Best Lightweight Travel Jackets for Cold Departures & Warm Arrivals (Women)

Best Lightweight Travel Jackets for Cold Departures & Warm Arrivals (Women)

Flying out of Canada in winter and landing somewhere warmer is always tricky. You need a jacket that keeps you warm at the airport, doesn’t take over your luggage, and won’t feel like overkill once you arrive. A lightweight, packable jacket is usually the sweet spot.

Below are three popular women’s travel jackets on Amazon.ca, reviewed honestly using real customer feedback — the good, the “it’s fine,” and the not-so-great.

Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer

This jacket is all about value. It’s lightweight, packable, and surprisingly functional for the price. Reviewers like the smooth zippers, decent pocket size, and included storage bag. It’s a practical option if you don’t want to spend much but still want something travel-friendly.

What people love

• Affordable and lightweight

• Comes with a small storage bag

• Easy to layer and good for everyday use

Things to know

• Fit isn’t very flattering for everyone

• Color may look different in person

• Fabric feels fragile to some users

Best for: budget travelers, occasional trips, or as a backup travel jacket.

PRICE $66 - $90

Eddie Bauer Women’s CirrusLite Down Jacket

This is a classic for a reason. The CirrusLite is very light, very warm for its weight, and easy to pack. Several reviewers mention owning more than one because it’s so practical for travel. It fits true to size and works well as an outer layer in mild cold or a mid-layer in colder conditions.

What people love

• Warm without feeling bulky

• Packs into a small pouch — great for travel

• Comfortable fit and easy to throw on

Things to know

• Fabric feels thin and needs some care

• Narrow through the hips for some body types

• Not meant for extreme winter cold on its own

Best for: long flights, cold airports, and travelers who want warmth without weight.

PRICE $122 - $257

Columbia Women’s Heavenly Hooded Jacket

This jacket feels a bit more “finished” and cozy. The Omni-Heat reflective lining really does help trap warmth, and the hood, soft lining, and thumb-hole sleeves add comfort. It’s great for daily wear, driving, and city trips.

What people love

• Soft lining and lightweight feel

• Comfortable and stylish for everyday use

• Reflective lining adds noticeable warmth

Things to know

• Best for cool to mild cold (about 15°C to 5°C)

• Arms are tight, limiting layering

• Not ideal below freezing or in strong wind

Best for: city travel, errands, and early winter or fall trips.

PRICE $67 - $402

My opinion:

All three jackets work — but they shine in different ways:

• Best overall travel jacket: Eddie Bauer CirrusLite
  The best balance of warmth, weight, and packability. Ideal for flights, airports, and unpredictable weather.

• Best budget option: Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer
  Not fancy, but practical and affordable. A solid choice if you want function without spending much.

• Best for everyday city wear: Columbia Heavenly Hooded Jacket
  Comfortable, polished, and cozy for mild cold — great if you’ll wear it a lot, not just travel with it.

None of these replace a true winter parka — but for cold departures, warm arrivals, and lighter packing, they all solve the problem in different ways. The best one is simply the one that matches your travel style and budget.