Outdoor activities are most enjoyable when you can protect yourself from the weather well enough. Sometimes the weather can change quickly; the wind can surprise the outdoorsman and the northern wind can quickly make you feel cold very quickly. A Windjacket or a windbreaker is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment, whether you’re on a long or short trip, hanging out in the yard or in the city, or playing sports on a nearby jogging path or mountain. A good windbreaker breathes, keeps out a little rain, dries quickly, packs into a small space, and works for both sports and leisurely outdoor activities. The Wind jacket can be worn with a t-shirt in the summer, for example, and with a merino wool or fleece layer in the winter.
Once you find the right kind of jacket for your use, it is a long-lasting garment that works all year round. A windbreaker could be considered a “go-to item” in the wardrobe because they have developed into versatile utility jackets without compromising on appearance. I often find myself picking my favorite windjacket even when heading out to the city. Here is a list of your favorite wind jackets:
The best windjacket for climbing: Black diamond alpine start hoody
Black Diamond’s Alpine start Hoody has been an absolute favorite of users for climbing. It is said to be “softshell, windbreaker and shell jacket” in the same package. The material feels pleasant against the skin and it is flexible, which is why the jacket is not an obstacle even in more challenging movements. The material has been made very durable. According to users it seems to withstand even harder use during climbing trips. You need a protective jacket when you are exposed to the elements.
According to several users, the properties of the material are the best in the jacket, and it doesn’t seem to receive much criticism. The material seems to repel light rain, but it is by no means a raincoat or completely water resistant. The model is narrow and you can easily fit a helmet inside the hood. According to users, the size is not small or large, however, you should be careful that the hem of the jacket is long enough for your own use and that the hem does not rise when you raise your hands. The jacket only has one pocket and some users seem to need an extra pocket for their things.
The jacket breathes well, which means it perfectly transfers moisture, but also keeps the wind very well. The jacket has elastic cuffs and an adjustment cord on the hem and hood, so that it stays firmly in place even in strong winds. The jacket packs into a small space in its own breast pocket and is the perfect choice for a minimalist – the jacket, which has many users, can be used not only for climbing but also for many other sports, such as skiing, running, cycling and outdoor activities. The jacket’s own bag also has a fastening loop, which can be used to hang it on, for example, a harness or a backpack. Even though its not the most lightweight jacket, it also gets praise for its lightness, because the jacket weighs on average only about 200g, depending on the size of the jacket.
Materials: Schoeller® stretch-woven nylon softshell with Eco-Repel Bio® Technology (80 gsm, 93% nylon, 7% Elastane)
Size Range. men’s: S-XL, women’s: XS-XL
Weight: Men’s: 210 g (7.4 oz), Women’s: 190 g (6.7 oz)
The best windjacket for running: Arc'teryx Incendo Hoody
Arc’teryx’s creation for running is designed to be light with freedom of movement in mind. This jacket for runners doesn’t seem to have a single particularly good feature, but the whole thing makes the jacket the best. It is soft against the skin and therefore pleasant to wear, for example, with a t-shirt in the summer. The material used in the jacket is 100% nylon, with Airshell double weave nylon. The DWR treatment also makes the jacket water-repellent.
In my opinion, the jacket designed for running has taken into account the needs of the sport: the jacket provides protection, breathes well and allows freedom of movement. The details of the jacket are designed to be as protective from wind as possible, but so that air can pass from inside the jacket: the zippers have an inverted design, the hem has a drawstring, the seams have been finished and the sleeve ends have been tightened. The ability to tighten the hood of the jacket with one hand increases the pleasure of concentrating on the run. A must for a running windjacket is that there are some reflective details to avoid being hit by traffic. The Incendo Hoody shines (pun intended) in this aspect.
The jacket seems to have gained supporters due to its general functionality. The jacket packs into its own pocket and weighs only about 105g / 3.7oz, making it easy to take this lightweight windbreaker with you on a long trip. The small packed size makes the jacket easier to carry when running as well. The jacket has pockets on the front where you can grab, for example, an energy gel, a music device and your house keys. Opinions of user experiences seem to vary with the fit of the jacket – the jacket has a fairer measurement and is mentioned to be regular. For slimmer runners, this jacket can seem more like a relaxed model, which is not particularly an ideal model for sports. However, if you run a lot with a running vest, the vest will hold the jacket in place close to your body.
Size Men’s: S-XXL Women’s: Size XS-XL
Weight 105g / 3.7 oz
Material: 100% nylon
The best windjacket for camping: Arcteryx Squamish Hoody
Arcteryx has succeeded in making an excellent windbreaker, where durability and lightness play a significant role. The jacket is a hiker’s dream, because it is thin and weighs an effortless 140g, but still works well even in challenging weather. Camping thus gets one more comfort when portable clothes work but don’t weigh anything extra. If necessary, the jacket can be packed in its own breast pocket and attached to a harness or backpack for quick access.
When going uphill with a backpack on, the jacket seems to breathe well, so the skin’s moisture can move away. This also keeps you comfortable while walking and sweat doesn’t get in, at least because of the jacket’s breathability. The exterior of the jacket is minimalist and the only pocket is easily accessible even if the user has a hip belt in his backpack. The hood tightens around the head so that it is possible to move the head without the hood getting in the way. The hood is also designed with a small cap to bring more protection to the face and is designed to be used with a helmet as well.
The jacket has fasteners in important places – hem and cuffs. The narrow design allows for free movement, but the downside is that it doesn’t fit very easily underneath bought thick clothes. The jacket seems to have a lot of similarities with Patagonia’s Houdini, but the dense material may have a more positive effect on the durability of the jacket. The Squamish Hoody’s material is also flexible like Black Diamond’s alpine star hoody, but it is a lighter option, presumably at the same time less resistant to hard use (if the use is focused on mountains or rock climbing).
size: women: XXS-XXL men XS – XXL
weight: 140g
material: Tyono™ 30 nylon
Best windbreaker for versatile use, Best ethically made jacket: Patagonia Houdini
Patagonia has succeeded in creating a classic windbreaker that is suitable for both the city and nature. The jacket is designed for such wide variety of uses that it can also be taken with you for sports that require the jacket to be used harder, such as running, cycling or climbing. The model of the jacket is body-hugging and the hem is slightly longer on the back. Because of this, it wont rise too high when moving. Patagonia has also thought about a wide range of users, as the size classification is wide: for women xxs-xxl and for men xs-xxl. In addition, this jacket packs into its own pocket and takes up little space. The ligthweight design only weights 105g.
Patagonia has reached a large user base who swear by the brand’s name because of its ethics and timelessness. The jacket is manufactured according to the Fair Trade Certified™ operating principle, due to which an additional amount is paid to the factory manufacturing the product for the purchase of the jacket. All Patagonia products have been timeless and stylish, which is why we definitely give this jacket the best points for general use. The jackets have a large selection of colors from which everyone is sure to find an option that suits them. I would go hiking with this jacket on and then straight to the city!
The durable jacket is made of 100% recycled ripstop nylon and is DWR treated to make it water repellent. The need for waterproofing has also been taken into account in the seams of the jacket. The hood can be tightened easily with one hand. Elastic tightening on the cuffs allows the sleeves to stay up if you want to roll them up. The hem has a traditional drawstring.
size: women xxs-xxl men xs-xxl
Weight: 105g
material: 100% recycled nylon
The best windjacket for travel and the city: Columbia Flash Challenger
Columbia’s Flash challenger jacket pleasantly surprises with its playful pattern and color selection! The jacket is also available in a calm one- and two-color option. The jacket is designed for many body types, it has a relaxed (regular) design but is not too loose. Sizes are also available in plus size and long model. The jacket designer has thought about versatility and appearance, it is not the lightest end of the windbreaker range, but still light enough to be easy and comfortable to pack anywhere.
The jacket has two zippered pockets on the front, which can hold a lot of stuff. In addition to being windproof, it doesn’t hurt if a light rain hits you when you’re outside, because this jacket is also made water-repellent. To the users delight, the material of the jacket is made to protect the wearer from UV light (UPF 40). The hood can be tightened with a stylish tape fastener, in addition, the sleeve ends have fasteners to protect the wearer. The jacket is also cheaper in terms of price, but still high quality.
With this jacket, you’ll be happy to go to the forest or to the city – so it’s the perfect option for traveling!
Size: Women’s xs-xxl, men’s s-xxl (also plus size and long model)
weight: not available
material: 100% polyester
How do I choose the best Windjacket for me? What should you consider before buying a jacket?
In order to be able to find the best jacket for your own use, you should first of all think about what the jacket will be used for and what features are therefore required from the jacket. One jacket cannot meet all needs, so compromises are often made. When choosing a Windjacket, you may have to make a compromise between, for example, waterproofness and breathability, or between the suitability of the material and packability. In general, nylon and polyester are used as materials in Windjackets, elastane has also been used in other jackets to increase mobility.
You can find jackets in models and prices for many departures. When thinking about the price range, it is worth noting that a Windjacket is often a long-lasting purchase. However, the most expensive jacket is not always the best purchase for yourself.
What will the jacket be used for?
The most important question when looking for the best Windjacket is what the jacket will be used for. It’s a different thing to buy a jacket for camping, the mountains or the city. Many different features can be required from a jacket, and on the other hand, when choosing, you should note that you don’t “pay for a useless feature,” if you don’t feel you need it in your own use. Many wind jackets are waterproof, but keep in mind that they are not rain jackets by all means. They are used mainly to keep out wind and light rain.
What features do I need from a jacket?
If the jacket will be worn a lot and also keep the so-called “in case of windy weather” when hiking or doing sports, you should consider how small the jacket can be. If you want the jacket to work in active sports, such as cycling or running, you should also think about the jacket’s breathability, model and tightening possibilities. It is often recommended that the jacket also be hooded and, if necessary, also look at the location and number of pockets in the jacket.
If you are looking for an ultralight jacket, the durability of the jacket will probably suffer. In mountain sports such as climbing, it is recommended that the material also takes into account the jacket’s flexibility and the Hood’s model, so that movement is easy and a helmet can easily fit under the Hood.
If the jacket is for lighter outdoor activities and the city, the hood is not as necessary, the jacket can have, for example, more pockets or even pockets with hand warmers. In addition to everything, it is important that the jacket’s appearance pleases its wearer!
The most important features that should at least be taken into account when buying a jacket:
For the city and for casual outdoor activities: the model and appearance of the jacket, enough pockets, comfortable to move and the hem of the jacket does not rise
Camping: packability of the jacket, number and location of pockets, sufficiently long hem and sleeves, hood, breathability and water resistance. Do you need an insulated jacket for cold weather or can you add an extra layer when not moving that much.
Running: breathability of the jacket, model, tightenings, packability, hooded jacket or no hood: where do you run, is the hood necessary or can it get in the way? Make sure the hood is adjustable.
Cycling: breathability, tightenings, long enough hem, hooded jacket or no hood?, packability
For mountain sports: model, breathability, long enough hem, water resistance, hood that can fit a helmet inside if necessary, tightenings, flexibility of the material, packability. Does the jacket have a durable water repellent?
Next, let’s take a closer look at the properties of Windjackets.
Which windbreaker is suitable for my use?
Windbreakers are available in many models – just like our needs and body models. However, the model of the jacket for sports and camping use should be such that it can withstand lifting the hands without the hem of the jacket rising or the sleeves not staying in place.
For more active activities such as climbing, running or cycling, a jacket with a narrow cut and just a little loose fit is recommended. The narrow cut allows for smooth movement and the extra fabric is not in the way. If the jacket is too loose or the cut is too wide, it will be more difficult to move. However, the jacket should not be too tight, because it should be comfortable to move in and it is important to be able to fit an intermediate layer under the jacket. The jacket also breathes better when it is not completely close to the skin.
An adjustable hood makes it easier to use the hood in different types of activities. An adjustable hood also keeps the hood out of your face, which could cause dangerous situations. If you are into activities where you should use a helmet its important to make sure that the hood can fit one.
If you are looking for a jacket for a more relaxed trip, the jacket model does not have to be body-hugging, but you can look at the jacket models according to your own preference. When hiking, going out or in the city, you can appreciate the fact that you can fit more clothes underneath if necessary. Others also don’t like “tighter” models, or a looser model may suit their body shape better. However, it is important to note that moving around in the jacket is pleasant.
You ended up with a loose or narrow cut in the model, but please note that the jacket should not be too tight. The air between the jacket and the skin increases the warmth of the jacket significantly. You should also fit at least an intermediate layer under the jacket (for example, a merino wool layer or a fleece layer), so that the jacket can also be worn during winter sports.
Breathability
If the jacket is purchased for active movement, the breathability or air permeability of the jacket becomes a particularly important feature. The jacket should keep out the wind, but also breathe enough so that it doesn’t get too hot during use and that movement is pleasant. In use, the jacket’s breathability means that the moisture that evaporates from the skin gets through the jacket and does not stay inside it. Some jackets have zippered underarm vents to let out some steam when the going gets tougher.
Good breathability is not as important when the jacket is used for more relaxed exercise such as walking, outdoors or in the city. When the material of the jacket is more breathable, windproofness often suffers. So you should make sure that the jacket is sufficiently windproof in any case. You can test the jacket’s breathability, for example, by blowing air through the jacket into your hand or by trying to breathe through the jacket’s fabric.
Its always a balance of breathability and excellent wind protection that makes the most solid jackets. A good jacket has enough of both for a variety of activities.
Waterproof
In addition to breathability, a good wind jacket also repels a little water thanks to the coating. A windbreaker will protect you from a light precipitation. This is a nice feature in that you don’t have to immediately dig out a shell jacket in the event of a sudden drizzle.
The wind jacket is not made as a waterproof shell, as the name implies, because the idea of the jacket is mainly to keep out the wind, not the water. If you need a fully waterproof jacket, you should explore different shell jackets and rain jackets. Keep in mind that there is a huge difference in terms of breathability and a breathable windbreaker is therefore much better for activities where you are likely to sweat.
Adjustability
If you’re looking for a jacket for sports, camping or moving around in general, it’s recommended to also investigate the jacket’s tightening options. In the event of a strong wind, it is important to have the hood firmly attached to the head, so that movement is still easy and the hood remains properly attached to the head and does not come in front of the face when moving the head in different directions. A feature that increases the comfort of use in many jackets is also the fact that the hood can be easily tightened with one hand.
The sleeves should stay close to the hand so that the wind does not enter the sleeve. In some jackets, the edge of the sleeve is tightened tightly as standard, in other models you can adjust the sleeves yourself. Tightening the bottom part of the jacket is also important so that the wind does not enter the jacket to cool you down and the jacket stays firmly in place. In some jackets, you can also find tightening on the back, in which case the “extra flapping in the wind” fabric can be tightened against the body.
Is the flexibility of the material a necessary feature?
If you are looking for a jacket for movement or especially for mountain sports or climbing, the flexibility of the jacket material can be a significant feature that promotes comfort. In 2022, elastane has been added to more and more windjackets, due to which the material of the jacket has become flexible. It is worth thinking about the necessity of flexibility, because a windbreaker made of flexible material certainly breathes better than, for example, a jacket made of nylon fabric, but it also lets more wind through. Often windbreakers made of flexible material are more expensive.
Hood or no hood?
Mainly, windbreakers should have a hood, because when the wind blows, the hood protects the head from the cold wind. In more expensive windbreakers, the hoods are also designed so that thanks to their tightening, they stay in place when moving.
Sometimes, however, it is also necessary to think about the necessity of a hood in a jacket. If the jacket is lightweight design and the main purpose is to protect the body from the wind if necessary, the hood may also be unnecessary. A hood is often not necessary in jackets intended for urban or casual movement either. In fast-paced sports, such as skiing, running and cycling, the user may feel that the hood is sometimes more in the way than necessary. A jacket without a hood also packs into a smaller space than a jacket with a hood.
Pockets
The number of pockets and their placement should be examined and compared to your own purposes. Pockets add more material to the jacket, so it also affects packability and weight. Are the pockets zippered or do you have to worry about dropping your keys?
Although windjackets often take up such a small space in themselves that a few pockets do not matter for most purposes. If, for example, the jacket comes for an ultra run, where an important feature may be that the jacket weighs as little as possible and takes up as little space as possible, the pockets and other additional features may feel unnecessary.
If you often wear the jacket while carrying a backpack, you should check that the jacket has a pocket/pockets that you can access even if the backpack strap is resting on your hip. A chest pocket is usually easier to access when wearing a backpack with a waistbelt than zippered hand pockets that are under it.
Packability
Most jackets pack into their own pocket (usually the jacket’s breast pocket) and take up little space. In many cases, there is also a small loop attached to the pockets, which you can use to attach the jacket to, for example, a climbing harness or a backpack. Among the materials, the smallest packable is nylon. If you’re looking for a very light jacket to carry “back in time”, this feature is worth looking at, but if packability is not the most important feature of the jacket, it’s worth comparing whether other advanced windbreakers already fit into a small enough space.
Ethics
If the purchase decision is influenced by the ethics of the jacket’s manufacture, it is worth getting to know the responsibility of the clothing manufacturer and the corporate responsibility that their operations have in relation to, for example, employees and the environment.
For example, in the manufacture of clothing, Patagonia invests in, among other things, safe working conditions during the entire clothing manufacturing process, and a significant part of the clothing is made from recycled materials. Read more about Patagonia’s ethical choices here https://www.patagonia.com/our-footprint/.
Design and colors
Its always good to consider your personal preferences when choosing any piece of clothing. We always want to buy stylish designs and jackets with fun colors. Not because of vanity, but because liking the design and the color makes it a lot more likely that the jacket will be used for a long time. A colorful jacket is also easier to spot in any emergency situation where you have you satellite beacon signaling for a rescue team. Your favorite windbreaker might not be the most expensive or have the most versatile features, but you should like the look of yourself in it.