The best travel jackets for women

Best overall: FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket

After seeing this quilted jacket from Free People all over my For You Page, I was excited to give it a test run, right as the season is beginning to change. The Pippa Puffer is made a with vegan-friendly down alternative fill, and comes in a whopping 19 colors (with each one prettier than the next, so it was really hard to choose). I picked "Sage Stone," which looked light brown in the photos but was more of a true sage green in person. In my experience, Free People clothing tends to run large, so I sized down in the Pippa jacket, and I'm glad I did. The fit was still substantially oversized.

The best part of this jacket is how cute and cozy it is. It has a boho aesthetic with a loose silhouette, quilted pattern, and a curved hem that's shorter on the sides. The fabric is soft and flexible — I could comfortably nap in it. I love the stripe down the arms and that the cuffs unsnap so the sleeves can be rolled up. I wore this jacket over a long-sleeved turtleneck on a 50-degree day, and it kept me warm. The loose bodice let some wind in, so tucking my shirt into my jeans helped minimize the airflow. There was a light drizzle, and the water-resistant outer fabric kept me dry during short trips from the car to the front door. I wouldn't recommend wearing it in heavy or prolonged rain, though.

The puffer has a built-in stuff pocket that allows you to pack it into itself. I'll admit the packing process took some figuring out. I tried to replicate the neat fold from the video on Free People's website and failed miserably. The only way I could manage it was to shove the jacket haphazardly into the pocket from the outside in. Overall, it's still a cool feature, but I wish the fold method had been better explained in the video. When I'm wearing the jacket, I like to keep my wallet secure in the interior stuff pocket, so I appreciate the versatility. I noticed some snagging on the zipper, which is not ideal, given the jacket's higher price.

Best windbreaker: Quince Water Repellent Windbreaker Jacket

"This lightweight, packable windbreaker from Quince is an affordable take on lululemon's Always Effortless jacket ($148). I wore it on a day that New York City experienced its largest 1-hour temperature drop in recorded history: One moment it was a balmy 79 degrees, and it felt like spring had sprung. But by the time I'd walked home, it was cloudy and 53 degrees.

I was so glad I had packed this jacket in my tote — it takes up almost no space, and there's a stowable hood in case of rain. This hood packs into the tall stand collar, and surprisingly, it's wide enough to fit over my hair.

I typically wear a size Small, but sized up to a Medium. This turned out to be the right call, since it's a bit cropped. One detail I loved is that the color of its zippers perfectly match the water-repellent fabric (made of recycled nylon), so it has a true monochromatic look.

This travel jacket has more structure than your typical windbreaker, but it's also flexible enough that I can wear it to exercise. It's lined with a soft mesh, and has a rear vent to help circulate air."— Gabrielle Chase, style editor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our full Quince clothing review.

Best waterproof: Halfdays Mary Rain Jacket

"I wore the Halfdays Mary Rain Jacket on a rainy, spring 10-day trip to Maine and it was technical enough to protect me through many rain showers. It was loose enough to fit a midlayer puffy under on the cold coast, and stylish enough to not ruin any of my outfits.

It folds down to about the size of a loaf pan, and still feels pretty lightweight at 24 ounces. I found it convenient to wear during long airport travel, and easy to stash in the overhead bin on top of my suitcase.

It's fully waterproof, wind-repellent, and breathable. The Mary Rain Jacket is made from 100% recycled Nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating. The fabric has a 10K/10K waterproof to breathability rating, so it balances water protection without trapping body heat inside (the wide bottom helps with that, too).

The adjustable hood, hems, and cuffs keep the elements out. The hood is large with a cinch that holds fast in a gust of wind (though I'd prefer if there was a second cinch on the back). This jacket has fully taped seams, YKK waterproof zippers, snap-adjustable sleeve cuffs, and a cinchable bottom hem." — Rachael Schultz, freelance style contributor, Insider Reviews

Rachael has tested 33 rain jackets. While this one is great for travel, it's not quite as waterproof as the Stio Ender or Outdoor Research Aspire 3L. For an even lighter travel rain jacket, she recommends the Outdoor Research Helium UL.

Best waxed canvas: Barbour Beadnell Waxed Jacket

Barbour is the first name we think of when it comes to waxed chore jackets. The Beadnell is a timeless pick that works especially well for European travel thanks to its blend of heritage style and practical performance. Made from the brand's signature 6-ounce waxed cotton, it offers reliable protection against light rain while remaining breathable enough for transitional weather. Its Sylkoil Wax coating does a great job shedding water and has a suede-like feel.

What sets the Beadnell apart is its polished, slightly tailored fit, which feels more like a structured blazer than a bulky coat. It's easy to dress up or down, so you can wear it from daytime sightseeing to dinner without needing a change. Thoughtful details like the soft tartan lining, stand corduroy collar and optional zip-in liner and hood make it adaptable across temperatures, while the durable construction means you can wear it for decades.

Ours style editors pair it with:

Best for work travel: M.M. LaFleur

"When you're on a business trip and it's 'blazer-as-a-coat' season, this is the one travel jacket you'll want to pack. M.M. LaFleur is one of our favorite sources for splurge-worthy office staples, and in my opinion, they've perfected the wrinkle-free fabric. The Moreland Blazer is made with a remarkably silky and light polyester blend that holds its shape and can be worn right out of your suitcase. It runs a tad narrow in the shoulders, so size up if you're between sizes.

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'polyester' and 'luxury workwear' don't sound like they go together. But trust me: not all polyester is created equal. The scratchy, suffocating polyester you'll find at the mall is another thing entirely from M.M. LaFleur's 'Origami Tech,' which is soft, smooth, and machine washable. I have the Colby Travel Pants, which are made with the same textile, and it's the perfect weight for 60°F days." — Gabrielle Chase, style editor, Insider Reviews

See more in our guide to the best blazers for women.

Best chore jacket: Sézane Will Jacket

In the past, a chore coat was what you might throw on while tackling manual labor outside. These days, it's a laidback choice that, yes, you might reach for during some yardwork, but one that also looks great even if you have nothing on your to-do list.

I like a chore jacket because they're more substantial than a cardigan, yet not as thick and heavy as a full winter jacket, which makes them excellent transitional pieces for seasons like fall or spring. I have Sézane's Will Jacket and it's become a favorite for travel because it's effortless to style, comfy to wear while in transit, and packs down easily.

I recently wore mine on a 3-hour road trip to Malibu, California, where it kept me warm in the car without overheating, and blocked out chilly breezes when I arrived at the beach on a particularly windy day. The sturdy construction is made from 100% organic cotton, and the fit is just slightly oversized. I wore my regular medium and it fit perfectly, though if you're between sizes I'd recommend going up since mine fits a bit snug across my shoulders. It also has large front pockets, button closures, and a classic collar. When folded down, I had no issue packing it inside my carry-on, as it takes up about the same amount of room as a thick flannel or a light sweater.

But my favorite thing about it is how it instantly elevates any outfit. I paired it with jeans and a white tee one day, and over leggings another. In both cases, I felt more stylish than I even intended. It's impressed me so much that I find myself wishing for colder days ahead so I'll have more chances to wear it.

Best bomber jacket: Athleta Jetset Bomber

My two most recent international trips involved traveling to Chile and South Africa during shoulder seasons. This water-resistant Athleta Bomber Jacket was the best thing I packed on both trips. It barely took up any luggage space, looked sharp with all my outfits, and prepared me for frequently fluctuating weather conditions. I wore it as an outer layer on all four plane rides, and the super-soft fabric was comfy enough to nap in. I love that a secret hood can be rolled away and tucked into the collar.

The polyester fabric (made from recycled plastic bottles) has lots of ruching, which expertly disguised any wrinkles from haphazardly stuffing it in my suitcase. This ensured the sporty jacket still appeared sharp in all my vacation photos. Zippers on either side change the look when opened and closed. The beige colorway sustained some dust marks during a three-day safari, but I just popped it in the washing machine and dryer when I returned home, and now it looks like new again.

Warmest travel jacket: Fjällräven Expedition Lätt Hoodie

"The Fjällräven Expedition Lätt Hoodie packs a lot of warmth into just 420 grams (just shy of 1 pound). I've worn this jacket dozens and dozens of times this winter in temperatures ranging 5 to 40 degrees. It's insulated with 100% recycled polyester with stitch-through channels; it has a loft-like down, making it cozy, but moreover, it's downright warm. The elastic edging around the wrists, hood, and bottom help to keep heat in.

"This jacket is part of the brand's Expedition Series, so it's made to be very reliable against the elements and built to last. The design here is simple, but in my opinion, the Expedition Lätt Hoodie is the perfect basic puffer, considering it's only $215. I found the light weight on this jacket made it incredibly comfortable to wear as an everyday puffer running out to the store, perfect for travel or winter hiking, and a light, mobile mid-layer on seriously cold ski days under a shell." — Rachael Schultz,freelancestyle contributor, Insider Reviews

Best sporty: Alo Yoga Latitude Light Weight Half-Zip

This sporty pullover from Alo has has a perfectly boxy fit, letting you easily layer a bulky hoodie underneath while you travel. "Personally, I'm obsessed with just how oversized and cozy this jacket feels," writes style contributor Olivia Rose Rushing. "Not to mention, the multiple layers of 100% nylon create a puffy silhouette (that also happens to be incredibly insulated and warm for even the chilliest mornings)."

This gender-neutral style is generously roomy with super long sleeves, which are elasticated around the cuffs to give them some structure. "I love the zippered pockets so I can keep my phone, lip balm, and more with me on the go," Olivia continues. "I might just have to keep this one away from my husband — he's already got his eyes on it."

The Latitude Light Weight 1/2 Zip Pullover Jacket is actually from the brand's men's range and is available from size S to 2XL, but you should size down if you want a more fitted look.

Best size inclusive: Popflex Packable Windbreaker

"Popflex's Packable Windbreaker is a lightweight, travel jacket that crops high on the waist into a slightly boxy, oversized shape. Inside, the colorfully floral-printed hood adds a feminine intrigue to the sporty silhouette," writes style contributor Olivia Rose Rushing.

The sleeves don't run too long thanks to the elasticated cuffs, and the material is wind and water-resistant enough to handle some light rain and breeze if you're visiting somewhere between seasons.

There is plenty of pocket space both inside and out, and the whole thing packs down into a small pouch (which you can use as a travel pillow in a pinch). See more of our favorite styles from the brand in our full Popflex review.

Best trench: Athleta Stellar Trench

When you think about packable jackets, the word "trench" doesn't exactly come to mind. The longer silhouettes can often be bulky, stiff, or prone to wrinkling — making them an unlikely choice for travel or tossing in a tote.

The Athleta Stellar Trench is none of these things. Like all of my favorite Athleta work pants, it's made from a fabric that's equal parts substantial, stretchy, and breathable. The coat is so comfy, it drapes more like a robe than a jacket. I've even used it as a blanket to take a nap on a chilly bus!

Still, the look remains luxe and elevated. It's polished enough for work, but practical enough to toss in your tote without a second thought. It folds or rolls easily and resists wrinkles almost completely. I've even been reaching for it on cooler, rainy summer days, thanks to a ventilated mesh panel on the back that keeps things breathable. Mine has a pretty roomy fit, which adds to the comfort and airflow, but you could easily size down if you prefer a more tailored look.

Read more in our guide to the best trench coats for women.

Best lightweight: Beyond Yoga Places To Go UV Protection Jacket

"In our guide to the best sun shirts, we explain how wearing a long-sleeved top made with a UPF-rated material gives you more protection than sunscreen alone. Beyond Yoga's Places To Go UV Protection Jacket saves me the trouble of lathering up my sensitive skin each time I step out in the sun, and feels breathable while I'm navigating a new city in the heat.

I wore this crinkle nylon hooded jacket onto a flight, where it shielded me from the chilly air vents in the plane cabin. Once I landed at my tropical destination I didn't need any extra warmth, which is where its UV protection came in handy. It's so thin it didn't make me overheat on sunny trail hikes.

When it's packed into a tight bundle, it's about the size of a large burrito — compact enough that it fits in my travel purse. If you're wearing a high-rise pant, this jacket's slightly cropped fit will meet perfectly at your waist for a neatly proportioned silhouette." — Gabrielle Chase, style editor, Insider Reviews

What to look for in the best travel jackets

Versatility: Packing space is sacred; you can only fit so much in your suitcase, and everything you bring should serve multiple purposes. For this reason, we look for coats that go with several outfits and would work just as well on a blustery day as a rainy one, including features like reversible designs, removable hoods, and neutral colors that will complement most clothes.

Materials: Travel jackets all rely on one thing: lightweight, flexible materials that can fold down into a compact size and take up little room inside a suitcase or carry-on. Ideally, they should also be breathable and made with moisture-wicking fabrics to prevent overheating. A material like cotton, or a blend including it, is the gold standard, while polyester or ripstop nylon are also good choices.

Weight: On that note, weight also matters as lightweight travel coats not only don't take up too much suitcase room, but they won't add too much heft either, which risks overweight fees at the airport. Try to avoid heavy puffers if you plan to check it inside a bag, unless that is, it comes with a built-in sack that it's designed to fold down and fit inside.

Warmth: A coat that doesn't keep you warm is a waste of space, so consider your destination and its climate. A thin chore jacket won't cut it in a northern locale, just as a thick puffer or heavy shearling will be overkill anywhere that's usually warm. You might also prioritize windproof fabrics and look for added features like pockets, hoods, and high collars for added warmth.

Weatherproofing: If snow, rain, or other elements are possible, you'll want to choose a coat meant to withstand them. Look for design features such as DWR coating or waterproof or water-restant materials that are meant to come in contact with moisture while keeping you protected and dry.

Fit: Sizing with coats can be tricky, as some run large while others can feel pretty snug. A good rule of thumb is to consult a size guide closely and take a good close look at the design. Does it look loose and flared out, or does it have a more tailored, body-hugging shape? If it appears oversized and roomy, it probably is, and you might want to size down. You might also choose a coat with adjustable cuffs, hems, and hoods to allow for a more customized fit.