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Do you need a little extra warmth on your next trip to fight the cold winter or cool spring weather? TFG readers recommend their favorite travel vest womens styles!
Travel Vests
Written By: Tae Haahr
Table Of Contents
A vest is an excellent addition to your travel wardrobe. They help keep you warm when you’re outdoors, easy to layer so you can adjust your temperature, and many of them are built to be packable—they can be folded up into a bag!
But there are a ton of vests out there on the market. Some are great for a chilly outdoor hike, others perfect for a night on safari. With so many options out there, we asked TFG readers to share their top picks so you can make your own choice!
What Are the Best Womens Vests for Travel?
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince
Quince Lightweight Travel Vest
The Quince lightweight down vest is a huge fave in the TFG community. This light vest is a chic option that’s made to be worn everywhere!
It’s warm yet slim, with a stretchy hem and armholes for a comfy and extra warming fit, while side pockets and a zip closure add to the function. Plus, it’s incredibly light and packable, so it’s easy to take with you and pull out whenever needed.
This womens long vest is designed to be layered, so it’s great for everything from freezing winters to that awkward transition between seasons. And on those colder days, you can zip the neck up for some extra protection!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
32 Degrees Ultra-Lightweight Packable Down Vest
If you’re looking for a cozy vest for those cool-weather outings, then the 32 Degrees Vest is a great choice. It comes in several different colors to match your ideal look. It is “perfect for layering and very packable.”
TFG readers love this vest, with one saying, “I love these packable vests—I wear them at work in the winter for layering. Took one to Europe and wore it in Ireland… had one in my bag in NYC and put it on when it suddenly got chilly under my denim jacket. Such a great item.”
It comes in sizes XS-XXL and if down isn’t your thing, 32 Degrees also offer this non-down alternative vest too.
These are the most lightweight denim jackets according to TFG readers!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Puffer Vests for Women – CirrusLite
Eddie Bauer down vests come recommended by TFG readers due to the fact that it’s easy to pack into a carrying bag. It’s water-repellent and machine washable and will help you keep warm in the cold weather.
This vest comes in several different colors. It has zip pockets, stand-up collar, and elasticized cuffs. One TFG reader shares, “Eddie Bauer packable vest is a great option. I love it.”
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Shop: Amazon | Columbia
Sizes: XXS-XXL Regular | XS-XL Petite | 1X-3X Plus
Columbia Benton (Plus Size Women’s Vests Available)
Columbia makes one of the best women’s vests for fall. It comes in a bunch of colors and is made of 100% polyester fleece. You can get the Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Vest in sizes XS-XL, petite XSP-XLP, and plus sizes 1X-3X. It features two zippered side pockets, a full zip closure, and a collared neck.
Readers say to add this to your list of women’s spring vests. One says “I wear my vest constantly.” Another reader adds, “I have a fleece vest and wear it all the time in the fall or early spring with a thin lining sleeve so I can push the sleeves up if needed.”
Our readers share their top picks for lightweight packable rain jackets, perfect for your next trip!
Shop Sizes XXS-3X: Athleta
Athleta Whisper Featherless Women’s Quilted Vest
If you’re looking for a more fashionable style, then look no further than this Athleta Water Repellent Whisper Puffer Vest. It’s a quilted vest that is semi-fitted and skims easily over the body to give a neat silhouette. This is a warm gilet that you’ll turn to from spring, right through to fall.
Shop Land’s End: Sizes XS-XL Regular | 1X-3X Plus
Lands’ End Packable Light Vest
Lands’ End makes warm vests for ladies to wear on their next outdoor venture. It’s filled with down to give you a warm and layerable piece of clothing. This is a shorter vest that hits at the hips, it has a full zipper with an internal storm flap so you can wear it closed to be more cozy or open when the weather lets up.
One TFG reader shares, “Have a Lands’ End ultralight packable down vest. It’s warm enough, water-resistant and goes with anything dressy to casual. I can pack it into its own pocket. To pack it, the key is to just keep rolling and squeezing the air out.”
Readers love these cashmere sweaters for their polished and timeless look, incredible warmth, and versatility.
Shop: Amazon | Columbia
Sizes: XS-XXL Regular | 1X-3X Plus
Columbia Puffy Vests for Women
The Columbia Women’s Heavenly Vest is one of the best puffer vests for women on the market. It’s great to layer while you’re out on the trail. And it’s lightweight and thin so you can stick it under your heavier jacket.
TFG readers love these women’s winter vests because they’re quite warm. One reader shares, “Love Columbia with Omni Heat on the inside. I hate being cold!” The heat technology is a brilliant addition to colder weather travel, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside.
Read this post to learn about some of our favorite winter jackets for travel!
Shop Sizes S-XXL: SCOTTeVEST | Amazon
Scottevest Warm Womens Vests with RFID
The Scottevest RFID Vest comes highly recommended by TFG readers due to its 18 different pockets where you can store items in as you’re out and about. One reader does warn that “it’s heavy even without much in it. But having a vest with pockets is great.”
One reader comments that this vest was invaluable on her summer trip to Scotland because they appreciated “the freedom of not needing a purse.”
It’s great to layer with it, one reader shares, “I’ve loaded the thing up with budget airlines to bypass weight limits and such to get through security and on the plane. No one weighs it!” This comes in sizes S-XXL.
Read this post on how to pack a bulky winter jacket in a suitcase!
Shop Sizes XS-3XL: Amazon | The North Face
The North Face Aconcagua Down Vest
TFG readers love this brand and this classic North Face puffer vest is a comfortable and nice-looking puffer and it’s equipped with lots of insulation, making it an ideal layer. One reviewer shares, “This vest is super lightweight and the material is very soft and flexible and this vest fits true to size. I’m so happy with this purchase!”
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
BALEAF Women’s Lightweight Vest with Hidden Pockets
The BALEAF softshell vest has an internal pocket to hide your favorite valuable items. Made from wind proof and water resistance fabric, this women’s vest jacket can effectively keep you dry all-day. Plus, the added high collar helps block the wind and keeps you warmer longer.
TFG readers adore this piece, with one sharing, “Love my BALEAF vest. Super comfy and keeps me warm without getting too hot.” You can get it in 6 colors too so there is a style for everyone.
These are the most packable and beautiful cardigans that you’ll want for your next trip!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo
Uniqlo Women Ultralight Down Vest
The Uniqlo ultralight vest can be stored into a small carrying pouch, making it super easy to pack and bring along on your next trip. It’s made of durable and water-repellent coating. This puffer vest, while packable, definitely has all the hallmarks of being warm, with a 640 fill power, or more.
One TFG reader shares, “I’ve got a Uniqlo vest that I’ve worn under my leather jacket for extra warmth when out and about. It’s great for travel since it compresses down to nothing, and since I got it in burgundy, it spices up my wardrobe.” Another reader adds, “Can’t believe how warm it kept me.”
Check out our selections of lightweight fall jackets for your next trip!
Shop L.L.Bean: Sizes XXS-XL Regular & Petite | 1X-3X Plus
L.L. Bean Fleece Light Weight Vest (Petite and Plus Sizes Available)
The L.L.Bean fleece vest is slightly-fitted, easy to layer, and one of the most popular warm weather vests, due to the PrimaLoft insulation and the outer layer is water-resistant.
One TFG reader shares, “This vest is my go-to when I travel. It has two zippered pockets that are roomy, and is also long enough for me to wear it with leggings, is pretty wrinkle-proof, and has a zip-off hood. I have two and wear them all the time.”
Shop Sizes 0-14: Lululemon
Lululemon Pack It Down Vest
The Lululemon Down for It All vest is a great addition to your travel wardrobe. It is a water-resistant model using Glyde fabric. It has an easy-access pocket, plus a secret hidden one, so you can hide your credit cards and such while traveling. And it packs into a handy sack.
One TFG reader shares, “Can’t go wrong with Lululemon.” It comes in three cute colors, including lunar rock, chianti, and black, so you can truly make your personal style shine.
Wondering what to wear on a rainy day when traveling? Check out this post!
Shop Sizes XS-L: Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Fireside Plush Vest
The fleece Eddie Bauer vest is perfect for warding off the cold while you’re out-and-about. It’s a terrific choice if you want to layer, but it’s still soft and thick enough to keep it cozy.
TFG readers love these fleece vests for women. One shares, “Coziest vest ever! Looks great worn with my tshirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, and flannel. Great layer for crisp fall weather!.”
These are the most fashionable fleece jackets recommended by our readers!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon | The North Face
The North Face Puffy Women’s Travel Vest with Pockets
If you’re looking for comfortable and warm down vests, look no further than The North Face Women’sThermoball. It’s a quality product that’s both lightweight and made of superior material. Plus, it has a zippered closure to keep you warm.
One TFG reader shares that it is “great if you’re at the outdoorsy end of the market.” Overall, a high quality that looks flattering, and you can get it in 10 colors.
See our readers’ picks for the best packable down jacket for travel!
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Pack Your Vests
Many of our readers use packing cubes to roll up and organize their clothes. Compass Rose packing cubes allow you to do so by number and color so you know where you packed everything, even when you use the cubes to separate outfits. Learn more in the video below.
The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
Learn about our hacks with packing cubes in this video!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods of using packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What’s your favorite travel vest? Share and comment below!
For more travel jackets, please read:
- Best Winter Parkas
- Classic Trench Jackets
- Cozy Women’s Wool Coats
- Most Recommended Waterproof Jackets for Every Adventure
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