The Ultimate Winter Jacket for Travelers

I adore a snuggly winter break abroad but dread the precarious formula of packing all those warm layers into a compact suitcase. Last December, I journeyed to Paris for a three-night stay with a mere 10kg of hand luggage allowance. The weather was forecasted to be a chilly two degrees, so my approach to packing warm clothing had to be strategic and minimal. My packing list included three jumpers, a nice shirt for the evening, two pairs of trousers, a pair of trainers, heeled boots, plus the usuals – underwear, toiletries, etc. I wanted to include two coats: a smart parka for fancy meals and a super warm coat for daytime city exploration.

Finding the Perfect Super Warm Everyday Coat

For the super warm everyday coat, I turned to New Zealand outdoor brand Kathmandu, recently launched in the UK, for their much-hyped NXT-Level women’s down jacket. This jacket features a stylish earth-red colorway (also available in black and dark green) and is biodegradable when disposed of in the right conditions.

A Lightweight Marvel

This coat is surprisingly thin for such warmth – with a silky-soft yet very durable Nylon 66 lining padded with 600-fill power goose down (80% duck down, 20% duck feather) that is fully traceable. The down is impressively malleable too; a quick roll compresses it to a size smaller than a knitted jumper, weighing only 440g, making it perfect for fitting into a carry-on suitcase.

Functional Design

In terms of functional design, the jacket ticks all the boxes. It features a hood with a tie cord, while the extended hood protects from strong winds and light rain, though it might struggle in heavy rain. The jacket boasts six pockets – suitable for numerous belongings and keeping your hands warm, plus ample storage for valuables inside.

Considerations for Use

Although advertised as water-repellent, the jacket’s main limitation is that it is not waterproof and doesn’t fare well in rainy conditions or snow, as water can seep through the lining, particularly on the sleeves. Nonetheless, it dries extremely quickly if caught in unexpected showers.

Fit and Comfort

The oversized fit is a stylish choice. I typically wear a UK size 8 to 10 and found that a small fit me perfectly. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t cover the bum. Typically, I size up to allow for bulky jumpers and extra layers, but this particular style allows for comfort without additional sizing.

Your Ideal Travel Companion

This jacket is the ultimate winter-weekend option for anyone who values traveling light while staying warm.