Holiday Gift Guide 2021: The Best Outerwear For Travelers

Want to help the globetrotter on your holiday gift list pack smarter? Give her one of these travel-friendly parkas, jackets, and coats. Lightweight, packable, warming, washable, and cleverly designed with features made for travelers, they offer protection from the elements without all the bulk — and without sacrificing style.

Lululemon Always There Trench Coat, $278

Thanks to its modern styling and high-tech fabric, Lululemon’s chic black-on-black version of the classic trench coat feels super fresh. Thoughtful details like a removable hood, zippered exterior pockets, hidden zippered chest pockets under the storm patches, and a black metal belt complete the modern look.

Made with sleek matte Glyde fabric, it’s waterproof and seal-seamed, so no raindrops will sneak through to you (or your cell, thanks to the hidden phone sleeve). The trench is so lightweight and streamlined, it hardly takes up any space or weight in a suitcase.

M.M.LaFleur Britt Parka, $245

M.M.LaFleur’s “self-packing parka” took years to develop, but the ingenious design is well worth the wait.

Pop-up showers in New York or Paris? The Britt has it covered. Lightweight, water-repellent AirTech fabric and a hooded design protect against raindrops. Then, when the rainclouds part, the parka easily folds down into its built-in front pocket (no origami-crafting experience required), cleverly transforming into a cross-body bag that has room for a phone, wallet, or sunglasses.

Internal drawstrings at the waist can be adjusted to create a more tailored look — a refined detail that’s lacking in most shapeless parkas.

PrAna Emerald Valley Jacket, $239

A heavy-duty winter coat can easily take up half a suitcase. But PrAna solves this traveler’s dilemma with a packable puffer that will keep her warm from fall to spring.

A water-resistant nylon shell provides protection from snow and rain, while 650 fill power down insulation keeps things cozy. Drawcords on the removable hood and at the waist cinch to give shape, and to hug the fabric closer to the body for maximum warmth.

And because the filling is so lightweight, it’s easy to squish the jacket down into a small, suitcase-friendly bundle.

Athleta Whisper Featherless Parka, $229

Athleta’s streamlined parka may be featherless, but it’s still a featherweight (and that’s a good thing for travel).

Made with high-performance recycled nylon fabric and insulated with 3M Recycled Thinsulate, this sustainably-made parka is the perfect traveling companion. The durable water-repellent fabric guards against the elements, and resists snags and tears, while an internal pocket keeps passports, phones, and other essentials safe while traveling. 

And just like with the rest of Athleta’s inclusive collection, this universally flattering parka comes in sizes up to 3X.

Columbia Watson Lake Omni-Heat Infinity Interchange Insulated Jacket, $240

Usually when we travel, we have to leave multiple outerwear options at home. But Columbia’s 2-in-1 jacket is easy to switch up while on the go. 

Need a lightweight layer for fair winter skies? Wear the streamlined insulated jacket. Rain in the forecast? Go for the waterproof outer layer. Once the temperatures drop, the two layers zip together easily for a warming combo that can weather any storm. 

An attached hood with plush sherpa lining and detachable faux fur trim will keep her warm on the coldest winter day. Dual entry pockets keep keys, phones, and other accessories handy.

For a break from the usual matte black, opt for Malbec or Stone Green colors in waterproof satin.

Orvis Ultralight City Jacket, $229

A mere 16 ounces: that’s all the weight Orvis’ Ultralight City Jacket will add to a suitcase. 

Wind and rain are no match for this 100% waterproof shell, which boasts two layers of comfortable recycled stretch polyester and taped seams. The vented back cape combats overheating, and a storm hood with visor shields the face from raindrops.  Zippered interior and exterior pockets keep essentials securely at hand.

Best yet, no elaborate tricks are required to make it compact for travel. Simply roll it up into the hood to make a petite pouch that’s small enough to be carried in a tote bag.

Bass Outdoor ​​Glacier Trek Packable Down Jacket, $99

It’s hard to find a good looking down jacket for less than $100, but just-launched Bass Outdoor pulls it off with their sporty Glacier Trek.

This contemporary quilted jacket in black and three eye-catching color options helps keep the cold out with an attached hood, stand collar, and storm cuff sleeves.

Best yet, right now this wallet-friendly down option is now even more affordable: it’s on sale for just $69.30.