Icy wind, coastal evenings, mountain climates, freezing rain, drizzling snow, pub crawls, winter travels, there are one hundred and one reasons why traveling with a great jacket for European trips is awesome. The question is, what is the best travel jacket for Europe?
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If you are planning a European adventure or business trip, you should bring a functional jacket along. It is a necessity as a traveler.
As a regular traveler, I can’t count the number of times my jackets have calmed my chattering teeth during freezing rain and drizzling snow. A travel jacket should be a staple traveling item that should be neatly packed in one corner of your travel bag.
And this is the reason for this classic review of the best travel jacket for Europe.
I conducted a far-reaching search of the traveling gear world and here are my top 7 best travel jackets of 2023. In the end, you will be fortified with important considerations to make an excellent travel jacket buying decision.
Best travel jacket for Europe for 2023 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Nothing can ruin your travel like rain and cold, especially if you are not prepared. I have braved the Italian snow to see the Il Duomo and Castello Sforzesco. And braved the freezing street of Amsterdam to see Jordaan and Vondelpark without a jacket, among others. If I had consulted a review like this sooner, I could have avoided the freezing cold that made my teeth chatter nonstop. The table below lists the 7 best travel jackets of 2023 and a preview of some of their features.
| Image | Brand | Material | Water-proof? | Windbreaker? | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL   | Columbia | 100% nylon 210T taffeta | Yes | Yes | Check price |
PREMIUM PICK   | SCOTTeVEST | Polyester | Yes | Yes | Check price |
BEST VALUE   | Amazon Essentials | 100% Nylon, 100% Polyester | Yes | Yes | Check price |
  | Amazon Essentials | 100% Nylon, 100% Polyester | Yes | Yes | Check price |
  | Tommy Hilfiger | 100% Polyester | Yes | Yes | Check price |
  | Port Authority | 100% Polyester | Yes | Yes | Check price |
  | Marmot | 100% nylon ripstop | Yes | Yes | Check price |
1. Columbia Men’s Bugaboo Interchange Jacket
- Omni-Tech waterproof
- Omni-Heat thermal reflective liner
- Removable adjustable storm hood
The Columbia Men’s Interchange Jacket is a superb travel jacket. It is a 3 piece jacket that provides optimal warmth with a nylon lining, nylon shell, and a polyester fleece lining to keep you warm in cold weather.
The three layers can be worn together or individually, giving you the freedom to choose what layer to keep on or not, considering the prevailing temperature and weather. The unique blend of nylon and polyester fleece provides one of the best jackets in breathability and thermal reflective ability.
In addition, it comes with a lot of pockets to keep your devices safe during travel. Its media pocket and interior security pocket ensure you can effortlessly access your passport, phone, and other essentials while preventing pickpocketing.
The outer shell can be adjusted at the cuffs, hem, and hood to increase breathability. When faced with an unfriendly weather element, this travel jacket will protect you. The women’s version of this jacket is available here.
2. SCOTTeVEST Men’s Windbreaker Travel Jacket
- 19 Utility Pockets
- Chiropractor Approved
- Machine Washable
While it is a fantastic idea to have all your devices within reach, this product has a unique weight management system that ensures you look good and comfortable while carrying your travel essentials. As a result, even if you fill all 19 outer and inner pockets full, it won’t feel weighty, bulky, or lopsided. This is often a problem in many jackets having plenty of pockets.
This jacket is crafted from a high-quality polyester and cotton blend that keeps it lightweight and breathable. The Teflon component makes it stain and water-resistant. You will also find a detachable sleeve that makes this jacket suitable for use in hot weather, but it does not come with a hood. Meaning, you need to reserve one of your pockets for a portable umbrella for when it rains.
I find the pockets very organized despite the different compartments. On the outside are two large chest pockets having hidden zippers. Inside contains a padded pocket that will conveniently house a tablet or iPad. And a special purpose pocket fitted with RFID blockers to prevent data and credit card theft.
There are two handwarmer pockets that can hold a water bottle and a detachable/extendable key-holder on the right-sided pocket with a zippered pocket-in-pocket to organize your items on the left side.
In all, this is a sophisticated piece of travel jacket, you can’t go wrong with it. SCOTTeVEST Men’s Windbreaker Travel Jacket is one of the best jacket for travel in Europe. The women’s version of this jacket is available here.
3. Amazon Essentials Men’s Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket
- Zipper closure
- Hooded design
- Machine Wash
The Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket is an essential piece of clothing for all travels that involve chilly weather. It is inexpensive, functional, lightweight, and packable. You will be glad to have this affordable jacket in your travel arsenal.
Fashion-wise, there is nothing mega about the Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket, and I mean this in a good way. It is neutral and looks fantastic in all dressing situations. It comes in many colors, including black, burnt orange, and camel, although I own the navy-colored variant.
This jacket is designed for chilly winter months. Its most important attribute is keeping you toasty in negative temperatures. It gets this one job done all the time magnificently. With your sweatshirt, it’s solid thermal mid-layer, and maybe a raincoat over it, and you will be perfectly fine on extra negative temperature days.
The Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket is light. This makes it super-easy to pack and wear. When it comes to traveling, every ounce matters. It is one of the best travel jackets for Europe in winter.
And finally, this travel jacket comes with a carry bag to pack down small. With this bag, you will save space for other travel essentials. The women’s version of this jacket is available here.
4. Amazon Essentials Men’s Packable Puffer Jacket — Best stand-up collar
- Machine Wash
- Zipper closure
- Adjustable cuffs
Amazon offers comfort and weather protection in this affordable protective jacket. Crafted from a unique mix of nylon and polyester, this jacket is quality clothing. It provides a free range of movement for mobility at all times.
I love the stand-up collar and the full-zip front complimented by a polyester inside lining and water-resistant exterior that keeps me dry and warm in all weather conditions. Plus, it looks classy during business travels and not out of place for everyday wear.
The Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant Jacket is designed for top-class performance. It won’t restrict you or weigh you down during travels or adventures. Featuring handwarmer pockets, my hands are kept toasty during chilly weather.
It also features an outer shell that repels rain and wind superbly; as such, you will never get soaked through during rains. The cuffs are elasticized for a tight fit to accommodate gloves or prevent the cold from seeping through. This travel jacket also comes with zipper pockets to keep your smart devices and other essentials safe and secure when it rains.
5. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Breathable Hooded Jacket — Best hooded travel jacket
- Zipper closure
- 100% Polyester
- Hilfiger arm patch
This is a lightweight, high-performance travel jacket having an inner fleece lining and a hood. This Breathable Hooded Jacket is crafted with the comfort and warmth of travelers who frequent cold countries in mind. It is made from weather-resistant material that is fashionable but simple, suitable for casuals or business travels.
This jacket is designed for cold weather; I found it extremely comfortable and lightweight when I had it on during a visit to the LunaMarina in Madrid on a cold month. The moisture-wicking property also ensured I was super-comfy at all times. The fleece lining is luxuriously warm and perfectly conserves body heat during chilly weather. It is also breathable and perfect for mild-warm weather.
The outer shell does a fantastic job blocking moisture and breaking the wind, ensuring that weather elements do not impede your daily commute or recreational activities. Not forgetting the hood that will protect your head in rainy, windy, and cold weather conditions.
6. Port Authority Men’s Jacket – Best Unisex
- 1000MM fabric waterproof rating
- 100% polyester woven
- Reverse coil zippers
If you are on the market for a high-quality waterproof travel jacket, this Men’s Jacket is rated 1000MM waterproof. You can absolutely rely on this jacket for warmth in rainy and windy conditions. Plus, this jacket is fitted with a breathable, microfleece lining complemented by a soft 3-layer fabric that will keep you comfortable in cold weather.
This travel jacket is logo-less, meaning you can customize it with a name of your choice. It fits true to size and does not cost a fortune to own. The inner microfleece lining is breathable and suitable for cool evenings and mild temperatures. It is soft to the skin and moisture-wicking.
The Port Authority Men’s Jacket is made from a unique blend of polyester and water-repelling film insert. It repels rain droplets and blocks wind effectively. This jacket is perfect for rainy and cool conditions.
7. Marmot Men’s Tempo Softshell Jacket — Best for all-round movement
- Angel-Wing Movement
- Lycra-bound cuffs
- Water Repellent
The Marmot Men’s Tempo Softshell Jacket provides comfort and breathability in all weather conditions. It is terrific water and wind-resistant jacket for all forms of activities. And it comes with an angel-wind movement feature and a stretchy fabric that allows all-around mobility. It is tough enough for intense motion and stylish for business casual.
This jacket is designed for warmth when active in cold conditions. As such, this jacket is lightweight and non-insulated using one of Marmot’s most breathable fabrics. It allows free movement of air, and the insides are moisture-wicking. With a flexible and soft material, a built-in angel-wind movement, this travel jacket allows a full range of motion.
This travel jacket will repel rainwater during a light shower or heavy downpour and keep you dry. This is due to a novel DWR coating that confers water resistance on the exterior material. It is also an excellent windbreaker.
The Marmot Men’s Tempo Softshell Jacket also comes with hand warmer pockets that provide storage and convenient access for your travel essentials when needed. Crafted with high-quality materials, this jacket will withstand potential abrasions and ripping that can occur during travels. The women’s version is available here.
Best travel jacket for Europe: Buying Guide
The best travel jacket for Europe has similar features. It is a matter of determining what best suits your unique travel needs. For most countries in Europe, you will need a cold-weather, water-proof jacket that packs down small, creating extra space for other travel essentials. Consider the following things before making a purchasing decision.
Warmth
What is the weather at your travel destination? Do you need a jacket with extra layers of protection? While fashion and style are great considerations, do you want to look cool while you freeze to death? Ascertain whether your preferred travel jacket is a rain, cool, or cold weather jacket.
Some jackets come with removable layers, like the Columbia Men’s BugabooInterchange Jacket. If you are sightseeing in Athens or there for business and will be residing in the city a little bit, a jacket with detachable layers might be what you need for the ever-changing weather condition.
Packability/weight
If we have similar traveling genes, your suitcases will always be on the verge of being overweight. Irrespective of the functionality, your travel jacket should be light and pack down small. You will find some of the top-rated jackets folding into their pockets, freeing more space for other essentials in your suitcase. The Amazon Essentials Men’s Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket comes with a carry bag to pack down small. With this bag, you will save space for other travel essentials.
Convenience
No matter how well-designed your travel luggage, you will still need to carry some travel essentials with you. It can be difficult to monitor your passport, kindle, and phone without having them on you. This is where travel jackets fitted with pockets like the SCOTTeVEST Men’s Windbreaker Travel Jacket become important.
Jackets with zip pockets are life savers when traveling. Many jackets come with internal and external zipped pockets. Stay away from low-quality travel jackets described as having hidden pockets. Most are often less durable and are of low quality.
Durability
If you are like me, you will often look to save some money anywhere possible during travels, but ensure you do not extend this to a travel jacket. There are few things as terrifying as a worn-out zipper or torn pocket during an adventure. Many high-quality jackets are crafted from polyester, nylon, and synthetic materials to ensure durability and warmth. Even after a couple of travels, your jacket should look neat and sharp.
Size and comfort
When it comes to travel jackets, choosing a size can be tricky. Your jacket must be breathable for comfort, so you won’t suffer heatstroke in warm weather.
Read some of the product reviews, see what users are saying about the fit before buying the jacket. Another consideration is how many cloth layers are you wearing underneath? Will you be moving around with your devices and small essentials in your jacket? This will make your travel jacket tight. Depending on the style of travel, it is an excellent idea to buy a slightly bigger sized jacket than you usually wear to prevent tightness if you will be keeping your devices in your pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a travel jacket?
A travel jacket is a piece of clothing that keeps you warm in cold weather. A good travel jacket is just as good as having a backpack with two comfy shoulder straps or a shoe that fits your backpack. Some are waterproof, which means apart from keeping you warm, they can also keep you dry when it rains.
Q: What is the best waterproof travel jacket?
Our best-overall waterproof jacket is the Columbia Men’s Bugaboo Interchange Jacket. It is made with 100% nylon 210T taffeta. The material is waterproof, breathable, and will keep you dry during both torrential and light downpours.
Q: Are packable jackets good?
Yes!
And they are the top choice of arctic-dwellers and backpackers because of their incredible versatility and effectiveness. They combine sleek design with lighter weights, allowing travelers to move around with them without sacrificing the important features of a good jacket. Check out Amazon Essentials Men’s Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket, top-quality and packable.
Q: How do I know a jacket is waterproof?
The most common test to determine if a jacket is waterproofed is called the Static-column test. Here, a tube filled with water is placed vertically on the material being tested. The quantity of water measured in millimeters when the water starts to leak becomes the waterproof rating.
Conclusion
There you have it! The best travel jacket for Europe in 2023. I hope this review answers most of your questions.
Choosing the best travel can be challenging, but hopefully, you are better placed to determine the jacket that best suits your traveling needs regarding comfortability, weight, price, and many more.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a rookie, it is important to have an excellent all-purpose travel jacket on you at all times. This will keep you comfy and gives you the confidence that when things turn chilly, you will be warm.
Stay warm!
