So much so that they nixed a stowable pocket, opting instead to include an additional stuff sack. With such a bare-bones build, you get paper-thin 5-denier ripstop nylon (one of jackets colorways is actually transparent), no hood or chest pocket (the Deploy stuffs into a pouch on its collar), and a partial-length, Super Lightweight zipper. This jacket has become our layer of choice for everything from windy hikes to daily runs, multi-pitch climbing, and even ski touring. Our experience of late has been very positive: Weve worn the Black Diamond Alpine Start in everything from all-day drizzles to wet snow and never once felt the need to pull out our shell. The Salomon Agile also uses large, polyester/elastane panels to thermoregulate effectively. You can go lighter with the Patagonia and get an even more breathable jacket, but the Squamishs hood is better suited for use over a helmet, and its thicker fabric is more durable around sharp rocks. But they wear off especially if you wear a pack over the jacket or it is subject to lots of abrasion or scuffing. Most of the time, these are 100% nylon builds (read: no stretch), and can feel akin to wearing a plastic garbage bag during high-intensity activity (unless they have built-in vents or mesh). No matter how its accomplished, the result of added stretch is better mobility, increased breathability, and a softer next-to-skin feel. And given the weight, this jacket is ideal for hiking from your car or cabin without worrying about shaving ounces. Often point deductions came from features that annoyed us: hard-to-manipulate zippers; hood stowing systems that don't hold; drawcords that are hard to pull or release with one hand; or elastic cuffs and hood liners that aren't tight enough to keep the weather out. On a recent testing trip to Chilean Patagonia and its legendarily strong gusts that never seem to stop, all four of us basically lived in our respective windbreakers. Wind Breaker Chapter 421. Mens Windbreaker Jackets Lightweight Packable Jacket,Windproof and Dustproof. Theyre capable of cutting a serious wind (most of the time, this will be enough to keep you warm), and most are fairly impressive at keeping out a light rain (all but a few in our round-up feature a DWR finish). Our comprehensive review helps you find the best windbreaker to fit your needs and budget. It is Monday, February 27, 2023, and the wiki has . However, we needed to objectively test how these jackets performed in the rain compared to one another, so we employed a garden hose or showerhead to simulate a passing rain shower. Known as the trekking capital of Argentina Patagonias Houdini is one of the most ubiquitous windbreakers on the market, and the premium Air model builds off of that proven design while boosting breathability and comfort. Wind Breaker Chapter 429. But after taking it on a few cold-weather trail runs, we were disappointed with the jackets lack of breathability. Our shower tests confirm what we've known from using this jacket for years in the mountains: that the robust DWR coating on the Patagonia Houdini will come in super handy when you need to get through a quick-passing storm. Wind Breaker Chapter 422. For track & field events, the maximum legal wind assistance is 2 meters per second. But if youre on the hunt for a high-performance design, we encourage you to look elsewhere. And with a DWR finish for added water resistance, they are a great option for a lightweight and breathable emergency layer. The Patagonia Houdini represents an exceptional value in this category. This paper-thin Patagonia Houdini (you literally can see through it) is a perfect example of how much warmth you can retain just by blocking airflow. Many lightweight windbreakers pack down into their own pocket and hardly take up any room in a backpack. Here, you see the all-natural fiber at work beading up water in our shower test. Heres our reasoning: for many people and outdoor activities, the weight difference between a 3.7-ounce jacket like the Patagonia Houdini and a 4.9-ounce jacket like the Arcteryx Squamish Hoody is barely perceptible. PROS: Affordable, stylish, easy to layer, hand pockets, packs into its own pocket, CONS: Slightly heavier/bulkier than others, not as breathable as others, half zip isnt as convenient. If youre after a bomber jacket for high-alpine adventures, you cant go wrong with the Alpine Start. In the end, we think the water resistance of these windbreakers is good enough for the majority of outings in light precipitation, especially considering that most of us venture outside when the conditions are good. 7.9k. Weve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living. Best ultralight windbreakers: Patagonia Houdini (mens / womens), Arcteryx Squamish (mens / womens) & Rab Vital Windshell (mens / womens), Best lightweight windbreakers: Smartwool Merino Sport UL (mens / womens), Columbia Flashback (mens) / Flash Forward (womens) & Rab Vital Windshell (mens / womens), Best heavy-duty windbreaker: Black Diamond Alpine Start (mens / womens) & Cotopaxi Teca (mens / womens), The Patagonia Houdini (mens / womens) packs down incredibly small. In addition to shedding ounces and bulk off the build, this also means you wont have any excess material getting in the way, which is great for activities like running and climbing. Features that help seal out the wind, like elastic sleeve cuffs and drawcords on the hem and hood, make a huge difference if you are battling a strong, sustained wind. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. To effectively test these products, we identified key metrics that help define a great windbreaker jacket. So if youre a biker or climber, youll likely find the Squamish particularly appealing. Side-by-side testing is the best way we've found to judge price versus performance of the top jackets on the market. But the new Houdini Air, our top pick, wins out in breathability and comfort by a wide margin, plus you dont get the mobility of stretchy models above like the Black Diamond Alpine Start above. Weve worn the Alpine Start in all-day drizzles and blowing snow and never once wished for more jacket. Look for 100% nylon or polyester builds here (many of the models in our hiking category fit this bill), and the good news is that these models generally come with lower price tags. Wind Breaker Chapter 412. With its most recent makeover, the historically too-small chest pocket of the Houdini has been updated to accommodate the ever-growing size of newer smartphones (though it is still a bit of an awkward fit.) An alpine-inspired design is suitably minimalist for fast-and-light objectives. Like a sleeping bag, your windbreaker needs to breathe and should be hung alongside your other jackets when not in use. Additionally, keep in mind that a DWR coating does more than just protect against rainit also keeps dirt and oils from soaking into the shell, preserving the life of the fabric. BOTTOM LINE: The Rab Vital Windshell (mens / womens) immediately stood out to us because its one of the few windbreakers with zippered hand pockets and a zippered internal storage pocket that makes it easy to keep track of a credit card or lip balm. BREATHABILITY - Its ideal to choose a windbreaker thats breathable so you dont overheat while youre active, but you dont want it to be so breathable that you can feel the wind through it. Category: Alpine/runningWeight: 4.1 oz.Materials: 90% nylon, 10% polyesterWhat we like: Impressive comfort and breathability in a tiny package.What we dont: Expensive and not as protective as some of the options below. Using the same abrasion-resistant Diamond Shield fabric seen throughout the rest of their Helium collection, the Helium Wind prioritizes durability and weight-savings in this fully nylon jacket. It performs exactly as a windbreaker should: packing down and stowing away until you break it out to protect you from wind or light rain. Best windbreaker overall: Smartwool Merino Sport UL (mens / womens), Best ultralight windbreaker: Patagonia Houdini (mens / womens), Most protective & durable windbreaker: Black Diamond Alpine Start (mens / womens), Affordable & stylish windbreaker: Cotopaxi Teca (mens / womens), Best budget windbreaker: Columbia Flashback (mens) & Flash Forward (womens), High-quality & versatile windbreaker: Arcteryx Squamish (mens / womens), Value windbreaker with excellent pockets: Rab Vital Windshell (mens / womens), Highly protective windbreaker thats great for cold weather: Ortovox Windbreaker (mens / womens), The Rab Vital Windshell (mens / womens) has the best pocket setup of all the windbreakers weve used. 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. Similar to waterproofness, trying to quantify wind resistance can be a bit tricky. All that comes with a small hit to weight and packability, but the Alpine Start is still quite manageable for backpacking. Fit is critical, and windbreakers work better when they fit close to the body. The high desert of the American Southwest provides a perfect testing ground for our field research in one day, we can easily travel from chilly alpine ridges down to sun-soaked desert landscapes. Thanks guy . 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. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. By definition, a windbreaker is not waterproof, but many of the jackets here are impressively water-resistant. Throughout the series Jay makes friends and encounters some crazy situations, all thanks to his passion for cycling. On the other hand, some of the styles in our hiking category (the Cotopaxi Teca, for example) and a few mountain-specific designs have a roomier fit that can be layered over an insulated jacket. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. The Houdini is our top pick for ultralight backpacking, but its also perfect for running, day hikes, and everyday wear. What we don't: Expensive and not as protective as some of the options below. 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. Further, the Merino Sports water resistance is no match for models like the Alpine Start above. Dont use fabric softener or dryer sheets - Fabric softener and dryer sheets can deposit residue on the fabric and affect the overall performance. Living in a dry climate, we did not have the good fortune of frequently being drenched by real rainstorms during our testing. Image by: @jitterbug_art, The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain gear market. And with decently robust fabrics and enough room to accommodate a thin midlayer, the TNF can pull double duty for hiking, too. In many ways, the Houdini Air is the Swiss Army Knife of windbreaker jackets and makes a great option for hiking, running, mountain biking, and a wide variety of other outdoor uses. KMST 1.2.142 - MapleStory IGNITION Cygnus Remaster - Wind Archer 1st~5th Job Skills Showcase Cygnus Remaster Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list. 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. Weve been waiting for Outdoor Research to return with a replacement to their discontinued Tantrum windbreaker, and it finally came in the form of the Helium Wind Hoodie. We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. All that said, the Black Diamond Distance stands out from standard wind shell designs (like the Houdini) in one main area. In practice, weve found that Fjallraven gear performs best in cool to cold conditions, which makes sense given the companys Swedish roots. We particularly loved the slightly stretchy nylon fabriccompared to the Houdini, the boost in freedom of movement and breathability was significant. Lightweight and packable, durable and weather resistant, and best of all, affordable. For this update, we purchased 12 of the best jackets available for side-by-side testing. In side-by-side bike climbs with other top-ranking windbreakers, we were much more swampy inside this jacket. Despite its fairly practical mix of materials, the Flight Lightriser Wind Jacket cant match the breathability of the Patagonia Airshed Pro above, and its also a lot less sleek than the snug-fitting pullover. While the Vital Hoody used to be known for its pocket storage, designers have simplified and streamlined the current version. There are plenty of options, and we have put all of these jackets through real-world adventures to hone in on the very best models. The majority of windbreaker jackets are made with 100% nylon or polyester. We recognize that price affects every gear budget and that sometimes even a few dollars can make or break the bank. Best Wind-Blocking Trees: Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 and Zone 6. We love the Patagonia Houdini (mens / womens) for hiking since it doesnt add much weight or bulk in a backpack. For years, weve trusted this jacket to do one thing and do it well: keep wind out. Category: Alpine/hikingWeight: 5.1 oz.Materials: 100% stretch nylonWhat we like: Great performance at a low weight; more affordable than the competition.What we dont: Thinner and less streamlined than the Squamish Hoody above. Gearing Up for 2030: Building the Offshore Wind Supply Chain and Workforce Needed to Deploy 30 Gigawatts and Beyond. This wont be a big deal for runners or casual hikers (it may even be welcomed), but we wouldnt recommend this windbreaker for mountain bikers (your jacket will turn into a sail) or those looking for bombproof wind protection. You never know, one of these jackets might be perfect for you: Black Diamond Distance (mens / womens) - Ultralight and packable windbreaker with excellent water resistance, Patagonia Houdini Air (mens / womens) - Soft windbreaker thats more breathable and more expensive than the standard Houdini, The Black Diamond Alpine Start (mens / womens) is a little more pricy than other windbreakers, but its also the most protective. 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. At $180, its expensive for what you get and doesnt come close to matching the comfort, breathability, or weather protection of the competition. Windbreakers are a great choice for keeping us dry and protected from the elements on ski tours, with the ability to breathe on the way up and block the wind on the way down. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and thats one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. However, in 2023, more and more designs incorporate stretch into their fabric, either by way of their weave (like we see in the Patagonia Houdini Air) or by adding a small amount of elastane (as with the Black Diamond Alpine Start). To help you navigate these complexities, keep an eye on our category designationshiking, alpine, and runningto find the best fit for you. Thicker shellsindicated with higher denier ratings, grams per square meter (gsm), or ounces per square yard (oz./yd)will be more durable than thinner varieties, but youll pay a price in weight and packability. Though a minor criticism, this is more annoying than it may appear we would gladly trade a fraction of an ounce to get a stowable pocket back. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. A number of running-specific features round out the build, including a two-way front zipper that lets you vent your body while still keeping your head warm, and sleeves that comfortably push up (and stay up). Before you go looking for the most breathable jacket money can buy, its important to consider your end use. But when weight matters or you dont anticipate working up a sweat, the Houdini still is a reliable windbreaker from one of the top brands in the business Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Houdini See the Women's Patagonia Houdini. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. March 2, 2023. 4.3 (1,867) Save 20%. In fact, it tops the Patagonia Houdini Air above in most categories except for weight and packed size, and it's so breathable that we keep it on even during the most high intensity of runs. This windbreaker is built with textured nylon 51% of which is post-consumer recycled material that is soft to the touch and airy to wear. Let us know! But some perform better than others when its gusty out. This windbreaker jacket should continue to perform well for years across a variety of activities. We always know a Cotopaxi product when we see it, defined by colorful panels and stylish designs, and the Teca is no exception. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. 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. We performed this test towards the end of the test period to assess how well their DWR coating had held up over time. 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. 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). Fabric softener and dryer sheets - fabric softener and dryer sheets - fabric and... 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