13 Packable Jackets That Will Fit in Your Carry-On

Packing jackets can be tricky. They take up premium suitcase space, which means you can usually only afford to pack one or two per trip. The ones you do choose need to be versatile enough for whatever is on your itinerary, whether that’s dinner in town or a city walking tour. The best packable jackets are also insulated enough to keep you warm without being so bulky that they take up all the room in your bag. Does such a jacket even exist? After years of testing dozens of options on my travels—from downpours in Vietnam to hiking past waterfalls in Iceland and night outs in New York City—I can confirm there are at least a few good ones out there.If you’re searching for a jacket that really earns its spot in your carry-on, taking up as little space and weight as possible, I’ve got you covered. Whether you need an insulated puffer, a rain coat, or a dressier day-to-evening jacket, there's a lightweight option below that will keep you warm and dry this season. Even better, some of the best packable jackets fold down into their own carrying case.Puffer jacketsRain jacketsAthletic jacketsDay-to-night jacketsFrequently asked questionsTop picks:Best lightweight jacketFP Movement Pippa packable puffer jacketJump to reviewBest pufferPatagonia Nano Puff jacketJump to reviewBest rain jacketPatagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacketJump to reviewBest trenchSézane Bobby JacketJump to reviewBest denim jacketFree People We The Free Lemon denim jacketJump to reviewPuffer jacketsPatagoniaNano Puff jacketIt’s hard to beat this classic when you’re in need of a cozy puffer to take the chill off. The trifecta of packable jackets, it is lightweight, weather-resistant, and stuffed with highly compressible PrimaLoft insulation you wouldn’t imagine could keep you so warm. It’s best for 40-degree-and-up weather when you’re being active on hiking trails, or casual moments running around town when you just need a solid mid layer. Having worn this style for more than five years everywhere from Iceland to Ireland, I can confidently say it’s one I always have on deck. I love the hood for an unexpected drizzle and extra warmth—and it can fold into itself too. Weight: 12.3 oz. Material: 100% ripstop polyester shell with a water-repellent finish and PrimaLoft insulation Folds into itself? Yes FP MovementPippa packable puffer jacketDon't be fooled by how lightweight this boxy puffer from FP Movement looks—it features PrimaLoft insulation to keep you warm and dry on chilly fall days. It's also water-resistant and has snap-tab cuffs to lock in extra warmth. The Pippa packable puffer comes highly recommended by commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. “It's my go-to jacket for fall and spring travel,” says Kenny. “I love it so much that I even bought it as a Christmas gift for my sister who is always outdoors hiking and walking her dog.” More highlights: It's water-resistant, packs into its own pocket, and comes in more than a dozen colors. Material: 100% nylon with PrimaLoft insulation Folds into itself? Yes Amazon EssentialsLightweight water-resistant puffer coatThis under-$50 Amazon puffer gets surprisingly compact when compressed into its own case. It's longer than other packable jackets on this list, providing extra warmth and insulation when you need it most. And if you’re like me, it’ll come in handy in frigid locations when you need protection from wind and light rain (and prefer your thighs to be covered up). On a trip to Greenland, I wore this during a long walk over a tundra and was surprised by its flexibility and warmth. Thanks to the carrying case, I was able to fit everything in a carry-on despite needing to pack several sweaters for the cool destination. Weight: 8 oz. Material: Nylon Folds into itself? Yes This airy, water-repellent puffer is downright cloud-like thanks to the brand’s signature Pufftech technology that traps air to keep you warm (as any fans of Uniqlo’s uber popular HeatTech clothing will appreciate). Perfect for transitional weather in shoulder season, this is a must-pack for unpredictable climates. Case in point: I bought this jacket on a whim in northern Vietnam because I didn’t anticipate how cold it would be. I had zero room left in my suitcase for the two-week trip, but it packed down so small into its own case that it was able to fit. It kept me cozy despite rain and fog in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains and the Golden Bridge in Danang. Weight: 10.5 oz. Material: 100% nylon with a polyester filling Folds into itself? Yes QuinceFeatherless quilted puffer jacketJust because Quince’s quilted jacket is more stylish than your average puffer doesn’t mean it’s all fashion over function. Made with Comfortemp insulation that the brand claims can keep you warm in as low as 3 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a smart pick for fall and winter trips—not to mention it has a high neck collar that blocks gusts of wind. Plus, it features a water-repellent coating in case of any unexpected rain. Quince’s long puffer is ideal for that city walking tour on your next itinerary, say in Prague or Boston. Material: 100% recycled polyester with a durable water-repellent finish Folds into itself? No Rain jacketsThis thin, water-repellent shell named the Houdini can indeed perform a vanishing act—it packs up so small that you can make it disappear into a pocket or a purse. And at a mere 3.4 ounces, it doesn’t get much lighter than this. It’s best used as a windbreaker, with reflective material that makes it perfect for foggy walks, runs, and rides (trip to San Francisco, anyone?). I used it as a top layer during spring and summer hikes in North Carolina, and found I could whip it out of a hiking backpack in no time. I’m tempted to leave it in my suitcase for “just-in-case” situations year-round. One caveat: Don’t expect this jacket to hold up to downpours or provide warmth in cold climates like a puffer; you’ll need a waterproof, insulated option for that. Weight: 3.4 oz. Material: Ripstop nylon Folds into itself? Yes PatagoniaTorrentshell 3L rain jacketThree layers of waterproof protection make this windproof shell a smart choice for rainy travel days. It’s a reliable option for outdoor hikes in wet climates like Iceland and Seattle, and I love that it has armpit zips to provide ventilation. Other standout features include an adjustable hood with a visor, hand-warmer pockets, and a micro-fleece lined neck to keep you warm. Plus, it packs down into itself, making it even more travel-friendly. Weight: 12.4 oz. Material: 100% recycled nylon with a durable water-repellent finish Folds into itself? Yes Athletic jacketsLululemonAlways Effortless Jacket EvolveIt’s easy to see why Lululemon calls this style the Always Effortless jacket. Its versatility ensures you’re covered in all kinds of conditions thanks to a stowable hood, windproof and water-resistant material that keep you protected from wind and drizzle, a ventilated back that keeps things breezy, and UV protection to shield you from harmful sun rays. Not to mention, it somehow looks stylish, too—you can wear it straight from a walking tour to a nice dinner in the city without needing to change. It would feel right at home on a drizzly spring or fall day in London. Weight: 1 lb. Material: 100% nylon with a polyester lining Folds into itself? No VuoriHalo mini full zip hoodieOne of my favorite brands for comfortable travel sets, Vuori has plenty of jackets to love, but I especially appreciate this light zip-up layer for its packability. It’s made of the brand’s lightweight DreamKnit fabric that takes up almost no space when packing, but it can easily be layered with vests and heavier coats. It’s stretchy and moisture-wicking, making it a good pick for long-haul flights, hiking trips, or yoga retreats when you want to feel on-trend. Weight: 1 lb. Material: 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane Folds into itself? No Day-to-night jacketsWhile a traditional trench coat takes up a good amount of suitcase space, the short crop of this chic jacket from beloved French brand Sézane keeps it packable. What room it does take up, it more than makes up for in function: It’s water-repellent, neutral, and can easily be dressed up enough for a night at the theater or down for a day spent strolling the Champs Élysées, minus the tourist look. It’s almost enough to inspire a trip to Paris this fall—just don’t be surprised if people come up to ask you for directions. Weight: 1.5 lb. Material: 100% organic cotton, with a lining made of 60% organic cotton and 40% recycled polyester Folds into itself? No Free PeopleWe The Free Lemon denim jacketWhat’s more classic than a denim jacket? This one from Free People is very light (just a bit heavier than a button-down chambray), so it’s completely bulk-free. It’s great for layering during shoulder season in places like California where you just need a light jacket or an oversized layer to throw over your sweater. The canvas collar gives it the look of a barn jacket without the weight that usually comes with it. Weight: 1 lb. Material: 80% cotton, 20% hemp Folds into itself? No QuinceWater-Resistant Flex bomber jacketMy travel uniform usually features an oversized men’s bomber jacket—but like many bombers, mine is too bulky to pack in a carry-on. So when I found this sleek, lightweight version from Quince, I was ecstatic. It has a water-resistant finish and a hidden interior pocket, making it a great pick for city travel. Weight: 1.3 lb. Material: 100% recycled polyester with water-resistant finish Folds into itself? No Quite possibly the lightest bomber jacket you’ll ever wear, this airy option from AYR shouts first-class. Marrying style and function, it’s just the right amount cropped and has a stand-up collar that’s effective at blocking wind, plus a soft lining that’s quilted yet light. There's also a hidden pocket for stowing valuables on the go—especially ideal for nights out, museum-hopping, and long-hauls (I dare you not to lay your head down on this pillowy fabric mid-flight). While the price tag is high, the quality ensures it’s a wardrobe staple that’ll last years. (For those who love a set, there are matching shorts too.) Weight: 1 lb. Material: ​​Japanese 100% recycled nylon Folds into itself? No FAQ:What's the best way to pack a jacket?For jackets that don’t fold into themselves or their own carrying case, consider using compression packing cubes to remove excess air, making them even more compact. Without packing cubes, the best method for packing a jacket is to zip it up and lay it completely flat, fold both sides in by a third, fold the sleeves down on top of that, roll tightly, and tuck it into its own hood if there is one.Will a packable jacket actually keep you warm?Yes—if you pick the right fabric, a packable jacket will keep you comfortable even in frosty temps. Look for insulated options with down-like PrimaLoft, and an outer shell made of ripstop nylon (light but windproof), or recycled polyester that’s durable and quick-drying. A durable water-repellent (DWR) coating can also help to keep the weather out and the warmth in.What's the best type of jacket for travel?It depends on your trip. Are you getting active or hiking? You can’t go wrong with a puffer jacket that keeps you warm and protected from the elements. Are you traveling to a city? You’ll want a bomber, denim jacket, or cropped trench that’s functional but stylish. Simply put, the best jackets are ones that serve multiple purposes and are lightweight and water-resistant.This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.