13 Packable Puffers That Won't Weigh Down Your Suitcase-and Will Keep You Warm All Winter Long, From $60

"Winter hits hard in Europe, and if there's one thing I've learned after years of traveling through sudden cold snaps and Alps-level wind gusts, it's that a good winter coat is nonnegotiable. As temperatures drop earlier and earlier, puffer jackets start appearing everywhere-and for good reason. The best ones are lightweight, surprisingly warm, and, most importantly, pack down small enough to disappear into the corner of an already overstuffed suitcase."

"As someone who spends a lot of time in the Swiss Alps, I always have a quilted or down jacket with me, particularly in the late fall and early winter. Temperatures drop dramatically in the mountains, and you never know when you need to bundle up. The beauty of a great lightweight puffer is that it can be worn as an insert or an overcoat,"

European winters deliver sudden cold snaps and strong winds, making a reliable winter coat essential. Puffer jackets appear early because the best options are lightweight, warm, and compressible enough to fit into crowded luggage. In alpine conditions, a quilted or down jacket offers core insulation as temperatures plunge, and versatile puffers serve as midlayers, overcoats, or improvised travel pillows. The Cotopaxi Capa Hybrid uses quilted front insulation with stretch-knit sleeves, a hood, easy packing, and machine-washability for active use. The Columbia Powder Lite II pairs lightweight insulation, a heat-reflective lining, and a water-resistant shell with adjustable features for travel and everyday wear.

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