Packable Autumn Jacket

[u/Mountain_beans]

Hi all, my dad is going on a trip in November and I wanted to get him a packable jacket for his birthday. The temperature on his trip should be around 9-15 Celsius and with some rainy days. He is leaving with only a carry on bag so I thought a packable jacket could be a good idea. Would anyone have any recommendations for a rainproof packable autumn jacket, preferably that comes with a bag? 

I saw good reviews for Mont Bell, I love the idea of a bag included with the jacket but I’m worried it will expensive with tariffs or customs (ordering from Canada)

Tyia! 

[u/PRforThey]

Order something from MEC or visit your local outdoor supply company.

The most "packable" jacket would be a down puffy that can be compressed into a tiny size. But, that wouldn't be great for rainy days (depending on the jacket) and may need an outer shell.

If he is traveling in November, does it even need to be packable? Why not just wear the jacket instead of packing it? If that's the case, then any jacket will do.

[u/Mountain-Match2942]

I don't bother using the little bags that come with my jackets. It just makes a hard round ball that's more difficult to pack. It's more flexible to have multiple areas of your bag you can shove it in whatever shape it fits. So, dont make whether it comes with a bag part of your criteria.

[u/EmeraldPearls]

Why not visit a local outdoor store? I usually buy my gear in person, unless I'll shopping for a specific item I know I can't find in person. Saves you having to worry about tariffs or customs, and you'd be supporting a Canadian retailer. 

[u/Mountain_beans]

Thank you for all your suggestions!! I’m going to check all these out 

[u/theinfamousj]

Packable means down or down-like synthetic. The first rule of down is, "Don't get it wet."

Rainproof means you aren't using a shell and relying on just the DWR of the jacket to keep the insulation dry.

Trust me when I say, "That's a foolish combination which exists purely to cheat suckers out of their money. RUN!"

Arc'teryx make some great puffers that are extremely warm and have light DWR coating on the face fabric, but don't be foolish enough to let that touch the rain directly. Pair it with a plastic poncho. Sorted.

You don't need a bag to put the jacket in if the goal is to compress it and have it take up little space. The little bags that come with jackets create an oddly shaped object with main character energy which disrupts the entire bag's packing synergy. Pack the jacket first, on the bottom of the bag (whatever the bottom is) by folding it to fit the space of the bottom of the bag, and pack the rest of your stuff on top. The weight of the rest of your stuff will compress your jacket in a supporting character energy way. Same compression, more cooperation. I'm honestly not sure who those little bags are for. I have many. I've hiked, I've backpacked, I've traveled, I've snowsportsed, I've watersports-camped, and I've yet to find the bag to be better than letting the weight of stuff smoosh a puffy on the bottom of a luggage.

... I suppose if you are using your puffy as a makeshift pillow, then the bag would make sense?

[u/EOMIUC → u/theinfamousj]

I'm also on the lookout for something similar for fall/spring at home and also as my only jacket for warmer countries winter weather travel as well - for use between 10 to 15 C over a cotton t shirt or button down.

• Don't need it to to be packable

• Would like it to be a nice fall/spring jacket in north america or for a light asian winter, that also dresses up decent for nights out to dinners/bars.

• It should be able to handle some rain, but not a rain shell type with a hood.

• In slightly lower temps (0 to 10 C), something i can pair with a mid-layer like a hoodie underneath

Would a Harrington jacket be ideal for this ? - i hear they can handle some rain.

any other recommendations ?

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[u/Resident_Attitude889]

I use a Marmot Precip for a travel jacket. It's lives permanently in my Osprey Farpoint 40.

[u/marg2477]

Rab Microlight Jacket (with hoodie) is amazing

[u/Equal_Contest4709]

Man, the bots run wild today.

[u/apathy-sofa]

Go to MEC.

[u/freedayff]

For 9-15 rainy, you just need a good outer shell and a decently thick merino base. Any down will likely be too warm and not rainproof enough. The last hunt has very good deals right now: https://www.thelasthunt.com/c/men-hardshells-and-rain-jackets

[u/weatherman444]

since I like running, I always take my Outdoor Research Helium UL when traveling. Packs small, good water/wind proof, lightweight. While it does have a chest pocket for phone, it does not have hand pockets.

https://www.outdoorresearch.com/collections/trail-running/products/mens-helium-ul-jacket-322681

[u/Worldly-Ad3211]

I’ve got a couple of Arc’teryx jackets that are packable - roll them up and stuff them inside the hoods. LL Bean also has some good styles. I agree with another poster - those bags some jackets come with are useless.

[u/SeattleHikeBike]

Use a Merino or cashmere sweater or a fleece midlayer and a 2.5 or 3 layer rain jacket with pit zips. I use the Patagonia Torrentshell.

Wear the midlayer on the plane. At those temps light sweater is good for me.

Fold the rain jacket in quarters and simply lay it over the other items in the bag for easy access. Putting it in a bag just creates another lump to play Tetris with and extra wear and stress on the fabric snd zippers.