We Tested 40 Jackets for Plus-Size Travelers—Here Are the Best

I excel at packing, turning it into an art form, and I often find myself in the humorous predicament of trying to fit a size 2X raincoat into its designated pocket, which it clearly wasn’t meant for. My struggle to compress it taught me exactly why this list is necessary. The coat, despite being tailored for plus-size individuals, simply wouldn’t shrink down enough to fit that pocket, highlighting a lack of consideration for practical usability in larger sizes.

Progress is being made by outdoor gear brands in offering plus-size options, with significant improvements in both size and style over the past five years. However, as I previously discussed, the challenges faced by plus-size individuals seeking suitable outdoor gear extend beyond just availability. Issues like the impracticality of pack-pockets show just how much further we need to go to ensure that plus-size travelers, skiers, and anyone needing to stay warm can find the same quality and selection as those in smaller sizes.

Brands that do offer larger sizes often do not stock them in physical stores, which is something REI is trying to change. This limits the opportunity for customers to try on these items, and major recommendation lists, such as the New York Times’ Wirecutter’s ‘Best Down Jacket,’ frequently only feature options up to size XL.

This situation leaves women and femme travelers seeking plus-size jackets with limited options when choosing coats for their next adventure—be it in the rain forest, on a mountain, or just for winter dog walks. As someone who spends summers in rain-drenched Mexico City and winters coaching ski racing, I felt it was my duty to identify the best rain jackets, puffy coats, and ski jackets designed for larger bodies.

How Coats Were Chosen

I reached out to over 20 various outdoor gear and jacket manufacturers, including popular plus-size brands on Instagram and established companies with a long history, all offering products up to size 3X, which we set as our eligibility minimum. Since men’s sizing differs significantly, I specifically requested ‘women’s’ styles for rain jackets, puffy coats, or ski jackets. Some brands promptly sent samples, while others, including those that previously announced plans to expand their size range for 2023–2024, hesitated when it came time to actually provide samples.

In total, I tested around 40 products across the three categories, though the selection for snow sports and ski jackets was unfortunately limited. This is an area where we hope to see brands invest more effort moving forward.

The Testing Method

The initial testing was quite informal: I tried on the jackets and coats, noting which ones bunched awkwardly at the seams or hung loosely like a paper bag, versus those that made me feel ready to tackle a frozen waterfall. Each ski trip allowed me to assess another coat (it didn’t take many outings on the slopes). I packed raincoats that I wore in torrential downpours in my notoriously rainy Seattle and along lakeside trails in North Macedonia. Each trip, I selected a different coat and took notes. It quickly became apparent which jackets stood out as favorites—the ones I wished I had on hand when the others left me feeling like a drowned rat.

While casual testing is useful for observations like "these brands didn't design their pack-pocket well" or "this jacket soaked through within moments of a rainstorm," it didn’t provide the precise comparisons I was seeking.

This led me to stand in my yard during an August afternoon, using a garden hose to spray 15 jackets—the top five contenders in rain, puffy, and snow categories—each stuffed with shop towels for easy comparison. While the towels offered a good visual afterward, they turned out to be unnecessary: it was instantly clear which coats became heavy with absorbed water and which elegantly shed the rain throughout the summer shower.

However, I still wanted to assess their warmth. With no budget for a quick trip to South America, I opted for the next best solution: I brought a suitcase full of test jackets to the Ice Room at the Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia. This clever repurposing of an old cigar lounge, now a haven for vodka tasting—including visits from the Real Housewives of Orange County—allowed me to determine which coat would keep me warmest in a frigid environment of 20°F below zero, without needing lessons on ice safety like Tamra did.

The champions

Top Plus-Size Raincoat: Duluth Trading Co.’s Women’s Dryfecta Rain Coat

In my ideal scenario, my raincoat is not only waterproof but also breathable, making it suitable for the warm, torrential downpours I anticipate most afternoons in August in Mexico City. Additionally, it should pack down small enough to fit into my purse for the remainder of the day. The Duluth Trading Co. model came closest to this dream. Its only significant drawback was the absence of a self-storage feature, but it rolled up compactly. I used a luggage strap to secure it, which worked quite well.

Most importantly, it remained resistant to both real downpours and those simulated by a garden hose: it kept me and my pocket contents completely dry. The extended, loose fit draped nicely over my hips, shielding my backside from rain as well, and the touch of spandex made walking a breeze. Although the hood mechanism could be better designed, the visor effectively blocked all but the heaviest rain from my face. The color options are disappointingly limited, but it is available up to size 4X.

Top Plus-Size Puffy Coat – Heavy: Carhartt’s Women’s Montana Relaxed Fit Insulated Jacket

While hosing down the puffy coats, I couldn’t resist pulling out my phone: it was captivating to see how the water droplets bounced off this coat, reminiscent of a team of Pop Warner players trying to break through an NFL defense. It's a bit bulky, akin to a lineman, making it less ideal for travel unless you plan to wear it consistently—even on the plane. However, that bulk complements its style, creating a hard/soft aesthetic with a cozy lining in the hood.

Unfortunately, the bulkiness didn’t keep me as warm as I had anticipated: it performed wonderfully at moderate temperatures and held up against various forms of rain and chill, but it did allow a slight hint of the icy air from the testing room to seep in, more than I’d expect from such a coat. Nevertheless, it’s a solid option for daily dog walks in reasonable temperatures. While it goes up to size 3X, the sizing leans small, so I’d recommend ordering a size up, especially if you plan to layer underneath.

Top Plus-Size Puffy Coat – Light: Eddie Bauer’s Women’s StratusTherm Hooded Down Jacket

While this coat feels lightweight, it exceeds expectations in warmth and waterproof capabilities. Its relaxed, airy fit makes it surprisingly comfortable, and the limited color palette includes a few playful options. Though its style isn’t particularly standout, during my time in the ice room, I noticed it kept me significantly warmer than other puffy coats, even giving ski jackets a run for their money. It also performed reasonably well in the hose test; you wouldn't want to rely on it in a heavy downpour, but a light drizzle wouldn't be a concern. Given its lightness, it’s an ideal pick for travelers seeking something fun, easy to carry, and effective at keeping warm and dry.

Top Plus-Size Puffy Coat – Ultra Light: Outdoor Research’s Women’s SuperStrand LT Hoodie

In contrast to raincoats, this ultra-light puffy jacket conveniently packs into its own pocket with ample space left over. It unfolds beautifully when taken out and comes in sizes up to 4X, which is beneficial since it tends to run slightly small in some areas. With some waterproof features, it retains warmth even when damp, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a highly packable and versatile coat, or for anyone wanting significant warmth from a lightweight layer.

Best Plus-Size Snow Sports Jacket: Outdoor Research’s Women’s Snowcrew Jacket

After finishing my coat tests in the ice room, I opted for this one while I continued to hang out (or, rather, taste vodkas): it provided more warmth and comfort than any other coat across all categories. It performed decently in the hose test and includes all the essential features I seek in a ski jacket: an insulated pocket to keep my phone warm, a sleeve pocket for my ski pass, a hood that fits over my helmet, and elastic wrist openings with thumb holes to block cold air or snow from sneaking in. The main drawback of this jacket is easily fixable: it had a bit too much room, feeling loose and bulky. I recommend ordering one size down from your usual size.