The best travel jackets for women are comfortable, versatile, and have helpful features, such as interior pockets and stowable hoods for inclement weather. These jackets should be easy to pack down and shouldn’t take up too much space in your luggage, like our top overall pick, Lululemon’s Pack It Down Jacket. Some are stylish enough to be worn to dinner or draped over your shoulders as you explore a museum, like Madewell’s The Jean Jacket, another top recommendation.
The best travel jackets for women are comfortable, versatile, and have helpful features, such as … [+] interior pockets and stowable hoods.
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To compile our list of winners, we spent more than eight hours evaluating each product’s fabric, durability, versatility, color and size options before finalizing this guide. We also consulted with Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran, who has visited 35 countries and used various types of jackets during her travels. From an affordable Quince windbreaker to Patagonia’s packable Nano Puff Hoody, here are the best travel jackets for women in 2024.
Materials: Nylon and elastane; white goose down and goose feather filling | Sizes: 0 to 14
Pros:
Windproof and water-resistant
700-fill-power goose down for extra warmth
Folds down into the included pouch for travel days
Cons:
This packable jacket from trusted athleisure brand Lululemon is the ideal travel companion for hiking expeditions, exploring new cities and more. It’s made from a blend of nylon and elastane with white goose down filling for lightweight warmth. Its exterior fabric is water-resistant and windproof, with a removable hood and two side pockets. It has a slim fit that hugs the body, so you might want to size up if you prefer your jackets to fit more loosely. As an added benefit, the jacket packs down into an included pouch that can be tossed in any bag or personal item for easy storage.
Materials: Recycled nylon, polyester lining | Sizes: XS to XL
Pros:
Interior and exterior pockets
Elastic cuffs and cinchable hem keep the wind out
Cons:
Better suited for spring and fall
Although it’s the most affordable jacket on our list, Quince’s Water Repellent Windbreaker Jacket is a stylish and comfortable option you’ll be happy to have in your arsenal. It has a slightly boxy, cropped body with a stowable hood (which can easily be tucked into its collar when not used) and elasticized cuffs to keep you warm. Other thoughtful features include a cinchable hem and interior and exterior pockets. Due to this windbreaker’s light construction, it’s better suited for spring and fall, as it won’t insulate you quite as well as down jackets.
Materials: Nylon and cotton with a water-repellent finish (DWR) | Sizes: XXS to 3X
Pros:
Made from lightweight, recycled nylon
Stowable hood
Cinchable hem
Cons:
Not as insulated as other picks
If you’re looking for a lightweight layer that can be thrown over sweaters, t-shirts and other tops, consider Athleta’s Everywhere Jacket. It’s cut from a nylon and cotton blend that’s comfortable, light and packable—it can easily be folded down or rolled into an overnight bag, backpack or purse. Its fabric is also treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that causes water to bead and roll off the surface of the jacket, keeping you dry and warm. The boxy design has two lower zip pockets, a stowable hood and a cinchable hem. It comes in a wide range of colors (five total, including navy and olive) and both petite and tall sizes.
Patagonia
Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Hoody
Materials: Recycled polyester shell; 60-g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco 100% postconsumer recycled polyester fill | Sizes: XXS to XXL
Pros:
Recycled polyester fill is warm yet breathable
Windproof and water-resistant
Folds up into the internal chest pocket
Cons:
Expensive
Some reviewers say the sleeves can run long
Patagonia’s Nano Puff Hoodie provides top-of-the-line performance in cold and windy environments thanks to its 60-g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco 100% postconsumer recycled polyester fill. It remains warm—even when wet—and doesn’t shift around due to its horizontal quilting pattern. Two zippered pockets are perfect for keeping your hands toasty or stashing any essentials, while the internal chest pocket provides extra storage and doubles as a storage pouch when the jacket isn’t being used. Customers also mention that it’s a great piece to wear year-round, as it fits under heavier wool coats in the colder months but can be worn on its own during the spring and summer.
Materials: Polyamide shell; recycled polyester and elastane lining | Sizes: XXS to XXL
Pros:
Water-resistant material
Generously sized drawstring hood
Lined for extra warmth
Cons:
Only two color options available
If you’re searching for a waterproof travel jacket, this iteration from Vuori is constructed from recycled, water-resistant materials and is lined for extra warmth on brisk days. Although it’s one of the more expensive picks on our list, it offers valuable features like a lined drawstring hood, a bungee hem, multiple pockets and a storm flap. It only comes in two colors (Black and Pistachio), but they’re both neutral and should pair well with most items in your wardrobe. Customers say the jacket runs large and has a relaxed fit, so you can easily layer other garments underneath it.
Materials: Nylon and recycled nylon; PFC/PFAS-free DWR finish | Sizes: XXS to XL
Pros:
Adjustable, stowable hood
Windproof and water-resistant
Elasticized cuffs block wind and rain
Cons:
No insulation
Length may be too short for some
Ideal for cooler summer days and nights, this breezy windbreaker is easy to throw on when you need an extra layer to ward off a chill in the air. It can fold up or roll into any bag, and there are two slash pockets on the sides, not to mention an adjustable, stowable hood for extra insulation. However, taller travelers should take note: Some shoppers wish the length was a tad longer, as it hits right at the top of the hips.
Editor’s Pick
Materials: Cotton denim | Sizes: XXS to XXL
Pros:
Classic, timeless design
Comfortable and soft fabric
Monogramming available
Cons:
Customers may need to size up
Madewell’s The Jean Jacket is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, soft and versatile layer that looks good with anything in your wardrobe. It has a fitted body with two side pockets and a broken-in feel that’s never stiff or uncomfortable. It’s less oversized than other Madewell jackets, so you might want to size up to allow better freedom of movement.
I own this jacket and appreciate how wearable and comfortable it feels. I’ve worn it over everything from a black midi dress for a seaside dinner to an oversized T-shirt and jeans on long travel days. I don’t have to be too precious with it, either: I’ve spilled coffee and pasta sauce on the jacket before, and the stains came right out in the wash.
Materials: Sheep Nappa leather | Sizes: XS to XL
Pros:
Made from premium leather that ages beautifully
Streamlined design that is easy to pack
Cons:
Expensive
Cropped length may be too short for some
Cut from premium Nappa leather, this minimalistic leather jacket adds instant polish to any outfit. Dress it up or down depending on where you’re headed, and if properly cared for, it should last many years. Style details include a pointed collar that looks effortlessly cool, shiny silver hardware and angled side pockets. Because this jacket is more streamlined, it’s less bulky and much easier to pack when traveling. While this isn’t the best option for outdoor excursions like hiking, having a versatile and fashionable jacket that could be used for both afternoon activities and evening dinners is valuable.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team consists of avid travelers who are passionate about sharing their luggage shopping tips with readers. We’ve published dozens of in-depth roundups on travel products, including guides to the best travel outfits for women, the best travel purses and more.
This article was overseen by senior travel editor and globetrotter Astrid Taran, who has used various travel jackets on her trips throughout the years.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. She owns the Madewell The Jean Jacket and has brought it on countless trips across the United States.
This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible.
How We Chose The Best Travel Jackets For Women
To find the best travel jackets for women, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features and asked our team of experienced staffers for insights.
We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to make our recommendations. Louie has over a decade of firsthand experience testing bags, shoes, and clothing and personally used one of the jackets on this list. She also spent more than eight hours researching the best options on the market before making her final selections.
We analyzed several important features, including fabric, durability, and available color and size options, to help readers pinpoint the best travel jacket for their needs.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
