Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
A packable down jacket, also known as a puffer jacket, is perfect for cold season travel. It keeps you warm, it’s easy to layer, and it’s also lightweight. See our readers’ picks for the best packable down jacket for travel so you can stay warm on your next trip!
Best Packable Down Jacket
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
I am looking for a packable down puffy jacket. I have one from Costco, but my friend is looking for one for our upcoming Oktoberfest trip. Any recommendations?
Packable down jackets are perfect for travel because you can roll them into a small compression sack, which helps you save suitcase space.
Our readers rave about how useful packable down jackets are beyond being just a coat. As one reader says, “They make great pillows, flight blankets, and lumbar support on long rides.” All that from one jacket – amazing!
Another reader adds, “everyone is wearing puffer jackets at the moment. They are warm and pack down small, so I can see why!”
The Best Packable Down Jackets for Travel
Here, our readers share their recommendations for the best packable down jacket!
Shop sizes XS-XL: ibex Women’s Wool Aire Down Jacket
Ibex Packable Down Jacket
I was shocked at how warm I was in this jacket despite how thin and lightweight it is. I’ve only worn it briefly in temperatures ranging from 25F – 40F and layered only over a t shirt and separately just over a merino wool thermal, but so far I’m impressed and can’t wait to test it out for extended periods of time outdoors. If it’s as good as I think it will be, this could easily become an essential in my winter wardrobe.
Because it’s so thin, it’s the perfect hooded jacket to bring on a trip with mixed weather or when you need something packable you’ll only need it occasionally for the cold. In addition, this could just as easily be something to wear every single day on a cold weather trip because it’s thin and light enough to wear layered underneath a more polished coat.
Wearing ibex Wool Aire Down Jacket, Patagonia Fleece Shell paired with Zella Leggings and UGG Boots
One of the things that stood out immediately was the “climate neutral certified” label. This means that Ibex implements programs to reduce their carbon output and put into carbon credits that offset the rest. When you choose Ibex, you support a carbon neutral company.
Shop Sizes XS P-3X: Eddie Bauer Women’s CirrusLite Down Jacket
Eddie Bauer Down Puffer Jacket
Appealing, but packs a warmth wallop, this down travel jacket by Eddie Bauer will be your cold-weather BFF. Light and incredibly cozy, its shell is densely woven to serve as a barrier between you and the elements, which makes this the ideal waterproof stylish jacket. Its high, fitted collar, elastic cuffs, and binded bottom hem seal the deal in protecting you from the cold and wind.
Did we mention how compact it is? It’s super light and warm! One reader describes it as “such a great jacket that packs to nothing,” while another agrees that it’s “really useful.” Sounds like an awesome all-around jacket to us!
Read about how to Pack Light Stylishly for all destinations with our e-book!
Shop in petite, regular, and tall sizes: Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 StormDown Jacket
Eddie Bauer Microtherm Stormdown Hooded Jacket
The Eddie Bauer Microtherm jacket has an athletic fit and is designed to work over base layers and light mid-layers, making it terrific for traveling on those chilly vacations. Microtherm is thinner than traditional down but still keeps you smothered in warmth. You’ll stay cozy without looking like a snowman!
One reader says, “I’ve had an Eddie Bauer down puffer jacket for a few years now and I love it!”
Another reader adds “a big vote for Eddie Bauer.” She says, ‘In fact, I wear mine everyday through New England winters! It’s my favorite.”
Find out what clothing tips our readers recommend to avoid over heating in cold weather!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Calvin Klein Chevron-Quilted Packable Down Coat
Calvin Klein Women’s Down Coat
With a chevron-quilted pattern and a standing collar, this down coat keeps the wind out, while its longer length will help your legs feel toasty and warm. Available in a variety of colors, this is an awesome item to finish off your travel outfits!
One reader says that this Calvin Klein jacket is “lightweight and comes with its own pouch to store it in,” while another reader says, “I brought my Calvin Klein down coat on a recent trip and it was perfect!”
Pair it with one of these women’s waterproof boots!
Shop XS-XL: Quince Lightweight Down Puffer Jacket
Quince Lightweight Down Packable Jacket
This cute down puffer from Quince is super simple yet really cute, plus it’s lightweight and super easy to pack. It’s designed to seal in warmth, so it’ll keep you ultra warm and cozy without any bulk! The fit is relaxed and cropped, with roomy side pockets to store your gloves or hat!
A classic option that’ll go with everything, help you travel light, and keep you warm in freezing temps! One wearer says, “I love this jacket. It’s warm and cozy. The best part is it’s light and easily packable. And it matches everything in my winter wardrobe!”
Shop XXS-3X: LL Bean Lightweight Down Packaway Jacket
LL Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket
When it comes to top LL bean down jacket, the Primaloft Packaway Jacket may look heavy, but it’s quite the opposite! Made from light 100% recycled ripstop polyester, this fully waterproof coat has a center front zipper and has four pockets! Two zippered hand pockets, one zip chest pocket and one internal media/stow pocket. Plus it packs small in stow pocket for trail and travel convenience.
This happy user explains. “I wore my new jacket on a recent trip to Newport RI. We were on a very windy, cloudy day boat ride. I was warm and never felt the chill. Its lightweight and travels nicely. I highly recommend it.”
Comes in several colors and in multiple sizing – regular, petite, and plus sizes (1X-3X).
Shop sizes XS-3X: Columbia Heavenly Jacket
Columbia Packable Down Puffer Coat
The Columbia Flash packable down jacket is ideal for adding extra warmth due to its Omni-HEAT reflective lining, so it’s a sound wardrobe pick if you are heading to an extremely cold destination with sub zero temps and with a help of a base layer. One reader says, “This jacket worked well for me when I spent a long weekend in very chilly temps in NYC.”
Another reader shares, “I wore this coat all over England last January and I was plenty warm. I love that it covers your butt and hips, as I think that helped with the warmth,” while a third adds, “I love mine. It’s light, but keeps me warm when I need to be.”
Include one of the best thermal underwear on your list for your next trip!
Shop sizes XS-3X: The North Face Thermoball Full Zip
The North Face Packable Down Jacket
The North Face brand is a traveler favorite, and this jacket is no exception. This down jacket is durable, highly packable, and made from ultra ThermoBall insulation, which will keep you toasty and warm around the clock. It is available in several fun colors such as red, purple, and yellow, making it perfect for brightening up your travel outfits.
One reader says, “I have a North Face jacket that I really love,” while another adds that hers is “very flattering and warm. I love it.”
Another reader also commented about its style saying, “The North Face jacket I have is very flattering. The stitching is not horizontal but diagonal and there is an interior cord you can cinch in at the waist to give you shape. The way the stitching is directed makes a huge difference in making you look bigger or smaller.” Available in sizes XS-3XL and on their website!
Here’s another list of the best down jacket for your next adventure!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Michael Kors Packable Down Hooded Jacket
Michael Kors Down Packable Jacket
This Michael Kors jacket is awesome for when the days start getting colder but you don’t want to wear multiple layers underneath. With its cozy hood and thigh length cut, this jacket will distribute warmth to your whole body. It can be cinched in at the waist for a figure flattering look, and it comes in several different colors, so there’s a style for everyone.
One reader says of this jacket, “I brought it to Paris with me and it’s been perfect. I love it!”
Here’s our tip on cold weather layering!
Shop sizes XS-XL: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Down Hooded Jacket
The quilt pattern on this Mountain Hardwear down jacket is designed to trap heat for extra warmth, so it works particularly well for cold destinations. It has an alpine fit, which means it’s slimming for a stylish look. You’ll also be sure to stand out in this jacket, thanks to its awesomely bright colors!
One reader says, “This is probably by far one of the best down jackets.” Another reader adds that when a friend recommended this jacket to her, it saved her trip. She says, “ So many times I was glad that I had this jacket, and it took up very little space. It can even double as a pillow when in its pouch.”
Our readers recommend the best cold weather pants!
Shop sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
Uniqlo offers a fantastic lightweight, waterproof, hooded, packable down jacket that folds into a little pouch. It comes in a variety of colors so a great addition in finishing any stylish travel outfits.
One reader says, “I love Uniqlo. They are the best in my opinion.” Another adds, “While on a recent trip to Ireland and Scotland, I took Uniqlo’s waterproof packable down jacket as my only jacket. It worked perfectly, weighed close to nothing, and took up hardly any room in my luggage!”
Shop in regular and plus sizes: 32 Degrees Ultra-Light Packable Down 3/4 Long Jacket
32 Degrees 3/4 Ultralight Packable Down Jacket
Highly popular with readers, this 32 Degrees 3/4 packable down coat is voted as super toasty but it accomplishes this without being heavy! With responsibly sourced down and an adjustable, detachable hood and elastic cuffs, these features trap heat in all the right areas of the body.
A versatile jacket that can handle rain, wind, or snow, it’s easily able to be layered and even the product description says it has a bit of room to add sweaters and thermals underneath. The sizing ranges from XS-XXL, and comes in a variety of cute colors to pick from!
One reviewer happily notes just how cozy and packable this coat is, “I love the design of this coat. It’s very slimming, with deep pockets and a wind flap in front of and behind the zipper. I also like the fact that it’s so light, you barely know it’s on. I can wear long underwear and a sweater underneath without feeling like I’m stuffed into a sausage. I like that it comes with a small bag you can stuff it in for travel.”
Read more cold weather travel packing articles!
Best Packable Down Jacket Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
ibex Women's Wool Aire Down Jacket |
It’s the perfect hooded jacket to bring on a trip with mixed weather or when you need something packable you’ll only need occasionally for the cold. | Check Price |
|
Eddie Bauer Down Puffer Jacket |
“Such a great jacket that packs to nothing,” | Check Price |
|
Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 StormDown Jacket |
“I’ve had an Eddie Bauer down puffer jacket for a few years now and I love it!” | Check Price |
|
Calvin Klein Chevron-Quilted Packable Down Coat |
“I brought my Calvin Klein down coat on a recent trip and it was perfect!” | Check Price |
|
Quince Lightweight Down Packable Jacket |
"The best part is it’s light and easily packable. And it matches everything in my winter wardrobe!” | Check Price |
|
LL Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket |
“Its lightweight and travels nicely. I highly recommend it.” | Check Price |
|
Columbia Packable Down Puffer Coat |
“I love mine. It’s light, but keeps me warm when I need to be." | Check Price |
|
The North Face Thermoball Full Zip |
“I have a North Face jacket that I really love” | Check Price |
|
Michael Kors Packable Down Hooded Jacket |
“I brought it to Paris with me and it’s been perfect. I love it!” | Check Price |
|
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket |
“This is probably by far one of the best down jackets.” | Check Price |
|
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket |
“I love Uniqlo. They are the best in my opinion.” | Check Price |
|
32 Degrees 3/4 Ultralight Packable Down Jacket |
Highly popular with readers, this 32 Degrees 3/4 packable down coat is voted as super toasty but it accomplishes this without being heavy! | Check Price |
How Editor-In-Chief Alex Wears Down Jackets
Watch my Facebook Live to see me compare four of the best down jacket styles!
How to Choose a Down Jacket
Follow our tips below on how to choose the best down jacket for your needs.
Size
The key to wearing a puffer jacket is to choose a flattering cut in a size that fits you so that you stay warm without resembling a snowman! Find one that hits at the right length for you based on your body shape and style preference.
The biggest fashion mistake women make is not wearing the correct clothing size. The best down jacket, along with every other item of clothing you wear, is the one that flatters you the most.
Whether you prefer fitted looks or looser styles, it’s important to purchase clothing that fits your body shape and size. Often, it’s recommended to size up for jackets so you have room to layer underneath.
Fabric
Don’t make the mistake of thinking the thickest puffer jacket will be the warmest. All down jackets have a “fill,” which is the material that insulates you and keeps you warm. The best down jacket styles have 100% feather fills and are also the least bulky.
Belted Styles
A solution to avoid the bulky snowman look and create a more defined figure is to choose a style with a belt. This is the best option if you don’t want to lose your figure under a coat.
How to Pack Your Jackets
Packing cubes will change the way you pack. We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything—ESPECIALLY your jackets!
You can learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in the video below!
What do you think is the best packable down jacket for travel? Share your top pick in the comments below!
For more tips on cold weather clothing, please read:
- Best Down Jacket
- Best Thermal Underwear for Women
- Waterproof Boots for Winter
- Warmest Gloves for Cold Weather
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
We hope you liked our recommendations for the best packable down jacket. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Check out Lands End packables for men and women. I got one with a nice print and get compliments everywhere. Half off right now as well. I wear it everywhere from Baja to Oregon to Paris.
Hi Gina, thank you for sharing your recommendation for Land Ends with us, sounds fantastic!!! Happy travels! ?
If you’re from New Zealand or Australia, the Macpac and Kathmandu jackets are amazing. I’ve used my lightweight Macpac puffa throughout Scandinavia countries and layered up with a longer waterproof on cold wet days. I do support the use of eco-down versions too and many more of those are coming on the market now.
Hi Anne-Marie, thank you for sharing your recommendations for a packable down jacket, so glad your jacket worked so well for you on your trip! Love reading about our readers’ favorite clothing products. Happy travels! ?
As a vegetarian, I love the Patagonia Nano jackets. They are incredibly light and stay warm, even when damp, unlike a traditional down puffer. Throw it under a black soft shell rain jacket and it even functions in the winter!
Hi Robin, thank you for sharing your great review of your Patagonia Nano jacket with us! Loving reading about our readers favorite products. Happy travels! ?
Patagonia was cheated in the style category for being represented with the Nano jacket (it’s not even one of their down-filled jackets!)! Also, for the most packable down jacket, look for the highest number of fill for QUALITY & PACKABILITY the second number to look for is the amount of down used…this will also affect warmth & packability the jacket has.
Hi Deb, thank you for taking the time to share your insight with me! 🙂