5 Travel Sweaters with Super Powers

Sweaters take up a lot of space in a suitcase, so they must earn their place on your travels. Enter sweaters with super powers—these aren’t just travel sweaters; they were created to help you travel better, smarter, and lighter.

Travel Sweaters That Do More

These travel sweaters do it all—replace bulky jackets, wick away sweat while staying odor-free, repel bugs, and more. Read on to figure out how to pack less, stay warm, and rock your travel wardrobe with sweaters that earn a starring role in your suitcase.

Toad & Co. Glenfyne Shawl Cardi

Super Power: Jacket substitute in milder climates.

If you’re heading somewhere chilly, rather than outright cold, you may be able to save suitcase space by packing a double-duty warm layer. The Glenfyne Shawl Cardi is up to the task: It looks like a sweater but warms like a jacket. The shawl collar and full zipper on the soft lambswool offer jacket-like protection with a cardigan fit. And unlike jackets, this cardigan can go from outdoor to indoor without the coming-in-from-the-cold sweat.

Royal Robbins Sophia Convertible Cardigan

Super Power: Transforms from drape-front cardigan to cowl-neck sweater, courtesy of hidden neck buttons.

The lightweight, thermal Sophia Convertible Cardigan from Royal Robbins gives you two looks in one travel-friendly package. Wear it open as a drape-front cardigan, or use the hidden buttons to convert this machine-washable wonder into a classy cowl-neck sweater.

Title Nine’s Super Power 1/4 Zip Hoodie Sweater

Super Power: Blends the functionality of a hoodie with the style and warmth of a cardigan.

With a name like Super Power 1/4 Zip Hoodie Sweater, it’s no wonder Title Nine’s travel sweater makes the list. Made from a “Woolicious” knit wool-poly blend, this sweater packs serious warmth into a relatively lightweight package featuring a zippered sleeve pocket and decorative detailing.

Toad & Co Trillium Crew Sweater

Super Power: Elegant yet ready for adventure.

When you want to maximize minimal packing space, you want items that can do double duty.  The Trillium Crewneck from Toad & Co. is a super-soft merino wool sweater that’s dressy enough for a party but rugged enough for hiking or skiing. It’s also really good at apres ski, in case you’re wondering.

ExOfficio BugsAway Lumen Hoody

Super Power: Insect-repelling warmth for evenings outdoors.

If you’ve ever gotten a mosquito bite through your jeans, you know that bugs are determined creatures. ExOfficio’s BugsAway Lumen Hoody has all the bells and whistles you want in a travel sweater—a fitted hood, security-zip pocket inside a larger kangaroo pocket, and thumb loops—but it also has Insect Shield for odorless protection from mosquitos, ants, flies, ticks, and more through 70 washes.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 5 Travel Wear Pieces That Help You Go from Day to Night
• The 9 Best Travel Hoodies
• 11 Performance Wear Outfits You’ll Actually Want to Wear While Traveling, 2017 Edition

Follow Christine Sarkis on Twitter @ChristineSarkis and Instagram @postcartography for more advice about making every vacation the best vacation.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.