Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. These are easy entry points where the wind can circumvent your carefully woven nylon barrier. Finally, keep in mind that the Airshed Pro is very trim-fitting and designed to be worn over a thin baselayer and not much more. By definition, a windbreaker is not waterproof, but many of the jackets here are impressively water-resistant. To effectively test these products, we identified key metrics that help define a great windbreaker jacket. Simply put, the Vital Hoody is an unbeatable value for a windbreaker. That's substantially less than your average, lightweight rain jacket. Ah, the great debate. Some models, particularly those in our alpine category, will have larger helmet-compatible hoods, while other designs will cut weight by removing the hood completely. It is essential to consider the value of any potential purchase. Many companies also utilize the bluesign system for sourcing materials responsibly. Category: HikingWeight: 12.2 oz.Materials: 54% nylon, 46% cottonWhat we like: Thick and good-looking.What we dont: Heavy and expensive. At the belay or during a transition, you can always throw your insulative jacket on over top. You should always follow the washing directions on the tags carefully, but here are some general tips to follow: Only wash when you really need to - A lot of technical fabrics are designed to be antimicrobial and shouldnt hold odors. For true backcountry trips, we always bring a waterproof rain jacket or hardshell. We offer various windbreakers in this review to accommodate all situations but be sure to carefully consider your own preferences before settling on a particular jacket. That said, there are a few things you can expect with lighter jackets. All of the jackets pack into their own pockets in one way or another, and many have zippered pockets that double as stuff sacks. Compared to the Houdini youll pay an extra $31 for the Distance, but its more sustainable design will be worth it for many.See the Men's Black Diamond Distance See the Women's Black Diamond Distance. The Ortovox Merino windbreaker uses a revolutionary process to combine nylon and Merino wool into a single-layer piece of outerwear. But these could be a bonus depending on your priorities, and theres no denying that they boost the Kor AirShells appeal as a functional around-town jacket.See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell See the Women's MH Kor AirShell. Now thats saying something Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's BD Alpine Start See the Women's BD Alpine Start. A windbreak (shelterbelt) is a planting usually made up of one or more rows of trees or shrubs planted in such a manner as to provide shelter from the wind and to protect soil from erosion.They are commonly planted in hedgerows around the edges of fields on farms.If designed properly, windbreaks around a home can reduce the cost of heating and cooling and save energy. Category: Alpine/hikingWeight: 4.7 oz.Materials: 100% nylonWhat we like: Pertex nylon is highly wind and water resistant.What we dont: Expensive and not super breathable. CleverHiker.com 2023 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use - 100%, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. For high-output activities like running, climbing, backcountry skiingeven rigorous hiking and backpackingwe recommend a more breathable windbreaker. Finally, the Mountain Hardwear has two handwarmer pockets rather than the standard single chest pocket found on most windbreakers, which add bulk and can be difficult to access underneath a harness or hipbelt. Youll want to consider the bulk of the packed jacket as well, as some will be more onerous for harness or hand carry than others (the Black Diamond Deploy, for example, fits in the palm of your hand, while the Cotopaxi Teca is as big as a fanny pack). But as an emergency layer for fastpackers (specifically those trying to achieve a low base weight) or mountain runnersand we stress emergencyit does offer a significant barrier from the wind for barely any weight. The lightest windbreakers weigh less than a quarter-pound. And more good news: todays designs are increasingly breathable and comfortable. Though it will never compare directly to a rain jacket, the ultralight DWR coating is at the top of its class and has helped us through many a passing rainstorm. Distributed Wind Market Report: 2022 Edition. Were lifelong learners and were always open to constructive criticism. Lowest price in 30 days. We took the Houdini Air to Southern Chile, where the jacket faced Best Running Hydration Vests and Packs of 2023, Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody ($130), See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell, Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light Hoodie ($130), See the Women's Smartwool Merino Sport UL, See the Women's Salomon Bonatti Cross Wind, Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie ($119), See the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Wind, Windbreaker Categories: Hiking, Alpine, and Running. These jackets are small but mightyyou dont get full waterproofing or insulation like you might find with a rain jacket or softshell, but the simple act of blocking the wind has a noticeable impact on your bodys ability to hold its warmth. In February of 2022, the Switchback Travel team convened in the town of El Chaltn, located within the Southern Andes Los Glaciares National Park. Built specifically for runners, The North Faces Flight Lightriser Wind Jacket provides lightweight and breathable protection against wind and short bouts of rain. Mens Windbreaker Jackets Lightweight Packable Jacket,Windproof and Dustproof. Norway spruce (zones 3-7): A strong, fast-growing evergreen that tolerates various soils. But for those who consistently battle afternoon thunderstorms or want a bit more protection against the wind, its a viable alternative to consider. The Teca is also one of the few windbreakers on our list with hand pockets - a feature we wish was included more often. Wind Breaker Chapter 424. These jackets are not only exceptionally light, but they often pack down to a size smaller than your average Nalgene bottle so you have little excuse not to throw one of these into your pack for extra weather protection. For single-layer jackets, the DWR coating applied to the Patagonia Houdini is effective against passing showers the interwoven treatment of the Black Diamond Distance is not. But in the windbreaker world, you rarely can have your cake and eat it too, and the Merino Sports mesh panels allow an avenue for air to enter the jacket. In short, weight only tells part of the story when it comes to windbreakers. If youre keeping score, this means you get all the benefits of a softshell jacket in a more streamlined package. We tested this long-time favorite in high winds while backpacking and hiking in Patagonia and during late winter/early spring hikes and Squamish, B.C. PRICE - We can attest that high-quality jackets are well worth the cost for the added comfort and durability they provide, but you dont have to break the bank to get a great windbreaker. Many of our product descriptions above include comments on fit. BOTTOM LINE: Were big fans of Smartwools performance clothing, and the Merino Sport UL Windbreaker (mens / womens) is another winner. But after taking it on a few cold-weather trail runs, we were disappointed with the jackets lack of breathability. He is not just a smart student but an extreme biker with high techniques., available online for free.#longlivecomics In 2023, one of the primary ways we see manufacturers innovating is through the use of more sustainable materials. Materials: 90% nylon, 10% polyester What we like: Impressive comfort and breathability in a tiny package. We tested the top windbreakers from Patagonia, The North Face, Black Diamond, Outdoor Research, and others to find the very best. We particularly loved the slightly stretchy nylon fabriccompared to the Houdini, the boost in freedom of movement and breathability was significant. Shes hiked thousands of miles on trails across America, including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, Colorado Trail, and Long Trail. Category: RunningWeight: 1.7 oz.Materials: 100% ripstop nylonWhat we like: Crazylight yet surprisingly wind-resistant.What we dont: Too expensive and niche for most people. Its not always this easy to narrow down competing models and make a top pick, but among windbreaker jackets, the Patagonia Houdini Air is head and shoulders above the rest. On the other hand, the Norrnas Pertex is a bit more premium than the Houdinis standard nylon shell, and articulated elbows add a bit of extra mobility, but were not sure the added tech is worth the extra $89. Category: Hiking/alpineWeight: 3.5 oz.Materials: 100% ripstop nylonWhat we like: PFC-free DWR is environmentally friendly and durable.What we dont: Not as breathable or comfortable as higher-end options. Honestly, not many people (it doesnt even come in a womens version, and that says something). At $180, its expensive for what you get and doesnt come close to matching the comfort, breathability, or weather protection of the competition. Jay is the student president of Sunny high. The High Coast Wind Jacket is the heaviest model on this list at 12.2 ounces, uses a combination of polyamide and cotton instead of polyester or nylon, and comes with ample storage including two hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, The North Face Flight Lightriser Wind Jacket - Men's, Smartwool Merino Sport Ultralite Hoodie - Men's, Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker - Men's, series of comprehensive and mutually exclusive tests, some criteria are more important than others, How to Choose a Wind Breaker Jacket for Men, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, The best overall value and performance in a lightweight package that sets the category standard, An ultralight, breathable, versatile layer for those who live by the mantra of fast-and-light, An impressively packable, highly-technical jacket that is perfectly designed for light and fast missions, An ultralight jacket purposefully built for fast and light mountain missions, Despite its flashy appearance, this is a technical windbreaker and is further reinforced with abrasion-resistant fabric, A lightweight, versatile, DWR-coated nylon shell, all at an affordable price, A thoughtfully-designed technical layer for the refined mountain guide, All of the advantages of Merino, blended into a wind and weather resistant outerlayer, A lightweight jacket that skillfully incorporates Merino into a well-ventilated shell that is perfect for adventure runners, This running-focused shell isnt the most wind resistant, but features an appealing balance of breathability and water resistance, An ultra-lightweight alternative to your normal softshell, this jacket is warmer and more comfortable than many without sacrificing breathability, Offered in unique colorways, this streetwear-inspired windbreaker is better suited for walking around the city than in the mountains, 90% nylon (51% recycled) / 10% polyester double weave, DWR finish, 94% recycled nylon, 6% recycled polyester with non-PFC DWR finish, 100% nylon ripstop, woven w/ DWR treatment (Green Theme Technology), 100% Pertex Diamond Fuse (100% nylon ripstop), 20D Atmos woven nylon with fluorocarbon-free DWR, 100% polyester upper, 88% polyester / 12% elastane lower, Schoeller stretch-woven: 93% nylon, 7% Elastane, Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio DWR, Repurposed polyester taffeta, repurposed ripstop polyester with DWR finish, No (company states reflective logo on left chest, too small to really be visible), Yes, reflective logos on chest, right arm, and upper left back, Yes, relective inserts on wrists and along bottom seam of back. Further, the Merino Sports water resistance is no match for models like the Alpine Start above. And with decently robust fabrics and enough room to accommodate a thin midlayer, the TNF can pull double duty for hiking, too. We only weighted this metric as 10 percent of a product's final score. Read Wind Breaker, List1 Now! About Community. Windbreakers are a nearly perfect companion for bike commuting, especially during the fall or spring shoulder seasons. We wore the 100% nylon Patagonia Houdini for years as our climbing windshirt of choice, benefitting from its lightweight wind protection while embracing its compromises as simply part of the windbreaker package. We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends. Wind Breaker Chapter 423. Its DWR treatment is PFC-free, eliminating harmful chemicals from the manufacturing process, your body, and subsequently, the environment. Our experts test thousands of products each year. Not every windbreaker will offer added water protection aside from the added barrier of the shell material, so make sure to be on the lookout for a mention of DWR. If youre reading closely, youve noticed that one of the biggest challenges windbreakers face is balancing wind protection and breathability. Category: RunningWeight: 4 oz.Materials: 100% stretch nylon w/ knit arms & hoodWhat we like: Super breathable and great running-specific features. Throughout the series Jay makes friends and encounters some crazy situations, all thanks to his passion for cycling. A windbreaker, often referred to as a wind jacket or a windshirt, serves as a barrier between your body and wind and light precipitation. Its a nice option for those looking for something in between the minimalist Houdini Air and burly Alpine Start jackets above. Theyre nowhere near as durable as hardshell jackets, but over the years, our collective windbreakers have endured excessive groveling in chimneys while climbing, being stuffed into packs beside crampons and sticky skins, and day in and day out use. Wind Breaker Chapter 425. Ah, the Black Diamond Alpine Start: where do we begin? Living in a dry climate, we did not have the good fortune of frequently being drenched by real rainstorms during our testing. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Windbreakers are lightweight and packable by nature, which is one of the main reasons they are such a functional type of jacket. Gearing Up for 2030: Building the Offshore Wind Supply Chain and Workforce Needed to Deploy 30 Gigawatts and Beyond. To stack the odds in your favor, its a good idea to look for ripstop fabrics (like the Black Diamond Distance) or stretch-woven material that gives under pressure rather than rips (like on the Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody). For example, running jackets typically are among the lightest windbreakers, but their thin fabric and generous venting is more suitable for high-output activities than a thicker build. All of these jackets give bias towards protecting you from the wind, so none of them breathe that well. In other words, these are your premium windbreakers. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. Super breathable as an outer or mid-layer. Given that windbreaker jackets are minimalist in nature, most are designed with a trim fit. Loose-fitting windbreakers, like the Cotopaxi Teca (mens / womens), allow you to have a good range of motion. To help you navigate these complexities, keep an eye on our category designationshiking, alpine, and runningto find the best fit for you. Water resistance is a nice feature in a windbreaker, but it is certainly not what these jackets are designed for. As you can imagine, its no small task for a fabric to do both. Wind Breaker Chapter 429. The Salomon Bonatti Cross Wind delivers on both fronts with a stretchy, breathable back panel and 100% polyester along the shoulders, chest, and arms for added wind and water resistance. Nature, most are designed with a trim fit Northwest, we did not have the good of! Was included more often not waterproof, but it is certainly not these. We tested this long-time favorite in high winds while backpacking and hiking Patagonia! Potential purchase face is balancing wind protection and breathability was significant the Ortovox Merino windbreaker uses a process! 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