While there’s certainly a lot of fun to travel this time of year (such as the eager anticipation of the holidays and the beauty of impending snow, to name a few), I I think we can all agree that packing for a winter break can be a total nightmare. Especially If you’re the kind of luggage-only traveler, finding space for all the layers of warmth that winter weather requires is a real game of strategy. You can fold, roll, and compress all you want, but the harsh reality is that your sweaters, coats, and all of your winter gear take up a lot of space — and a lot of space. So that you don’t have to drag your life jacket around the airport and on the plane, we’ve found life jackets that pack and don’t take up much space in your luggage. That’s right—you can also take puffer fish and pack it.
These space-saving masterpieces offer all the warmth and functionality of a regular life jacket, but with more thoughtful upgrades like a removable hood and a smart jacket. , collapsible to fold into their own pocket. Packable life jackets make packing for winter travel a breeze because they fit almost anywhere—you can easily tuck one jacket into your three pockets. bags or carry-on baggage without having to engage in a jigsaw puzzle and you’ll have one less thought as you go through airport security. If you’re looking to add a packable life jacket to your winter wardrobe, we’ve taken the liberty of searching for the best that money can buy.
The best packable life jackets that make winter travel a breeze
FP Movement, Pippa Packable Puffy Jacket — $198.00
Available sizes: X-XL
The Pippa packable life jacket is a favorite of the W+G team—and an FP Movement bestseller from Free People—for good reason. It comes in fun, trendy colors that have everything our winter wardrobe needs, for starters. And it’s stuffed with alternative synthetic feathers to keep you warm and delicious (but not overwhelming) in the winter chill. Most importantly, however, the Pippa Puffer is actually very easy to travel with. It easily folds into its own pocket and can be tucked into your carry-on luggage or personal items without any fuss. Plus, it makes for a cozy travel pillow!
Color: 16
Lole down jacket, packable — $166.00
Available sizes: XS-XL (choose size out of stock)
The Lole Packable Feather Jacket boasts a water-resistant nylon shell and a reasonably sourced, down-insulation layer. The sleek look keeps you warm without adding too much stuff, 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 customized look that’s still super functional. Plus meticulous details like a drop-tail hem and stretchy cuffs enhance protection from the harsh cold.
Color: 3
FP Movement, Phoebe Packable Jacket — $198.00
Available sizes: X-XL
The Phoebe packable life jacket conveniently folds into its own back pocket for easy storage. Equipped with a waterproof outer layer, synthetic insulation and vertical polyester fleece trim on the inside, this travel-ready jacket will be the right carry for any winter adventure. Friend. “Absolutely LOVED this jacket,” one Free People shopper wrote in a 5-star review. “It’s the perfect amount of oversize; It’s super comfortable and warm and I can’t wait to take it everywhere.” If you’re looking for a more flattering look, consider downsizing this one.
Color: 5
But related story
The North Face, 1996 Nuptse Down Classic Coat — $320.00
Available sizes: XS-3X
If you’re feeling expensive and want to splurge on a packable life jacket that will stand the test of time, check out The North Face’s Nuptse Jacket. Emily Ratajkowski has been spotted wearing this vintage-inspired beauty several times this year, and it’s sold out ever since. But the classic chic look isn’t the only thing we love about the Nuptse, it’s fully insulated (and responsibly delivered), features a removable hood and stowed into its own carry-on bag for easy storage.
Color: 5
FP Movement, Poppy Packable Puffy Jacket — $168.00
Available sizes: X-XL
The lightest of all FP Movement’s packable life jacket options, the Poppy features a thin synthetic fleece, a shorter length and a comfortable fit that’s perfect for layering on the go winter schedule or go to a workout class. The zippered, fleece-lined pocket gives cold hands a warm place to hide from the cold, while the bungeed hem and zippered cuffs help keep warm. Now the question is, which of the eight fashionable color options will you choose?
Color: 8
Calvin Klein, Stretch Hoodie Jacket — $90.00
Originally $180, now $90
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
This Calvin Klein Life jacket comes packaged in its own compact carrying case—great for slinging in a backpack or carrying in a handbag or carry-on. The water-resistant polyester shell protects you from the winter cold, and features a removable hood and stand-up collar for versatility. And if you love the puffy look but also want to stay in shape, you’ll love the stretchy waist and shorter hem of the puffer top.
Color: 8
REI Co-op, 650 Down Jacket 2.0 — $100.00
Available sizes: X-XL
This REI life jacket has over 300 5-star ratings and is only $100—not too bad for a winter outerwear! REI shoppers love the warmth of the down jacket’s insulation and the lightweight, flexible look that will serve you well in outdoor activities as well as casual wear, daily. What’s more, the recycled nylon outer layer is fully waterproof, meaning this super functional life jacket can handle whatever winter comes its way. Plus, it folds up into its own left-hand pocket and can fit into a handbag or backpack without any hassle.
Color: 4
Cotopaxi, Fuego Hooded Jacket — $275.00
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
We can’t help but fall in love with the classic, playful look of this Cotopaxi life jacket—and obviously so do REI shoppers, as this popular jacket has over 400 5-star ratings. The Fuego Hooded Jacket has a lightweight, flexible fit that you can even use in the spring. It features a nylon outer layer with a warm inner lining, an adjustable drawstring waistband to keep cool, interior pockets for your daily essentials, and zippered exterior pockets for extra storage. Keep your hands warm when you need them. For easy winter travel, simply fold the Fuego into one of its pockets. Plus, you can still find select colors/sizes at a discount during the REI Holiday Kickstart Sale!
Color: twelfth
Charter Club, Packable Hooded Jacket — $70.00
Originally $165, now $70
Available sizes: XXS-XL
To stay warm all winter long without spending a fortune, you’ll want to buy this packable down jacket from Macy’s. The fully lined, waterproof jacket provides perfect coverage from the winter cold and is fitted with a removable hood for extra protection from the elements. One Macy’s shopper said it was exactly what she needed for her winter break. “I bought this jacket to wear on vacation [and] it works great,” she wrote in a five-star review. “It was conveniently packaged in a small bag and the jacket kept me warm at 25 degrees.”
Color: 9
FP Movement, Pippa Packable Puffy Jacket — $168.00
Available sizes: X-XL
Free People clearly excel in the puffer fish category, and their cropped version of their best-selling Pippa Puffer is no exception. However, unlike the original Pippa, this jacket has a high-cut boxy silhouette, right above the waist. The lightweight, quilted nylon puffer is stuffed with synthetics, warm and claimed to be water resistant—along with a reflective finish, making it a solid choice for outdoor activities weather and still fashionable for everyday wear. According to Free People shoppers, you may want to downsize if you’re looking for a more flattering look.
Color: 3
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