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Warm weather is here, which means it's the season for our favorite jacket: the windbreaker. Windbreaker jackets are unique in that they tend to have highly specific use cases, though we're here to make the case that they're loaded with functionality. If you want something insulated or waterproof you'll have to look elsewhere. But on those chilly spring days when you need a lightweight layer for a little added warmth or protection from the elements, or when the sun is hot but the wind is cold, a windbreaker is the perfect layer. We're rarely happier than when we're moving with pace in a lightweight layer on a cool and sunny expedition. Plus, they are insanely stashable, meaning you can bring one along just in case, knowing you can stash it away in a pocket when the breeze dies down.
The following 11 windbreakers will help you reduce the chill and increase the stoke anytime the wind begins to nip.
Most Versatile: Foehn Anderson Windbreaker
Foehn makes apparel for moving swiftly through variable terrain, whatever your preferred form of movement happens to be. The full-zip Anderson Windbreaker is a softshell hooded jacket that exemplifies this innate versatility perfectly. It features clean lines, a stretch fabric that moves with you, and a helmet compatible hood, making it a worthy companion for running, hiking, biking, or climbing. The perforated holes along the arms shed heat, and the taupe colorway is as crisp as they come.
Weight: 134 grams
Women's Option: No
Price: $175
Best for Active Commutes: Patagonia Houdini Jacket
The Houdini has an aura thanks to its years of sturdy, no nonsense performance, and it's a best seller for a reason. This windbreaker jacket is light, functional, and packable. But the thing that makes it ideal for commuting is the drop tail for a little added coverage when bent over the handlebars. The worst thing on a chilly day is that unexpected draft that creeps in and cools you to the core. But the Houdini is sportswear at its purist; it's the type of jacket to throw in the bottom of your backpack as a just-in-case layer no matter where you're going or what you're doing.
Weight: 3.7 ounces
Women's Option: Yes
Price: $109
Best for Travel: Topo Designs Ultralight Jacket
When it comes to traveling, you don’t necessarily need a bomber jacket or outerwear with all the bells and whistles; a packable jacket that's lighter and more versatile will often the trick better. As per usual Topo standards, the Ultralight Jacket is the ideal lightweight wind-resistant layer. It looks good with a variety of outfits, it has a hood for changing conditions, and since it packs into its own internal chest pocket, it takes up little space in your luggage. At $79, it's also the most affordable on this list, meaning you are getting the best bang for your buck. (Unfortunately this is a men's windbreaker and Topo doesn't offer a women's option.)
Weight: 3.1 ounces
Women's Option: No
Price: $79
Best for Inclement Weather: On Running Weather Jacket
The On Running Weather Jacket is a lightweight jacket that you can pack away into its own chest pocket and unfurl in a flash when the wind picks up and a couple of rain drops start to fall. It's almost as good as a rain jacket, and the pockets are water-resistant so your valuables won’t get soaked and the jacket also has a DWR coating. The hood has a unique cap-design so you aren’t fumbling with it to keep it in place during an activity. It's also stretchy and has generous back vents for breathability so you can take on the elements and be confident you won’t freeze or overheat.
Weight: 277.5 grams
Women's Option: No
Price: $240
Best for Speed: Houdini Pace Wind Jacket
The Pace Wind Jacket is a lightweight windbreaker designed to help you stay at peak form throughout a run that ranges from cool to cold. It's breathable enough so that you won’t overheat when your body temp starts to rise, while also keeping out the biting winds that can make muscles start to feel sluggish. It's sustainably made, incredibly light, and features thumb holes to keep sleeves in place during high activity. It lacks a hood and side pockets, which makes it more packable, but the Pace won’t be a perfect match for all outdoor activities. But for moving fast in a light layer nothing beats it.
Weight: 224 grams
Women's Option: Yes
Price: $190
Most Innovative: Coalatree Whistler Windbreaker
Coalatree is not afraid to try something new. The same eco-minded brand behind coffee-infused joggers and jeans launched the Whistler Windbreaker, which features a fabric that's somehow self-healing and windproof at the same time. Should this shell jacket be punctured, a not uncommon experience with the thin material of many windbreakers, the HiloTech nylon can use the heat and friction of your fingers rubbing together over the fabric to repair itself. This is a pretty cool feature, and one that might make consumers more likely to hold onto a product for longer rather than parting with it because of a small hole. Granted, given the durable feel of the nylon, it might be a long while before you get to try out this feature.
Weight: 7 ounces
Unisex
Price: $99
Most Breathable: Outdoor Vitals Nebo Windbreaker
Outdoor Vitals has built a following by creating gear for ultralight travel. At four ounces, the Nebo could certainly fit that purpose—its lone feature is a zippered chest pocket that that gives accessibility to small items—but the breathability of this full-zip windbreaker jacket is next level. This unisex jacket will cut wind but will allow for airflow during peak exertion, making it a great fit for those who like to haul their own gear in the backcountry and break a sweat doing so.
Weight: 4 ounces
Unisex
Price: $125
Best for Urban Exploration: Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip
The colorblock Teca Half-Zip from Cotopaxi is a pullover-style anorak that stands out in urban environments. The kangaroo pocket is perfect for holding keys, sunglasses, or a map (and for giving it a retro, classic windbreaker look), and the half-zip style helps retain warmth on those extra chilly city jaunts. The vented back panel is a nice touch for dumping excess heat, and it even comes in sizes (and colors) for the whole family. Cotopaxi is known for its bright colors, so don't expect any camo on this one.
Weight: Not specified
Women's Option: Yes
Price: $80
Best for Climbing: Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody
Squamish, British Columbia, is known to be a windy, mountainous jump-off for epic adventures. So the fact that Arc’teryx named this hooded windbreaker jacket after the town is no surprise, and the layer would be a good choice for any trips in Squamish-esque terrain. It's made of a super durable nylon and has an adjustable hood with a soft brim, gusseted underarms for freedom of movement, and a cord loop for attaching it to a carabiner. Wear it climbing when the wind picks up, or wear it around town for a little added warmth. It’ll kick ass either way.
Weight: 140 grams
Women's Option: Yes
Price: $160
Best for Ultralight Expeditions: Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell
Weighing in at just 3.4 ounces, the Distance Wind Shell from Black Diamond is one of the lightest windbreaker jackets on our list. That's because it is designed for expeditions in which one is moving far and fast and every ounce matters. The PFC-free DWR (durable water-repellent) finish never needs re-application, so this shell will block wind and repel moisture for as long as you own it, and it’s pretty darn breathable to boot. An adjustable hem and elastic cuffs ensure that you’ll be protected when it counts, but that's about all this super-minimalist jacket has for features. The only danger is that it's so light, you might forget where you stashed it.
Weight: 3.4 ounces
Women's Option: Yes
Price: $140
Best for Trail Running: La Sportiva Blizzard Windbreaker
La Sportiva made their bones with elite alpine footwear, but don’t sleep on their apparel. The Blizzard windbreaker is a men's jacket that has an elastic mesh on the back that dumps heat, a water-repellent finish, and reflective details for visibility. The laser-cut detailing invites in just enough air to cool you down to your t-shirt while dodging branches at speed, and if the weather turns, you’ll be protected by a PFC-free durable water-repellent finish.
Weight: 3.3 ounces
Women's Option: No
Price: $119
Published 05-10-2023
