When I travel, I always bring a roller bag and a carry-on backpack or tote, and I don’t want to also pack a smaller purse or day pack for the relatively few items I need on me during non-travel days. The Exofficio Round Trip Jacket is absolutely perfect for those ‘in-between’ times. I can wear it onto the plane, because it’s lightweight and stylish, then use it when exploring a new city or going out to dinner, because its pocket-forward design lets me easily stow my cell phone, wallet or cash, passport, notebook, and camera.
More about the Round Trip’s advanced FlyQ 6-Pocket System: this six-pocket system includes an ‘organize’ pocket on the lower right that’s mesh-lined and features two additional zip pockets inside, an ‘imagine’ pocket on the lower back panel for just about anything you can, well…imagine, a ‘protect’ pocket for sunglasses, a ‘connect’ pocket for a phone or iPod, and ‘care’ pocket for lip balm or chapstick. The connect pocket has a clear panel that is compatible with touch screens, the glasses pocket is microfleece-lined, and one of the organize pocket has an included key clip. The entire system is TSA-friendly.
In addition to all the pockets listed above, the jacket also features three pockets on the outside: two hand-warmer pockets and a security zipped pocket on the chest. The Round Trip has oversized button closure with a zip closure underneath, plus an interior drawcord waistband so it can be fit to your body. I love this feature, because it takes the Round Trip from ‘standard travel jacket’ to tailored jacket in just one movement. The back has a drop-tail hem for added coverage, and the cuffs have more buttons. I found the arms to be a bit long, so I gave the cuffs a half fold for a better fit.
The jacket is 100% nylon, and fully waterproof and windproof. It’s absolutely a shell: you’ll need to pair it with a mid-layer in cold weather, but thanks to the lightweight design, there’s plenty of room for one. As with most ExOfficio items, the Round Trip also offers SPF protection, to the tune of SPF 50. I can see it working well for me as a three-season jacket, and I love how classy it is, given the collar and buttoned-down look.
Pick it up in one of two classic colors: black or cigar (rich brown) in XS-XL. I found it to fit true to size in the shoulders and torso, but a bit long in the arms. The Round Trip retails for $120 on ExOfficio, a good value considering its versatility. This winter, pair it with ExOfficio’s cozy and stylish Icelandia Boucle Beanie. The Round Trip is also available on Amazon for about a buck less.