Packing for journey in transitional seasons is hard, and strategizing with layers is vital. My two most up-to-date journeys concerned flying to the Southern Hemisphere throughout shoulder seasons: I went to Chile in March, which is their fall, and South Africa in September, the beginning of their spring. Due to the climate, packing for every of those holidays required plenty of cautious wardrobe planning (particularly since I’m a devoted carry-on-only flier).
My undisputed clothes MVP on each journeys was the Athleta Jetset Bomber. Light-weight, fashionable, and water resistant, this packable journey jacket barely took up any baggage area, seemed sharp with all my outfits, and ready me for ceaselessly fluctuating climate situations. Again residence in New Jersey, I hold sporting this mild topper on chilly however not chilly fall days; I’m donning it so usually, that I’ll spend money on a second hue.
Athleta Jetset Bomber
As with all of the Athleta clothes I like, the magic is within the materials. Crafted from 100-percent recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles, the Jetset Bomber’s cloth is sturdy, breathable, and abrasion-resistant. That got here in useful throughout my South African safari when the open-top automobile would ceaselessly brush towards thorny bushes, leaving my coat susceptible to scrapes. I’m completely happy to report that, regardless of the African bush, my jacket arrived residence safely with no single snag. I’ve it within the beige colorway which obtained a bit dusty, however fortunately it’s machine-washable. I popped it within the washer and dryer (delicate setting in each machines), and it emerged pretty much as good as new.
Cape City climate is notoriously finicky, so I used to be glad I introduced this jacket once I visited as a result of it’s wind- and water resistant and may face up to mild to medium rainfall. There’s additionally an adjustable hood hidden within the collar, which I conveniently unfurled within the windiness atop Desk Mountain. Nonetheless, the sporty jacket was fashionable sufficient to put on for days spent metropolis strolling due to elevated particulars like vertical ruching and a zippered split-hem. The ruching can be a part of the jacket’s packability: It conceals wrinkles no matter how haphazardly I shoved the bomber into my backpack for the hotter elements of the day.
Athleta Jetset Bomber
Talking of packability, this light-weight jacket rolls up effortlessly and barely takes up room in a suitcase. Nonetheless, I selected to put on it as my prime layer for each the 11-hour red-eye to Chile and the 15-hour in a single day flight to South Africa. It was cozy sufficient to sleep in, and the 2 zip pockets proved handy for stowing my AirPods and a pack of tissues. The roomy, flattering silhouette can be nice for layering; I slipped it on (and will nonetheless zip it) over a cumbersome sweatshirt with out subject.
I’m not alone in my appreciation for this travel-friendly bomber, additionally accessible in tall and petite lengths. “It is mild sufficient to be worn as an additional layer to a film or a live performance, however comfy and heat sufficient for journey and lengthy days exterior,” mentioned one completely happy buyer. One other reviewer dubbed the coat “a pleasant change from jean jackets” that’s “excellent for touring and weekend errand runs.”
Earlier than my South Africa journey, I debated whether or not I ought to double up on outer layers and convey alongside a leather-based blazer, too. I’m so glad I made a decision towards it; the Jetset Bomber turned out to work completely in each scenario, from metropolis to safari.
You actually can’t go mistaken with this Athleta jacket, however should you’re in search of a hotter puffer model or a chic sateen type, hold scrolling for extra related choices.
Store Extra Packable Journey Jackets:
Aritzia Golden Nitro Jacket
With the heat of a puffer and the type of a bomber, this packable jacket’s major attraction is within the materials. Stuffed with a premium down different from 100% recycled supplies, this jacket can be lined with a breathable micro thermal fleece for weightless and comfy heat. The skin is crafted from a water-repellent crinkle taffeta.
Athleta Sateen Bomber
If type is of the essence, you may’t go mistaken with this elegant recycled nylon bomber with a glossy and delicate shine. Obtainable in 4 hues and in common, petite, and tall lengths, this prime layer additionally boasts water resistance and zippered pockets.
Quince Featherless Quilted Puffer Bomber Jacket
This quilted Quince bomber jacket is made with recycled insulation that mimics the heat of down filler with out the majority. The outside is sturdy, and it’s water- and wind-repellent for added versatility. A comfortable bonus: two hand pockets are fleece-lined.
Zeagoo Ladies’s Bomber Jacket
It’s laborious to beat the worth of this zip-up bomber, accessible in 19 colours and patterns starting from this satin champagne to a multi-hued graffiti-inspired design. The polyester type has garnered over 6,000 five-star rankings on Amazon, with one reviewer dubbing it “the right touring companion.”
Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket
For colder locations, pack a down jacket for further heat. This suitcase-friendly Lululemon choice is nice for ski journeys or different winter journey. It’s made with 100% goose feather down fill packed between the model’s DiamondStretch cloth, which is stretchy, in addition to water- and wind-resistant.
Levi’s Ladies’s Melanie Newport Bomber Jacket
These in favor of creating a method assertion with a brightly hued outfit will recognize that this light-weight jacket is available in 21 colours together with this citrusy pink and a buttery yellow. Nevertheless it doesn’t lack in perform, as one buyer reported the bomber was “nice to deal with windy days on trip.” The jacket, outfitted with three zippered pockets, is finest suited to hotter climates because it doesn’t layer as effectively over cumbersome sweaters.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
This Patagonia jacket’s featherlight, versatile materials is sport for almost any exercise from mountaineering to snowboarding. It’s outfitted with elasticized cuffs and an adjustable drawcord hem to maintain out wind and seal in heat. Nonetheless, you received’t sweat on this 10-ounce jacket that additionally packs up neatly.
Athleta In all places Jacket
For adventures while you simply want a light-weight topper for cold evenings, Athleta’s brushed nylon jacket is a wonderful alternative. The water-repellent outer layer additionally has a hidden hood stashed within the collar. Additional useful particulars embrace zippered pockets and a cinched hem.
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