Name: Magellan’s Women’s Voyager Jacket
What it is: This lightweight convertible travel jacket has 12 pockets, and its plethora of pockets let it stand in for a day bag for hands-free sightseeing. Although Magellan’s makes a similar jacket for men, this was designed to fit women. It features a drawstring cord to cinch the waist for a more shapely fit. Seven of the 10 interior pockets are zippered, including angled pockets designed to hold a cell phone and documents. Each side has a long mesh pocket that can accommodate an iPad or e-reader or even a small umbrella. It also has zip-off sleeves.
The good: This jacket gives women travelers a stylish way to fill up multiple pockets. It provides more hip room than similar jackets, which seem cut for men. The Voyager’s drawstring cord tapers the waist so you can load up the pockets without looking like you’re wearing a box. I tested a “large” rather than my usual “medium” so I could cram a lot of gadgets in the pockets and still zip it up. Similar in weight and weather protection to a Windbreaker, the jacket is easy to layer with a vest for extra warmth. On a hike when it got hot, I found the sleeves so easy to unzip that I kept walking while shifting from jacket to vest. The Voyager stowed my cell phone, passport, wallet, Nook, house keys, etc., making the security line a breeze. On a day when rain was predicted, I slipped a small umbrella into the interior mesh side pocket.
The bad: To live up to its weather-protection claims, it seems like a hood should be included. An optional hood that could be unrolled from or attached to the collar would be ideal for rainy days.
Cost: $129.50
Available from: magellans.com and amazon.com.
