Packable Puffer Jackets Take the Stress Out of Winter Travel—Here Are 10 That Take Up Almost No Space in Your Carry-On
While there's certainly a lot to love about traveling during this time of year (like the joyful anticipation of the holidays and the beauty of impending snow fall to name a few), I think we can all agree that packing for a winter vacation can be a total nightmare. Especially if you're a carry-on only type of traveler, finding space for all of the warming layers that winter weather requires is a real strategy game. You can fold, roll, and compress all you like, but the harsh reality is that sweaters, coats, and all of your winter gear takes up space—and lots of it. So that you don't have to lug your puffer coat around the airport and plane, we found packable puffer jackets that don't take up much space in your luggage. That's right—you can have your puffer and pack it, too.
These space-saving marvels deliver all of the warmth and functionality of a typical puffer jacket, but with extra thoughtful upgrades like removable hoods and a smart, collapsible silhouettes that fold down into their own pockets. Packable puffer jackets make packing for winter travel an absolute breeze because they fit almost anywhere—you can effortlessly stuff one in your backpack or carry-on luggage without having to engage in a game of Tetris, and it's one less thing to think about as you go through airport security. If you're looking to add a packable puffer jacket to your winter wardrobe, we took the liberty of finding the best ones money can buy.
Best packable puffer jackets that make winter travel a breeze
Available sizes: XS-XL
The Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket is a W+G team favorite—and a FP Movement from Free People best-seller—for good reason. It comes in a spectrum of fun, fashion-forward colors that are everything our winter wardrobe needs, for starters. And it’s stuffed with a synthetic down alternative that keeps you feeling warm and toasty (but not overwhelmed) in the winter cold. Most importantly though, the Pippa Puffer truly is a breeze to travel with. It folds down into its own pocket with ease, and can be stuffed in your carry-on or personal item without any fuss. Plus, it makes for a cozy travel pillow!
Colors: 16
Available sizes: XS-XL (select sizes sold out)
The Lole Packable Down Jacket boasts a water-resistant nylon shell, and plush, responsibly sourced, down insulation. The sleek silhouette that keeps you warm without adding too much bulk, and it all folds down easily, making it a seamless addition to your luggage or backpack. What’s more, the hood is removable for a customizable look that’s still super functional. Plus thoughtful details like the drop tail hem and elasticated cuffs add further protection from the harsh cold.
Colors: 3
Available sizes: XS-XL
The Phoebe Packable Puffer Jacket conveniently folds into its own back pocket for easy stowing. Equipped with a water-resistant exterior, synthetic insulation, and a polyester fleece trim along the interior, this travel-ready jacket will be a go-to for all of your wintertime adventures. “Absolutely LOVE this jacket,” wrote one Free People shopper in a 5-star review. “It’s the perfect amount of oversized; it’s super comfy, warm, and I can’t wait to bring it everywhere with me.” If you’re after a more fitted look, consider sizing down on this one.
Colors: 5
Available sizes: XS-3X
If you’re feeling spendy and want to splurge on a packable puffer that’ll stand the test of time, check out the Nuptse Jacket by The North Face. Emily Ratajkowski has been spotted wearing this vintage-inspired beauty on numerous occasions this year, and it’s been selling out ever since. But the retro chic look isn’t the only thing we love about the Nuptse, it’s full of heat-trapping (and responsibly sourced) down, has a removable hood, and it packs away into its own hand pocket for effortless storage.
Colors: 5
Available sizes: XS-XL
The most lightweight of all of FP Movement’s packable puffer jacket options, the Poppy has a slim, synthetic down fill, shorter length, and a relaxed fit that’s perfect for layering during winter travel, or commuting to a workout class. Zippered, fleece-lined pockets give cold hands a warm place to retreat from the cold, while the bungeed hemline and cinched cuffs help lock in the warmth. Now the question is, which of the eight stylish color options will you choose?
Colors: 8
Originally $180, now $90
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
This Calvin Klein Puffer Coat packs into its own compact carrying pouch—perfect for latching onto a backpack or stuffing in a tote or carry-on luggage. The water-resistant polyester shell shields you from the winter cold, and features a removable hood and standing collar for flexible wear. And if you love the puffer look but also want to maintain your shape, you’ll love the stretchy puffer’s cinched waist and shorter hem.
Colors: 8
Available sizes: XS-XL
This REI puffer jacket has over 300 5-star ratings and is only $100—which isn’t too shabby for a piece of winter outerwear! REI shoppers love the warmth of the jacket’s ethically sourced down insulation, and the lightweight, versatile look that serves you well during outdoorsy activities and casual, everyday wear alike. What’s more, the recycled nylon exterior is fully water-repellant, meaning this super functional puffer jacket can handle whatever winter throws at it. Plus, it folds down into its own left hand pocket, and can fit into a tote or backpack without a fuss.
Colors: 4
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
We can’t get enough of the playful, retro look of this Cotopaxi puffer jacket—and neither can REI shoppers, clearly, because the popular jacket has over 400 5-star ratings. The Fuego Hooded Down Jacket touts a lightweight, versatile fit that you can even use in the spring. It has a nylon exterior with a warming down fill, an adjustable drawcord waist to seal out the cold, interior pockets for your daily essentials, and zippered outer pockets for hand warmth when you need it. For easy winter travel, just fold down the Fuego into one of its pockets. Plus, you can still find select colors/sizes at a discount during the REI Holiday Warm Up Sale!
Colors: 12
Originally $165, now $70
Available sizes: XXS-XL
To keep cozy all winter long without breaking the bank, you’re going to want to jump on this packable down puffer from Macy’s. The fully lined, water-resistant coat offers the perfect amount of coverage from the winter cold, and is equipped with a removable hood for added protection from the elements. One Macy’s shopper said it was exactly what she needed for her winter vacation. “I purchased this coat to wear on vacation [and] it worked great,” she wrote in a 5-star review. “It conveniently packs into a small pouch and the coat keeps me warm in 25-degree temperatures.”
Colors: 9
Available sizes: XS-XL
Free People is clearly excelling in the puffer category, and the cropped version of their best-selling Pippa Puffer is no exception. Unlike the original Pippa though, this jacket has a boxy silhouette that crops high, just above the waist. The lightweight, quilted nylon puffer is stuffed with a warm, synthetic fill and claims to be water-resistant—which, coupled with the reflective shell, makes it a solid choice for outdoor activities that’s still fashionable for daily wear. According to Free People shoppers, you may want to size down if you’re looking for a more fitted look.
Colors: 3
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