Raise your hands if you love jackets!
I’m crazy about them and have several types: bomber jackets, utility jackets, leather jackets, trenchcoat, puffer jackets, and peacoats!
And yet, come fall and spring, I’m always on the lookout for new stylish travel jackets that would look great in photos – especially if you’re going on a Kenya safari! A trendy/classic jacket is the most versatile piece in your wardrobe – it can make the simplest outfit pop.
Though as I always say to the husband, it goes beyond style 😉 For frequent travelers, owning the best travel jacket that they can afford is essential.
The best lightweight travel jacket for women makes packing light easy and travel comfortable.
Packing waterproof lightweight jackets for travel will ensure you stay dry during sudden spring showers in London and torrential downpours in Seattle.
There is no single world’s best travel jacket ever.
However, there are many for different purposes such as hiking in national parks or exploring cities such as New York.
They also come in a range of budgets.
Also Read:
Best Wheeled Backpacks for Travel
Best Diaper Backpacks for Travel
Best Travel Gifts for Kids
Here are our recommendations on the best light travel jacket for women – we have tried to include a range of purposes, styles, and prices to suit different types of travelers.
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Best Lightweight Women’s Jacket for traveling
If you are looking for the best light jacket for travel, then the key is packable. These jackets can be folded down into small packs.
Many of them even come with their own packing. They can be easily compressed and stuffed into carry-ons, backpacks, totes, and even fanny packs.
In this section, we consider all-season jackets – like a utility jacket – that is versatile and works well in mild climates.
Here are my favorite products that make the best jacket for travel to most places in the world.
Columbia Water & Wind Resistant Kruser Ridge Jacket
The perfect all-purpose, all-season travel jacket by Columbia. It is one of the best lightweight travel jackets for women.
It isn’t super stylish – but is comfortable and keeps you dry and warm. The softshell jacket has zipper pockets and is great for on the go.
Columbia Switchback Lined Waterproof Jacket
Columbia’s switchback lined jacket is a little thinner than the above but still perfect for spring and fall.
It is more like a raincoat without the flimsy material and looks professional enough for even business travelers.
The length will ensure even your upper thighs remain dry during unexpected rains.
Amazon Essentials Packable Down Jacket
If looking for a basic packable down jacket for southern winters, then this one by Amazon essentials is a great choice.
It packs down pretty small and can be easily thrown into a carry on or a backpack for traveling.
Wantdo Women’s Hooded Down Jacket
Another ultralight short down jacket that is packable plus comes in vivid colors such as magenta and cornflower blue.
While it’s made for mild winters like the one we have in Houston, you can easily layer it with a sweatshirt or a hoodie for more severe weather.
It makes a great packable travel jacket for Europe.
Spring to Fall Waterproof Utility Jacket by Zhenwei
While this waterproof utility jacket won’t offer much protection against freezing temperatures, it is the perfect outdoor travel jacket for spring to fall in the south.
The relaxed fit of this jacket makes it easy to layer for activities like hiking, plus it is flexible for biking and running.
Daily Ritual is an Amazon brand, and it has quite a few bargain deals.
I have bought their sweatshirts and t-shirts, and this jacket also has good quality for the price.
This military cargo jacket is great for chilly nights while traveling. The drawstring makes it easy to adjust the fit.
While not inexpensive, this Levi’s Anorak jacket definitely has oodles of style.
I especially love the vertical zippers on top and the rolled sleeves.
It is a perfect warm jacket for chilly weather and would look trendy in your travel photos.
Amazon Essentials Utility Jacket
For a cheaper utility jacket with lots of pockets, try the Amazon Essentials Utility Jacket.
The 4 pockets are good for holding your keys, wallet, and phone while traveling.
The jacket packs quite compact and is easy to stuff in backpacks for a day of exploring the city.
Best travel coat for women
Looking for a longer women’s travel jacket like a trenchcoat or a peacoat?
I love these travel coats for a variety of reasons: mostly because I’m petite and these jackets when paired with heeled boots elongate my silhouette!
While growing up in a middle class family, a utility jacket was the norm and a trench coat was considered too fashionable – a luxury, which is why I was always attracted to them!
These travel coats also look fashionable and are perfect for city breaks.
Women’s Hooded Waterproof Trench Coat by Jasambac
If you are looking for a basic lightweight trench coat, then this is a great one.
It is excellent for traveling, hiking; basically, all kinds of outdoor and daily activities.
The hood of the trench coat is detachable.
It comes with a front zipper that keeps the water out, and the waist comes with an adjustable drawstring – perfect for those Instagram travel photos!
Kate Kasin Women’s Active Trench Coat
This all-season trench coat is quite roomy and can be easily worn over a sweater for colder climates.
It is lightweight, thin, and made up of water repellent fabric so it can be used for all sports activities unless it is raining heavily.
I especially love that the cuffs of the coat have a contrast leopard pattern – so chic for London, NYC, or Paris!
The lapel collar and open-sided entry pockets also add an added trendy vibe.
Top Legging Long Anorak Jacket
While not as cheap as the one above, this anorak jacket is quite well-made and durable.
It is a lightweight jacket and while ineffective against the severe cold, it is a great jacket for transitioning seasons of spring and fall.
The cuff of the jacket has an extra snap button, which blocks the cold air. The best part, it is available even in plus sizes.
Arthas All-season Trench Jacket
It is an all-rounder rain jacket; you can wear it during your daily commute, outdoor activities, or for traveling.
The trench coat is seam-sealed and has a soft mesh lining – making it slightly better to hold up against heavy rains.
It comes with two spacious pockets, a detachable hood and is packed with zipping and snap buttons.
It comes in a range of colors including deep red and bright yellow, making it perfect for younger travelers.
Waterproof windbreaker Trench jacket
This lightweight jacket is perfect for flights, exploring cities, or can also be worn during your morning run on rainy days.
The basic raincoat style makes it perfect for camping, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
It comes with an attached hoodie that is adjustable and a drawstring to cinch in your waist.
The raincoat has a striped cloth lining, making it more skin-friendly and breathable than a plain travel raincoat.
Best travel jackets with pockets
Want to stay dry and warm plus keep your money and passport safe? Check out our recommendations for the best travel jacket with hidden pockets.
Scottevest Women’s Travel Trench Coat
When it comes to women’s travel jackets with lots of pockets, you can’t go wrong with the Scottevest Trench Coat.
It has a whopping 18 pockets of every size and makes the perfect travel jacket for women.
It is more expensive than most regular jackets but is durable and lasts a long time. Plus it is waterproof and you can skip the purse!
Women’s windbreaker spring jacket
Another Scottevest Women’s travel jacket with pockets – in fact, 19 of them!
This lightweight spring jacket has a hood, is packable into its own back pocket plus has a pocket for all your essentials.
It makes the perfect travel jacket for women as you can skip backpacks or purses and travel handsfree!
Best travel sports jacket
Many of my friends who are avid hikers or runners prefer carrying all-purpose sports jackets while traveling.
These come in several styles from basic fleece travel jackets which can double up as outerwear on flights to waterproof rain jackets in wet weather.
Columbia Microfleece Fast Trek Jacket
This polyester fleece full zipped jacket by Columbia has a classic fit, is warm, and also has zipped pockets to stow away essentials.
It has a classic fit and bright colors making it a perfect addition to your spring travel wardrobe.
Amazon Essentials Fleece Jacket
This fleece jacket by Amazon Essentials is quite popular due to its thick polyester fleece.
It is great for wearing on its own in mild weather or for layering under thicker jackets for severe weather, making it perfect for all sports and outdoor tasks.
It is midweight, has elastic cuffs, and contoured side seams which give it a fitted look. The jacket is machine washable.
This Hanes jacket is a comfortable and lightweight hoodie made up of thick cotton.
The hoodie comes with wide cuffs and waistband and has a full-zip front.
The hood of the jacket has a drawcord – making it easier to fit around your head and the pouch pockets are good to keep essentials like phone and wallet.
It is the perfect jacket for layering up and also for lounging.
Columbia classic soft fleece jacket
The classic Columbia fleece jacket comes with a collared neck and zippered closure.
It is made of 100% polyester filament fleece, which means you will get the ultimate level of warmth.
The two zippered side pockets are perfect for keeping your hands warm and the jacket is machine washable.
90 Degree by Reflex Women’s Running Track Jacket
If you love going for a run even while you are traveling or for long term travelers who need a sports jacket for daily activities and yet like to dress stylishly, then buy this jacket.
I love how it is perfect even for business travelers and the cinched waist looks trendy.
It is great for cold weather as it provides you with a soft layer of warmth while not overheating the body.
If you are in search of the perfect active travel jacket, then definitely opt for this one.
Plus it comes in multiple colors, so you can even buy two or more if you like!
Breathable softshell hiking jacket by Little Donkey Andy
This softshell hiking jacket with a hoodie is made up of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, and the mid-layer of the fabric is laminated with the TPU membrane.
That basically makes it pretty water repellent but still breathable.
The added mid-layer makes it windproof, and the high chin guard of the jacket keeps you warm – perfect for all seasons!
Best winter jacket for travel
Planning a snow getaway and looking for the best travel winter jacket?
Get one that is cozy, warm, yet packable for a trip to Denver or Chicago or New York City in winter.
After living in Chicago for many years, I have built a decent collection of these and know how to layer them properly with thermal underwear and basic T-shirts to stay comfortable in any weather.
Calvin Klein Packable Quilted Down Jacket
This is one of the best packable down jackets for winter.
It comes with insulation, which keeps you warm even in the harshest of temperatures.
The jacket gets packed into a drawstring pouch, making it easier to stuff into your carry on and travel with.
It has a center front zipper and pockets that provide extra storage for essentials.
Columbia Mighty Light Hooded Jacket
The mighty light hooded jacket by Columbia is super lightweight and warm.
It is made up of water-resistant fabric so you won’t be carrying a wet jacket in the snow and it is durable to withstand all kinds of weather including snow, wind and sub-30 temperatures with layers.
It comes with ergonomic thumbholes and has a 2-way center-front zipper with an interior security pocket.
The abrasion-resistant chin guard is perfect to shield your neck and throat from chilling weather. It is one of the best winter travel jackets for Europe and the Northern USA.
Lined ski/active jacket for women
This active winter jacket is perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and a walk on the rainy/icy/snowy days.
Truly one of the best winter travel jackets for those on the go. While the jacket itself is not very warm, it is roomy enough to layer for cold weather activities and still have a nice range of movement.
It is made up of waterproof as well as a breathable fabric and has fully sealed seams – ensuring you stay warm and dry.
It is made up of polyester and is lightweight enough to pack in your bag.
Beinia Down Puffer Parka Jacket
This is one of my favorite mid-range winter jackets. It is made up of waterproof and lightweight and fabric.
The jacket adjusts to the body temperature and keeps the body warm.
It comes with a removable faux fur trim that will shield you from the extreme wind like in the Midwest.
It has two deep outer side pockets – perfect for keeping your hands toasty and warm – and a double slider zipper to ensure no wind passes through the gaps.
The vibrant selection of colors makes it one of the best travel down jackets for women.
For really severe winters, this is one of the best down jackets for travel. It is made up of lightweight and durable polyester fabric.
I especially love the super soft, comfortable, high-quality faux fur lining. The jacket also has wrist cuffs that block the cold wind.
It comes with a robust zip up closure and an adjustable drawstring waist belt which makes layering easy peasy.
Best Lightweight rain jacket for travel
Best travel rain jackets come in many forms. You can buy an expensive branded packable rain jacket that will last years or a light vinyl raincoat that you can replace after every trip.
I especially love raincoats because they are trendy and come in vibrant colors plus I don’t feel guilty about spending a lot of money as some are so cheap.
Here are some of the best rain jackets for travel.
Columbia Arcadia Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
This is one of the best women’s rain jackets for travel if you like bright colors. This jacket comes in eye-popping shades such as teal, mustard, purple, and red.
Plus it’s from Columbia, so you can be assured of the quality. It is also available in plus sizes.
Columbia Switchback Rain Jacket
The Columbia Switchback Rain Jacket is made up of 100% nylon fabric, which means it can withstand the harshness of the rains, winds, as well as other wear and tear during travel.
The jacket is constructed with a seam seal, keeping you dry.
The pocket has zips – though, for important items like phone and wallet, we recommend an additional waterproof bag.
The cuffs come with a Velcro strap to customize your fit. While expensive, it is definitely durable and one of the best women’s rain jackets for travel.
JTANIB Women’s Lightweight & Quick Drying Hooded Rain Jacket
The full nylon raincoat is one of the best travel rain jackets for women.
It’s 100% waterproof shell will keep you dry in light rains to heavy downpours, and the jacket is so light that you can easily fold it into a slim packet and carry it everywhere, even your daypack and totes.
It comes with adjustable cuffs and a drawcord hem for a custom fit. The pockets have zips and the hood can be used to stowaway the jacket itself.
Ezrun Waterproof Packable Rain Jacket
This is a great lightweight rain jacket for women for travel.
It is made up of 100% polyester, comes with a zippered closure and can be stowed away in a pocket on its back which doubles up as a carrier bag.
It is so light, that the packable pouch size is 7’’ by 7’’, making it super easy to carry everywhere.
This jacket is suitable for all outdoor tasks since it is waterproof and can also act as a windbreaker.
It has a drawstring hem and a zipper design plus reflective elements to keep you safe at night.
Rainjacket / Windbreaker jacket by Avoogue
This is one of the best travel rain jackets for women if you love vibrant colors like wine red, mustard, and royal blue.
The jacket itself is made up of lightweight, breathable, and durable fabric.
The hood of the jacket is adjustable, so you can pull it close to better protect your face. The cuffs of the jacket are elastic, as is the hem.
It comes with a separate drawstring bag to pack it in.
Cole Haan Packable Rain Jacket
The Cole Haan Packable Rain Jacket while expensive is my personal favorite women’s lightweight rain jacket for travel.
It is perfect for all the seasons; the jacket is loose so you can wear it over base layers.
The material is strong and durable, making it perfect for outdoor tasks where the wind can either whip lesser jackets away or cause tears.
It comes with a matching pouch to stow away when not needed. I especially love the gold styling details, which make it very classy.
Best travel raincoat for women
Do not live in a rainy place and want one just for traveling to a new city?
Get a basic, cheap, long raincoat. Nowadays they make them pretty stylish.
Get a bright solid color one for striking photos on a cloudy day or get a transparent one and wear bright clothes underneath for a chic vibe.
Or get a lightweight travel raincoat with a hood and skip the umbrella! Here are some of the best waterproof jackets for travel:
This is the best light rain jacket for travel for those who want a budget jacket in bright colors.
I especially love how the yellow, navy, and red colors provide pop on drab rainy days.
The jacket is made up of polyester-nylon fabric. It comes with a zipper closure and detachable hood.
The jacket has a waist drawcord and comes with a pouch so it can be packed easily for travelling.
Romanstii Drawstring lined raincoat for women
One of the best waterproof travel jackets, this raincoat is trendy and slenderizing due to its unique drawstring design.
It is breathable and very comfortable in spite of being waterproof. It has two big pockets and a very useful, drawstring hood.
The interiors are made of mesh and the coat is perfect for all outdoorsy activities. It also makes a perfect gift for women who love to travel.
One of the best travel waterproof jackets, this rain poncho is extremely roomy.
It is a multi-functional jacket that works as a trench coat, a raincoat, a windcheater or a sports coat.
It is much better in quality than the cheap ponchos you get at theme parks and tourist attractions.
It comes with a drawstring waist and front pockets and is a great product for women who love to travel with lightweight outerwear. It also comes in very bright and vivid prints.
Best Travel Vest for women
Want to skip a bulky winter jacket but still need something for warmth? Get a travel vest.
It protects your core while offering more flexibility for your arms – and is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, walking, and biking in mild weather. Here are some of my favorite travel vests for women.
This padded quilted vest is made up of polyester, making it waterproof and breathable.
It does not have a hood but the stand collar does a good job of keeping the wind away from the throat.
The vest is perfect for mild weather and for layering over thick winter clothes for outdoor activities.
Drawstring Utility Vest by Mix-Matchy
This utility vest is made up of 100% cotton, making it lightweight and breathable.
It is perfect for wear during the spring, fall, and mild winter seasons.
It comes in a lot of vivid and vibrant colors like blue-gray, dusty rose, mustard, rust, and even camo. The vest comes with a hood and is very fashionable.
A travel vest with over 15 pockets and RFID protection? Yes, these beauties exist.
They are expensive but so worth the price.
You can keep everything from passport, cell phone, tablet, camera, wallet, chapstick, and more in your pockets and still look sleek and feel organized.
These are also great for hiking and backpacking.
That’s it, you just looked at my favorite travel jackets. I will keep updating this list as I find new amazing coats and vests.
We hope you liked our recommendations for the best lightweight jacket for travel for women. Have a picture wearing one of our recommended jackets? Let us know in the comments.
