Looking for the best lightweight women’s jackets for travelling? I’ve got you covered. As an avid traveler, you need to be ready for all-weather situations. The one thing I always look for in a lightweight travel jacket for women is that it is easily packable. Luggage space is always limited and I don’t want to be taking up precious luggage space with a huge, heavy jacket. Another important thing to consider is the best purses for travel.
If you do need to travel with a bulky coat, I would not recommend packing it. I would recommend that you save your luggage space and wear the heaviest and most bulky clothing on the airplane.
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On a trip to Banff, I knew we had to be prepared for all weather conditions as we were going to be doing some hikes around Moraine Lake and in Lake Louise. I packed my Lole Claudia Jacket as well and the Columbia rain jacket.
The Lole jacket is lightly insulated for warmth and the Columbia rain jacket can be either worn alone or layered with another jacket as a wind and rain barrier.
The most important thing about packing the proper travel jacket is to make sure it is the proper jacket for the weather conditions you will be traveling to.
Nothing is worse than trying to enjoy a destination but being rushed because you are cold. I was on a winter trip where I wasn’t completely prepared and I was extremely cold and uncomfortable. I just wanted to stay inside.
My Top Lightweight Women’s Jackets For Travelling Picks
- Versatile down jacket for everything from camping to city dwelling
- Lightweight and packable enough to fit in a petite pouch for travel
- Rated to withstand snow, rain, and sleet
- 90/10 duck down for feather-light insulation against the elements
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Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket
- Omni-Tech™ fabric and full seam sealing provide air-permeable protection that’s waterproof and breathable
- Soft mesh lining adds breathability to keep you comfortable
- Adjustable hood and drawcord adjustable hem help seal in warmth
- Zippered hand pockets
- Jacket packs into its hand pocket for easy storage and transport
Helly Hansen Odin Stretch Hooded Light Insulator Jacket
- Insulation keeps you warm while letting warm vapor escape
- Side panels provide an avenue for excess heat to escape
- 4-way stretch fabric and stretch lining let you move freely
- Pull the hood on for extra warmth on windy mountaintops
- Zippered pockets keep essentials secure
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Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket
- A lightweight, synthetic insulated jacket for outdoor pursuits
- Tenacious recycled ripstop exterior resists grabby tree branches
- A water-repellent finish keeps light precipitation at bay
- PrimaLoft Gold Eco maintains a warmth-to-weight ratio, even when wet
- Adjustable hem and elastic cuffs help seal out chilly weather
- Full-length zipper boasts zipper garage for next-to-chin comfort
- The compressible design fits into its own pocket when not in use
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The Essential Lightweight Women’s Jackets For Travelling
When planning your travels don’t overlook your outerwear especially if traveling during the spring or fall when it can be much cooler during the days. Packing one lightweight jacket that doesn’t take up any room in your suitcase will save you during those chilly nights.
Nothing is worse than having to buy a coat at your destination because you underestimated the weather. Always be prepared. I find packing a light rain jacket much more useful than an umbrella. An umbrella can easily get blown away if it is windy but a light rain jacket with a hood will leave you handsfree and dry.
I have traveled to British Columbia during the rainy season, and an umbrella was useless. I was so glad I packed my Columbia rain jacket. Pick a color that will compliment your style. Black and neutral colors are always great and go with everything. I usually like to add a pop of color and tend to go with bright yellow, pink and red.
Lightweight Women’s Jackets For Travelling For All Seasons
I have included several different types of travel jackets for women that should get you through any season. A rain jacket is lightweight and easy to pack. I usually pack a rain jacket for all my travels as it can be worn alone or layered on top of another jacket, especially if you are wearing a jacket that isn’t water-resistant.
If you are traveling during colder months then a lightweight puffer jacket is a must. They are light but also insulated to keep you warm. I have also lifted a few heavier coats if you are traveling to a winter destination where temperatures plummet below zero.
Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Waterproof Rain Jacket
I love Columbia jackets and in fact, own two. This jacket is waterproof, breathable, and packs into its hand pocket. The Columbia Arcadia II jacket is great to keep you dry from the rain and then easily packs away when not in use.
Lole Emeline Insulated Jacket – Women’s
I own several Lole jackets and love that they are so light and pack really well when traveling. The Lole Emiline Insulated jacket is packable and lightweight. The Downflow 700 insulation makes for a light barrier against cold conditions. It packs well and is rated to 32 degrees and is made with a Durable Water Repellent and a windproof finish to help keep you dry. This is one of the top lightweight women’s jackets for traveling.
- Versatile down jacket for everything from camping to city dwelling
- Lightweight and packable enough to fit in a petite pouch for travel
- Rated to withstand snow, rain, and sleet
- 90/10 duck down for feather-light insulation against the elements
Lole Packable Claudia Down Jacket – Women’s
The Lole Packable Claudia Down Jacket is perfect for your travels. The Down insulation helps to trap in the heat and the shell is designed to resist light water and wind. I love that it is mid-length to keep your lower body warm. It is a flattering slim fit that is also comfortable. Down jacket that provides warmth and style for your winter travels
- Synthetic face fabric sheds light wind and rain in surprise storms
- Downglow insulation delivers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- 2-way front zipper can unzip from bottom for mobility and venting
- Zippered hand pockets secure small valuables and warm cold fingers
- Jacket packs away into a small pouch for convenience when traveling
- Slim fit delivers a flattering silhouette for wear around town
Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket – Women’s
The Patagonia Nano Puff jacket will keep you warm on your travels. The recycled polyester shell and lining will keep you warm and keep the wind and will keep you dry. It packs away in a compressible design that fits into its own pocket.
- A lightweight, synthetic insulated jacket for outdoor pursuits
- Tenacious recycled ripstop exterior resists grabby tree branches
- A water-repellent finish keeps light precipitation at bay
- PrimaLoft Gold Eco maintains a warmth-to-weight ratio, even when wet
- Adjustable hem and elastic cuffs help seal out chilly weather
- Full-length zipper boasts zipper garage for next-to-chin comfort
- The compressible design fits into its own pocket when not in use
Columbia Heavenly Jacket
The Omni-Heat thermal reflection interior and synthetic down insulation will keep you warm and comfortable during your travels. I love the thermal interior of this jacket. It helps to keep your body heat in the jacket. If you need an extra layer, I would layer it with a fleece jacket.
- An insulated jacket for technical layering or as an outer
- Face fabric is water-resistant, can be worn without the shell
- Reflective thermal inner traps heat for all-day warmth
- Zippered hand pockets hold anything you need to bring
- Snug but not tight fit is perfect for active uses
- Drop tail and thumb hole in cuff adds comfort and style
Helly Hansen Odin Stretch Hooded Light Insulator Jacket
I never heard of Helly Hansen until my trip to British Columbia. The Helly Hansen Odin Stretch Hooded Light Insulator Jacket will give you lightweight warmth for skiing, hiking or any outdoor activity. DWR treatment encourages light precipitation to bead off.
- Insulation keeps you warm while letting warm vapor escape
- Side panels provide an avenue for excess heat to escape
- 4-way stretch fabric and stretch lining let you move freely
- Pull the hood on for extra warmth on windy mountaintops
- Zippered pockets keep essentials secure
Helly Hansen Odin Light 3D Shell Jacket
I have purchased my first Helly Hansen jacket and am in love with it. This brand is extremely popular on the Canadian West Coast, British Columbia. It is great to keep you warm and try. This jacket has Helly Tech Professional membrane and 3D printed backing to move the fabric away from your skin. It also has ventilation zippers to regulate your temperature. This jacket packs away into its own pocket, great for easy packing.
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hooded Insulated Jacket
This the perfect jacket to wear in the fall and spring. If you want to wear it in the winter you can wear a fleece base layer and top it with a waterproof shell for winter outings.
This jacket has Polartec Power Stretch side panels for a four-way stretch that also wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
- DWR treatment beads and repels moisture for dry comfort
- Tyono fabric balances wind protection and air permeability
- Coreloft insulation is lofty, provides warmth even when wet
- Stretchy fleece side panels allow athletic movement
- Adjustable StormHood is helmet-compatible for wherever protection
- Arc’teryx focuses its designs on a simple, less is more philosophy
Midweight Lightweight Women’s Jackets For Travelling Colder Weather
The North Face Metropolis III Down Parka
This North Face Metropolis Parka is stuffed with goose down. It has a treated shell to keep off light precipitation.
The hood is adjustable and removable. There are zippered hand pockets to keep your hands warm as well as a media loop for your headphones.
- A stylish down parka for winter trips into the city
- DWR treatment helps the fabric shed light snow and rain
- Lofty down fill traps body heat to create a warm cocoon around you
- Detachable hood lets you change your style on bluebird days
- Tall inner collar protects your check and chin from the chill
- Two-way zipper can open from the bottom if you’re sitting down
- Secure pockets keep small valuables safe and sound
Patagonia Silent Down Parka
This is one of the softest coats Patagonia has ever made. The parka has a polyester shell that is comfortable and smooth and has a Durable Water Repellent treatment to keep you dry in light winter precipitation.
The jacket is packed with 700-fill recycled down for breathable and lightweight warmth for harsh winter conditions. The parka is the perfect length to keep your legs warm.
This travel jacket for women has a two-way zipper that lets you open the parka from the top or bottom. The hood can be folded into the collar for those sunny days.
- A soft-wearing down insulated parka for cold commutes
- 700-fill recycled down offers full-body warmth in cold climates
- Soft fabric repels light precipitation and offers mobility
- Two-way zipper lets you open from the top or bottom
- Stowaway hood hides in collar then reappear with bad weather
- Internal zippered pocket keeps phone or wallet safe
Fjallraven Snow Flake Down Parka
This Fjallraven Snow Flake Down Parka will keep you warm. This jacket has a two-way zipper for a customized fit. This parka also has 700-fill down insulation for serious warmth without the bulk. It has an outer nylon fabric to block the wind and keep you warm. The tall collar and hood will offer additional coverage.
- A lightweight, versatile down jacket for urban warmth
- Down insulation ensures warmth and temperature regulation
- Nylon fabric is durable and fluorocarbon-free
- Fixed hood is adjustable for customized protection
- Two-way zipper offers a personalized fit
- Myriad of pockets keep necessities close
Insulated Lightweight Women’s Jackets For Travelling Ski Weather
Burton Gore-Tex Balsam Insulated Jacket
This Burton’s Gore-Tex Balsam Insulated Jacket has a stylish asymmetrical zip and also comes in great colors. The synthetic insulation paired with the power of Gore-Tex will keep you warm and dry.
- A stylish snowboard jacket with reliable winter protection
- Gore-Tex membrane is waterproof, windproof, breathable and durable
- Synthetic insulation provides low-bulk warmth in wet snow
- Living Lining regulates body temperature without adding bulk
- Contour hood adjusts over your helmet for storm riding
- Sherpa fleece-lined collar adds an extra touch of style and comfort
The North Face Gotham Down Jacket
This women’s North Face Gotham Down Jacket will keep you warm in sub-zero conditions with it’s 550-fill down insulation.
The box baffle design retains heat, helping you stay warm on the coldest days.
- Down insulator delivers fiery-warmth for winter weather
- DWR treated shell sheds light moisture like snowfall
- Down insulation is light, lofty, and surprisingly warm
- Stretchy paneling improves mobility
- Removable hood with faux fur trim customizes coverage
Warm Base Layers For Lightweight Womens Jackets
I have learned really quickly that dressing in layers will save you from a bad day out because you are too cold. When traveling I tend to get up super early to catch the sunrise. It is much cooler in the morning than it is later in the day so I will dress in layers.
I love merino wool base layers. Merino wool helps to regulate your body temperature keeping you warm in the cold and comfortable in the warmer temperatures. Merino wool also wicks away sweat on your body, keeps you dry and warm. Merino wool is also antibacterial. I love the Smartwool Merino Wool top. It helps keep me warm in cold weather and regulates my body temperature.
Lightweight Women’s Jackets For Travelling Fleece Layers
The next layer I will add is a fleece layer. A fleece layer adds insulation and helps to trap body heat to keep you warm and move the moisture outward.
Fleece layers are also super fuzzy and cozy. I am really loving the Patagonia fleece layers. Not only are they warm but they also look great. I love the Patagonia Los Gatos 1/4 zip jacket and the Patagonia Better Sweater.
Lightweight Women’s Jackets For Travelling Conclusion
There you have it. A great selection of lightweight women’s jackets for travelling to choose from. There is something for every weather condition. Always be prepared when you are traveling. I am sensitive to cold temperatures and have had outings ruined simply because I was too cold to enjoy the day.
I am always prepared now in all weather conditions. The best piece of advice is to dress in layers. It is always easy to peel off the layers if you are too warm.
