What Is The Best Travel Jacket Men’s For Your Next Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering what to pack? The best travel jacket men’s is an essential item that offers comfort, protection, and style. At SIXT.VN, we understand the importance of having the right gear for your travels. That’s why we’ve created a guide to help you choose the perfect men’s travel jacket for your adventures, ensuring you stay comfortable and prepared no matter the destination.

1. How We Selected and Tested These Travel Jackets

Jackets are constantly evolving with new and improved technologies. This guide is designed to help you navigate the overwhelming number of available options. We put in the work of exploring the market and creating a shortlist of travel jackets that we thought would be excellent contenders for testing. We looked at aspects like aesthetics, materials, insulation (if any), weight, and packability.

Best Travel Jackets Tested

From there, we acquired our units for testing and took each of these jackets out and about, seeing what we liked and didn’t like about them. Aside from seeing how well each of them stuffed into our bags, we also considered fit, comfort, and warmth. The results are detailed down below.

Measurements: I’m 6’0″ tall and wear an XL on most occasions, and almost every jacket I tested is an XL. My body type is a bit large with broad shoulders, so I also prefer jackets that are a bit slimming, especially around the belly area. For the sake of jackets, I’m more particular than most about hood fit since I have long hair that I usually wear in a bun.

1.1. What Are the Key Features of a Good Travel Jacket?

A good travel jacket for men should be lightweight, durable, and versatile. According to a study by the Adventure Travel Trade Association, travelers prioritize comfort and functionality in their clothing choices. Look for features such as water resistance, breathability, and packability to ensure your jacket meets the demands of your trip.

• Material: Choose lightweight, weather-resistant materials like GORE-TEX, nylon, or polyester.
• Insulation: Consider insulated options for colder climates, but be mindful of packability.
• Water Resistance: Opt for water-resistant or waterproof fabrics to stay dry in unpredictable weather.
• Weight/Packability: Look for jackets that can be easily packed into a small bag or suitcase.

2. Top Travel Jacket Men’s Recommendations

Here are some of the best travel jackets men’s available today, each offering unique benefits for different travel needs:

2.1. Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker: The Best Half-Zip Option

Cotopaxi Teca Half Zip Windbreaker F 5 24 1

The Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker is a stylish and functional choice for travelers seeking a lightweight and visually appealing jacket. It is an affordable option for those who value both aesthetics and practicality.

Pros:

• Stylish color options
• Lightweight
• Flattering fit
• Hood can be taken on/off when zipped up
• Very affordable

Cons:

• Long sleeves
• Noisy

2.1.1. What Makes the Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker Stand Out?

The Cotopaxi Teca stands out due to its vibrant color options and lightweight design. According to Cotopaxi’s website, the Teca is made from repurposed polyester taffeta and ripstop polyester, making it an eco-friendly choice. It is a popular option among travelers who value sustainability and style.

Cotopaxi has arguably the best use of color of any outdoor clothing company and this jacket is no exception. We got hands-on with the “Dance Moves” colorway, which is conceptually very late-’80s with its shades of blue complementing the red and periwinkle accents. The complexity of the lines and colors also allows this to be a bit more flattering than your average non-black top. It also fits very true-to-size, which is even more important since it doesn’t unzip all the way. Not to mention, it’s incredibly affordable. At just $80, this windbreaker also packs into its own front pocket and is super lightweight at only 8oz.

Cotopaxi Teca Half Zip Windbreaker F 5 24 2

If the pass-through front pocket lacks the level of security you’re hoping for to secure your gear, there’s a nice zippered kangaroo pouch above it, which is also equipped with a small flap for extra protection against wetter weather. Other things I liked were the high front zipper, which doesn’t go so high that it’s impractical but can still keep out a good draft. Likewise, the hood can be taken on or off without unzipping the jacket (though this might be more challenging if you have a bun like me).

Cotopaxi Teca Half Zip Windbreaker F 5 24 3

Like most windbreakers, the Teca Half-Zip is a noisy sucker. You’ll be thwip-thwipping any time you move, which might not be ideal if you’re sitting on a crowded airplane next to someone who’s trying to sleep. It’s also important to note that while the torso, arms, and shoulders fit well without being too tight or spacious, the sleeves themselves are noticeably long. In fact, they fall below my knuckles when I’m standing up. Fortunately, there’s an elastic band at the cuffs that let you pull these above your wrists. Unfortunately, the elastic could be a bit tighter.

Cotopaxi Teca Half Zip Windbreaker F 5 24 4

Verdict: While you’ll notice the striking colorways of the Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker, it serves as a comfortable, protective, and utilitarian jacket for traveling light –– and at only 8oz! We noticed it was a bit too noisy for long plane flights and the sleeves fell pretty low but this is still an affordable and attractive option for anyone who loves expressive outerwear.

Weight: 8oz

Shell: Repurposed polyester taffeta and repurposed ripstop polyester

Insulation: N/A

DWR?: Yes

Hood?: Yes

2.2. Outdoor Research Helium Jacket: The Best Down Jacket

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket F 5 24 1

The Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie is a top pick for travelers needing warmth and packability in colder climates. It combines lightweight materials with excellent insulation.

Pros:

• Stylish and slimming
• Waterproof reinforcement on shoulders & hood
• Lightweight yet warm
• Great fit

Cons:

• Waist pockets hard to zip up

2.2.1. What Are the Notable Features of the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket?

The Outdoor Research Helium is known for its lightweight design and 800-fill power goose down insulation. Outdoor Research highlights that the Helium’s Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon shell provides extra abrasion resistance without adding weight. Its weather-resistant features make it a versatile option for various travel conditions.

When we put together our down jackets guide, the OR Helium was my favorite of the bunch, making it a no-brainer here for travel jackets. When unzipped, it fits incredibly well, but it’s even slimming when zipped all the way up –– not super common for down jackets. Not too tight or too bulky, the sleeves were a plus, featuring elastic on the cuffs that closed perfectly. I wear a watch on my right wrist and I was able to show it off naturally without the cuff falling over it to cover it up.

Sporting a sleek aesthetic and a packable design that stuffs well into your suitcase, this coat is also a smart choice if you’re doing any outdoor activities on your trip. As advertised, the hood and shoulders are reinforced to beat moisture well, even though the entire jacket isn’t waterproof. The longer cut is also preferable, which creates extra coverage at the waist for windy days without getting in the way when you’re sitting down.

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket F 5 24 2

If I had to nitpick about one thing, it would be the waist pockets on the outside. While unzipping them was quick and could be done with a single hand, closing them back up was a struggle, which could be an issue if you’re trying to be fast. Also, I didn’t love how I couldn’t put the hood on when the jacket was zipped up all the way; I had to unzip it a bit to take the hood on and off. However, I did like the low profile of the hood, which didn’t lump against my shoulders when I sat down.

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket F 5 24 4

Verdict: Our favorite down jacket around, the Outdoor Research Helium is a lightweight, warm, and stylish hoodie that can pack away into your suitcase with ease. Bolstered on the hood and shoulders for waterproofness, the coat has some finicky pockets but was among the best-fitting options we tried out. If you’re traveling in colder climates, consider this one.

Weight: 15.4oz

Shell: 30D Ripstop Pertex Quantum Nylon

Insulation: 800-fill goose down

DWR?: Yes

Hood?: Yes

2.3. Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket: The Best Hybrid Jacket

Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid Jacket F 5 24 1

The Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket is ideal for travelers who need breathability and warmth in varying conditions. Its unique ventilation system and lightweight design make it a versatile choice.

Pros:

• Warm yet super breathable
• Very comfortable and soft
• Made in a Fair Trade Certified facility
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Tight when zipped up
• Long sleeves

2.3.1. What Makes the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket a Great Choice?

The Patagonia Nano-Air Light is celebrated for its comfort and breathability. According to Patagonia, the Nano-Air Light features FullRange insulation and a dual-zippered closure for optimal ventilation. Its Fair Trade certification also appeals to ethically conscious consumers.

A sweatshirt feel with a jacket function, the Patagonia Nano-Air Light is expectedly lightweight weighing just 10.5oz. It’s a simple build but has enough of a unique identity that it’s well-worth wearing. Incredibly soft both inside and out, the coat feels cozy, which will serve you well on long flights or when riding passenger in a car with people who like to crank the AC. As promised, the jacket doesn’t overheat. I was wearing it with a long-sleeve shirt underneath and noticed I didn’t feel too warm despite the moderate temperature at the time. On the other hand, it was incredibly warming the next evening when the weather cooled down.

Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid Jacket F 5 24 2

While the jacket is slimming on the body, it does wear rather tight, which is noticed mostly when sitting down. If you never zip up your jacket, then you’ll be fine with your normal size, otherwise consider going a size up (or just unzipping when you sit down). Likewise, the unique back construction makes this portion of the coat stick out when it’s unzipped. However, my least favorite aspect here is the sleeve length. The cuffs fell halfway down my palms and didn’t functionally clamp to my wrists like the elastic was supposed to.

Another thing I’d change here is the pockets. There are only the two options at the waist, which require two hands to close. However, it could use a chest pocket or one on the inside.

Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid Jacket F 5 24 4

Verdict: Finding a balance between a sweatshirt and a jacket, this lightweight Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket is one of the coziest options we tried out. Soft both inside and out, it’s warm when it needs to be but never overheats. We weren’t fans of the long sleeves that kept getting in the way or the tight fit when zipped up but this is still a favorable option when you need some flexibility in your outerwear.

Weight: 10.5oz

Shell: 1.6-oz 30-denier 100% recycled polyester

Insulation: 40-g FullRange 100% polyester

DWR?: Yes

Hood?: No

2.4. L.L.Bean Waterproof PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket: The Best Waterproof Jacket

LLBean Waterproof PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket F 5 24 1

The L.L.Bean Waterproof PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket is a reliable choice for travelers needing waterproof protection without sacrificing style. Its packable design and excellent water resistance make it a practical option.

Pros:

• Zippers on pockets are easy to use single-handed
• Nice hood design protects you well
• Accessible style doesn’t look like a rain jacket
• Inner sleeve acts as a nice wind barrier

Cons:

• Hood drawstrings are frustrating

2.4.1. What Are the Key Advantages of the L.L.Bean Waterproof PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket?

The L.L.Bean Packaway Jacket stands out due to its waterproof capabilities and stylish design. L.L.Bean notes that the jacket uses NASA-developed Aerogel and PrimaLoft Gold insulation to provide warmth and protection. Its numerous pockets and packable design enhance its utility for travelers.

I love how much the L.L.Bean Packaway Jacket doesn’t look like a rain jacket despite how well it protects you from moisture. I was able to test this in wet weather and can attest that it does keep you dry (though it wasn’t raining incredibly hard). The hood provides some nice coverage all around and the collar goes up pretty high on your chin, but not too high that it looks ridiculous. In all, this coat has an accessible style that doesn’t feel too aggressive; you can wear this thing out in the evening and it won’t look like you’re trying too hard. You also wouldn’t think the jacket was as packable as it is, but it will quickly prove you wrong in that regard.

Another nice feature of this jacket is the pockets. I loved the options you get: two at the waist, two at the chest with inward-facing zippers, one hidden zippered compartment on the inside, and a pouch pocket down below. Moreover, the zippers themselves are designed to keep out moisture and, unlike most other jackets, they are all very agreeable and easy to use with a single hand. I avoid most jacket pockets because they’re so impractical but I was using these ones a lot. In terms of wind protection (and coldness protection), the inner sleeve is a nice touch, mimicking the feeling of wearing a compression shirt at the cuff. This also prevents the sleeves from falling too low.

LLBean Waterproof PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket F 5 24 2

My biggest gripe with the Packaway Jacket is how frustrating it is to use the hood drawstrings. Not only would you have to unzip the jacket about a third of the way down in order to pull the strings but they don’t even remotely remain cinched after you do so. Likewise, the secondary cinches on the outside require two hands to operate, which isn’t ideal. On the other hand, I like the hood shape, which didn’t stick out or fall off despite my hair being up in a bun.

LLBean Waterproof PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket F 5 24 4

Verdict: If you want a performative rain jacket that doesn’t look like a rain jacket, the L.L.Bean Packaway is the perfect choice, with an accessible style and subtle style points to boot. We loved the hood design, easy-to-use pocket zippers, and the inner sleeves, but the drawstrings on the hood could have been more functional.

Weight: 25.12oz

Shell: 100% nylon ripstop

Insulation: 60g PrimaLoft

DWR?: No

Hood?: Yes

2.5. Relwen Windzip Jacket: The Best Lightweight Jacket

Relwen Windzip Jacket F 5 24 1

The Relwen Windzip Jacket is a versatile option for travelers seeking a lightweight, wind-resistant, and warm jacket. Its hybrid design makes it suitable for various weather conditions.

Pros:

• Waist pocket is cleverly designed to keep stuff inside
• Very warm
• Soft and comfy
• Surprising amount of storage

Cons:

• Runs small

2.5.1. What Are the Standout Qualities of the Relwen Windzip Jacket?

The Relwen Windzip Jacket is noted for its comfort and versatility. Relwen designed this hybrid jacket to be lightweight, wind-resistant, water-resistant, and super warm. It is filled with 60g of down insulation and an outer shell made of nylon and spandex for a stretchy fit.

The first thing you’ll notice with the Relwen Windzip Jacket is how incredibly soft and comfortable it is. I used the word “cozy” with the Patagonia above, and that’s true with this one as well. It was rather cold out when I wore this one, and the Relwen served me well thanks to its synthetic down fill. I wasn’t able to button it up but the thick snap button flap will also aid you when it’s windy.

My favorite part about this coat was the side pockets. I thought the non-zippered pockets would prove to be an issue but most of the time, these zippers are impractical anyway, so Relwen just opted out of them. Instead, it chose to redesign this element. These aren’t just pouches to throw your gear into but are designed to keep your gear inside, despite their open nature. To do this, the pocket drops down once you get inside thanks to a stitched wall that prevents your items from falling out. And if you want a zippered pocket, the Windzip has one as well, located at your chest.

Relwen Windzip Jacket F 5 24 2

This was the one jacket I tested that was not an XL. I can still wear a Large most of the time, especially in jackets since they naturally are a bit larger anyway. However, this Relwen Windzip was incredibly tight on me. I struggled to get it on and even when I did, it was difficult to activate the zipper down below –– and that’s after I got it past the snap buttons that kept getting in the way. I’ve worn size Large jackets in the past and they’ve never been this tight on me. Regardless though, I still found the jacket form-fitting and even slimming on my body. Honestly, I expected the opposite to be true. On the same note, the top snap button kept falling together when this jacket was unzipped, which felt annoying against my neck to say the least.

Relwen Windzip Jacket F 5 24 4

Verdict: Warm, soft, and easy-going, the Relwen Windzip Jacket is a versatile jacket for any time of year. We loved the waist pockets which eschewed zippers in favor of a thoughtful open-mouthed design. However, even though we got hands-on with Large (instead of an XL), this coat ran a bit small, making it difficult to zip up and wear comfortably.

Weight: Unspecified

Shell: 94% nylon, 6% spandex

Insulation: 100% polyester, 60 gram down-alternative

DWR?: No

Hood?: No

2.6. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoodie: The Most Stylish Option

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 Down Hoodie F 5 24 1

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoodie is perfect for travelers who want a stylish, lightweight, and packable jacket. Its sleek aesthetic and excellent warmth-to-weight ratio make it a standout choice.

Pros:

• Good color options
• Sleek aesthetic
• Very lightweight
• Fits firmly

Cons:

• Runs a bit small; slim fitting
• Not a lot of pockets
• Expensive

2.6.1. Why Is the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoodie Considered Stylish?

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer is praised for its sleek design and lightweight construction. Mountain Hardwear highlights that the Ghost Whisperer uses Whisperer ripstop nylon fabric and 800-fill power goose down. Its stylish appearance and packability make it a favorite among fashion-conscious travelers.

While not as good of a down jacket as the Outdoor Research Helium, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer still has an edge in regard to its weight, which is about half of the former at just 8.8oz, and its sleek design aesthetic, giving you a nice dose of gloss on the shell. Although we stuck with the black option, we do love the orange and blue options as well. Mountain Hardwear does a good job blending form and function and this is no different.

Where the jacket really excels is its fit. Even though it’s designed more for slim bodies, it’s true-to-size and doesn’t feel slim. There’s plenty of room in the sleeves without them being too roomy or too long; they fall perfectly at the base of the palm. Likewise, I liked how firmly fit I was in this coat, which eliminated any wind that could’ve gotten inside. Overall, this is a very comfortable jacket and will keep you pretty warm, especially considering how light it is.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 Down Hoodie F 5 24 2

On the other side of the same coin, the slim fit could also be mistaken as “running small.” In other words, you won’t be able to drop a size here. Similarly, this coat is not very flattering. The horizontal quilting only adds to the accentuating of certain body parts like the belly. Perhaps my least favorite part of the Ghost Whisperer is the pockets. Not only could this use interior pockets or pouches, but the sole pockets, which are at the waist, have finicky zippers that struggle to open and close. And then there’s the price. $360 is a lot to pay for any piece of clothing, especially one that you don’t deem perfect.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer2 Down Hoodie F 5 24 4

Verdict: The lightest insulated jacket in this guide, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is stylish, warm, and pretty darn comfortable. Some might say it runs small but if you have the right size, it’s quite form-fitting, almost to a fault. We could’ve used some improvements on the zippered pockets but the main issue here is the price tag, which we had a hard time justifying.

Weight: 8.8oz

Shell: Whisperer 10Dx10D ripstop recycled nylon

Insulation: 90% goose down, 10% goose feather

DWR?: Yes

Hood?: Yes

2.7. Arc’Teryx Beta AR Jacket: The Best High-End Jacket

Arcteryx Beta AR F 5 24 1

The Arc’Teryx Beta AR Jacket is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a high-end, versatile jacket for mountain treks and outdoor activities. Its GORE-TEX construction and durable design provide superior weather protection.

Pros:

• Widely-accessible style
• Really comfortable
• Tough and rugged shell
• Warm without the extra bulk
• Stands up well to weather

Cons:

• Runs large
• Pocket zippers are stiff
• Expensive

2.7.1. What Distinguishes the Arc’Teryx Beta AR Jacket in the High-End Market?

The Arc’Teryx Beta AR is renowned for its superior quality and performance. Arc’teryx emphasizes that the Beta AR uses GORE-TEX PRO fabric for windproof and water-repellent protection. Its helmet-compatible hood and RECCO reflector enhance its suitability for outdoor adventures.

In our guide to best hiking jackets, I was able to get hands-on with the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket, which I loved for its versatility, comfort, and accessible style. And this Beta AR brings all those to a new level. Arguably more rain jacket-looking than its “more affordable” little brother, the Beta AR almost looks like a casual evening coat if it weren’t for the thick, rugged materials and its weather protection properties. As we’ve come to expect from the brand, there aren’t really any aggressive design cues or logos, maintaining its appeal without sacrificing durability. And the GORE-TEX and nylon shell is surprisingly soft to the touch.

The hood here is very big, for better or worse. Even with my hair up, I could take the hood on or off with the jacket zipped all the way up. The drawstring to tighten the hood is effective (and on the outside of the collar, which is not the case with a lot of these types of jackets). To loosen the cinch, you simply press the buttons embedded inside the base of the hood. Likewise, when it’s zipped all the way up, the collar comes up high enough to protect you without shrouding your entire face. The Beta AR is also very warm, which it achieves without any extra bulk or an abundance of insulation.

Arcteryx Beta AR F 5 24 2

Like the Beta Lightweight, the Beta AR does fit rather large. It’s a comfortable jacket to wear but it’s admittedly roomy. The sleeves are especially spacious with the cuffs hanging down below my knuckles. Fortunately, the cuffs Velcro for a better fit. The hood is also quite roomy, with the collar digging into my neck when I first tightened it up.

Despite the high-placed front pockets, which makes them ideal for accessing while wearing a backpack, the zippers are difficult to operate single-handedly and are stiff as well. They could also afford to be a bit deeper. However, I did appreciate the small essentials pocket on the inside. And lest we forget to mention the $600 price tag, which most consumers will balk at. This is not a cheap jacket but if you have the money, it’s a no-brainer.

Arcteryx Beta AR F 5 24 4

Verdict: While it’s difficult to figure out how this coat gets to be $200 more expensive than Arc’teryx’s Beta Lightweight jacket, the Beta AR would still be my choice if money were no option. It’s expensive, yes, but it fits well, provides warmth without bulk, and keeps you dry. Not to mention, the coat just looks really great with its widely accessible, almost simple aesthetic.

Weight: 16oz

Shell: 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro

Insulation: N/A

DWR?: Yes

Hood?: Yes

3. Travel Jackets Comparison Chart

4. Why Should You Wear a Travel Jacket?

Wearing a travel jacket can significantly enhance your travel experience by providing comfort, protection, and convenience. According to a survey by Condé Nast Traveler, 78% of travelers consider comfort when choosing travel attire. A good travel jacket can protect you from the elements, keep you warm, and offer convenient storage for your essentials.

4.1. What is a Travel Jacket?

A travel jacket is a versatile piece of outerwear designed to be lightweight, packable, and protective. It often features weather-resistant materials and a design that allows it to be easily stowed away when not needed.

Coming in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, the packable travel jacket is quintessential for any vacation. The ability to go from providing lush warmth to folding into itself and becoming an inconspicuous accessory is practically the epitome of convenience. However, with so many options on the market, it’s difficult to find one that checks all the boxes: a lightweight carry, seamless storability, and, most importantly, optimized warmth and protection from the elements. So we’ve narrowed it down to light, intuitive, and reliable jackets from trusted labels to help you out. Whether they be hoodies or anoraks, as long as they’re easy to pack away and provide enough weather protection, they can be used as a travel jacket.

5. Additional Options to Consider

While the jackets listed above are our top recommendations, here are a few honorable mentions worth considering: