The 9 Best Lightweight Fall Jackets for Travelers

We love idyllic fall days—those colorful leaf backdrops, crisp temperatures perfect for walking, and plenty of sunshine. What we hate is packing bulky jackets to prepare for those not-so-hot fall weather interludes (think: rain, clouds, and cold nights). We’ve rounded up the best lightweight jackets that pack easily and travel well to keep you warm and dry on all types of autumn days.

Eddie Bauer Favorite Flannel Shirt Jacket

Need a little extra warmth but don’t want to ruin your outfit with a traditional jacket? The Eddie Bauer Favorite Flannel Shirt Jacket is meant to look like a stylish work shirt on the outside, but with a faux fleece lining that will keep you warm through any fall weather. Multiple pockets are big enough to hold everything from boarding passes to passports.

Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Jacket

Whether you’re commuting to work or taking a rental bike around a foreign city, the Elite 2.1 Jacket by Showers Pass will keep you (and your stuff—there are plenty of pockets, including one with an audio port) dry and protected from the wind. Working up a sweat? This coat (available for men and women) has seven venting options to cool you down. And you’ll stay safe with the 3M reflective trim that keeps you visible from all angles.

North Face Apex Bionic 2 Jacket

Headed out for a fall hike? The North Face Apex Bionic soft-shell jacket is your perfect outer layer. The ClimateBlock exterior shields against cold and wind, and the interior fleece backer keeps you cozy underneath. It is also water-resistant in case of unexpected showers, comes in a variety of colors, and is available in men’s and women’s versions.

Patagonia Lined Maple Grove Canvas Jacket

Looking for something a little more durable to protect you on your travels? The Patagonia Maple Grove Canvas Jacket won’t let you down. This heavy-duty jacket is made from organic cotton canvas and lined with polyester fleece. The internal zippered left-chest pocket keeps your phone and keys secured.

Via Spiga Women’s Single-Breasted Pleated Trench Coat

Whether you’re sightseeing on a crisp fall afternoon or stuck in a rainstorm, the Via Spiga Pleated Trench Coat is sure to keep you warm and dry. With its detachable hood, this water-resistant trench—made from cotton and polyester—functions as both a rain jacket and an everyday coat. It fits true to size, comes with a full interior lining and exterior pockets, and has a stylish tie-up belt and a skirted bottom to give you a flattering, feminine look.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

When the weather has warmed up and you no longer need your coat, there’s nothing more annoying than having to carry it around for hours. For times like these, Patagonia’s Nano Puff jacket is the perfect solution. This ultra-condensable puffer coat can be compressed down and folded up into its own pocket, so you can pack it up and toss it in your tote or carry-on when you don’t need it. Sporty and slim fitting, this hip-length coat looks great with everything from jeans and boots to leggings and sneakers.

London Fog Men’s Iconic Trench Coat

Whether you’re heading out to dinner with friends or traveling on business, London Fog’s Iconic Trench Coat will keep you warm and looking polished. This classic, military-style trench comes with a removable wool collar for extra warmth. Pair it with layers, jeans, and a scarf, and you’ll be ready for the day.

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket

Going for a casual, everyday look? The Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket (available for men and women) is the perfect staple for your fall wardrobe. The Better Sweater Fleece has a comfortable slender fit and an interior fleece lining, so it functions as a lightweight jacket or as a warm layer under a heavier coat. And because of its insulating zipper pockets and stand-up collar, you don’t need to pack gloves or a scarf.

Columbia Hillsdale Spring Reversible Jacket

As we transition from summer to fall, unpredictable weather is bound to follow. But with Columbia’s Hillsdale Spring Reversible Jacket, you can count on being warm and comfortable no matter what the conditions are. This reversible zip-up coat is made of waterproof nylon on one side and fleece on the other, so it can be worn as a raincoat or fleece jacket. Light and durable, this jacket also comes with an attached hood, as well as zippered pockets on both sides that are big enough to hold a cell phone.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

You Might Also Like:

• 5 Easy Tricks to Downsize Your Travel Toiletry Kit
• 5 Unforgettable National Park Road Trip Itineraries
• The Thinnest, Warmest Winter Clothes for Packing
• 10 Things Not to Wear on a Plane
• 10 Stylish Jeans So Comfortable You Can Sleep in Them