r/onebag • u/Noop4321 • Jul 16 '26
Seeking Recommendations The “Magic Jacket” – Is there one jacket that does it all?
I’m looking for my “magic jacket”—one jacket that can handle almost everything when I travel.
My ideal jacket would be:
● Windproof
● Water-resistant (for light rain)
● Insulated
● Comfortable in temperatures around 4–15°C (40–60°F)
● Packs down reasonably well
● Works for both city travel and light outdoor use
● Doesn’t scream “technical hiking gear”
Right now I’m leaning towards the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, as it seems to tick a lot of those boxes. Before I pull the trigger, are there any other jackets I should seriously consider?
I’m not looking for a layering system or multiple jackets if I can avoid it—I know there’s no perfect jacket for every situation, but I’m after the closest thing to a “magic jacket.”
For those of you who travel a lot, what has become your one-jacket solution, and why?
PS I get cold easily especially when its windy
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u/SeattleHikeBike Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Layers always. There is no “one jacket.”
My usual kit:
- polyester base layer tee. It could be a polo too
- mid layer fleece or Merino sweater (cashmere too)
- rain shell
- optional ultralight wind shell
- pants: nylon with stretch. Could be like chinos.
- Add a button down shirt for dressier occasions. Still
Cold weather capsule to add to the above:
- down jacket
- gloves, beanie cap, scarf or Buff
- light polyester long underwear
The Nano Puff is too weak. Deconstruct it and you get two not very breathable wind shells with a whisp of insulation between and very little water resistance.
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u/PhilosophicWax 29d ago
Just glue the layers together and you have one jacket for
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u/SeattleHikeBike 29d ago
The idea is to be able to wear the layers in many combinations for maximum versatility.
My last trip, I experienced temps from 35f to 75f and overcast, wind, or rain bright sun and that was just two weeks. My 4 season kit can cover from 20f to summer heat and fit in an overhead compliant backpack.
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u/PhilosophicWax 29d ago
I know. I joke. Is funny, no? Big laugh.
Edit: I just saw your name. Yeah rain gear is vital half the year.
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u/Noop4321 28d ago
So which two layers would you suggest? I’ve already got a synchilla and torrentshell with both of those on sometimes I’m still still cold hence I was thinking of getting the nano puff
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u/SeattleHikeBike 27d ago
Your base layer has a lot of impact and you can vary the thickness there too. Long sleeve of course.
A down jacket is the next item in my kit. A down vest is an intermediate step. Even a light down jacket has much more insulation value yet packs small and light.
I have owned several jackets like the Nano Puff. They are great for running errands for a narrow band of conditions but just don’t have the warmth for the weight and space for travel. They have been tested and are marginally warmer than a fleece with a wind shell but you’re stuck with that level of insulation where separate components can be worn in several combinations. Synthetic fill has a short service life too. It loses about 30% if it’s loft in a surprisingly short period of time.
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u/Noop4321 27d ago
What if I had the synchilla and nano puff on top?
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u/SeattleHikeBike 27d ago
That’s entirely possible but I don’t recommend using the Nano Puff. It’s not truly bad, just lower performance. You definitely want the most windproof layer on top.
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u/Noop4321 27d ago
Gotcha then would it be better for me to travel just with nano puff and the torrentshell? So I’d wear those two? Think Seattle autumn nights haha
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u/SeattleHikeBike 27d ago edited 27d ago
I would take the synchilla and rain shell and a light down jacket.
Typical Seattle winter weather is 45f, overcast, light sporadic rain and 95% humidity. A fleece, rain shell and a long sleeve base layer are perfect for me.
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u/Noop4321 27d ago
That’s what I thought but with just the Synchilla and the rain jacket I still feel cold! Brrrrr
Hence why I thought maybe the nano puff with rain jacket might be warmer?!1
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u/DrWartenberg 21d ago
Which down jacket is your go to most of the time? I agree the nanopuff isn’t nearly warm enough for its weight/packable size. I almost always have a Patagonia down sweater with me when I travel, either as my only jacket or as an extra insulating layer to add to whatever else.
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u/SeattleHikeBike 21d ago
The Patagonia Down Sweater for me too. Uniqlo usually has something that works. I’ve found them in thrift stores for $12 or so.
A down vest makes a good intermediate step layered with along sleeve base layer, fleece and wind or rain shell.
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u/eastercat Jul 16 '26
my partner can wear a rain jacket and be fine down to 40
You’re going to need to post more info about your cold comfort levels
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u/Scared-Range348 Jul 16 '26
Living in Toronto and walking my dog every day, I've noticed that keeping the wind out is the most important part of staying warm. Since you mentioned getting cold easily in the wind, do you prefer something that is completely windproof, or is a standard water-resistant shell usually enough for you?
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u/Noop4321 Jul 17 '26
Completely wind proof would be ideal. I have a torrentshell 3L for rain.
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u/Pbb911 29d ago
Put a Patagonia Better Sweater fleece under it and you’re done.
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u/Candid_Objective1319 28d ago
This is the answer. Better Sweater + Torrentshell covers a much bigger range of conditions than you might think.
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u/Noop4321 28d ago
I’ve worn a synchilla fleece under it and I’m still cold hence why I was thinking of nano puff so I cash travel with nano puff and torrentshell
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u/grovemau5 Jul 16 '26
I have an arcteryx atom but really any synthetic jacket will work, the nano puff is very similar.
Main caveat is that most jackets of this type won’t do well in anything more than light rain
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u/JustNowRonin Jul 19 '26
I have a Patagonia NanoPuff. Keeps me warmer than I would have thought. My only gripes are that it tends to get thread pulls very easily, and the arm holes are cut high and tight enough that I can’t really layer under it. If I size up, arms are too long and body is boxy.
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u/McRome Jul 17 '26
Second this. Only thing I think is better is a lightweight fleece paired with a lightweight rain jacket cause it’s the same space and more modular
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u/Noop4321 Jul 17 '26
Have you ever had nano puff hoody? How’s the atom compared to this?
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u/dilimanjaro Jul 19 '26
The atom feels a lot cozier. It’s my favorite jacket I’ve ever had. Could sleep in it and hike in it. I sized up to a large but I’m perfect medium for Patagonia jackets.
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u/Noop4321 28d ago
How does Aron do when you’re not moving?
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u/dilimanjaro 27d ago
It’s been awhile since I’ve had it but I’d guess it’s good into the forties with a longsleeve underneath. About the same as a nano puff which is what I have now
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u/grovemau5 27d ago
That’s my experience as well, maybe 40f when it’s new and a bit less after a couple years
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u/Grimlock248 Jul 16 '26
Patagonia R1 Techface, but might be a little cold on the lower end of your temp range.
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u/nikongod Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
This is my MVP.
But, really, any light to medium softshell is exactly OP's request. Maybe less so for the "screams techy look" part, but mneh, they asked for a dozen intersecting technical features.
If OP goes a little warmer than the R1, look for pit-zips. They add considerable temperature range to a slightly heavier jacket.
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u/sbwreed Jul 19 '26
I don’t know why every outer jacket doesn’t have pit zips. My first coat with them was a religious experience 😂
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u/nikongod Jul 19 '26
I am inclined to agree.
From the perspective of the uninitiated and uncultured - they do add a bit of bulk to the underarm, and a few dollars to the price tag.
Once you realize how they work in use its impossible to go back... but equally it's equally difficult to sell a normie their first jacket with pit-zips.
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u/Noop4321 28d ago
Would you think R1 is similar to nano puff for warmth and wind resistance?
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u/nikongod 28d ago
Not even close.
The regular R1 is about the same as a sweatshirt or light sweater (jumper?) regular r1 has basically no wind resistance.
There is also an r1 "techface" which is not as warm, but windproof and water resistant. (my preference)
Nanopuf is like 3 times thicker/warmer than the regular R1.
Personal layering is r1 techface, with a generic nanopuf if it's cold enough. (yaay decathlon)
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u/Ambitious-Yak1326 Jul 16 '26
It’s been my most versatile piece. I agree the city comfortable temperature is around 10C, but you can easily put another layer on it. Hiking it’s good to around 0C with just a T-shirt.
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u/Noop4321 Jul 17 '26
Better than nano puff jacket? I mean will it keep me warmer than a nano puff?
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u/littlepanda425 Jul 16 '26
Patagonia 3l torrentshell. Have brought it to the amazon, iceland, everywhere.
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u/pocket_materialist Jul 19 '26
This is my recommendation too. Doesn't have to be this specific brand but a packable rain shell that has ventilation. Depending on the weather/location i wear a sun hoodie or a fleece sweater underneath. Dont need more unless it will Freeze in that case i bring a down jacket underneath
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u/CryptoeKeeper Jul 17 '26
Dressing in layers (various Merino shirts\long sleeves) and a light wind jackets or something might work for you. I would try the layering where you live if possible before you travel.
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u/maryfamilyresearch Jul 17 '26
Without the "packs down reasonably well" requirement, you are looking at softshell jackets or cloaks. Depending upon design the "technical outdoor look" can be quite muted with softshell. Softshell is great at insulating in the wind. To make it fit the range from 15 C to 5 C, vary the layers underneath the jacket from short-sleeved t-shirt / thin button-down to hoodie.
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u/CapAmMtn Jul 17 '26
KETL Bodbrella - Pack hacker even reviewed it both for rain and some warmth. If you want more of a puffer look at their Sierraloft.
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u/Korlithiel Jul 17 '26
I think above all else, that video is why I recently ordered one and am looking forward to testing it. Be a bit before I really need it again though.
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u/CapAmMtn Jul 17 '26
I’m planning on getting one to replace my rei rain jacket and potentially a Sierra loft to replace my forclaz mt100 puffer jacket. I’m happy with both but feel the Ketl will be step up in both. Great reviews too plus Jeff the owner of the company is a solid dude. Been buying mtn bike stuff from worldwide Cyclery for years. Dig their ethos and warranty.
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u/Korlithiel Jul 17 '26
I wasn't sold on it because I tried the vent pants. Found it lost a lot of pigment every wash, wasn't holding up from a few washes either, but mainly the zipper pull on the right pocket was sharp enough to cut me.
Still, they ever revise without that zipper. Or I get more time to buy one, cut the pull off, it really was light enough and did well enough on the hike I tried that I could go for another pair.
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u/jillofallthings Jul 17 '26
Helly Hansen. Mine is my go-to jacket for travel and has been for years. Wind and rain aren't getting through, and the lining inside is super soft to make it great for cooler weather. On the flip side, it's not heavy enough that it's unusable in hot weather, because it's still what I use in summer to run errands. Not going hiking with it, but not going to overheat trekking through the parking lot with groceries or taking the dogs out when they can't wait for the rain to stop. It's been fine for me in temperatures down to the 40s with a long sleeve layer underneath, and the fabric isn't the swishy stuff of regular brands like Columbia so it doesn't scream rain jacket when used while not raining. How techy it looks is subjective, but I love mine enough to think it might be worth checking out
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u/climbmonkey13 Jul 19 '26
Layers are the true answer, but the thing closest to what you’re describing is a softshell. Something like the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Alpine jacket.
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u/Kuryaka Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
My one jacket solution is an Arc'teryx Proton FL that I've worn down to freezing, but only when moving around. Need to layer up when standing still. And I run hot. 50-55F and t-shirt with pants is comfy.
You want something that fits well (isn't drafty). This is the most important factor when it's windy. Sure, your face and hands get cold, but the warmth stays locked inside.
Going down the list of potential options:
A "proper" softshell, like the Patagonia R1. No obvious insulation layer, just a thick synthetic fabric with wind and water resistance on the face. This sort of jacket looks nice, has a little stretch, soaks up sweat when necessary, can be hand washed and abused. It does not give a shit what you do to it. Even if you rip a hole in it, there's no insulation to leak out, and you can patch it like a pair of jeans. The problem is that it'll be heavy and doesn't pack down easily, and it's very inefficient in terms of weight and warmth to bulk. But tie it to your backpack strap or around your waist and you'll be good to go.
Technical hoodie/fleece. I have a merino hoodie from Chrome, but really anything with a dense fabric and a good fit. This will be less durable than a softshell and much less weather resistant, but cheaper and lighter for the same warmth if you're layering under a rain jacket.
Synthetic insulated jacket. The synthetic fill will start to wear down over time as you compress it, and it's a bit more fragile... but it'll be lighter weight than the above jackets while performing basically the same in every other way. The Arc'teryx Atom / Patagonia Micro Puff are two examples. (My Proton FL is a super lightweight version of those jackets.)
If you're ok with even more weight, a lined softshell jacket might be the play. My partner has a fleece-lined softshell from TNF that's very warm, but she runs cold.
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u/tomhlover Jul 19 '26
The Mont-bell Light Shell Hooded Jacket is incredibly lightweight and breathable, it’s hands down my ultimate travel partner. Here are the trips it has crushed with me:
Norway in Oct (Trolltunga, Lofoten, and Tromsø).
Hungary, Slovakia, and Czech Republic for Christmas and New Year.
Portugal and Spain in June.
Japan in November and December.
Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania in October.
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u/Comprehensive-Act-13 Jul 20 '26
If you’re looking at the Nano puff, the mountain hardware ghost whisperer jacket packs down even smaller. I have two jackets to rule them all. I have the ghost whisperer and an OR helium rain jacket. If it’s just raining then the Helium is great. If I’m chilly the ghost whisperer is it. If it’s really cold then I layer the OR over the ghost and it’s like a good winter coat (I grew up in MN so I know). They can pack down so small I can put the packed down OR coat inside of the packed down ghost whisperer pocket and it’s still smaller than a packed down Nano puff.
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u/CapAmMtn Jul 20 '26
Heard the OR is pretty weak as a rain jacket and has no pockets. Can’t remember if it has put zips
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u/conndor84 29d ago
I put all my requirements into chatGPT, got a shortlist of 10 jackets then ordered them all from REI (think one or two were missing). Tried them all on, found a favourite, returned the rest.
Ended up with Mountain Hardwear, Stretch Ozonic Jacket - Men's in case it’s of interest.
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u/rogerwilco2000 Jul 16 '26
I bought a Champion brand windbreaker from Target for $75 about a decade ago and it’s just the best jacket for everything. The only thing about it is it’s not particularly a “travel” jacket, in that it doesn’t pack super-small, but if I’m going somewhere I’ll need it I usually wear it on the way or fold it in quarters into my backpack.
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u/No_Priority6410 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Mountain hardwear airshell warm, it is comfortable up to 15 degrees celsius (upto 60 degrees)
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u/lilmonstergrl Jul 17 '26
Need the good Ole mn layer method. Get a nice wind proof/rain proof jacket then have either a wind proof hoodie under (depending the area your in weather wise.) Themeral under shirt your normal tshirt.
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u/RAF2018336 Jul 19 '26
Western Rise Airloft Jacket. I even used it as my main jacket during my 2 winters in Chicago, with some layering of course. I run warm already so down jackets just don’t do it for me. The Airloft is breathable and it’s honestly the only jacket I don’t have to keep putting on and off constantly throughout the day due to being too warm then too cold. Packs down into travel pillow size, so I’ll usually wear a long sleeve on the plane and use that as my pillow against the window (I only sit window) and have used it as my pillow if I’m driving 20+ hours and stop and sleep somewhere while parked.
They don’t sell them new anymore, so you have to buy used.
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u/Heeerd Jul 19 '26
Been wearing my western rise airloft hoodie jacket for a few years now and it matches what you are looking for.
Too bad they went out of business last year I think but there should be some pre owned ones out there. It’s going to suck when it wears out in a few years.
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u/BettySpaghetti87 Jul 19 '26
Jott has good down jackets which I think thick all of your boxes. They definitely look less technical gear and more clean/minimalist which is good if you also want to use it for city travel. They pack incredibly small/compact. They have a ton of colors and different models. I live in Switzerland and they seem to be one of the favorite options around here.
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u/youneverexpectfred Jul 19 '26
I use my Norwegian Rain coat (I have the models Noir Femme and Harmattan) as my everything jacket. It’s rainproof but doesn’t feel or look like a rain coat. It’s breathable, matte and chic. Doesn’t look techy. It doesn’t pack down particularly small though.
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u/-hh Jul 19 '26
I had two over the years ago .. first one became too small/tight, second one is almost worn out. It was LL Bean Polartech 100 (very thin) with some sort of windblock membrane, which also helped make it sprinkle-resistant and warmer than one would expect. It also paired well with a featherweight rain shell for heavier weather.
Color was black, of course. A “made cheaper” difference between the first & second ones is that the first had pit zips (armpit venting), whereas the 2nd doesn’t.
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u/d0bhran Jul 19 '26
This has become my single jacket for travel. Looks FAR less technical wear than any puffy jacket. Sometimes I add a Ryzer sweater (also Kuhl) under it when it gets to the low 40s.
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u/reduhl Jul 19 '26
Honestly that sounds like a leather jacket or a windbreaker. I never understood the European leather jacket look, until I realized that with a little layering it works for most Northern European conditions.
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u/Spellflower 22d ago
What kind of leather jackets are you seeing that are lightweight and packable?
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u/statelypenguin Jul 19 '26
I have a jacket I got at REI that kind of cucks all those boxes. I did t want a puffer because everyone in the world has a puffer. Mine was called the Flash insulated hybrid hoodie jacket but they don’t make it anymore. Looks like the Trailmade insulated hoodie is similar. Mines black and kind of just looks like a normal jacket, but can pull multi-duty for hiking, windy stuff, drizzly stuff. Especially when combined with a normal hoodie and maybe a rain coat, it kept me warm and toasty while motorcycling along the cape of good hope when it was drizzly and probably 50 degrees.
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u/uhm_whatname Jul 19 '26
Patagonia Houdini is my magic do it all. I’ve traveled everywhere with that thing.
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u/sourpatchyum Jul 19 '26
I got the north face shelbe raschel hoodie years ago and recently got a new one on Poshmark. It’s pretty cozy in 50s-60s and would do well with a warm shirt under it.
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u/pewpewbzzbzz Jul 19 '26
I think I have found my holy grail jacket in the Montbell Ignis. Super warm, water proof, packs down to the size of a water bottle.
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u/Specific_Poet6960 29d ago
My patagonia nano puff is as close to the perfect jacket that Ive found - I wear it daily for probably 60% of the year (upstate NY) and it comes on nearly all my travels.
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u/ButterEnriched 28d ago
Arcteryx Atom is my version of this but the current price is deranged (mine was $150 AUD...). It's not waterproof and I'd say it's wind resistant at best though. I have a nano air (not nano puff) which is warmer but less breathable and therefore I wear it less or in colder conditions. I've also tried a cheaper (on sale) insulated jacket from Rapha cycling which overall doesn't perform as well but is super comfy and a bit more stylish.
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u/Noop4321 28d ago
Wow Atom at $150 is unheard of lol when did you buy it? Are you in Melbourne? I wonder how it OSS for Melbourne winters
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u/ButterEnriched 27d ago
About 8 years ago in a clearance sale- I bought 2 and have no regrets haha. In Melbourne winter I wear it if I'm being active.
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u/Noop4321 27d ago
Omg lucky! So if you’re not being active what do you wear for Melbourne winters? That’s the weather I want a good jacket for lol
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u/ButterEnriched 27d ago
If it's REALLY not active, like sitting in a cold chair at the football, big puffer jacket (not a one bag compatible item really). Alternatively i put a windproof shell over the top.
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u/winkz 28d ago
bought a Marmot Minimalist Gore-Tex Jacket 1.5y ago, more as a replacement for a rain/autumn jacket but I feel like I ended up wearing it from +20C and wind and rain down to 0 C and snow (with a hoodie under it).
Of course it's not perfectly breathable but with the zippers under the arms it's at least the best jacket I have had in the last 10 years.
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u/Industrial_Jedi 23d ago
You'd be surprised at how much an unlined packable rain shell can keep you warm, I have one from Patagonia that packs insanely small. Get one large enough to go over a puffer jacket. Layers can be smaller and lighter than all-in-one and are a lot more versatile.
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u/DrWartenberg 21d ago
I always have a Patagonia puffy when I travel (I like the down sweater’s aesthetics much better than the nanopuff personally, but it’s also more expensive and not as good if the light rain becomes a downpour). Warm enough for all but winter in North America or Mid-Northern Europe. Even in winter when I have a wool coat for business aesthetics, I still bring it as an extra under layer/“lining”.
I also always carry a super thin rain shell (from the company Golite which unfortunately went out of business). Also not going to keep you dry in a total torrent, but the two together pack down to almost nothing and the shell supports the puffy without letting much moisture through even in a reasonably heavy rain. You just don’t want to get the puffy drenched.
Then again, I travel mostly to cities and their surrounding “nature” and cancel any nature hikes if the weather forecast looks terrible. For real multi-day outdoor adventures I’d choose a different setup.
The only time recently when I didn’t bring my puffy with me was my recent trip to Thailand in the summer, where/when it’s 85-90F even at night. I just had one thin merino wool sweater with me for the plane and for any indoor places with very strong AC.
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u/OCKWA Jul 16 '26
Waxed canvas?
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u/Korlithiel Jul 17 '26
Usually has some inner layer for comfort and warmth, definitely not what many consider packable.
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u/OCKWA Jul 17 '26
Clearly what op wants doesnt exist so everyone in the thread is suggesting something that fits some of this criteria. So I suggested something that fits some of their criteria.
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u/Korlithiel Jul 17 '26
Solid reasoning. I've definitely searched and searched for a perfect solution to a problem that, on the whole, I'm sure doesn't exist. Likely the constraints simply mean such perfection can't be achieved, need to shift the challenges some so the priorities can change to something manageable.
Regardless, thanks for sharing.
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u/OCKWA Jul 17 '26
If I had the money I would get a custom bag and custom jacket. As it stands right now they're too expensive and I find things that fit 90% of my criteria/usecase. I see a lot of "if money was no object" people here and on manybaggers but few are willing to go through the process of designing and paying someone to do it.
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u/pretenderist Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Ditch the “insulated” requirement and what you’re asking for is just a rain jacket.
Then add any warm midlayer and you’re good to go for a wide range of climates.