Unless I’m headed to a tropical destination in the middle of summer, packing a jacket or two is non-negotiable.
From chilly morning sightseeing to breezy evenings out, they come in clutch practically every day of a trip.
While many jackets aren’t exactly practical for packing—they have the audacity to take up half a carry-on—some are exceptions to the rule.
Over the years, I’ve found four I love to bring everywhere, from bopping through European towns to big-city explorations to hiking excursions.
In this article
Arc'teryx Atom SL Jacket
You probably won’t believe me, but this jacket folds so compactly that I can literally fit it into a crossbody purse. But don’t let its compact size fool you into thinking it won’t keep you warm.
The brand has really outdone itself with this one, using its “Fortius™ Air” fabric to keep your temperature regulated while protecting you from rain and wind. It has soft fleece side panels, a slightly stretchy feel, and uninsulated, mesh-lined sleeves so your core stays warm without overheating.
It’s also wrinkle-proof, and I know this because I have aggressively smushed it into an overpacked carry-on.
Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Zip Vegan Leather Jacket
When I want a more dressed-up look that works for brunch, happy hour, and casual days about town, this is the jacket I reach for. Made from vegan leather, it has a slim fit and a fold-down collar, and it's versatile enough to pair with jeans, dresses, and even work attire. The leather also makes it a nice option for upscale evenings compared to other packable jackets that lean athletic.
While it doesn’t pack quite as compactly as some jackets on this list (to be fair, those are extraordinarily impressive designs), it still takes up very little space.
Plus, it’s easy to wear and works with almost everything I pack, which really earns its spot in my luggage.
Lululemon Define Jacket
For my sportier days where athleisure wins, I always choose the Define Jacket from Lululemon. In fact, I love this jacket so much that I have three in different colors and lengths. There’s also a cropped version.
It’s supremely stretchy, won’t wrinkle when packed, and has a cool, slick athletic look that I love for more casual days. The paneling is also super flattering, and the high collar adds extra warmth on especially cold days.
I’m not surprised this is one of the brand’s most popular items. The retail clerk recommended sizing down for a snug and flattering fit, and I’m glad I did.
Kuhl Spyfire Down Parka
The price tag’s a bit steep on this one, but ask any outdoor adventurer about the cost of staying warm in the coldest of temps, and they’ll tell you every dime spent is worth it. Also, the fact that this long down parka is super comfortable and flattering has meant I’ve worn the heck out of it, extracting every bit of my money’s worth.
Made for winter weather, it features 800-fill-power goose down and a fancy “body-mapped design” that helps lock in heat where you need it. For example, the larger baffles at the torso maximize core warmth. The extra-long length, not often found in jackets, also helps keep me warmer.
And, of course, it’s excellent for travel. It’s surprisingly lightweight and packs compactly. I even brought it all the way to Mongolia. Usually, I roll it into a ball, and it fits neatly in my suitcase.
The Shortcut
The crush test matters most: If a jacket can’t get shoved into an overstuffed carry-on and come out looking fine, it doesn’t make the trip.
Two jackets cover almost everything: Pack one athletic layer and one that can pass at a nice dinner, and you’re set for most trips.
Down is worth the splurge for real cold: A good down parka can still roll up small enough to fit in a suitcase, and a longer cut keeps more of you warm.
Size down in stretchy jackets: A snug fit looks sharper and still moves with you.
