Found: 8 Truly Great Windbreakers to Wear This Spring

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WINDBREAKER JACKETS MIGHT be the most useful outerwear this spring. The best windbreakers are ultra-packable, lightweight, and protect against harsh wind and rain, all without breaking the bank. Even premium models from Smartwool, Patagonia, and Black Diamond can often be snagged for around $100. Most are so compact, and can easily be packed into your everyday bag.

As the name implies, windbreakers (a.k.a. wind jackets or wind shirts) are designed as “windbreaks” to help temper everything from light gusts to heavy gales. They act as a barrier between your skin and the wind to keep you warmer and more comfortable without the bulk of traditional, insulated jackets. With so many options available, finding a decent windbreaker isn’t hard. But, we dug a little deeper to suss out the very best windbreakers. Then we dive into how we tested and what you should look for in a jacket for yourself.

Best Windbreakers

What to Consider

Wind Resistance

Subjectively, measuring wind resistance is a little “iffy.” It’s like trying to accurately determine how warm a sleeping bag is. Right now, the industry standard relies on CFM, or cubic feet per minute per square meter. The scale starts at 0-CFM fabric (which doesn’t allow any air to pass through) and increases with higher numbers indicating higher permeability and, therefore, less wind resistance. Sometimes, 0-CFM (or 100% wind resistance) is the way to go, but not always, as it can negatively impact breathability. Most outdoor adventurers want to balance wind resistance and breathability.

Weight and Packability

Weight is a hot topic among seasoned outdoorsmen. Some obsess over it, while others are content with slightly heavier gear if it means more protection against the elements. There is no “best” packability; it depends on what works for you. Among the options we tested, we looked at everything from Black Diamond’s featherweight Deploy, which weighs less than two ounces and packs down to about the size of a Snickers, up to beefy, 12-plus-ounce tarp-inspired wind shells for $25 on Amazon.

Ultra-lightweight gear gives you bragging rights in some circles. But, unless you’re thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, you’re probably not going to notice a few extra ounces in your pack. For most outdoorsmen, it’s worth going with a slightly (we’re talking 1-2 ounces) heavier windbreaker for the added wind resistance.

Fit and Functionality

By design, windbreakers are usually cut with a slim, athletic fit. That’s because, for maximum wind resistance, you want as little space between the fabric and your skin as possible. Windbreakers designed for runners are typically the slimmest of all fits, with only enough room underneath to fit a single base layer or T-shirt. Hiking-centric windbreakers offer a bit more room to allow for an extra layer underneath, and mountain-specific windbreakers are the roomiest of all. Some offer a generous fit with enough space to fit over an insulated jacket.

How We Selected

From the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the wind-swept plains of Oklahoma, we tested over 30 men’s windbreakers in a wide variety of terrain. That includes plenty of different activities: hiking, biking, camping, and a little climbing too. But, since most of us want one windbreaker that does it all, we also tested for everyday wear in casual situations—running errands, grabbing drinks at the bar, and chilling in the backyard—to find the best, most versatile windbreakers that move effortlessly from the streets to the backcountry.

Houdini Full-Zip Jacket

The Houdini Air windbreaker is worthy of the Patagonia moniker, and it’s our hands-down pick for the best windbreaker jacket. At $109, it’s one of the pricier options on the market. But, for our money, there’s no better option for hikers, runners, alpinists, and every type of outdoorsmen in-between. It’s arguably the most breathable windbreaker available.

For the latest iteration of this much-loved wind jacket, Patagonia ups the ante with a double-weave liner with next-to-skin comfort that trumps every other jacket on this list. The featherweight construction means you sacrifice some wind and rain protection. But, for hikers and runners looking for a near-perfect balance of packability, wind resistance, and price, it doesn’t get any better.

Read more: Best Patagonia Jackets

Gamma Lightweight Hoody Men's

If you’re looking for top-of-the-line performance, this lightweight windbreaker from Arc’teryx is decked out. The multi-layer fabric system has an abrasion resistant outer layer and mesh lining that allows airflow while blocking moisture. It is treated with a DWR, making it truly waterproof. The adjustable storm hood has a very high neck and visor-like panel that can be pulled back with an elastic drawstring, so you can keep water out during those torrential downpours. Stretchy cuff bindings and a drawstring adjustable waistband further create a wind-tight seal.

Along with protection from the elements, this jacket offers exceptional carrying capacity. Two hand pockets provide plenty of space for items like a wallet and keys, while two large zip-closure chest pockets are double the size compared to other windbreakers we tested. All four pockets are equipped with water-tight zipper seams to keep your stuff dry.

Flash Challenger Windbreaker

If you need an easy grab-and-go jacket for transitional weather and the occasional rainy, blustery day, Columbia has you covered with the Flash Challenger Windbreaker. Built from a thin polyester fabric, we found that it can handle light rain and a heavy breeze, but is not ideal for severe weather. Without a DWR treatment, water can seep through the fabric in heavy rain. Since there are no vents and the fabric isn’t super breathable, we do not recommend this one for high intensity or endurance workouts.

What this windbreaker lacks in technical performance, it more than makes up for in every-day functionality. With single layer construction, it packs up easily into any bag. There is ample carrying capacity from two zipper hand pockets and two interior mesh pouches. Since it has the loosest fit of any windbreaker we tested, you can easily layer anything from a hoodie to a blazer underneath.

Vital Ultralight Hoody

Rab’s Vital Ultralight Hoodie is arguably the most functional windbreaker on this list. Thanks to the unique Hyperlite nylon fabric, it blocks even the strongest winds. At just under five ounces, it’s incredibly packable for everything from day hiking (with a chance of showers) to afternoon trail running when you want to be prepared.

Elastic around the adjustable hood and the low-profile cuffs ensures a tighter, more wind-resistant fit. Perhaps best of all is the wealth of zippered pockets—a welcome change from most streamlined windbreaker designs.

Read more: Best Running Jackets for Men

Trail Model Rain Jacket

If protection from the rain is your primary concern, this is the windbreaker for you. L.L. Bean's proprietary DWR treatment, known as TEK shell, is on the outside and all the seams are taped on the inside. We didn't see a drop of water get through on multiple wears in heavy rain. Equipped with three-point elastic drawstring adjustment, as well as a velcro adjustment in the back, this is the most adjustable storm hood of any windbreaker we tested.

This lightweight, high performance windbreaker is ideal for life on and off the trail. Thanks to three exterior zip pockets and two interior mesh pockets, it has some of the best cargo space of any windbreaker we've tried. Coming in at just over 13 oz, it packs easily into a work bag, carry-on luggage, or trail pack. Any time heavy rain is in the forecast, this is the windbreaker you want to have on hand.

Read more: Best Rain Jackets for Men

Abisko Lite Trekking Jacket

Tipping the scales at just over one pound, this heavy duty windbreaker from Fjallraven sacrifices packability for durability. Panels covering the hood, front, and outer arm are made with a rip-stop fabric—with cross hash reinforcement running through it. That means the most exposed areas of your jacket are covered from the elements, as well as any snags. A lighter fabric, which has some stretch to it, is used on the back and inner arm panels. This cuts down on the overall weight and adds flexibility.

Off all the options we tested, the relatively heavy weight of this burly jacket offered the best protection against strong wind. However, it is not treated with a DWR, so it can get damp if you get stuck in a real downspout. As an alternative, Fjallraven designed this jacket so that it can be upgraded with a wax treatment, including the in-house Greenland Wax or any other variety. Just be aware, this will add a few extra ounces to the already heavy design.

Helium Wind Hooded Jacket

Hard-charging hikers and backcountry adventurers demand a lot from their gear. Outdoor Research’s latest Helium Wind Hooded Jacket is up to the task with its Pertex Diamond Fuse fabric. This unique form of ripstop nylon is extremely abrasion-resistant against brambles, branches, accidental tumbles, and repeated washes for years of use and abuse.

The fabric weave makes this windbreaker both thin and highly wind-resistant. Without a proper DWR treatment, it sacrifices some of the water resistance of its competitors. But, the packability, breathability, and durability—coupled with a roughly $120 price tag—make this one of the best windbreakers for budget-conscious outdoorsmen.

Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker

Cotopaxi crafts outdoor gear and apparel for the everyman, and its bold Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker is no exception. It’s a no-frills, non-technical option for windy morning jogs, blustery day hikes, or gusty afternoon beach walks.

Cotopaxi skips the typical nylon construction in favor of polyester taffeta with a PU backer. It offers solid wind resistance and decent water resistance, making it ideal for casual, low-key activities where you’re not planning on working up a serious sweat. We especially dig the brand’s bold, color-blocked style and very affordable price point at around $80.

Read More About Our Favorite Outerwear

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