![\"Testing](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DSC08559-scaled-e1686342840133-700x467-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve all been there.<\/strong> An ambiguous weather pattern rolls in, wind whips through your hair, but you\u2019re charging too hard to throw on a rain jacket and it\u2019s too cold for your tiny T-shirt. It\u2019s time to break out the most versatile layering piece of them all: the windbreaker jacket. <\/p>\n Offering stellar protection from the elements in dry, cool conditions, windbreaker jackets are our favorite breathable, packable solutions for just about any adventure you could cook up. Plus, with most models hovering around a scant 5 ounces, they barely register in your kit.<\/p>\n While you don\u2019t get the same level of insulation or weather defense as burly hardshells, the simple act of thwarting the wind dramatically boosts your ability to retain warmth without overheating. Lash \u2018em to your harness, or chuck \u2018em in your pack and forget they\u2019re there \u2014 windbreakers are the ultralight, ultra-packable jacket of your dreams.<\/p>\n Over a 7-month testing period, we took over 25 windbreaker jackets on big wall ascents in the Sierras, backpacking excursions through Appalachia, and international climbing expeditions, whittling the selection down to include the most capable windbreakers money can buy. <\/p>\n For desperate assaults on wind-swept alpine peaks, or casual jaunts in mild weather, we\u2019ve included jackets for every adventure and budget. We tested each jacket with a mind for a variety of different performance metrics, including breathability, durability, and weather resistance.<\/p>\n Chris Carter, our lead author, brings over 10 years of gear testing experience to the table and has used windbreakers in the most demanding, desperate conditions imaginable. He knows what makes a jacket worth its salt, and included only the best in this roundup.<\/p>\n Scroll through our top picks below, and be sure to hop down to our comprehensive buyer\u2019s guide<\/strong><\/a>, FAQ<\/strong><\/a>, and comparison chart<\/strong><\/a> for help in snagging the best windbreaker jacket for your needs.<\/p>\n Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on March 29, 2024, by adding the new Patagonia Houdini Stash \u00bd-Zip Pullover, changing the winner of our Most Breathable Windbreaker Jacket Award, and updating the details of the newly revised Arc\u2019teryx Squamish Hoody. We also made sure our product list was up-to-date with current models, colorways, and designs.<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVersatile protection for a range of different conditions<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAffordable but hard-working<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUltralight and packable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStellar wind and weather resistance<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot as breathable as other models<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMinimal elasticity<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Here it is \u2014 the gold standard of windbreaker majesty, and a seemingly ubiquitous quiver-of-one addition to the kit of every hiker, mountaineer, and adventurer we see. Like many of Patagonia\u2019s products, the legendary Houdini<\/strong><\/a> ($109) has developed nothing less than a cult following during its years of service to the outdoor community \u2026 and for good reason.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Though not the most technical shell on our list, its simple silhouette, approachable price, and ultralight weight have made it the famous take-anywhere jacket it is today. With a classic cut for style around town, and enough hardworking gumption for the mountains, the Houdini won our best overall award for its rugged versatility, top-shelf construction, and stellar value.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We\u2019ve been testing this jacket on months-long thru-hikes, lofty multipitch climbs, and demanding bushwhacks since 2018, and it remains a shoo-in on any of our adventure gear lists. While we\u2019ve snagged new iterations as they come out over the years, our original model is still going strong with only a peeling logo to show its age \u2014 a true testament to the Houdini\u2019s longevity.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n From a 30,000-foot view, it\u2019s a bare-bones shell. A single zippered chest pocket, elasticated cuffs, and a drawcord hem round out its basic feature set. But peek under the hood and you\u2019ll find top-shelf tech, featherlight but bomb-proof materials, and an incredibly versatile design at just over 100 bucks. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Recycled ripstop nylon with a surprisingly stalwart DWR coating shrugs off significant torture and light rain in the backcountry, and a slim fit with a slight drop tail gives it an athletic feel, with just enough room for a couple of light layers underneath. We put each jacket on this list through a shower-simulated downpour to test the fabric’s wet-out time (with a thin fleece jacket underneath), and the Houdini lasted an impressive 2 minutes and 45 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n At a mere 3.7 ounces, the Houdini lands comfortably in the \u201cbarely there\u201d realm of technical layers \u2014 and sports an almost translucent appearance when held to the sun. Its pack size follows suit. Shoving into its zippered chest pocket with a carabiner loop, it crams down to about the size of a pear, and easily disappears in a pack, or weightlessly floats behind you on a climbing harness. Maintaining any semblance of durability in this weight class does merit a few downsides, namely breathability and comfort.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We\u2019ve taken this tiny gem<\/strong> <\/a>to some wild corners of the world \u2014 but we don\u2019t necessarily push the pace when wearing it. For light to moderate activities like hiking or mild multipitch climbs, it blocks wind like a champ, keeping you warm and cozy. But the nylon shell has little elasticity, subpar next-to-skin comfort, and minimal moisture-wicking capabilities. Not the best combo for desperately fast missions with a spiking heart rate.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n At that mass and price point though, it punches well above its weight. For versatile, affordable protection in a wide range of climates and conditions, it\u2019s in a league of its own.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAffordable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSustainable construction<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSolid weather-resistance<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDurable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot very breathable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot as packable as other models<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo cinch cords at hem or hood<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n It’s rare to find sustainable apparel crafted from repurposed and recycled material that holds up to the rigors of life outside, but Cotopaxi\u2019s \u201cGear for Good\u201d slogan encapsulates more than an abstract ethos. Racking up some of the most environmentally friendly points on this list, the Teca Half-Zip<\/strong><\/a> ($80) is ethically made and affordable, with just the right spunk for light adventuring.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Though we may not take this on an expedition through the ranges of Pakistan, the Teca delivers solid performance, stellar packability, and peerless style. It\u2019s common knowledge \u2014 if you want to stand out in a crowd, snag a Cotopaxi jacket. Vibrant color combinations abound for whatever your vibe might be.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n But its allure doesn\u2019t stop there. A patchwork of DWR-coated and PU-backed taffeta and ripstop polyester panels surround the jacket, giving it a technical flair for mild to moderate outdoor activity in unpredictable weather. And, while the material itself is quite thick and unbreathable, subtle mesh venting on the back and a deep venting front zipper allow heat to dump out if you suddenly have to pick up the pace on trail.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We found the Teca to be surprisingly durable during our testing period, holding up to some light bushwhacking and miles of backcountry hiking. Additionally, the chunky ripstop pattern on the arms, thin front panel, and bottom back panel feature some of the most robust squares we\u2019ve seen on windbreaker ripstop fabrics, inspiring serious confidence in thorny terrain.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The pocket layout is unique, with deep kangaroo-style front handwarmer pockets underneath a zippered pouch, which doubles as the jacket’s generous stuff sack. Pullover designs aren\u2019t our favorite, as we like to rip windbreakers off and on quickly, but the half-zip does cut significant weight and bulk. The Teca<\/strong><\/a> crams down ultra tiny. While the stuff sack itself isn\u2019t small, it can easily be mashed to the size of a baseball, and clocks in at a respectable 4.4 ounces on our scale.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The DWR-coated fabric resisted wetting out for about 5 minutes during our downpour simulation in the shower. This is longer than most, but the number of untaped seams along the multitude of panels allowed water to seep in fast, quickly soaking the fleece. Such burly fabric also diminishes breathability. Additionally, the lack of pull cords and adjustability at the hem and hood allows ease of access for strong gusts of wind.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n While not our top pick for technical forays in remote regions, the Teca is a great choice for casual hikes, frontcountry style, or light adventuring in moderate climates. Its approachable price point and fun, funky style made it a no-brainer for this roundup.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExtremely soft fabric<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDurable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlexible materials<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFully featured<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn the heavy side<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNo cinch cord at hem or hood<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWets out fast<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Now here\u2019s a cozy layer. Slide this on in the dark and you may think you\u2019ve grabbed a paper-thin fleece jacket. For next-to-skin comfort, the Kor AirShell<\/strong> <\/a>($150) is next to none. Mix in a big ol\u2019 batch of bomber stretch-woven fabrics, a ripstop Pertex Quantum Air force field, and a fully loaded feature set, and well \u2014 that\u2019s how it gets away with such a cool name.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We immediately knew this would be a standard bearer when trotting around with it for the first time. Marvelous mobility? Check. Blue ribbon breathability? Check. Fantastic fit? Almost check. This bad boy was a hair\u2019s breadth away from snagging our top award, but for a small yet noticeable detail: its lack of adjustability and drawcords.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n While leaning into truly ghoulish gusts, the ability to cinch down our windbreaker\u2019s hem and hood is a pretty key feature we look for when testing its mettle. While the AirShell ticked almost every box, we found that wisps of wind squirmed their way under the loose elastic hem and cuffs much easier than other models in our lineup.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n That gripe aside, this didn\u2019t stop us from sporting it on towering limestone spires, tough technical scrambles, or high-adrenaline ridgeline romps, and it quickly became one of our go-to shells for demanding adventures where breathability and durability are vital.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The 20-denier ripstop fabric features a significant amount of stretch, allowing it to give when prodded by protrusions instead of puncture. The DWR coating performed about average for a soft windbreaker, and it took just over 30 seconds for the jacket to completely wet out in our shower-simulated downpour. It also takes a bit longer to dry out than many models. It fends off light mist fine, but you better have a rain jacket on hand if things get ugly.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We love the stronger fabric and dual zippered handwarmer pockets, but this does add slight weight and bulk. At 4.8 ounces on our scale, it tickles the heavier end of the spectrum (and yes, we trimmed the tags), but still feels small and light enough for most missions we conjure up.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n An elastic, zipperless internal drop pocket doubles as the jacket\u2019s stuff sack and includes a carabiner loop. This design works fine, but we wish they saved some weight by using one of the pockets for this role, and we also appreciate having our jacket closed up by a zipper when crammed down and dangling from a harness.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let our nitpicks dissuade you though. This is a premium shell<\/strong><\/a> that deserves any adventurer’s attention for casual downtown comfort or peak alpine performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Best Windbreaker Jackets of 202<\/strong>4<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Windbreaker Jacket\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPatagonia Houdini\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3.7 oz. (men's medium)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t100% recycled ripstop nylon with PFC-free DWR coating<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 zippered chest pocket (stuff sack)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t![\"Product](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BestOf_2024.png\")
\n\t\t![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/patagonia-houdini-jacket.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tChris Carter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$109 at REI – Men's<\/a>$109 at REI – Women's<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Windbreaker Jacket\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.4 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t100% repurposed polyester taffeta & ripstop with DWR finish & PU backer<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKangaroo hand pocket, front zip pocket (stuff sack)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Cotopaxi-Teca-Half-Zip-Windbreaker-2.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tChris Carter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$80 at REI – Men's<\/a>$80 at REI – Women's<\/a>$64 at Amazon – Men's<\/a>$78 at Amazon – Women's<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tRunner-Up Best Windbreaker Jacket\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoodie\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.8 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPertex Quantum Air 20D stretch ripstop & 59% recycled nylon<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2 zippered hand pockets, internal drop pocket (stuff sack)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Mountain-Hardwear-Kor-AirShell-Hoodie.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tChris Carter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$45 at evo – Men's<\/a>$30 at evo – Women's<\/a>$99 at Amazon – Men's<\/a>$150 at Amazon – Women's<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tMost Breathable Windbreaker Jacket\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDynafit Alpine Wind 2 Jacket\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3.3 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDynashell Ultralight Miniripstop polyamide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNone (pouch in collar is stuff sack)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Dynafit-Alpine-Wind-2-Jacket-2.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n