If you plan to spend a lot of time in the cold outdoors, a packable jacket can be an essential piece of your cold weather gear. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just often outdoors for work or walking, having an extra light jacket that’s easy to pack and to layer is a great choice. Many packable jackets are made with goose down fill, though some use synthetics. A well-made jacket is usually light and smooth enough to fit into a backpack, as well as water resistant and windproof. Here are ten of the top men’s packable jackets, each a good cold or rainy weather investment.
1. The 32Degrees Weatherproof Men’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket
The 32 Degrees Weatherproof Men’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket is made from 100% nylon. The large size weighs only about 10 ounces, making it a good lightweight choice for packing. Its relatively loose cut enables you to layer underneath it, but you may be surprised at its warmth even with a thin layer underneath. This quilted jacket has side-entry pockets and is machine washable. It also comes with its own packable pouch which will color match whichever color jacket you choose: navy, black, royal blue, asphalt or army green.
2.The Calvin Klein Men’s Packable Down Jacket
This packable down jacket has an impressive, tailored look, including a front zipper, zippered pockets at both chest and hips, and a standing collar. Warm and lightweight, the jacket is 100% nylon, machine washable and comes with its own nylon bag. It’s sized to be roomy, which makes it a good choice for layering.
3. Hawke & Co Men’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket II
The warm and puffy Hawke & Co Men’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket II is another stylish yet economical choice. Also 100% nylon, this jacket can be machine washed. It has a front zipper and zippered side-entry pockets and comes in several color choices, including charcoal, black, calla green, medieval or palace blue.
4. Samsonite Men’s Packable Samsopac Jacket
With a 29 inch length, the Samsonite Men’s Packable Samsopac Jacket has a long and lean look. It’s a lightweight puffer down jacket that comes in multiple sizes, on up to XX-Large. Machine washable and 100% nylon, it can be packed into a neck pillow that’s handy for traveling. You can choose it in black or loden, for a low-key look, or go bold with a bright chili-pepper red. It has a full zipper in front and side-entry pockets that also zipper.
5. ZeroXposur Men’s Fuse Packable Down Jacket
Winter isn’t the only time you can wear a down jacket. ZeroXposur Men’s Fuse Packable Down Jacket works well for cool days in spring or autumn, and can be layered for colder weather. Its fill is 90% polyester and 10% feathers, providing a soft, lightweight feel you’ll enjoy. It packs easily and comes with its own drawstring bag. Zippered pockets at the waist and a front zipper, along with a standing collar, provide a nice look for indoors or out.
6. Kenneth Cole New York Men’s Packable Quilted Shirt Jacket
Dressy styling touches make the Kenneth Cole New York Men’s Packable Quilted Shirt Jacket a nice jacket to pair with casual denim or even office clothes. With its 100% nylon shell, this machine washable jacket comes in black, mulberry or a hazy blue. Its snap front hides the front zipper. It comes with dual flap chest pockets as well as hand pockets for a comfortable, casual look that will also keep you toasty.
7. Columbia Men’s Watertight Packable Rain Jacket
When its rain protection you’re looking for, check out the Columbia Men’s Watertight Packable Rain Jacket. Made from 100% microporous nylon, this machine washable jacket is made with Columbia’s trademarked Omni-Tech Waterproofing fabric, a porous material that makes for a light and breathable jacket. The sealed seams help keep the rain out too, and the fact that they’re curved seams gives the jacket nice styling detail. It also comes with a draw-cord hood to provide you with added protection from the elements.
8. Columbia Men’s HydroTech Packable Rain Jacket
Another good jacket choice for rainy days is the Columbia Men’s HydroTech Packable Rain Jacket. It comes with the sealed seams and Omni-Tech microporous fabric that Columbia is known for. It’s also extra light and packable, with a chest pocket that the jacket can be rolled into when you’re ready to slide it into your carrying bag. You’ll find comfort in the zip-closed pockets, and you’ll also get to choose from a few attractive color choices, including sage and vivid blue.
9. Columbia Men’s Big Watertight II Packable Rain Jacket
If you need a packable rain jacket in a larger size, you’ll want to take a look at Columbia Men’s Big Watertight II Packable Rain Jacket, which comes in sizes 1X-4X. This comfortable and breathable jacket is made with a 100% nylon shell and a 100% polyester lining. It comes with all the features customers have come to count on in Columbia’s jackets, including fully sealed seams and Omni-Tech fabric to help keep you dry. Zippered hand pockets and a storm hood you can adjust are other great features. You’ll be able to choose this jacket from a wide variety of colors, including chartreuse and cyber green as well as more basic hues.
10. The Buffalo by David Bitton Men’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket
The Buffalo by David Bitton Men’s Packable Down Puffer Jacket is a classy looking jacket that provides good, lightweight warmth. 100% nylon and machine washable, it has a full zippered front. Customers mention that sizes tend to run on the small size, so you may want to choose a size up from your regular size, especially if you plan to layer beneath it. The jacket has a standing collar and comes in several basic colors, include black, navy blue and green.
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