I Can’t Stop Wearing This Athleta Bomber Jacket

Packing for travel in transitional seasons is tricky, and strategizing with layers is key. My two most recent trips involved flying to the Southern Hemisphere during shoulder seasons: I went to Chile in March, which is their fall, and South Africa in September, the start of their spring. Because of the weather, packing for each of these vacations required lots of careful wardrobe planning (especially since I’m a dedicated carry-on-only flier). 

My undisputed clothing MVP on both trips was the Athleta Jetset Bomber. Lightweight, stylish, and water-resistant, this packable travel jacket barely took up any luggage space, looked sharp with all my outfits, and prepared me for frequently fluctuating weather conditions. Back home in New Jersey, I keep wearing this light topper on chilly but not cold fall days; I’m donning it so often, that I may invest in a second hue. 

Athleta Jetset Bomber

As with all the Athleta clothing I love, the magic is in the material. Crafted from 100-percent recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles, the Jetset Bomber’s fabric is durable, breathable, and abrasion-resistant. That came in handy during my South African safari when the open-top vehicle would frequently brush against thorny trees, leaving my coat vulnerable to scrapes. I’m happy to report that, despite the African bush, my jacket arrived home safely without a single snag. I have it in the beige colorway which got a bit dusty, but thankfully it’s machine-washable. I popped it in the washer and dryer (delicate setting in both machines), and it emerged as good as new.

Cape Town weather is notoriously finicky, so I was glad I brought this jacket when I visited because it’s wind- and water-resistant and can withstand light to medium rainfall. There’s also an adjustable hood hidden in the collar, which I conveniently unfurled in the windiness atop Table Mountain. Still, the sporty jacket was stylish enough to wear for days spent city strolling thanks to elevated details like vertical ruching and a zippered split-hem. The ruching is also part of the jacket’s packability: It conceals wrinkles regardless of how haphazardly I shoved the bomber into my backpack for the warmer parts of the day.  

Athleta Jetset Bomber

Speaking of packability, this lightweight jacket rolls up effortlessly and barely takes up room in a suitcase. However, I chose to wear it as my top layer for both the 11-hour red-eye to Chile and the 15-hour overnight flight to South Africa. It was comfy enough to sleep in, and the two zip pockets proved convenient for stowing my AirPods and a pack of tissues. The roomy, flattering silhouette is also great for layering; I slipped it on (and could still zip it) over a bulky sweatshirt without issue. 

I’m not alone in my appreciation for this travel-friendly bomber, also available in tall and petite lengths. “It’s light enough to be worn as an extra layer to a movie or a concert, but comfortable and warm enough for travel and long days outside,” said one happy customer. Another reviewer dubbed the coat “a nice change from jean jackets” that’s “perfect for traveling and weekend errand runs.” 

Before my South Africa trip, I debated whether I should double up on outer layers and bring along a leather blazer, too. I’m so glad I decided against it; the Jetset Bomber turned out to work perfectly in every situation, from city to safari. 

You really can’t go wrong with this Athleta jacket, but if you’re looking for a warmer puffer version or an elegant sateen style, keep scrolling for more similar options.

Shop More Packable Travel Jackets:

Aritzia Golden Nitro Jacket

With the warmth of a puffer and the style of a bomber, this packable jacket’s main appeal is in the material. Filled with a premium down alternative from 100 percent recycled materials, this jacket is also lined with a breathable micro thermal fleece for weightless and cozy warmth. The outside is crafted from a water-repellent crinkle taffeta. 

Athleta Sateen Bomber

If style is of the essence, you can’t go wrong with this elegant recycled nylon bomber with a sleek and subtle shine. Available in four hues and in regular, petite, and tall lengths, this top layer also boasts water resistance and zippered pockets.

Quince Featherless Quilted Puffer Bomber Jacket

This quilted Quince bomber jacket is made with recycled insulation that mimics the warmth of down filler without the bulk. The exterior is durable, and it’s water- and wind-repellent for added versatility. A cozy bonus: two hand pockets are fleece-lined.

Zeagoo Women’s Bomber Jacket

It’s hard to beat the price of this zip-up bomber, available in 19 colors and patterns ranging from this satin champagne to a multi-hued graffiti-inspired design. The polyester style has garnered over 6,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with one reviewer dubbing it “the perfect traveling companion.”

Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket

For colder destinations, pack a down jacket for extra warmth. This suitcase-friendly Lululemon option is great for ski trips or other winter travel. It’s made with 100 percent goose feather down fill packed between the brand’s DiamondStretch fabric, which is stretchy, as well as water- and wind-resistant. 

Levi’s Women’s Melanie Newport Bomber Jacket

Those in favor of making a style statement with a brightly hued outfit will appreciate that this lightweight jacket comes in 21 colors including this citrusy red and a buttery yellow. But it doesn’t lack in function, as one customer reported the bomber was “great to handle windy days on vacation.” The jacket, equipped with three zippered pockets, is best suited for warmer climates since it doesn’t layer as well over bulky sweaters.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

This Patagonia jacket’s featherlight, flexible material is game for nearly any activity from hiking to skiing. It’s equipped with elasticized cuffs and an adjustable drawcord hem to keep out wind and seal in warmth. Still, you won’t sweat in this 10-ounce jacket that also packs up neatly.

Athleta Everywhere Jacket

For adventures when you just need a light topper for chilly evenings, Athleta’s brushed nylon jacket is an excellent choice. The water-repellent outer layer also has a hidden hood stashed in the collar. Further functional details include zippered pockets and a cinched hem. 

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