Best Packable Down Jacket For Your Winter Vacation

Chasing the Donkey may include affiliate links - if you decide to make a purchase through these links, we receive a commission without any additional cost to you. Disclaimer & privacy policy.

When you’re off on a winter vacation, you must find the best packable down jacket. So, here is our list of the best down jackets.

When heading to Europe during the winter, you need to be ready for anything. The temperature shouldn’t put you off; it just means you must know what to pack! The country you’re heading to typically dictates the type of weather you will experience.

One of the best ways to stay warm (and fashionable) is to purchase a high-quality, down-filled jacket. We suggest a packable down coat to save room in your bags, keep warm, and look stylish.

A down jacket is a regular jacket with extra insulation in the form of feathers from ducks or geese. The packable down parka feels luxurious, soft, and warm, and the feathers help create air pockets that trap the heat inside, keeping the chill out.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

We’ve Reviewed The Best Down Jackets

We have done all of the hard work for you! Here is a comprehensive guide to help you find the best down jacket for travel.

Best Packable Down Jacket For Women

1. Rab Neutrino Endurance Jacket – Women’s Packable Down Jacket 800 Fill

This women’s packable down jacket with hood is available in several different colors and is designed with the ladies in mind, fitting the female form perfectly. ‘The outer is made of high-quality Pertex Endurance material, with European goose down, measuring 800 fill quality. If you were worried that a down coat wouldn’t be shapely, this jacket proves you wrong.

There is one zipped internal jacket to keep your phone safe. The hood is also down-filled to give extra warmth and is also helmet-compatible. Moreover, it is lightweight, too, at just 585g.

We love this women’s 800 fill-down jacket: It is stylish and created just for women, giving it a shape that other jackets cannot.

Why you should keep looking for a more suitable packable down winter coat: The fill quality of this jacket is middle of the road, so if you are looking for a super-warm coat, you would need to look for another women’s parka.

2. Sierra Designs Women’s DriDown Waterproof Packable Down Jacket

This women’s down jacket is ideal for a woman who wants to get out and see a new European city during the winter, when it may rain and be a little cold. Of course, if you’re thinking about heading out into the mountains for skiing or something more outdoorsy, this jacket might not be warm enough.

Made of 100% nylon, the jacket is filled with Duck DriDown, waterproof, with insulated hand pockets and two pockets on the inside. There is also a waterproof collar.

Why we love this down winter travel jacket: This is a stylish option for urban exploration and sightseeing.

Why you should keep looking for the best packable down jackets: There is no hood.

3. Patagonia Women’s Ultralight Down Jacket

This women’s ultralight down jacket comes from a big-name brand, so you know you are getting quality from the get-go. Available only in black, this jacket is made of nylon ripstop material and is waterproof. The construction is a baffle finish, which is why this is a slightly more expensive product. Its slim-line fit makes it flattering for women. The fill quality is 800, which means it is warm enough to head out on cold winter days.

Why we love this waterproof down jacket: Light, packable down jacket, making it great for travel.

Why you should keep looking for a more suitable down jacket: Only available in black.

4. Patagonia Downtown Loft Down Jacket

This fashionable Patagonia packable down jacket is available in three different colors and is of high quality for a day out in the cold. The coat is made of duck down and polyester, making it warm and waterproof. It has two zipper pockets and a hood. However, if you’re heading off to the nearest mountain, the fill power of 600 is a good middle-of-the-road choice.

Why we love this down Patagonia travel jacket: Available in many different fashionable colors

Why you should keep looking for the best women’s packable down jacket: Not suitable for frigid temperatures

5. Arcteryx Cerium LT Hoody Warm Packable Women’s Jacket

This lightweight, packable down hooded jacket is available in many colors, slim, and incredibly flattering for women. The lightweight and durable fabric have a down rating of 850, which is very warm and would be enough to head out on a hiking adventure. An adjustable storm hood and two hand pockets with a zipper closure and elasticated cuffs keep arms super-warm.

Why we love this packable down jacket with hood: One of the best winter jackets for women and the warmest down coat.

Why you should keep looking for a more suitable packable winter jacket: If you are not looking to go out into freezing temperatures for long periods, e.g., you want a coat for heading sightseeing, this one might be too warm.

6. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Travel Jacket

This women’s down jacket is available in countless colors, and the price changes depending on the color option you go for. Made of nylon, the down feather jacket is waterproof and is filled with duck down to a level of 850, which is very warm and suitable for hiking adventures for the day. The jacket is lightweight and has a drawcord to keep warmth in even more, as well as two handwarmer pockets at the front.

Why we love this collapsible down jacket: Available in countless colors and looks super-stylish.

Why you should keep looking for a more suitable down jacket: Slimline fit may not be comfortable for wearers who like more room to breathe.

7. 7Encounter Women’s Lightweight Down Filled Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket

This exceptionally fashionable down coat comes in three stylish colors: white, gray, and black. The jacket is made of a shell and nylon combination, which keeps the wearer warm and dry, with a down and feather fill mix.

It has a fashionable standing collar and an invisible front zippered pocket. This lightweight, packable puffer jacket also comes with a free tote bag, which means you can store it away when you’re not using it, keeping it in the best condition for when you need it.

Why we love this lightweight puffer jacket in a bag: Some women say that this is the best packable puffer jacket because it combines style with warmth.

Why you should keep looking for a more suitable down jacket: If you want a brighter jacket than the muted colors this one comes in, this may not be suitable for you.

8. The North Face Transit Travel Down Jacket

The North Face is one of the biggest and best winter jacket brands in the outdoors world, and this one is undoubtedly a quality option. If you are looking for a long parka jacket for going about your business during the winter months, the down weight of 550 will be enough for you.

This packable down coat is also available in five neutral color options for serious fashion kudos. There is a two-way front zip, and everyone will see that you have gone for the big North Face brand, thanks to the logo on the front and back.

We love this packable winter coat: Big-name brand and detachable hood add up to a quality product.

Why you should keep looking for more suitable lightweight down-filled jackets: This long parka jacket is not the cheapest option.

Brands We Use And Trust

CHEAP CAR RENTAL

Rental car quotes here

FIND ACCOMMODATION DEALS

Find affordable hotel deals here.

GET CONNECTED

WiFi without excessive fees.

AIRPORT AND CITY TRANSFERS

Airport and city transfer quotes.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Save on money exchange and credit card fees.

BEST LOCAL TOURS

Find many options here.

Best Packable Down Jackets For Men

Now, for the men, let’s keep you warm with these remarkable men’s packable down jackets for travel.

9. Rab Neutrino Endurance Men’s Packable Down Jacket

This jacket is an ideal fashion choice for men who want to look the part but who also want to be warm when out and about. Available in six different colors, the weight is 635g, which is relatively lightweight for a good quality outdoorsy jacket.

Filled with European goose down, this packable hooded down jacket has a down-filled hood and is also compatible with helmet wear. The padded ‘baffle’ design also looks fashionable and gives you peace of mind that you’re certainly going to be warm and cozy!

The outer material is Pertex Endurance, so you can be sure that this jacket will keep you dry and warm, and it is ideal for heading out on longer hiking trips in the great outdoors. There are handwarmer pockets that zip up, and there is also an internal pocket for keeping your phone or other valuables safe and within easy reach.

10. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Down Jacket – Men’s

This stylish, lightweight jacket is available in a huge 13 different colors and will keep you warm while you’re out and about, checking out your new destination. The outer is made of quality nylon, and the interior is Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, designed to stop moisture from seeping into the jacket and keep you extra warm.

The quilted pattern on the outside is designed to be smaller, so it keeps warmth in, rather than allowing draughts to make their way in. There is a toggle on the hemline so that the jacket can be adjusted for a bespoke fit, and elastic binding on the cuff keeps your arms extra warm, too.

11. Arc’Teryx Men’s Cerium LT Men’s Layered Packable Puffer Jacket With Hood

This jacket is available in five different colors, some of which are bright and some are muted, for a bespoke appearance! The more brilliant colors are ideal for being seen in dark conditions, while the standard colors are great for fashion wear. The outer is made of a combination of nylon and polyester, so it’s sure to keep you warm, and the outside is quilted nylon taffeta.

This is a lightweight choice, ideal for your travels and perfect for wearing while you’re out sightseeing in colder temperatures. The jacket is a short length, e.g., it finishes at the waist, and again, this is a fashionable choice.

The jacket is filled with a white goose down and is warm, as the fill weight is a large 850. The hem and cuffs are both elasticated so that warmth is trapped inside, rather than disappearing while you’re out and about!

12. Cotopaxi Fuego LT Men’s Foldable Puffer Jacket

This is ideal for men who want to look fashionable while out sightseeing or hiking. The jacket is super-warm and made of durable ripstop nylon, designed to keep out the cold wind and very water-resistant.

This jacket is super breathable, as it is designed to let out hot air and keep you cool, but keep you warm when you need it the most – quite an intelligent jacket! The fill is 950, which is very warm, and the goose down is also designed to be water-resistant.

Another plus point is that this jacket is very lightweight, at just 283g, or 10oz, and looks fashionable. If you’re looking for the smallest packable jacket, this is worth taking a closer look at.

13. Rokka&Rolla Men’s Ultralight Packable Compact Puffer Jacket

This beautiful, quilted winter jacket for men features a front zipper closure, a standing collar for neck warmth, two zippered side pockets, and elastic sleeve cuffs that can help keep your hands warm. Its unique technology of finer yarns and high-density synthetics ensures breathability and extreme lightness while also being skin-friendly and comfortable.

In terms of materials, this fantastic men’s down jacket is made of 100% nylon. The interior filling consists of 90% white duck down and 10% duck feathers. An interesting extra feature of this packable down jacket is that it can be converted into a travel pillow thanks to a pouch accessible through the collar.

Additionally, for the style-conscious travelers among you, this jacket comes in six different color combinations, from black-red to green-purple to light blue-black.

14. Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket For Men

One of the leading brands of stylish outdoor clothing, Eddie Bauer, is also a good option when looking for the best packable down jackets. Their CirrusLite down jacket has 650-fill premium down insulation and a nylon shell that keeps it all together and is water-resistant. Not unimportantly, their down is sourced responsibly and comes with an official certification.

This jacket is also super-easy to compress, and an included pouch makes for convenient storage. Elastic cuffs at the waist and hem are designed to minimize heat loss, while the high neck collar also offers extra warmth on those cold and windy winter days. There are two zippered side pockets, as well as an interior pocket.

The Eddie Bauer CirrusLite down jacket for men comes in five colors: orange, dark blue, black, gray, and red.

PIN THIS!

What To Look For When Buying A Down Jacket

Type Of Down

For this, you need to look at what is known as the “fill power.” This means how much down is inside the jacket, whether it is made of duck down, goose down, or something else!

400-450 fill is a medium warmth, whereas 750-900 is classed as very warm and of an excellent standard. It’s really about knowing where you’re going and what you need. If you buy a jacket that is too thick, you’re going to be too warm, while if you go for too thin, you will be cold.

Construction

You need to look at two types: sewn through and box baffle. In a sewn-through down travel jacket, the jacket’s outer is stitched to the inner lining directly, separating the down into patches. This means the down won’t clump together, but there is the risk of cold spots occurring because of where the feathers are pinched when sewing.

This is the most common type of down jacket and, therefore, the cheapest. On the other hand, a box baffle is more expensive, which means that each separate ‘baffle’ has a separate down section. This means there is less chance of cold spots and a warmer jacket overall.

Weight

The down jacket’s weight becomes an essential factor if you are packing it rather than wearing it. The good news is there is a lightweight, warm jacket for travel and all other occasions. The important thing is to select the correct down-fill level in your ultralight down jacket.

Color & How It Matches Your Wardrobe

What color of the packable goose-down jacket will you opt for? It’s always best to go for a neutral color, such as black, navy, gray, etc. while avoiding colors that might not work with everything else you want to wear.

Material

There are various materials that the outer layer of a down coat can be made from, affecting the price and warmth. Therefore, you need to check down jacket reviews to make sure you pick the best packable jacket down coat for your needs. Softshell is a standard material because it is extra waterproof and combines the down inner for warmth.

Suitability

What do you need the travel down jacket for? What is the down coat designed for? Is it the warmest down jacket, best packable jacket, a women’s down jacket, or the best ultralight down jacket, or are you looking for the best hiking jacket? There are a plethora of choices and styles to meet your every need. Check out reviews to find out the honest answer to that question before you make your purchase.

Down Jacket FAQs

We know you’ve got questions about how to choose the best down jacket – so here goes;

What Is The Difference Between Traditional And Hydrophobic Down?

Hydrophobic down is a more modern style that handles wet weather better. It is designed to repel moisture. This is the primary difference between the two, and that hydrophobic down also dries faster. On the other hand, traditional down has always had a slight issue with getting it wet.

How To Clean A Down Jacket?

You need to check the washing instructions for each jacket to answer that question. Still, if your jacket is machine washable, rather than being dry clean only, you should turn the jacket inside out and wash it on a cold, gentle cycle with only a tiny amount of laundry detergent.

The gentler, the better. After this, you should repeat the process three more times without detergent to ensure no residue is left inside the down.

Are Packable Down Jackets Waterproof?

Generally speaking, most down jackets are made with a waterproof outer material, such as hard and soft shell, but you need to check each coat you are considering buying. The fact a down jacket is ‘down’ does not mean it is automatically waterproof.

What Is Down Quality?

When you purchase a quilt for your bed, you check out the quality of the down if you are going for a down quilt, and the same can be said for a down jacket. There will be a rating, and you need to check that this suits your needs and isn’t too thick or too thin.

There is a sliding scale starting at around 400 and going up to 1100. The higher the number, the better the quality, and the warmer the down parka. The higher the down quality, the thicker the jacket overall, and the warmer it will be.

BONUS INFO: Winter Packing List For Europe

Consider this your go-to guide on what to pack when you head off to the wonders of Europe this coming winter.

What To Pack For A Winter Vacay

A warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Umbrella (or one of our favorite rain jackets)
Sunglasses – Yes, the sun still shines when it is freezing!
Walking boots/boots which do not let in the water and are suitable for snow and or rain
Thick socks
Scarf
Hat
Gloves

Warm clothes – It’s impossible to give a long list of clothes to take because it depends on your size and preferences. However, you need to think like jeans, thick leggings, shirts, sweaters, and layers! A hoodie is an excellent way to keep warm and stay fashionable. It’s easy to be cold one minute and quite warm the next, so layering will help you be comfortable in all different conditions.

Night clothes – Again, think about warmth, but remember that you are not going to Siberia! A pair of pajama bottoms and a T-shirt will probably be enough, provided you are staying in a hotel with central heating. If not, you need a sweater to sleep in.

Sun Lotion – If you are heading out on a bright sunny day, do not be fooled into thinking that you will not get sunburn, especially if you are at a high altitude.

What To Leave At Home

Anything for the summer or warmer months. While you will probably wear short sleeves at some point, you will likely need to wear a cardigan or hoodie over the top because you will be cold when you sit. If you visit the Mediterranean coastline, even during the winter months, it is warm but not warm enough to go without a coat. Think layers, and you will be able to stay comfortable.

How To Pack For Winter In A Carry-On

Are you planning a winter trip and already dreading the baggage fees and overpacking that is sure to come with adding bulky clothing to a suitcase? When you think about winter clothing, you think about bulky warm sweaters, many layers, hats, gloves, oversized puffer coats, and heavy winter boots that take up a ton of room. All of these are recipes for disaster for your carry-on packing dreams.

It doesn’t need to be like that; however, with a few key pieces, some advanced planning, and a suitable method, you can be well on your way to your next winter destination with just a carry-on.

We’ve put together some of our favorite tips and tricks to get you to fit those warm winter clothes into a carry-on in no time!

The Secret Weapon

My secret to packing carry-on only is to pack a base layer that will keep you warm no matter what goes on top. This cuts down on the need to bring a ton of layers or extra thick tops or bottoms. Invest in a lightweight set of merino wool or silk thermal underwear in a neutral color. I prefer black, which can comfortably fit underneath clothes without adding bulk.

These will hug your body, keep you the warmest, and not make you look bulky or unfashionable. The silk versions take up even less space but will look fine even as a base layer for cardigans or shawls.

Limit The shoes

If you are planning any adventure activity, you’ll need to consider hiking boots or the appropriate footwear. Luckily, in the winter, you don’t need to think about strappy sandals versus flip-flops versus active sandals. Bring a tall and short pair of boots; that is all you need to get around in the winter.

Be honest with yourself when it comes to packing sneakers or trainers. Are you going to use the hotel gym? Have you ever been in the past? With only two pairs, plan to wear the bulkiest ones on the plane, and you are probably saving even more space than during your summer travels!

Plan Ahead

Planning is essential to packing a carry-on no matter what season you’re traveling in, but it is imperative with winter travels. An extra tank top takes up much less space than an extra sweater.

First, remember that you will wear thermals under most of your outfits, so you will be able to get a few extra wears per top and bottom then you typically would. This can help you reduce the number of outfits needed for a trip.

Next, plan out your outfits. Pick clothing that can be interchanged into a few different options. Choosing primary colors and patterns can help ease your mixing and matching! For a week-long trip, you should only need 4-5 tops, 2-3 bottoms, a dress, two outerwear options, two shoes, and other necessities.

Choose A Jacket You Love

Something you don’t need to remember during the summer months is that your coat is essential for your travels. It will have a prominent place in any outside pictures taken during your travels in the winter. Therefore, ensure you like it and how you look at it to avoid disliking the photos afterward.

Skip The Big Bulky Jackets

With smart packing, even for the coldest destinations, you can skip the oversized, knee-length puffer jackets. These only add bulk and annoyance to your trip as you’ll only be able to wear them on the coldest days and then will have to lug them around on non-freezing days.

If you choose a lightweight down jacket, you can layer more underneath to compensate for the lack of thickness. And this, of course, gives you more outfit options, less weight, and less stress! That way, you make the clothes you were already planning to bring to work double time.

Pick Warm Yet Stylish Accessories

Pick warm and stylish accessories to interchange to spice up your one coat and make it look a little different daily. Scarves, gloves, and hats can add a punch of color and transform your outfit entirely, even with the same coat on. Try out some fun patterned tights to save room on bottoms and possibly squeeze in an additional option.

Buy Accessories When You Get There

If it isn’t cold yet at home, you can save significant space by waiting until you arrive at your destination to purchase gloves, hats, and scarves. Go for a cheap version and just leave them behind when you go. Alternatively, you can use these items as your souvenir shopping, and they can be pieces that contain memories for years to come.

You’re now set. Enjoy your winter wonderland vacay!