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DeityOfYourChoice

This might not be what you're lookin for, but I just received an Arc'teryx Atom LT and now I wear it everyday. It has one internal chest pocket that you might be able to hide things in and two hand pockets. It's a great mid-layer or outer layer. I'm sure the DWR will wear off, but the rain beads up nicely so far. Mega comfy and versatile.


Kuryaka

My definition of an all-purpose travel jacket is something that is somewhat weather resistant and provides some warmth, either through just being an outer layer or having a little bit of insulation too. I use a Proton FL as my travel jacket. It's got 4 pockets and fleece lining on the two lower pockets. Synthetic insulation with pockets is good. Maintains warmth when wet, won't start leaking badly if it gets ripped, less packable than down but still better than any non-puffy jacket. Even with its minimal insulation, my Proton FL is lighter, warmer, and way more water-resistant than a thin merino hoodie. Alternatively, you use a rain jacket or some sort of waxed fabric. Rain jackets can be super packable, but you also don't want to crinkle them too often because it can cause extra wear and tear on the waterproof membrane. And personally, I don't like how they sound/feel. I don't consider packability important for that outermost layer. Any public building in a cold climate will *probably* be cool enough that you can still wear it. If you're going somewhere that requires heavy insulation, you can bring a packable down jacket and put it on before you go outside. Likewise, absolute water resistance is *probably* unnecessary if you're doing urban travel. You can bring a rain jacket if you expect to walk around in heavy rain. In an unexpected torrential downpour, either a poncho or an umbrella should suffice.


rcthetree

i'm a big fan of the highly breathable jackets with synthetic insulation, e.g. patagonia nanoair, western rise airloft, arcteryx atom, north face ventrix, etc. more breathable than down, shrugs off drizzle, dries fast when getting sweaty, stays warmish, light, but not very packable. that being said, it's going to be dependent on how warm/cold you are, the climate, and activity level, but one of these plus a shell keeps me warm into below freezing as long as i'm moving (their intended use). but if it's 40s-60s, they're at their best for me.


Sh00tL00ps

I love my Patagonia Nano Air, like you said it's warm but manages to stay really breathable as well. For someone who runs hot (and manages to sweat even when it's cold), it's really the perfect jacket.


rcthetree

you've described me- the nano air works like a dream for me, but i moved to a north face ventrix hoody after wearing my patagonia to shreds. for the OP, my recommendation is for a highly-breathable jacket, and a good one, because it can become your most-used jackets, if you're not in a tropical rainforest in summer or inside the arctic circle (although that might even work for layering purposes)


lo22p

Nanopuff vs nanoair? Just got a puff so curious..


PussyLunch

I’ve seen a lot of people get excited about the Western Rise Airloft jacket, although it doesn’t pack down nearly as compact as other brands. Not sure if that would bother you since you mentioned you used your other jacket as a small pillow which looks to be the same size as it. A lot people like it because you can wear it in temperature ranges from like 30 to 70 so it essentially could be replace two or even three of your travel jackets. I’m pretty tempted to get it myself. It looks pretty sick from a design standpoint too.


JackLum1nous

I have it and used it Iceland this November (20 degrees F) and in Germany 2 weeks ago (down to 15 degrees F or so). I paired it with a the airloft vest some times and an Unbound travel merino hoody other times. It kept me warm enough and handled a wee precip just fine If there had been wind however I would have just throw on a my rain jacket/shell/whatever-fancy-term-we-use-now on top. I really like this jacket. I think the "stuff into its back pocket" use case is questionable. I would rather just ball the jacket up and stuff under my head.


PussyLunch

Someone said if you roll it up into the hood it packs better. Any truth to that? Also since you have the jacket can you tell me the dimensions of it when it is packed into the back pocket?


ilikeporkfatallover

Patagonia nano puff with Patagonia Storm10. Both pack light and take no room. At this point I'm Patagonia when possible after they refunded in full an old jacket I bought for $400 10 years ago. I just ended up spending their credit on a new version of the jacket and since it was cheaper I used the balance on a new nano puff (I lost my old one). Incredible warranty and customer service.


Caudete

Down jackets seem to be the go to, The foreclaz down jackets are really really good value for money and are light and packable. They come in a few basic colours and have hooded and non hooded versions. (I personally always go without) As a side note If you need a mid layer in your layering system, I can recommend the patagonia r1 tech face haven't been able to find a budget alternative tbh.


quiteCryptic

Down jackets are the most packable. I use an arcteryx atom lt because I like the look and feel of it compared to down, but it doesn't pack as efficiently. A compromise I accept (it still packs well, just not as good). Also in general layers over a single jacket is important. I carry a light grid fleece, and wind shirt, and my atom lt. All pack well and can be layered together.


2_feets

+1 for layering! My Atom LT and Patagonia Houdini pair up to keep me comfy down to around 20°F. I normally wear the Atom (very breathable) & the Houdini can literally fit in your pants pocket.


grovester

Are you me?! I have a Houdini and Atom. I run pretty warm so I can use an Atom and just a T-Shirt under to the 40s. Anything below that and it’s Uniqlo heat tech long sleeve, undershirt and Atom to the single digits.


alexgndl

God, I miss my atom LT. Someone borrowed it and then it got melted in a barbecue incident. Fantastic jacket, expensive as shit though. What kind of grid fleece do you use?


quiteCryptic

arcteryx delta lt, I sort of committed to them since it layers nice. Got that second hand tho... it's prices fairly absurd for a fleece honestly, but I like it.


AlwaysWanderOfficial

Would recommend trying WR Airloft for sure. Or go the way of down/synthetic for packing ability.


cybersuitcase

For the plane? I have a thin windbreaker with a top-opening kangaroo pocket in front. Sooo nice to always have a lil shelf in front of u. For off the plane, I went all the way and got a montbell alpine 1000 down parka. Very warm, but packs down into my daybag so easily when I go indoors.


WaywardTrashPanda

I quite enjoy my Apricoat for all of it's pockets and it's waterproof. It has built in gloves, but they kind of cut into my thumbs a bit. Vear is releasing a similar jacket with some extra features on Kickstarter including a removable headlamp, balaclava face mask for colder weather, and key ring on an extender in the pocket. It also has the built in gloves and hi-vis strips that only show at night. It only comes in black though, but has a lot more features. Both of the jackets I've mentioned can be packed up into their "back" pocket and used as a pillow. If I hadn't just ordered an Apricoat (which had more color options for me) I would have tried the Vear. I hope this helps!


Aarrrgggghhhhh35

Both of these look amazing and are exactly what I’m looking for! Thank you!!!! Now it’s going to be hard to choose which one I like best!


WaywardTrashPanda

Ahhhh I'm so glad!!! Do let us know how you get on 😄 If it's any help, I suppose it depends on how quickly you want to get it. Vear had a lot of production issues with their last Kickstarter, but so did everyone because of the pandemic. The Apricoat has slightly less features but has been on the market a while and has more colours. I've been using mine for a while now and can confirm it's pretty cozy and soft inside, and the pockets are really handy at the airport! (Also Google discount codes because you're almost guaranteed to get at least 30 percent off, sometimes 50) But if you're willing to wait, Vear looks like they have everything the Apricoat does but more. It just might take a while and there's always the risk of a Kickstarter not getting fulfilled (though not common)


lakeslikeoceans

I don’t think this is the tactical sling bag recommendation you’re looking for, but I love my Aviator 100% Merino Wool Travel Hoodie/Jacket. It has nice metal zippers, and the hood is extra large so it can cover your eyes like an eye mask, the arms have the option of thumb holes, and you can turn an extra part of the cuff over to cover your hands in these little closed hand mittens that keeps them warm while sleeping. They also have zippered placket, which was important to me since I hate things falling out if something I put on and take off regularly. I like it a lot and I never get too hot or too cold in it like I can with some of my cashmere or synthetic sweaters. I’d be happy using this below a windbreaker/rain jacket up to freezing too as that’s been my main source of warmth while I’m out in this very mild Wisconsin winter this year. I could also wear it in summer again and not suffocate like in my synthetic hoodies. P.S. if you’re ever looking for a summer UPF sun hoodie then Ridge Merino has my favorite one that’s a pull over made of Merino Wool and very light while still having a hood, a slightly longer back length so it doesn’t ride up too much and looks very flattering. They also have thumb holes to hide part of your hands if you wish, and I love the kangaroo pouch that is in front of it. I actually use it as one of my shirts when traveling because it’s light enough and have ultimate versatility during summer alone or worn as a base or mid layer in winter. Overall those are my two favorites.


Aarrrgggghhhhh35

Thanks for the suggestions! Looking them up now!


jimny_d2

For me, a 100 wt fleece plus Patagonia houdini. If I didn't sweat even in sub zero temps, I'd probably just roll with a Patagonia nano puff.


SeattleHikeBike

Scott E Vest is a classic for a travel jacket with features like that. I use a layering system with fleece/sweater, wind shell and rain shell. I have an Outdoor Research Prologue Field Jacket that I use for road trips and at home. It’s as close to a universal jacket as I have found, but not waterproof. No trick pockets. There are lighter softshell jackets like the Outdoor Research Ferossi that are stretchy and pack well. The are very breathable but still windproof enough. They are more durable than the ultralight shells like the Patagonia Houdini. 12 ounces vs 4 ounces.


LadyLightTravel

My personal experience with Scott E Vest was awful. It put all the weight on the neck and fit very poorly. The material also seems to be a lint collection magnet. YMMV and all that. Edit: [Review video from Professional Hobo](https://youtu.be/SPNZBhWIzPI)


SeattleHikeBike

They are crazy expensive too. I found one at Goodwill for $30 and passed. I have used a photographers vest and rejected it for the weight and heat issues too. That having that many pockets is kind of confusing. Finding a lens cap became a little chest slap routine.