Jackets aren’t always the most travel-friendly. Some are too bulky, taking up a lot of space in your luggage, while others might pack just fine and provide warmth, but aren't versatile enough to handle a range of climates.
The ideal travel jacket is one that’s breathable and layers well, and it’s easier to find than you’d think.
My personal favorite is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket. The bestselling $189 travel jacket is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, and while it’s not exactly budget-friendly, it comes packed with features that make it a worthy travel investment.
You can wear it on its own or pair it with other layers, making it a travel jacket you can turn to regardless of the weather.
I’ve worn it walking trails and exploring cities, and if you only want to pack one jacket, here’s why this should be it.
In this article
A Waterproof and Breathable Three-Layer Design
With a three-layer design, this jacket is ready for any trip and adventure.
It’s made of 3.5-ounce 50-denier Econyl, which is a 100% recycled nylon material with a durable water-repellent finish. It also has a waterproof and breathable polycarbonate polyurethane membrane, and a tricot backer that adds comfort while protecting the inner layer. It's also resistant to wind.
Whether it’s to explore a new city, go on a hike, or for everyday wear, I find this coat to be comfortable and performance-ready.
And that’s not by coincidence. It was designed to live up to Patagonia’s H2No Performance Standard, which is a rigorous multi-year process that tests how waterproof, breathable, repellent, and durable a product is. And at just under 1 pound, it won’t weigh you down or take up too much space in a bag.
Thoughtful Travel-Friendly Details
Many other thoughtful design elements contribute to making this jacket a standout for travel.
For warmth, comfort, and protection, it features an adjustable hood with a visor that can be rolled down, a waterproof and breathable microfleece-lined neck, an adjustable drawcord hem, internal and external storm flaps, and handwarmer pockets.
For extra ventilation in warmer climates, welted pit zips can be opened for added airflow rather than taking off your jacket completely. It’s a useful design perk that comes in handy when it’s hot and raining, providing protection from the rain but relief from the heat.
The jacket can also be folded and packed into the left pocket, making it easy to store in a travel bag. It even comes with a carabiner clip-in loop for extra portability.
A Piece of a Modular Travel Jacket System
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket works exceptionally well in multiple seasons, conditions, and climates. The only trick is wearing it with the right layers.
During hot and rainy days, wear it with a T-shirt or tank top with the pit zips open. For mild spring and fall weather, I suggest wearing it over a long-sleeve top, a flannel, or a light sweater.
When the temperature really drops, add even more layers. You can wear a solid base layer made of Merino wool, a mid-layer made of fleece, or a slim puffer jacket (like Patagonia’s bestselling Nano Puffer), and add the jacket on top to keep you warm and dry.
However, the jacket has more of a slim fit. If you plan to wear thicker layers underneath, I recommend sizing up to make sure you can wear layers but still be able to move around with ease.
The Shortcut
The Torrentshell packs into its own left pocket and weighs under a pound, making it a great choice when packing light.
If you're layering in cold weather, size up. The jacket runs slim and thicker layers need room.
Pit zips are underrated. On hot, rainy days they're a game changer for breathability.
