From dashing between airport gates to hustling the family on a cruise ship excursion or hiking in the mountains, moms need lightweight, packable jackets that will keep them warm and dry when they’re on the go. Easy to fold up into a backpack, pull out of a tote bag when it starts to rain or scrunch into a makeshift pillow on a long road trip, these 10 lightweight jackets for women should be at the top of your packing list.
1. Lululemon Effortless Jacket
Designed with busy travelers in mind, Lululemon’s Effortless Jacket speaks for itself: Lightweight and packed with pockets inside and out, this durable, water-repellent jacket has a stowable hood for when you want to protect your blowout. Available in light pink and camel with a flattering hem cinch to customize the fit, this functional, yet stylish cropped jacket is roomy enough to layer over a T-shirt or a sweater. Reviewers suggest getting a size down and using the toggles to tighten the waist area, especially if you’re tall.
2. BauBax Women’s Sweatshirt 2.0
When you need a cozy, multi-tasking hoodie, reach for this handcrafted, modern BauBax Women’s Sweatshirt 2.0, which offers nearly two dozen high-tech features, including detachable gloves, a water bottle, earbuds, a retractable keychain with bottle opener and plenty of pockets to stash important travel documents and snacks. Available in charcoal and navy, the soft cotton-polyester sweatshirt keeps you comfy on long plane rides, and its built-in inflatable neck pillow, eye mask, travel blanket and footrest are the perfect ingredients for a great nap (well, as long as your kids are asleep, too!).
3. Marmot PreCip Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket
Ideal for active moms who enjoy cycling, hiking and rock-climbing, the Marmot PreCip Women’s Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket comes in more than a dozen colors. Its waterproof and breathable NanoPro fabric holds up even if you get stuck in a downpour, thanks to taped seams and Velcro cuffs that prevent water from seeping in. An adjustable hood can be rolled down into the collar when you don’t need it. Feeling too warm? Just open the jacket’s ventilated PitZips so fresh air can circulate under your arms. Bonus: it folds into its own pocket, so you can toss it in your backpack when not in use.
4. Columbia Women’s Mighty Lite III Jacket
With its Omni-Heat lining, full-zip high collar design and cozy insulation, the Columbia Women’s Mighty Lite III Jacket will take you through fall, winter and spring. Available in 22 colors, this water-resistant, machine washable winter jacket has two zippered hand pockets and an inside security compartment for cash and credit cards. Ideal for a ski vacation or a weekend hiking getaway, the jacket’s active fit features a draw-cord adjustable hem, making it flattering and comfortable. Going south during the coldest months? Wear it to the airport, then stash it in your carry-on bag.
5. EZRUN Women’s Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
Looking for a super lightweight windbreaker that will also keep you dry? Pack the 100-percent nylon EZRUN Women’s Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket for your next camping or cycling trip. Durable and breathable, it features elastic cuffs and hem, two side zippered pockets, plus one in the back that doubles as storage for the jacket. It comes in black, grey and blue with a funnel hood that will protect your head and face if you hit a storm. Bonus: This jacket has reflective detailing so you’ll be visible in low-light conditions or fog.
Related: 9 Best Multi-Pocket Travel Jackets
6. FISOUL Women’s Lightweight Jacket
Waterproof and windproof, the FISOUL Women’s Lightweight Jacket is a must-have for sporty moms who want a reliable, breathable hooded raincoat that can withstand any weather. Available in five bright colors, this 100-percent nylon, SPF 40+ jacket is comfortable and very functional for family vacations. Foldable into its own carrying pouch, this quick-dry raincoat features full zip closure, two deep front pockets, elastic cuffs, fully sealed seams and adjustable buckles around the detachable hood to keep your head and face dry and protected from the wind.
7. Uniboutique Womens Casual Rain Jacket
For an affordable lightweight outer layer, you can’t go wrong with Uniboutique’s Women’s Casual Rain Jacket. Made of sun-, wind- and water-resistant polyester fabric, this quick-drying travel jacket works well for a day of sightseeing or shopping. Featuring a front zip closure, elastic cuffs and hem and two buttoned front pockets, it’s easy to roll up in your backpack if the weather’s a bit iffy. It comes in olive green, navy, black and yellow.
8. Rokka&Rolla Women’s Lightweight Water Resistant Hooded Quilted Poly Padded Puffer Jacket
Looking for warmth but prefer an eco-friendlier option to duck down? Grab this Rockka&Rolla Women’s Lightweight Padded Puffer Jacket. It features a soft, water-resistant polyester shell stuffed with 3M Thinsulate high-tech filler that protects you in cold or wet conditions. The adjustable hood, elastic cuffs and hem prevent wind and rain from leaking in, and the quality zippers will hold up for many family vacations. Available in light blue, peach whip, indigo blue and rich black, this stylish, quilted women’s travel jacket can easily be squished into a carry-on or backpack.
9. Riders by Lee Indigo Women’s Stretch Denim Jacket
Whether you throw it over a tank top and cropped pants, layer it over a slouchy sweater or dress it up with a slinky sundress, you’ll want to pack this classic yet versatile Stretch Denim Jacket. Perfect with any capsule wardrobe, this lightweight jean jacket is soft and comfy even when buttoned up, plus it has four pockets to stash your phone, sunglasses and lip gloss. With a snug, tapered fit, it never looks boxy. Available in six colors, it’s affordable enough that you won’t have to choose just one.
10. Levi’s Ladies Plus Size Contemporary Asymmetrical Motorcycle Jacket
Who says you have to own a motor bike to rock a fabulous motorcycle jacket? Levi’s Ladies Plus Size Asymmetrical Motorcycle Jacketis crafted from polyurethane that feels like soft leather and it can be tossed in the wash if your little one spills milk on it. With snap-down lapels, shiny hardware and several zip pockets, it comes in black, hunter green or ivory so you can dress this lightweight jacket up by wearing it over a knit dress, or keep it casual with skinny jeans, booties and a T-shirt.
Related: The Cutest Booties for Fall 2019
Montreal-based Wendy Helfenbaum is a journalist, content strategist and TV producer who writes for dozens of digital and print magazines, as well as many brands. Wendy loves cruising, adventure travel and venturing off the beaten path with her husband and teenage son, and she can pack a carry-on bag like nobody’s business. Follow her @WendyHelfenbaum.
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