Choose the right jacket
Before packing your jacket for travel, it’s important to consider the material and weight of the jacket. Ideally, you want a lightweight and compressible jacket that won’t take up too much space in your luggage. Look for jackets made from materials such as down or synthetic materials like PrimaLoft, which pack down easily and don’t weigh much.
Another factor to consider is the weather you’ll be traveling in. If you’re heading to a colder climate, you may want a heavier jacket, but if you’re traveling to a warmer destination, you’ll want a lighter jacket that can easily be layered.
Fold or roll
Once you’ve chosen the right jacket for your travels, it’s time to pack it. There are two main ways to pack a jacket – folding or rolling. If you’re looking to save space in your luggage, rolling your jacket is the way to go. Start by laying the jacket flat and then rolling it tightly from the bottom up. This will help reduce bulk and prevent wrinkles.
If you prefer to fold your jacket, start by zipping it up and laying it flat on a clean surface. Fold the sleeves inward, then fold the jacket in half, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles.
Use compression bags
If you’re packing a particularly bulky jacket, consider using compression bags to save space. These bags allow you to remove excess air from your jacket, making it more compact and easier to pack. Simply place your jacket inside the bag, seal it up, and then roll or press down on the bag to remove the air.
Compression bags can be especially helpful if you’re traveling with multiple jackets or need to pack other bulky items in your luggage.
Pack in your carry-on
If you’re traveling with a jacket that you’ll need upon arrival, consider packing it in your carry-on luggage. This will help ensure that your jacket doesn’t get lost or damaged in transit. Additionally, packing your jacket in your carry-on will give you easy access to it during your flight, in case you get chilly.
Be sure to check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions before packing your jacket, as some larger jackets may need to be checked as luggage.
Hang or unpack upon arrival
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, it’s important to care for your jacket properly. If your jacket is wrinkled, hang it up in a bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will help release any wrinkles and refresh the material. If possible, avoid storing your jacket in a compressed state for too long, as this can damage the material.
Finally, if you’re traveling with multiple jackets, consider leaving one behind at your destination in order to save space on your return journey.
