Colour Faded Zap. If you're in the market for a different type of men's jacket, we've tested everything from storm-worthy hardshells and the best rain jackets on the market, to hearty winter jackets and the puffiest down jackets. Created Jun 17, 2020. The Patagonia Houdini is an iconic windbreaker jacket. Lightweight jackets often feature just one chest pocket or no pocket at all, and we see hoodless or pullover styles here too. Jackets in our hiking category often keep prices low by using thicker and less technical fabrics (you usually dont see stretch weaves here) which also sacrifice a bit of breathability. March 2, 2023. Feb. 28, 2023 - March 1, 2023. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. Looking for the perfect lightweight jacket? Shes hiked thousands of miles on trails across America, including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, Colorado Trail, and Long Trail. This blend makes it feel a little warmer and less breathable than others, but it blocks wind better than many of the other windbreakers weve used. A little water protection is necessary from time to time, so most of these jackets come with a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating applied to the shell. Free shipping for many products! In practice, weve found these jackets to be quite impressive in blocking out wind despite their low weight and feathery feel. That said, we took the Air out in 60mph, knock-you-over gusts near Patagonias Cerro Castillo and felt sufficiently sheltered from the storm. The jacket is featherlight (our womens small checks in at 3.7 oz. But if youre determined to ditch the rain gear for trips where the weather is more predictable, the Black Diamond Alpine Start (mens / womens) is what you should go with. NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Make sure you zip all the zippers and tie the drawstrings before washing to prevent wear and tear. Members can return in-store for credit Learn more. To maintain or add water resistance to your windbreaker we recommend using Nikwax TXDirect. 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. This heavy-duty windbreaker is the most protective jacket on our list for both wind and rain, and its the most durable in the long run. And for a fun style alternative, Cotopaxi also makes the Teca Crop for women.See the Men's Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip See the Women's Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip. 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. With their balance of wind resistance and breathability, these lightweight jackets are the perfect option for mountain biking. Like a sleeping bag, your windbreaker needs to breathe and should be hung alongside your other jackets when not in use. These small design criticisms aside, the Houdini is still our favorite windbreaker. We weighted this metric as 20 percent of a product's final score. Many of our product descriptions above include comments on fit. So much so that they nixed a stowable pocket, opting instead to include an additional stuff sack. We performed this test towards the end of the test period to assess how well their DWR coating had held up over time. MSRP: $130 MEASURED WEIGHT (Men's Med. FAST joins aerodynamics models, hydrodynamics models for offshore structures, control and electrical system (servo) dynamics models, and structural (elastic) dynamics models to enable coupled nonlinear aero-hydro . Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Digital comics in LINE Webtoon, updated every Monday. Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks. Windbreakers are fairly low-maintenance, but theres a few steps you can take toward increasing the life of your jacket. 4.3 (1,867) Save 20%. Held up to the competition, the Bonattis breathability is a bit less impressive with a more robust material across the core, and youll either love or hate the overt Salomon branding (some colorways feature the logo across the chest, while others have it on the back). What we don't: Expensive and not as protective as some of the options below. Or fastest delivery Thu, Mar 2. 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. We spent countless hours honing in on the best windbreakers on the market and testing them in real-life situations to find out which stand out. 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. 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 balance out this question fairly, we rated each product based on its weight but then adjusted the score slightly based on how small and easily the jacket packs up. The plot of Wind Breaker follows a highschooler and avid cyclist named Jay. In the end, we encourage you to first determine your end use (do you prioritize a highly breathable jacket, weather protection, a hood, etc.) The Houdini is our top pick for ultralight backpacking, but its also perfect for running, day hikes, and everyday wear. But for those who consistently battle afternoon thunderstorms or want a bit more protection against the wind, its a viable alternative to consider. Wind Breaker Chapter 409. The entire jacket stuffs into its chest pocket, and the resulting package is only about the size of a small banana. It is essential to consider the value of any potential purchase. Weve worn the jacket in some serious mountain squalls and been fully sheltered from the wind. While the Vital Hoody used to be known for its pocket storage, designers have simplified and streamlined the current version. Once the DWR coating is gone, these jackets will no longer be water-resistant, and you will get wet. These designs Softshell jackets had their heyday almost a decade ago, but the push for lighter and more packable options rendered them nearly obsolete for true performance-oriented activities. As of October 2022, the series' individual chapters have been collected into nine volumes. Its also available in seven sizes for both men and women, which we love. Events. 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. BOTTOM LINE: We dont recommend replacing your rain jacket with a windbreaker. Our favorite all-around jacket for alpine environments is the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody, and the Patagonia Houdini Air makes an excellent lightweight and packable choice, albeit with a little less protection from the elements. Additionally, with features like gusseted underarms and drop tail hems, many are able to add ample mobility. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. All of these jackets give bias towards protecting you from the wind, so none of them breathe that well. Category: RunningWeight: 4 oz.Materials: 100% stretch nylon w/ knit arms & hoodWhat we like: Super breathable and great running-specific features. In fact, as part of Patagonias mountain running system, it actually can be worn as a midlayer with the waterproof Storm Racer jacket over top (in our opinion, a more versatile middle ground can be found in a jacket like the Alpine Start above). All that said, its our favorite windbreaker for fair-weather running and can handle a sweat better than most jackets here. Given that running is such a high-output activity, most runners need a windbreaker that can resist the elements but still keep air flowing, which is a tall order. It doesnt end there, though, the Teca also delivers on performance. Lets get right to the point: we love windbreaker jackets. The jacket features generous panels of mesh wool under each arm and small vents across each shoulder, resulting in increased airflow while still keeping the most exposed parts of the body protected from the wind. By definition, a windbreaker is not waterproof, but many of the jackets here are impressively water-resistant. And the Patagonia Houdini, with its added water resistance, is a top-option to carry on your next ride. To analyze which jackets built up the most moisture or helped us feel the coolest, we cranked up the heat in our gear room to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and put each jacket through a 15-minute workout. But not all performance drops with weight. Reflective details, low-profile elastic cuffs, and a zippered chest pocket round out the build, making the Bonatti Cross Wind a versatile piece for everything from road and trail running to hiking and biking. Casey Handley is an avid outdoor adventurer and self-described gear nerd. Now living in Santa Fe, NM, Aaron wears many professional hats, dividing his work seasonally between farming and writing in the summers and ski patrol and avalanche education in the winters. 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. Super breathable as an outer or mid-layer. In terms of breathability, its a slight step up from a jacket like the Houdini aboveperforations down the back provide added ventilationand when you start to overheat, an included stash pocket with functional elastic band makes for easy carrying while running. Fortunately, you can tuck the hood inside the jacket to prevent it from uncomfortably pulling at your collar. In our experience, the trim fit of windbreakers makes sense for most uses. Category: Running/hikingWeight: 5.1 oz.Fabric: 100% nylon & merino/polyester blendWhat we like: Softness and temperature regulation of merino wool.What we dont: Too much airflow for backcountry use. In 2023, many windbreakers are highly breathable too, and weve begun to see more and more with built-in stretch for better freedom of movement. Use a front loading washer - The agitator in a top loading washer can be hard on seams and can snag zippers or drawstrings. 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. If your idea of a good time looks more like a casual hike than a fast-paced trail run or slog up the skin track, you probably wont need a top-of-the-line windbreakerand you shouldnt have to pay for one either. Spacing - the usual spacing within the rows of your windbreak is 6 - 12 feet for smaller trees and 8-18 feet for larger trees. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Some designs prioritize minimalism more than othersthe ultralight, 1.7-ounce Black Diamond Deploy, for example, miraculously packs down to the size of a pudgy Clif Bar. 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. Wind Breaker Chapter 422. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. Ah, the Black Diamond Alpine Start: where do we begin? 9.9. Weve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living. The packed jacket is so lightweight that it easily clips to a belt or climbing harness, or stashes into the smallest corner of your pack it even squeezes comfortably into the smallest saddle bags, making it a great companion for long bike rides. 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. The Vital jacket also has one of the best fitting hoods of any windbreaker we tested, and it even has a small visor to keep the sun out of your eyes. Many of these lightweight jackets feature carabiner loops and are designed to be hung from a climbing harness. Category: HikingWeight: 12.2 oz.Materials: 54% nylon, 46% cottonWhat we like: Thick and good-looking.What we dont: Heavy and expensive. Enjoy Reading Wind Breaker Webtoon . Reproduction without permission is prohibited. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The versatility of this jacket is what makes it truly valuable. And while we encourage you to shop responsibly, were also big advocates of lowering consumption by reusing old gear. The Northwest Offshore Wind Conference 2023. The unique Diamond Fuse ripstop of the Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie is particularly good at blocking wind, so designers feature underarm vents and a mesh-backed chest pocket to improve ventilation. But for those who want to have their cake and eat it too, its a good thing you live in 2023. However, the size they pack down to is not equal, nor is the ease of stuffing them or transporting them afterward. This treatment will maintain breathability while effectively causing water to bead and roll off the fabric. A smaller stuffed size is valuable for attaching a windbreaker to a harness on a long climb or fitting in a hydration pack for a long mountain bike ride or trail run. PROS: Highly breathable, zippered hand pockets, moisture wicking, easy to layer, packs into its own pocket, lightweight, reflective details CONS: Zipper can snag BOTTOM LINE: We're big fans of Smartwool's performance clothing, and the Merino Sport UL Windbreaker (men's / women's) is another winner. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing. For one, theyre so small that theres always enough room to bring one along, whether its stuffed into your hiking pack or clipped to your climbing harness. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. But this quality has been perfected by the fabric of the Patagonia Houdini Air, which earned a nod for those uphill athletes looking for maximum breathability. In terms of the zipper, most jackets have a full-length zipper, although some ultralight models cut weight with a pullover design (like the Patagonia Airshed Pro or Black Diamond Deploy). Read Wind Breaker, List1 Now! Weve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. 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. The unique body-mapped mesh on the Sport UL provides ventilation right where you need it for great temperature control during high-output activity. For track & field events, the maximum legal wind assistance is 2 meters per second. And to help keep air moving, the mens jacket adds ventilation via perforations under the arms, while the womens model uses a hidden vent around the lower torso to dump heat. Added up, its a lightweight jacket that can hold its own in inclement mountain weather, although breathability wont measure up to heavier or pricier models like the Patagonia Houdini Air and BD Alpine Start above. There are a lot of windbreakers on the market to choose from, and they all have very similar specs. Best value windbreakers: Smartwool Merino Sport UL (mens / womens) & Patagonia Houdini (mens / womens), Best budget windbreakers: Cotopaxi Teca (mens / womens), Columbia Flashback (mens) / Flash Forward (womens) & Rab Vital Windshell (mens / womens), Best high-end windbreakers: Black Diamond Alpine Start (mens / womens), Arcteryx Squamish (mens / womens) & Ortovox Windbreaker (mens / womens), The Arcteryx Squamish (mens / womens) is a durable windbreaker with a slim, streamlined fit. For high-output activities like running, climbing, backcountry skiingeven rigorous hiking and backpackingwe recommend a more breathable windbreaker. If you liked this list, youll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. Windbreakers are lightweight and packable and easily stay stuffed away until you need them. Since our scoring is based on direct, side-by-side comparisons, a low score doesn't mean that a jacket isn't worth your while. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. 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. 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. 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. Wind Breaker Chapter 420. It might seem counterintuitive, but a regular laundering is actually vital to maintaining the water-repellant finish. Wind Breaker Chapter 424. Second, its best to follow the manufacturer instructions for washing and drying, which usually entail machine washing with cold water and tumble drying (take note that your windbreaker will dry much more quickly than the rest of your laundry). 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. We only weighted this metric as 10 percent of a product's final score. We also recognize that your specific needs may differ from how heavily we scored each metric. and is so thin its practically see-through) yet relatively tough with a 30-denier nylon/polyester build and durable water repellent finish. For further breathability, Norrna added mesh panels underneath the arms, and a single front button allows you to wear the jacket like a cape. If youre looking for a step up in features, our hiking category is a good place to start. 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