Packing for journey in transitional seasons is difficult, 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 a number 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, trendy, and waterproof, this packable journey jacket barely took up any baggage house, appeared sharp with all my outfits, and ready me for often fluctuating climate circumstances. Again house in New Jersey, I preserve sporting this mild topper on chilly however not chilly fall days; I’m donning it so usually, that I could put money into 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 material is sturdy, breathable, and abrasion-resistant. That got here in helpful throughout my South African safari when the open-top car would often brush in opposition to thorny bushes, leaving my coat susceptible to scrapes. I’m pleased to report that, regardless of the African bush, my jacket arrived house safely and not using a 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 nearly as good as new.
Cape City climate is notoriously finicky, so I used to be glad I introduced this jacket after I visited as a result of it’s wind- and waterproof and may stand 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 trendy sufficient to put on for days spent metropolis strolling because of elevated particulars like vertical ruching and a zippered split-hem. The ruching can also 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 also be nice for layering; I slipped it on (and will nonetheless zip it) over a cumbersome sweatshirt with out difficulty.
I’m not alone in my appreciation for this travel-friendly bomber, additionally out there in tall and petite lengths. “It is mild sufficient to be worn as an additional layer to a film or a live performance, however snug and heat sufficient for journey and lengthy days exterior,” mentioned one pleased buyer. One other reviewer dubbed the coat “a pleasant change from jean jackets” that’s “good 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 produce alongside a leather-based blazer, too. I’m so glad I made a decision in opposition to it; the Jetset Bomber turned out to work completely in each scenario, from metropolis to safari.
You actually can’t go incorrect with this Athleta jacket, however in the event you’re in search of a hotter puffer model or a sublime sateen type, preserve scrolling for extra comparable 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 predominant attraction is within the materials. Stuffed with a premium down different from one hundred pc recycled supplies, this jacket can also be lined with a breathable micro thermal fleece for weightless and comfortable heat. The skin is crafted from a water-repellent crinkle taffeta.
Athleta Sateen Bomber
If type is of the essence, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with this elegant recycled nylon bomber with a smooth and delicate shine. Out there 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 comfy bonus: two hand pockets are fleece-lined.
Zeagoo Ladies’s Bomber Jacket
It’s onerous to beat the worth of this zip-up bomber, out there 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 scores on Amazon, with one reviewer dubbing it “the proper 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 one hundred pc goose feather down fill packed between the model’s DiamondStretch material, which is stretchy, in addition to water- and wind-resistant.
Levi’s Ladies’s Melanie Newport Bomber Jacket
These in favor of creating a mode assertion with a brightly hued outfit will recognize that this light-weight jacket is available in 21 colours together with this citrusy crimson and a buttery yellow. However it doesn’t lack in perform, as one buyer reported the bomber was “nice to deal with windy days on trip.” The jacket, geared up with three zippered pockets, is greatest fitted to hotter climates because it doesn’t layer as nicely over cumbersome sweaters.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
This Patagonia jacket’s featherlight, versatile materials is recreation for almost any exercise from mountaineering to snowboarding. It’s geared up 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 if you simply want a lightweight topper for cold evenings, Athleta’s brushed nylon jacket is a wonderful selection. The water-repellent outer layer additionally has a hidden hood stashed within the collar. Additional useful particulars embody zippered pockets and a cinched hem.
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