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Down jackets (also known as puffer jackets) are the best way to stay warm when traveling in winter. Fortunately for us, puffer jackets are having a moment this season.

From sporty to bold and colorful, find out the most stylish and practical options for your cold weather travels! Which will be the best down jacket for your trip?

 

Watch this Facebook Live where I compare four of my favorite down jackets!

 

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Best Down Jacket

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Table Of Contents

 

Packing for cold weather travel can be quite daunting especially if you want to travel carry-on only.

To help you make the most of your winter gear and limited luggage space, start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
• How to Pack for Cold Weather
• How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather
• Extreme Cold Weather Clothing Strategies
• The Secret to Packing Light in Winter
• The Best Travel Shoes for Winter

 

 

Bernardo Packable Water Resistant Quilted Down Coat | Sizes XS-XXL

 

Size

 

The key to wearing a puffer jacket and not resembling the “Michelin” man is to choose a flattering cut in a size that fits you. That is unless you’re comfortable rocking the “oversized puffer jacket” trend, which might be tricky to wear on a plane seat. Read this post to learn how to stay warm without looking like a snowman!

The biggest mistake women make in fashion is not wearing clothing that fits them. The best down jacket or any other item of clothing is the ones that fits you well. Whether too big or too small, it’s important to purchase clothing that fits your body shape and height.

 

 

32 Degrees Ultra-Light Packable Down Jacket | Sizes XS-XXL

 

For example, if you’re under 5’3” shop brands with petite sizes such as Asos, Top Shop, or Miss Selfridge. Alternatively, those brands have tall sizing as well while Asos, Target, and Nordstrom have extensive online plus size collections.  Take a look at our list of best online shopping sites!

Don’t be afraid to try on different sizes until you get the right fit. And if the item is “just okay” then skip it and keep looking for the right piece. Don’t waste your money on clothes you’re not 100% happy with because you’ll never have “anything to wear”.

 

 

Thermal Top | Sweater | Scarf | Thermal Pants | Jeans | Jacket

 

In addition, another way to ensure you avoid the “snowman” look is to choose your layers wisely. Avoid cotton fabrics and opt for synthetics and natural fibers when it’s cold. Find out how to choose the warmest thermals!

 

 

Sweater | Purse | Gloves | Leggings | Rain Coat | Jacket | Bootie

 

Use merino wool or silk thermals underneath your clothing to create a warm base next to your skin and avoid piling on sweaters on top to keep you warm. You should only need no more than one or two layers in between your skin and your jacket if you wear thermals.

 

Learn more here about how to create the perfect capsule wardrobe for your next trip!

 

 

London Fog Packable Down Coat | Sizes XS-3X

 

Fabric

 

Don’t make the mistake of choosing the thickest puffer jacket thinking it will keep you warmer than a thin one. Just as with clothing, it’s all in the fabric. Read this post on how to choose the best fabrics for travel!

Down jackets have a “fill” which is the material that insulates you and keeps you warm. The best down jacket styles have 100% feather fills and are also the least bulky. They also tend to be pricier, too, so if you choose a quality jacket, make sure it’s the perfect one.

 

 

Athleta Aire Puffer Jacket | Sizes XXS-3X

 

You can save money by choosing a jacket that has a blend so it will be warm but moderately priced. On the low end, you can find a synthetic version and these are best if you plan to choose one with “trendy” details that may not last the test of time.

 

 

The North Face Metropolis Water Repellent Down Hooded Jacket | Sizes XS-XL

 

Belted Styles

 

A solution to avoid a bulky look and create a more defined figure is to choose a belted style – a detail that’s currently on trend. These are the best down jacket styles for women who don’t want to lose their figure under a coat.

You can also add your own belt to the outside of the jacket to mimic this appearance without purchasing various puffer jackets. This usually works better with jackets that fall lower below your hips.

 

 

Lands’ End Wanderweight Packable Down Coat | Sizes XS-3X

 

Packable Styles

 

If possible, choose a down jacket that’s “packable”. This means that you can bundle it up into a small compression sack so it won’t take up too much space. For more options, take a look on our packable down jacket post here!

This is the best down jacket option for travel:

• Packable jackets tend to be thinner helping you avoid a bulky appearance
• What they lack in weight they make up for in warmth
• They save suitcase space

 

 

Columbia Women’s Heavenly Hooded Jacket | Sizes XS-XXL and 1X-3XL

 

Saving suitcase space is particularly important if you’re going to a destination with varying temperatures. It might be cold at night but sunny during the day so a packable down jacket is easy to store.

 

 

Eddie Bauer Lodge Down Duffle Coat | Sizes XS-3X

 

Long Lengths

 

Headed to an extremely cold destination with sub zero temps? The best down jacket style is one that covers your backside, ideally falling to your knees.

If it’s going to be below freezing outside, warmth is essential so bring something sturdy and add a belt to create more definition if needed.

 

Pair a long coat with versatile, warm winter snow boots!

 

 

Shop Sizes XS-XXL: The North Face Aconcagua 3 Jacket

 

Sporty Styles

 

While inexpensive down jackets will work just fine for fashion purposes or moderately cold city travel, don’t skimp out when you’re headed outdoors.

If you’re planning a cold weather trekking, camping, or snow adventure then invest in a jacket that will keep you warm. Being cold when you spend the majority of the day outdoors and are in sub zero temperatures is not something to take lightly. In fact, it’s unsafe.

Look for specialty jackets that have natural fills, waterproof exteriors, and hoods. Don’t forget to bring your quality thermals on a trip like this, too!

 

 

Charter Club Women’s Packable Hooded Puffer Coat | Sizes XXS-XXL

 

Bold Colors

 

Everyone seems to be talking about plum puffer coats at the moment. When it comes to adding some life into a basic, neutral travel wardrobe, colorful jackets are always the best.

If you’re traveling in cold weather, the majority of your pictures will most likely be outdoors and your jacket will be in every picture. Make it a good one.

 

 

Quince Lightweight Down Puffer Jacket | Sizes XS-XL

 

If you’re hitting the slopes or going to a snowy destination colors like reds or blues look striking against the white backdrop.

In grey city skies, bold colors will also look good but do you really want to wear a sporty blue style in front of the Eiffel Tower or Buckingham Palace? You may want to a opt for a colorful wool coat instead or a non-sporty puffer jacket in a neutral color.

 

Read this post for bold statement coats in non-puffer styles!

 

 

Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket | Sizes XS-3X

 

Versatile Picks

 

Ideally, you can own one down jacket that you can take on both outdoor adventures and wear to city destinations, too. These are two well balanced styles that fit the bill!

 

 

Michael Kors Packable 400 Fill Power Puffer Coat | Sizes XS-XL

 

Styling Options

 

Want the benefits of a puffer jacket but don’t like the idea of wearing one? Go for a non-traditional design with interesting details such as unique hardware or elegant collars.

 

 

Wearing ibex Wool Aire Down Jacket, Patagonia Jacket paired with Zella Leggings and UGG Boots

 

Editor’s Top Pick: Ibex Packable Down Jacket

 

I was shocked at how warm I was in this jacket despite how thin and lightweight it is. I’ve only worn it briefly in temperatures ranging from 25F – 40F and layered only over a t shirt and separately just over a merino wool thermal, but so far I’m impressed and can’t wait to test it out for extended periods of time outdoors. If it’s as good as I think it will be, this could easily become an essential in my winter wardrobe.

Because it’s so thin, it’s the perfect hooded jacket to bring on a trip with mixed weather or when you need something packable you’ll only need occasionally for the cold. In addition, this could just as easily be something to wear every single day on a cold weather trip because it’s thin and light enough to wear layered underneath a more polished coat.

 

 

How Editor-In-Chief Alex Rocks Down Jackets

 

 

 

 

 

Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes

 

How to Pack Your Jackets

 

Packing cubes will change the way you pack. We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything—ESPECIALLY your jackets!

The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!

 

Learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in the video above!

 

We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

 

 

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What do you think is the best down jacket for travel? Share and comment below!

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For more tips on cold weather, please read:

• What to Wear in Cold Weather: Clothing, Gear, and Onion Strategy
• How to Pack for Cold Weather Like a Boss
• 10 Best Thermal Underwear for Women
• 5 Women’s Waterproof Boots you Won’t be Embarrassed to Wear this Winter

 

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