The way you dress to run errands on a 20F day is vastly different than how you’d want to dress for an eight hour flight across the Atlantic. And it’s enough work lugging around a suitcase without having the added weight of multiple layers of heavy wool, and a pair of gloves, which, by the way, you will 100% lose one if not both.
I can’t help you find your lost glove, but I will make the case for scrapping that bulky wool coat for something much lighter, all without compromising on warmth.
5 Lightweight Puffer Coats for Winter Travel
When you’re not out braving the cold to sightsee, these 5 lightweight coats pack down small without taking up valuable space in your bag.
L.L. Bean’s Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket
Made of ethically sourced 850-fill-power goose down and a woven nylon shell, this fitted puffer from L.L. Bean is ultra-light and can fold down to fit inside its own small pocket pouch. The treated down dries fast and is washer dryer safe. Special headphone ports keep cords tangle-free and your smartphone in reach. Available in 5 colors, with yellow and red currently on sale for $219. Price: $119 at L.L. Bean
Arc’Teryx Cerium LT Hooded Jacket
A classic hooded puffer by British Columbia based Arc’Teryx constructed with durable nylon taffeta to protect against wet winter weather. Filled with goose down. Not exactly cheap but chalk it up to getting what you pay for. Arc'Teryx is known for its sturdy construction and will certainly last through the years. Price: $379 at MooseJaw
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
Of Patagonia’s endless variety of puffers, their new PlumaFill line offers the most warmth at the absolute lightest weight. And when you’re snuggly seated onboard, this jacket can easily be folded down to fit in your carry on. Made entirely of polyester insulation with a water repellent outer shell. Price: $249 at Patagonia
Nuptse 1996 Packable Quilted Down Jacket
In case you haven’t already noticed, the 90s are officially a thing these days, as evidenced by this North Face rerelease of their 1996 classic Nuptse jacket. It may look big and bulky on but can fold down to be zipped and stowed in its own pocket. The 700-fill goose down will see you through the coldest winters, while the water repellent ripstop nylon shell and stowaway hood will keep you dry. Price: $249 at North Face
Ultra Light Down Seamless Parka by Uniqlo, $69.90
Known for its colorful range of affordable basics, Japan’s Uniqlo produces a full line of lightweight down in everything from vests to parkas. The fitted seamless parka cuts a lean silhouette for anyone hoping to avoid the Michelin Man look that bulkier puffers sometimes give. Made with a water repellent ripstop nylon shell and a 90% down lining. Available in 6 colors. Price: Currently on sale for $29.90 at Uniqlo
Intro image by VK Studio/Shutterstock