How to Fold a Kathmandu Jacket Into Its Pocket

What You’ll Need

Your Kathmandu jacket (with its internal or external stuff pocket)
A flat, clean surface (table, bed, or floor)
Optional: a dry cloth to wipe off any moisture or dirt before folding

Step-by-Step

Empty all pockets and zip up. Remove everything from the jacket’s pockets, including the stuff pocket itself. Close the main zipper and all pocket zippers. This prevents snags and keeps the bundle flat.
Lay the jacket flat, front down. Place the jacket on the surface with the back facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands, especially around the shoulders and collar.
Fold both sleeves inward. Take one sleeve and fold it across the back so the cuff meets the center of the jacket, just below the collar. Repeat with the other sleeve, overlapping them neatly. The sleeves should lie flat, not bunched.
Fold the jacket in half vertically. Fold the left side of the jacket (with the sleeve already folded) toward the center, then do the same with the right side. You should now have a long, narrow rectangle, roughly the width of the stuff pocket.
Fold the bottom up to the collar. Take the hem of the jacket and fold it up toward the collar, bringing it about two-thirds of the way. Then fold it again so the hem meets the collar. You now have a compact rectangle.
Locate the stuff pocket and turn it inside out. Find the stuff pocket (usually on the inside left or right, or in a side seam). Reach inside and grab the bottom corner, then pull the pocket out so it becomes a pouch. The zipper or drawstring should be at the opening.
Stuff the folded jacket into the pocket. Insert the folded jacket into the inverted pocket, starting with the collar end. Push it in gently, then pull the pocket’s outer edges up over the bundle. Zip or drawstring it closed. If the jacket doesn’t fit, remove it and refold more tightly.

Common Mistakes

Not zipping the main zipper before folding – this causes the jacket to bulge unevenly.
Leaving items in pockets – they create lumps and can damage the fabric or zippers.
Folding too loosely – air pockets make the bundle bulky and hard to close.
Forcing the jacket into the pocket without turning it inside out first – this often rips the seam.
Folding the sleeves outward instead of inward – they end up sticking out and prevent a clean rectangle.

Tips

For down jackets, squeeze out as much air as possible as you fold – this reduces bulk and helps the jacket regain loft later.
If your jacket has a hood, fold it flat against the back before folding the sleeves. This avoids a lump at the collar.
Practice on a hard surface first – it’s easier to make tight folds than on a soft bed.
Store the stuffed jacket in a dry place; if it gets damp, take it out and air it before folding again.
Some Kathmandu jackets have a loop or clip inside the stuff pocket – use it to attach the bundle to a backpack or belt.

Troubleshooting

The jacket won’t fit in the pocket. Unzip and pull the jacket out. Refold it more tightly: press down on the bundle as you fold each layer to expel air. If it still doesn’t fit, check that you’re using the correct stuff pocket – some jackets have a smaller pocket for a compression sack, not for the jacket itself.
The zipper gets stuck. This usually means the bundle is too thick. Remove the jacket, fold it slightly narrower (fold the sides a bit more), and try again. Also make sure the fabric isn’t caught in the zipper teeth.
The jacket comes out wrinkled. That’s normal for packable jackets. Once you unpack it, hang it for a few hours or give it a gentle shake – wrinkles will fall out. For down, a low-heat dryer with tennis balls can restore loft, but check the care label first.
The stuff pocket is on the outside, not inside. Some Kathmandu models have an external pocket. The process is the same – just turn that pocket inside out and stuff the jacket in.
The drawstring won’t tighten. Make sure the cord isn’t twisted. Pull both ends evenly, then tie a knot or use the cord lock if provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fold any Kathmandu jacket into its pocket?

Most Kathmandu jackets that are marketed as “packable” have a stuff pocket. Heavier parkas or hard shells may not. Check the inside seams or the care label – if there’s no pocket, use a separate compression sack instead.

Will folding damage the jacket’s insulation?

No, not if you do it occasionally. Constant compression can reduce loft over time, so it’s best to store the jacket hanging or flat when not traveling. Folding for a trip is fine.

How do I get the jacket back to its original shape?

Take it out of the pocket and give it a good shake. For down jackets, fluff it by hand. If it’s still flat after a few hours, a low-heat dryer with clean tennis balls can help – but always follow the care instructions.

Is there a faster way to fold it?

Yes – you can roll the jacket instead of folding. Lay it flat, roll tightly from the bottom up, then stuff the rolled bundle into the pocket. Some people find this easier, but folding gives a flatter result.

What if my jacket’s stuff pocket has a button instead of a zipper?

Same steps – just button it closed after stuffing. Make sure the buttonhole is aligned and the fabric isn’t bunched.

Can I use the stuff pocket as a travel pillow?

Yes, many people do. Just fold the jacket less tightly to make it softer, or leave it partially unfolded inside the pocket. It works well as a neck pillow on planes.

Sources: Kathmandu. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.