Choosing The Ultimate All-Weather Travel Coat

When it comes to travel coats, there are a lot of options to choose from. The best coat for you will depend on your travel needs and the type of climate you'll be visiting.

If you're travelling to a cold climate, insulated jackets are a good option. These jackets are usually filled with down or synthetic materials to provide warmth. Packable jackets are also a great choice for travellers as they are lightweight, compact, and can be easily folded into a small pouch, saving valuable space in your luggage. Waterproof or water-resistant shells are essential for rainy destinations, while travel blazers or coats offer a more formal look with the functionality of a travel jacket.

Some of the best all-weather travel coats for women include the Patagonia 3-in-1 Parka, the Anatomie Kenya Safari Jacket, and the Gamma Graphene Jacket. For men, the Western Rise AirLoft Shirt Jacket and the Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-on Jacket are great options.

When choosing a travel jacket, look for features like lightweight design, water resistance, and versatility. Pockets, breathability, and adjustable components are also important for enhancing your travel experience.

Packable jackets

Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially when you're trying to fit in bulky coats. A good solution is to invest in a packable jacket, which is ultra-lightweight, keeps you warm, and can be stuffed into its own pocket or carrying sack. Here are some of the best packable jackets for travel:

Best Overall: Columbia Switchback III Jacket

The Columbia Switchback III Jacket is a great choice for those looking for a packable jacket. It can be folded into itself, taking up minimal space in your luggage. The jacket also features a stowaway hood, adjustable velcro wrist cuffs, and a bungee cord hem for a customised fit. While it may not have a lot of insulation, it is perfect for milder weather and can be layered with warmer clothing for colder temperatures.

Best Windbreaker: Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker

The Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight and protective jacket. It is made with a water- and wind-resistant, repurposed polyester taffeta material and features a DWR finish to repel light rain. This jacket is perfect for outdoor adventures like biking and hiking. It is also quite durable and can be easily packed into a backpack or suitcase.

Best for Hiking: L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket

The L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket is ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. It is designed to keep you warm and is both water- and wind-resistant. The jacket can be tucked away into its own pocket, measuring only 6 x 11 inches, making it easy to carry in a daypack or fanny pack. It also comes in a variety of sizes, including regular, petite, and plus cuts, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone.

Best Lightweight: Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket

The Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket is a fantastic option for those seeking a lightweight and versatile jacket. It is made with recycled polyester and filled with 60 grams of 100% recycled PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, making it an eco-friendly choice. The jacket is incredibly lightweight and breathable, providing a full range of motion. It can be easily folded into its own pocket, making it perfect for travel. However, it does not have a hood, which may be a drawback for some.

Best Down-Filled: Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket

The Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket is a great choice for those seeking a warm and cosy jacket for winter travel. It is made with 100% goose feather down fill and the brand's DiamondStretch fabric, which is water- and wind-resistant. The jacket also features a removable hood, fleece-lined pockets, and a hidden phone or passport sleeve. It can be easily packed into the included stuff sack and is a great option for ski trips or other winter activities.

Best Budget: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket

The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. It comes with a sleeping bag-like stuff sack that can be compressed to fit easily into your carry-on. The jacket is lightweight and breathable, providing the perfect balance of warmth and breathability. It also features a cosy puffed collar for extra warmth. However, it does not have a hood, which may be a consideration for some.

Waterproof/water-resistant shells

When it comes to travel coats, a waterproof or water-resistant shell is a must-have. Here are some key considerations and recommendations for choosing the perfect shell jacket for your travels:

Key Considerations:

• Breathability: Look for a jacket that not only protects you from the elements but also allows moisture vapour to escape, keeping you comfortable during physical activities.
• Packability: Consider a jacket that can be easily packed into a small pouch or its own pocket. This feature saves space and is ideal for travellers who want to pack light.
• Features: Think about the features you need, such as a hood, adjustable cuffs, ventilation, and pockets. A stowaway hood and adjustable wrist cuffs can provide a more customised fit.
• Durability: Opt for a jacket made with durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Look for trusted brands known for their quality.
• Style: Choose a style that suits your preferences and the climate you'll be travelling in. Consider a longer jacket for colder climates and a lightweight option for milder weather.

Recommendations:

• Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket: A popular option recommended by many travellers and hikers. It offers a good balance between price, performance, and durability.
• Outdoor Research Aspire II GORE-TEX Jacket: This jacket features a GORE-TEX fabric, which is known for its waterproof and breathable properties. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a technical jacket.
• Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket: A lightweight and packable option that provides good rain protection.
• L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket: This jacket is ideal for travellers who want to save space. It can be tucked into its own pocket and provides water and wind resistance.
• Columbia Switchback III Jacket: Columbia is a trusted brand for outdoor gear, and this jacket lives up to its reputation. It's lightweight, packable, and equipped with a stowaway hood.
• Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker: A lightweight and durable option made with water- and wind-resistant material. It's ideal for transitional seasons like spring and fall.
• The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie: This jacket offers good protection from the elements and features a comfortable hood design.
• Eddie Bauer Men's CirrusLite Down Jacket: An affordable and versatile option that packs down small. It's perfect for cool summer nights and shoulder seasons.
• Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket: A cosy and warm option for ski trips or winter travel. It's made with goose down fill and packs easily into the included stuff sack.

Insulated jackets

Best Overall:

The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is a great mix of warmth, mobility, and comfort. It's also very versatile and can be used as an outer or mid-layer. It's not the most breathable option, but it does the job in most conditions.

Best Budget:

The Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Hooded Jacket is a stylish, retro-looking jacket that is reversible and packs into its chest pocket. It's not the lightest, warmest, or most breathable, but it's a great value at $150.

Best for High-Output Activities:

The North Face Summit Series Casaval Hybrid Hoodie is a durable, breathable, and sweat-resistant jacket. It's ideal for high-intensity activities like skiing and climbing. It's a little heavy, but it's the cheapest option among similar jackets.

Best Weather-Resistant:

The Patagonia DAS Parka is very warm and weather-resistant, ideal for cold and wet conditions. It's expensive and probably overkill for most travellers, but it's a great choice for winter conditions.

Best Ultralight/Packable:

The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody is an excellent option for space-conscious travellers. It's warm, light, and packs down small, making it perfect for multi-pitch climbing and backcountry skiing. It's not as weather-resistant as the DAS Parka, but it's a good mid-layer.

Best for Hiking:

The L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket is a versatile, super-warm, and packable jacket. It's water- and wind-resistant, making it ideal for hiking in cold climates. It's also a good option for daily use and travel.

Best for Running:

The Lululemon Warp Light Packable Jacket is a versatile, insulated, and water-repellent jacket. It's great for running and other sweaty activities, as it wicks away moisture and prevents odour. It also has convenient pockets, including a slot in the back.

Best for Snow Sports:

The Rab Alpine Down Jacket is ideal for colder weather and snow sports. It's made of warm, water-resistant down and high-quality polyamide, and it comes with a brimmed hood. It packs down easily and includes a stuff sack.

Best for Layering:

The Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is a lightweight, thin, and warm synthetic jacket. It's ideal for layering and has a great system of pockets, including a zippered chest pocket that doubles as a packable sack. It doesn't have a hood, but there's a hooded version available for a bit more money.

Best Wind Protection:

The L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket is a warm, lightweight, and wind-resistant synthetic jacket. It uses PrimaLoft Gold and Aerogel, an extremely light insulation material designed by NASA. It's a great option for blocking aggressive wind chills.

Best Splurge:

The Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody is an excellent jacket for the price. It's warm, lightweight, mobile, and comfortable. It stuffs into its pocket and is stylish enough to be worn around town.

Best for Transitional Weather:

The Decathlon Forclaz Men's MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket is a lightweight, warm, and water-repellent jacket. It's ideal for spring and fall weather and can be packed into its left-hand pocket. It's very durable and comfortable.

Best Windbreaker:

The Cotopaxi Teca Half-zip Windbreaker is a lightweight, water- and wind-resistant jacket. It's not very breathable, but it's protective against breezy outings and rigorous outdoor adventures. It's slightly oversized, so you can fit a sweatshirt underneath.

Best Down-filled:

The Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket is a great option for ski trips and other winter travel. It's made with goose down fill and DiamondStretch fabric, which is water- and wind-resistant and offers plenty of stretch for mobility. It comes with a removable hood, fleece-lined pockets, and a hidden phone or passport sleeve.

Best Budget Down Jacket:

The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket is a lightweight, warm, and breathable puffer jacket. It comes with a sleeping bag-like stuff sack that compresses the jacket down to easily fit into a carry-on. It doesn't have a hood, but it does have a puffed collar for extra warmth.

Travel blazers or coats

When selecting a travel blazer or coat, it is essential to consider the fabric and its unique properties. For instance, fabrics like nylon and polyester are known for their lightweight, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant qualities, making them excellent choices for travel. Additionally, merino wool is an excellent option for insulation and odour resistance, while advanced polyester with insulation technology provides warmth without bulk and maintains breathability.

• Western Rise AirLoft Shirt Jacket: This jacket combines comfort and style with its lightweight, quick-drying, and water-resistant properties. It is designed with multiple pockets and can be easily folded, making it a versatile option for travellers.
• Ministry of Supply Kinetic Blazer: Crafted from 100% Japanese Primeflex Polyester, this blazer is an excellent choice for work travel. It offers comfort and can easily be dressed up or down, making it versatile for various travel occasions.
• Anatomie Kenya Safari Jacket: This mid-weight jacket is an excellent choice for those seeking a blend of style and functionality. It features a flattering fit, moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, and multiple pockets for added convenience.
• Nomatic Outset Jacket: This jacket is an excellent option for those seeking a soft and insulated travel coat. It is designed with a coating to repel water and prevent stains, and it can be packed into itself, making it a versatile and functional choice.

Lightweight design

When it comes to travel coats, lightweight design is a key feature. The best all-weather travel coats are designed to be compact and easily packable, taking up minimal space in your luggage. This is especially important if you're travelling with hand luggage only or aiming to keep your luggage as light as possible.

Lightweight travel coats are often made from materials such as nylon, polyester, or a blend of the two. These fabrics are known for their lightweight, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant qualities, making them ideal for travel. Some coats may also incorporate spandex or elastane for added stretch and mobility. Additionally, materials like merino wool are favoured for insulation and odour resistance, while fleece provides lightweight warmth.

When considering a lightweight travel coat, look for one that is versatile and adaptable to different environments. Some coats have removable layers or hoods, allowing you to adjust to changing weather conditions. Others may have features like adjustable wrist cuffs and bungee cord hems for a more customised fit. Pockets, both inside and outside, are also essential for keeping your hands warm and dry, as well as storing small items securely.

• Columbia Switchback III Jacket – This jacket can be folded into itself, taking up minimal space in your luggage. It features a stowaway hood, adjustable wrist cuffs, and a bungee cord hem for a customised fit.
• Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket – This featherlight jacket is flexible and breathable, making it ideal for various activities. It can be easily packed into its own pocket, making it highly portable.
• Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket – This goose down-filled jacket is warm and cosy, perfect for ski trips or winter travel. It comes with a removable hood, fleece-lined pockets, and a hidden sleeve for safekeeping valuables.
• Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket – This lightweight puffer jacket comes with a stuff sack, allowing it to be compressed into a small size. It strikes a balance between warmth and breathability and has a puffed collar for extra warmth.
• Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-on Jacket – This jacket is incredibly lightweight and packs down to the size of a soda can. It features a well-designed hood with a wired brim to keep the rain off your face.
• Vuori Venture Track Jacket – This soft and comfy jacket packs down to the size of a mango and can be easily carried in a bag or even a pocket. It's great for cooler weather workouts or as a layering piece.

Frequently asked questions