Weighing only 12.6 ounces, you’ll be able to take this jacket along on any adventure without worrying about adding weight or taking up space in your bag.

This jacket comes complete with side panels which allows you to stay cool when getting warm without removing the entire jacket. The shell is covered with durable water-resistant coating to keep moisture from absorbing, and the hood and elastic sleeves will keep you comfortable no matter what the weather’s like.

This is an essential piece for travel and beyond. You absolutely cannot go wrong here.

Best Travel Rain Jacket for Women

North Face Venture 2

Best For: Rain, Shell jacket

Weight: 1.5lbs

Fabric: Made from 100% recycled materials with DryVent performance tech

Type of Waterproofing: Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish

Pros: Water-resistant | Windproof | Breathable, Adjustable

Cons: Runs on the smaller side.

Men’s Version: The North Face Venture 2 Mens

This great all-rounder jacket has to be our first choice for women’s best rain jacket as it is a bestseller for many reasons! This North Face Venture 2 is even better than their first edition.

Key features such as its simple yet versatile style, light weight, and breathable fabric means that you can’t go wrong choosing this jacket for everyday wear, travel, walking or hiking.

Oh, and it’s pretty handy for when the rain starts pouring! A fully seam-sealed jacket made from DryVent™ fabric, you can be reassured by its reliable water resistance however long you are outside for.

Offering little comforts with features such as the brushed chin guard and a figure-flattering fit, this jacket is perfect for women who take on the mountains but want to look good doing it. They also have a ton of great colors, which is always a plus!

Editor’s Picks for Best Travel Jackets for Men

Best Travel Jackets for Men

Best All-Around Travel Jacket for Men

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

Best For: Everything

Weight: 9.1 ounces

Type: Ripstop Nylon

Windproof: Yes

Pros: Water-resistant | Warm | Ultra lightweight | Elastic cuffs | Stuff sack

Cons: Not completely waterproof

Women’s Version: Patagonia Women’s Micro Puff Hoody

If you’re looking for a travel jacket that does it all, this is the one for you. Outdoor gear leader Patagonia has done an unbelievable job crafting this ultra lightweight puff jacket that is perfect for any adventure.

Made from ripstop nylon, it’s durable and resistant to rips and tears, while remaining water-resistant and windproof. The nylon is further treated with durable water repellent to wick water off the shell instead of absorbing it.

This jacket is insulated with PlumaFill synthetics which mimics the positive qualities of down (warm and packable), without the downsides. This special insulation remains warm when wet, so you shouldn’t worry too much if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm.

The cuffs are elastic to keep bad weather out, and the jacket is covered with pockets to keep your valuables safe and hands warm.

However, the best part of this jacket is the left pocket also doubles as a stuff sack, allowing you to turn this prime piece of equipment into a tiny, packable ball. There’s even a carabiner clip to keep it attached to your pack.

As far as all around travel jackets go, this is absolutely one of the best you’ll find.

Best Travel Rain Jacket for Men

Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid

Best For: 3-season hiking | Backpacking | Shell

Weight: 10 0z

Fabric: 2 types of GORE-TEX

Type of Waterproofing: GORE-TEX 3-layer waterproof breathable laminate

Pros: Water-resistant | Windproof | Durable | Adjustable hood | Zipper vents | Stows in zippered pocket

Cons: Pricey | Some find the hood too large

Women’s Version: Arc’teryx Beta AR Hybrid Womens

If you’re one for life in the mountains, the Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid won’t let you down.

Giving you lightweight construction without compromising on weather protection, this is a durable jacket that can hold off the worst storms whilst still allowing you to breathe.

With fully-taped seams, watertight zippers, lock-down cuff tabs, a hem draw cord and a fully adjustable storm hood, there is no moisture that can penetrate this jacket.

Whether you’re a casual hiker or tend to lug a heavy backpack or gear around with you, this lightweight, durable and packable jacket is one piece of clothing that you can’t do without!

Best Winter Jacket for Men

Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody

Best For: Winter jacket

Weight: 12 oz

Fill: 850-fill down

Type of Waterproofing: DWR Finish

Pros: Water-resistant | Warm | Stylish

Cons: Not good for wet conditions

Women’s Version: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket

An excellent midweight option for a jacket that will still give you the warmth you need, Arc’teryx has hit the jackpot with their Cerium LT Hooded Jacket.

Firstly, the jacket looks great, is quite durable, and the insulation makes it a great choice for the winter months.

Secondly, it is made to resist the toughest of weather. With a low-profile storm hood and DWR finish, you will be more than prepared to resist moisture and wind when exploring the outdoors.

Completely suitable as an outer alpine layer in the coldest of weather, this jacket has a stylish fit and features that make it perfect for active outdoor use. The Arc’teryx Cerium LT for women is also a great option!

Insider Tip: For a lighter jacket that will keep you warm at lower altitudes, we recommend the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Jacket.

Read More: Ultimate List: Best Packable Down Jackets for Men and Women 2024

Best Travel Ski Jacket for Men

The North Face Men’s Carto Triclimate Waterproof Jacket

Best For: Skiing, snowboarding, cold climates

Weight: 1.9 Pounds

Insulation: Inner jacket – Synthetic PrimaLoft | No outer jacket

Pros: Suitable for warm and cold weather due to the removable inner jacket | PrimaLoft insulation | Midweight (3-1 system)

Cons: Might need a down jacket underneath

Women’s Version: The North Face Women’s Clementine Triclimate Insulated Ski Jacket

This ski jacket is a favorite among many male snow sports enthusiasts as it has all the features that you would want.

A water resistant shell? Check. A removable liner that transforms the jacket into an everyday accessory? Check. Complete insulation with windproof features yet breathable? Double check!

This 3-in-1 jacket really is a perfectly-designed ski necessity, with some pretty genius features. Among our favorites is that you can tighten the hem from the insides of your pockets. Pretty cool right?

If you’re looking for a jacket that has peak performance in the harshest of winters, in the wet and cold, or even in mild conditions or during sports, this jacket still provides breathability while keeping you warm and toasty.

Best Travel Sports Jacket for Men

Showers Pass Elite 2.1

Best For: Long-distance cycling

Weight: 9 oz

Fabric: Nylon and eVent membrane

Water-resistant & Windproof: Yes

Pros: Water-resistant | Windproof | Warm | Great visibility | Easy to store

Cons: Very pricey

Women’s Version: Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Womens

This tailored MTB jacket not only gives you a perfect regular fit that is suited to city cycling, but it also holds up to the demands of multiple sports, keeping you warm and dry for as long as you’re outdoors!

Although it is created mainly for cycling, you can use for various types of sports too.

So what makes this jacket so popular? Well, that is down to its impressive safety and performance features, which are also the reason for the price.

Designed with long distance riders in mind, this jacket boasts long sleeves, a 3M Reflective trim to keep you visible, large interior pockets for storage and body mapping for ventilation (seriously it has 7 venting options at the pits, cuffs and back!).

One of the coolest looking travel jackets for in our opinion, this jacket has a trim fit and ideally is worn over a base layer or jersey.

Best Travel Hiking Jacket for Men

The North Face Men’s Apex Bionic 2

Best For: Hiking | Also suitable for multi-sports

Weight: 3lbs.

Type: Stretch woven

Windproof: Yes

Pros: Water-resistant | Breathable | Draw cord hem | Comfortable

Cons: No hood | Stiff material may restrict movement

Women’s Version: The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Womens

Considered as a “bridge: jacket between a full waterproof and a fleece, the North Face Apex Bionic 2 is an ideal choice for avid hikers. Water-resistant, breathable, stretchy and ready to go, this jacket will keep you warm, dry and comfortable — no matter the weather.

Its high comfort level is actually one of the main reasons this jacket is so popular. What’s more, it is stylish with a more tailored fit. Although smart, it still functions as a hiking layer where you can easily fit a base layer or fleece top underneath it.

If you’re looking for a lightweight throw-on that will allow you to breathe on your , this travel jacket will provide you with that and more!

Most Stylish Travel Jacket for Men

SCOTTeVEST Windbreaker

Best For: Everything

Weight: 0.6 lbs

Type: Polyester

Windproof: Yes

Pros: Water-resistant | Windproof | Lightweight | 19 pockets | Stylish

Cons: Not entirely waterproof | Not good for cold weather

Mixing fashion and function, this is one of the sleekest men’s travel jackets on the market — and it has a reasonable price tag!

Starting off on a strong note, this jacket has 19 pockets – yes 19! 14 of the pockets are hidden, perfect for stashing valuables on the go and allowing you to carry everything you need for an adventure-filled day.

This jacket comes in five different colors and has a sleek-looking collar, making it perfect for a day on the town or a night out. If you want some extra protection form the elements, throw on the detachable hood and adjust the cuffs to keep water out and heat in.

This jacket is wind and water-resistant and weighs just over half a pound, making it ideal for travel.

If that’s not enough, this jacket has a back pocket that allows you to fold the jacket into itself and store it in your luggage when not in use. How cool is that?

As far as fashionable travel jackets go, men, this is the one for you!

Why You Need a Good Travel Coat

When taking a trip, it’s rare that you’re going to want to bring along your huge, bulky jacket. It’s just not practical, especially if you’re concerned about space or weight in your luggage. But then you’re left with the question of which of your many jackets to bring.

Having a travel jacket should solve this problem.

A good travel jacket is one of the best things you can have because they’re versatile, protect you from the elements, and take away the inconvenience of having a large jacket. They can be worn to venture to the top of mountains or used as a pillow on long journeys.

Having a dependable travel jacket will take away a lot of stress when packing for a trip and will be your new go-to for whatever adventure is on the horizon.

Besides the elements, travel jackets are an all-around practical item to carry with you on the road. It will come in handy more than you’d expect, and you’ll thank yourself ten times over for investing in one!

If you’re an avid traveler or have even flown across the country for a quick trip, you know how cold airports can get. Who ever thought that an airport needed to be that freezing? The cold doesn’t end when you board the plane — in fact it intensifies. Wrap yourself up in your travel jacket on the coldest airplanes and stay cozy 30,000 feet in the air.

Besides airports, you’re bound to face frigid, over air-conditioned places on your travels as well. In warm weather countries, Asia especially, you’ll find that people love to crank up the AC and freeze out the weak (just kidding, but places like malls can get really cold).

Having a compact travel jacket to take along with you is super handy for pulling out in situations like these, especially when that light cardigan you packed just won’t cut it.

Finally, it’s nice to have a warm jacket to slip into after experiencing intense cold, even if it’s warm outside. If you’ve just taken a dip in a freezing lake or a dive to the depths of the ocean, there’s nothing like wrapping yourself up in a nice snug jacket to regain all the heat you’ve just lost.

From the top of mountains to the bottom of the sea, you’ll want something warm to wear during all of your adventures.

What to Look For in a Jacket for Traveling

Finding a good travel jacket is no easy task. Here are some things you should look for when searching for the perfect one!

Compact/Packable

A good travel jacket should be compact.

A compact travel jacket or one that is easily compressible is important so that you can pack it when it needs to be stored away while fitting everything else you need to in your backpack or suitcase.

Durable Material

A durable jacket is just as important as a compact jacket.

The external fabric of your jacket should be determined by the main use of the jacket.

Generally speaking, the best travel jackets are waterproof (or at least water-resistant) and made of a durable, tear-proof material on the outside.

Your travel jacket should also be able to withstand being smushed into a tight space as well as high amounts of activity without damage. A durable jacket is a dependable one, which is a prime feature in any good travel jacket.

Type of Insulation

The main intended use for your travel jacket should help you decide which type of insulation it should have. The two main insulators are goose and synthetic down, which have different qualities and uses.

A jacket with goose down tends to be warmer and easier to pack. However, it also tends to be less water-resistant than a jacket made from synthetic materials. Goose jackets are best for cold conditions.

Because they aren’t very breathable, goose down isn’t ideal for high amounts of physical activity.

On the other hand, a jacket made from synthetic material tends to be more lightweight, breathable and waterproof. It’s best to choose a jacket with synthetic insulation if you plan on doing lots of activity somewhere that’s wet.

Waterproofing

A waterproof jacket is a dependable one. It’s important for your travel jacket to be waterproof, or at least water-resistant so that it can serve you well in a variety of climates. Weather can be highly unpredictable so having a jacket to keep you comfortable despite the elements is an important aspect of a good travel jacket.

Besides protecting you from showers, waterproof jackets also tend to be windproof from the material they’re made of. Windproof jackets are best for areas that tend to be gusty (think coastal cities and towns) and will keep the wind from cutting through your jacket and chilling you to the bone.

However, it’s worth noting that while all waterproof jackets are windproof, not all windproof jackets are waterproof.

If your jacket isn’t completely waterproof, it should at least be water-resistant. A water-resistant jacket is made from fabrics designed to wick water instead of absorb it. That being said, water-resistant isn’t the same as waterproof and if you’re caught in a downpour, you’ll probably end up getting wet.

It’s best to go for a waterproof jacket that you can use in a variety of conditions. Whether it’s windy or rainy, a waterproof jacket should keep you warm and dry.

Comfort

A final consideration to keep in mind when choosing a travel jacket is whether it’s comfortable.

The last thing you want is to be stuck with a jacket that is itchy, too tight or non-breathable. If your jacket isn’t comfortable, you probably won’t use it as much which completely defeats the purpose of having a travel jacket in the first place.

This is something important to keep in mind when deciding which travel jacket is right for you.

How to Choose the Best Travel Jacket For You

Budget

As with any piece of gear, defining your budget is a good first step to narrowing down the immense pool of jackets on the market.

Travel jackets can be pretty pricey but you can definitely find ones at a lower cost. Deciding how much you’re willing to spend will give you a solid range to choose from. From there, you can start thinking about the other considerations.

Climate Variability

If you’re looking to purchase a jacket for a specific trip, it’s a good idea to do some research about the place you’re going.

Look into the temperature (especially lows and night temps!), weather patterns and different activities you may want to do.

If you’re visiting a rainy place, obviously you’ll want to go for a waterproof jacket. If it’s a cooler place or winter at the destination, perhaps it’s best to choose a lightweight down jacket. If it’s a place with great variations in temperature and weather, you may want to choose something more versatile like a lighter jacket that comes with a removable outer shell.

However, since a travel jacket is an investment, I recommend choosing one that works for a variety of locations instead of something you’ll only wear once.

Travel Activities

What activities you plan on doing along the way should help you choose a travel jacket that’s right for you. If you plan on trekking, you’ll want to choose something that’s lightweight and breathable, but works in a variety of different climates to keep you warm throughout the entire climb.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of sports (think cycling and running) in unpredictable weather, you’ll want something flexible, waterproof and breathable.
If you’re going skiing, a waterproof and windproof shell is absolutely essential, with a warm inner lining to keep you cozy on the slopes.

And finally, if you just plan on wandering through new cities, you’ll want something that will keep you warm throughout an entire day of outdoor exploring.

Hardshell vs. Shoftshell Jacket

A final way to narrow down the pool of the thousands of travel jackets available is to decide whether you’d like a hardshell or softshell jacket.

Hardshell jackets are waterproof, windproof and good for protecting you from elements like wind, rain and snow. They also tend to be breathable and lightweight, making them a good option to throw on for a jungle trek or long bike ride.

A softshell jacket isn’t waterproof (however, some are water-resistant) but tend to be much warmer than hardshell jackets. They’re often insulated with down or synthetic materials, and can compress to be super small. A softshell jacket is best for cold weather and will keep you cozy on your travels.

And there we have it guys! A list of the best travel jackets that are top in their category for every weather condition and outdoor activity.

Generally speaking, if you go with a jacket that is from a trusted and well-known outdoor gear brand, you can’t go far wrong. Remember: while they may seem expensive, investing in good, high quality gear is better as they will end up lasting you longer. Happy travels!

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Need more travel gear? Check out these guides

• Best Women’s Hiking Boots 2024: The Ultimate List
• Best Men’s Hiking Boots 2024: Boots for Any Outdoor Adventure
• Ultimate Guide to the Best Travel Cameras (2024)

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