Tested: 7 Best Windbreaker Jackets for Men

Certain, the typical windbreaker is usually thought of a glossy, sporty contact to any outfit, however there may be much more to it than that. Lots of the premier choices of its sort that you could be discover these days boast optimized insulation and meticulous composition, each of that are supposed to offer the proper wind-resistant jacket for at any time when you end up on the trails, on an early morning jog, or just meandering by means of town. Evidently, there are few items extra versatile than the quintessential nylon garment, so we rounded up a gradual assortment in our greatest males’s windbreaker jackets information.

How We Examined

With so many windbreaker choices accessible, we needed to provide you with a kind of system to whittle them right down to a choose few for testing. After scouring the market and revisiting a few of our favorite brands, we selected jackets based mostly on a couple of standards resembling materials building, aesthetic, value, water resistance, and different options resembling hood, elastic cuffs, and adjustable hems.

From there, we sourced our items for testing, spending time with every jacket to see how they regarded and, most significantly, how they felt, from consolation to suit to heat, and the whole lot in between. Our outcomes are detailed under.

Measurements: For reference, I’m 6’0″ tall and, for jackets, I put on a males’s XL. My physique sort is on the husky facet with broader shoulders, so I additionally choose jackets which can be a bit slimming, particularly across the stomach space. With jackets, I’m extra specific than most about hood match since I’ve lengthy hair that I often put on in a bun.

What to Look For

Operate: First off, you should resolve when and the place you’ll be sporting a windbreaker. When you plan on doing outside actions like mountaineering or climbing (and relying on the climate), you might have considered trying one thing thicker or abrasion-resistant. However in the event you’re going to be operating in city environments or simply sporting it casually, then one thing skinny and easy is greatest (except you’re operating in chilly climate, then you may want one thing insulated).

Materials: Ideally, windbreakers must be made with a primarily artificial mix of fabric (often nylon or polyester). For chilly climate variants, search for a lining made with a hotter material.

DWR: Whereas it’s not obligatory, a windbreaker jacket ought to have some kind of water resistance. The most typical model is DWR, which stands for Sturdy Water Resistance. This can be a sort of therapy added to your material which permits it to wick moisture.

Weight: This has a big half to do with the perform of the jacket – for chilly climate outside jackets, spring for one thing heavier. And for operating and informal windbreakers, you usually need one thing lighter and thinner.

Packability: That is one other consideration that has a big half to do with the way you’ll be utilizing the jacket. Most of the time, windbreakers will already be gentle and straightforward to pack, however many variants embody further storage choices, like packs or with the ability to stuff into the hood.

Stretch: Some variants will embody a little bit of stretch with added materials like elastane or by means of a weaving approach. So take note of the fabric breakdown if that’s one thing you do (or don’t) need.

Patagonia Houdini Jacket

Greatest Mountain climbing Windbreaker: Patagonia’s Houdini is likely one of the extra ubiquitous windbreakers round for its extremely accessible model, greater than fair price tag, and stable ripstop nylon building that’s good for hitting the path. So far as the “Houdini” moniker, the jacket encompasses a zippered chest pocket that converts right into a stuff sack, permitting it to carry out fairly the disappearing act. This one may not have the Pertex double weave of the discontinued Houdini Air however it additionally has a a lot cheaper price.

The Good

Extremely light-weight, the Patagonia Houdini does properly to stability sturdiness with its low profile, and with out being impractical in both regard; it’s nonetheless extremely efficient as a windbreaker. It’s additionally actually snug with a delicate really feel regardless of the complete nylon building.

I appreciated the reasonably clingy elastic cuffs which didn’t fall over my palms on their very own however may very well be stretched over them for extra warmth if wanted. Whereas some jackets have a tough time with their hood and hem cinches, the drawstrings on each make the most of a fast and easy-to-use twine that tightens and loosens shortly –– and with only one hand. I additionally liked the low-profile design of the jacket which was each slimming and spacious, but didn’t add further size or bagginess. Other than all of its technical advantages, the Houdini can be extremely inexpensive.

The Not So Good

Whereas the coat may be very packable, the jacket additionally wrinkles actually simply, which can undoubtedly occur when stuffing it into your bag for prolonged durations. Nevertheless, my greatest grip with the Houdini is the shortage of pockets. There’s a single zippered chest pocket, which may very well be a bit extra spacious, though it does have room on each the left and proper sides of the opening. Nevertheless, for a mountaineering windbreaker, there must be no less than one or two on the waist. Particularly contemplating Patagonia’s knack for pocket design, these may very well be useful when traversing with further gear like keys, glasses, or different ancillary items. The dearth of pockets additionally hinders its means for use as a non-hiking windbreaker as properly.

Verdict: Patagonia’s Houdini is an icon for a cause –– specifically its easy design, light-weight profile, and sturdiness. We liked the elastic cuffs and drawstring perform on the hood and hem, though we want there have been extra pockets than the one chest compartment. Nonetheless, the pricing of the jacket is excellent, making this a no brainer in the event you’re seeking to get the very best bang on your buck.

The North Face Greater Run Wind Jacket

Greatest Efficiency Windbreaker: It’s not possible to go fallacious with something from the famend Northern California label — and we imply something. Constructed to battle winds and supply an unencumbered expertise, the Greater Run Wind Jacket makes good use of the model’s patented WindWall material (designed to cut back wind chill), all of the whereas remaining light-weight with its DWR-coated recycled polyester plain weave. The jacket additionally has a two-way entrance zipper for air flow choices, making it an excellent choice for operating or health club exercises, or even hiking.

The Good

In comparison with the equally budget-friendly Patagonia Houdini above, the Greater Run Wind Jacket from The North Face has the suitable variety of pockets for each health club and everyday wear. There’s a sizeable zippered mesh pocket on the chest plus two open hand pockets on the waist which provide extra of a low-key informal look to the jacket as properly. Whereas the elastic cuffs may very well be a bit clingier round my wrists, the hem drawstring is one other that’s simple to make use of, albeit it requires two fingers to function. I’ll say although, the sleeves are a bit too roomy for my liking.

However, I liked the hood which was roomy sufficient for all of my hair but grippy sufficient that it wasn’t transferring round on my brow. Some may not love the shortage of hood adjustment right here however I didn’t suppose it was all that mandatory. It’s additionally essential to say the look of the windbreaker, which faucets into TNF’s knack for colour and design.

The Not So Good

As I discussed, the sleeves may be too spacious for some customers and the hood lacks any kind of adjustment functionality which can be a problem for some, though I didn’t have any downside with it. In the meantime, the aspect that gave me essentially the most points was the two-way zipper, which was troublesome to interact every time I tried to zip the jacket up.

For testing, we went with the burgundy and high-vis orange colorway, which transposed properly to a number of actions. Nevertheless, I want there have been extra colour variants accessible. As of penning this, there are solely two on the corporate’s web site.

Verdict: Fashionable and performative whether or not you’re figuring out or hanging out, the Greater Run Wind Jacket from The North Face is a straightforward but engaging windbreaker. We liked the trio of pockets and the roomy but low-profile hood, although it lacked adjustment functionality. Nevertheless, the zipper gave us some points. We additionally want there have been extra colorways accessible since TNF does these variants so properly.

Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell

Greatest for Journey: When packing your luggage for an extended trip, you’ll need to search for a couple of issues in a travel-ready windbreaker: light-weight packability, a flexible aesthetic, and luxury. You may not know each exercise you’ll embark upon in your new locale so it’s essential to choose a jacket that may serve you properly throughout the board. Mountain Hardwear has simply the decide in its Kor Airshell, not too long ago up to date for an improved match and mobility with raglan sleeves and gusseted underarms. It’s constructed utilizing 20D of Pertex Quantum Air, which blends recycled and non-recycled nylon ripstop material for a heat, dry, and breathable expertise.

The Good

Greater than any light-weight windbreaker we tried out, the Kor Airshell had essentially the most agreeable match, which is ideal for sporting for lengthy durations. This gained’t be as light-weight as, say, the Patagonia or Out of doors Analysis jackets however it additionally offers you some further thickness for each heat and accessibility. It doesn’t seem like it’s completely for the outside or figuring out. I liked the versatility of the silhouette which sports activities an accessible but easy look that’s good for both an outerlayer or mid-layer.

Whereas the jacket doesn’t have an abundance of pockets (there are solely two zippered compartments), the pair that it does have are greater than ample. They’re positioned on the waist and located in the direction of the facet of the torso to make further room inside. Other than the roomy inside, the material is delicate to the contact, inside and outside. It even holds as much as wetter circumstances. Though the model doesn’t checklist DWR anyplace on the product web page, water definitely depraved off the Pertex material higher than it did on most others on this checklist.

The Not So Good

Just like the North Face windbreaker above, the Kor Airshell ditches the hood adjustment however, once more, doesn’t actually need it. Admittedly, the tight hood is a bit aggressive although, which is improbable for holding the winds out in tandem with the excessive chin guard however this additionally loses some informal attraction for the jacket. It’s additionally essential to notice that this jacket doesn’t have a hem cinch which solely turns into a problem as a result of the hem lacks a sure elasticity for holding air out, as do the cuffs. When happening Mountain Hardwear’s web site, it will seem to be they’re phasing out the Kor Airshell, maybe in anticipation of a more moderen model which will add a few of these options.

Verdict: The Kor Airshell from Mountain Hardwear gained’t provide the basic hem adjustment and the aggressive hood is extra technical than trendy, however that is nonetheless an all-around engaging windbreaker that’s hotter than it appears to be. We liked the general look, the inside consolation, and the simplicity of the silhouette, together with its spacious pocket design. If you’d like one thing that may be worn for lengthy durations of time, and in a number of conditions, that is the one to contemplate.

Out of doors Analysis Males’s Helium Rain Jacket

Greatest Rain Windbreaker: Out of doors Analysis was began by nuclear physicist and outdoorsman Ron Gregg in 1981, after malfunctioning gear brought on his good friend to tragically move in Denali. Gregg would go on to design durable gear backed by analysis, American manufacturing, and environmental consciousness. So you’ll be able to belief that this jacket is made with care, together with Pertex Defend Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer material, making it totally waterproof. It’s breathable, has an elastic drawcord and wrist cuffs, and it may be simply packed away into the chest pocket.

The Good

For these conversant in the Out of doors Analysis Helium Down Jacket (one in every of my private favorites), the Helium Rain Jacket is far totally different in perform but possesses the identical glossy, barely shiny design language that just about makes you neglect that these are outdoor-ready items of drugs. Regardless of being a windbreaker for moist climate, the Helium Rain Jacket has a extremely stylish silhouette with a lot of versatility.

Operate-wise, that is about as waterproof of a windbreaker as you’ll discover. Most conventional windbreakers are gentle and breezy, whereas rain jackets are typically a lot thicker. Nevertheless, the Pertex Defend Diamond Fuse is bolstered by YKK Aquaguard zippers and an adjustable billed hood, though I don’t suppose it wants the adjustment twine. Even the one chest pocket has the water resistant zipper (it additionally has a key leash inside and doubles as a stuff sack). Thoughts you, this gained’t be the most waterproof jacket round however it is going to be the very best waterproof windbreaker you’ll discover.

The Not So Good

There are a couple of complaints I had with the Helium Rain Jacket however they shouldn’t completely flip you off from the windbreaker. For one, the cuffs, whereas technically elastic, don’t do their job all that properly; they constantly fall over my palm. Secondly, there’s just one pocket right here, albeit one which’s stylishly positioned and really helpful. Nevertheless, this may have an effect on the flexibility of the jacket’s perform. I additionally didn’t love the place of the waist drawstring, which was out of attain for each of my fingers, but required each of my fingers to correctly function. Additionally, watch out for the waxy inside coating of the material, which some may not love towards their pores and skin.

Verdict: Regardless of solely having one pocket and another minor detractions, the Out of doors Analysis Helium Rain Jacket is an outstanding choice for moist climate with out being too cumbersome. It’s trendy, surprisingly versatile, and fairly darn snug besides. That is the one true rain jacket on this checklist for a cause.

Black Diamond Deploy Wind Shell

Greatest for Path Working: When you’re operating by means of the woods, excessive winds gained’t simply sluggish you down however may simply be downright uncomfortable. Billed because the lightest wind shell on the earth at simply 48g (1.7oz), the Deploy Wind Shell from Black Diamond is improbable while you’re making an attempt to maneuver shortly. Geared up with a waist cinch, elastic cuffs, and a YKK Tremendous Light-weight zipper, the three-quarter-zip windbreaker can be standard with backpackers and commuters for apparent causes. Skinny however comparatively heat, this mannequin is constructed from 5D ripstop nylon with DWR coating for further protection in gentle drizzles.

The Good

Extra akin to a plastic bag poncho than a conventional windbreaker, the Black Diamond Deploy Wind Shell is well the lightest on this checklist, and one of many lightest windbreakers you’ll ever discover. Whereas it gained’t be optimum for colder winds, the jacket was nonetheless surprisingly heat. And it’ll preserve you snug with out including hardly any weight to your physique. It additionally balls up extremely small for straightforward packing (though look ahead to wrinkles if that’s gonna be a problem for you). It’s so skinny and small that I mistook it for a baggie in my backpack at first.

Roomy to a fault, the jacket can be lengthy sufficient to cowl most of your rear. It’s a three-quarter zip, which means the underside fourth stays collectively it doesn’t matter what. That is good for while you need your jacket to be principally open however not by accident come completely unzipped. Other than path operating, this windbreaker can be a stable choice for backpacking and mountaineering normally.

The Not So Good

You’ll immediately discover the shortage of hood on the Deploy Wind Shell, which may be a problem for some. However once more, this isn’t optimum for chilly winds so chill in your neck gained’t be as a lot of an issue in the event you’re utilizing this correctly. I additionally want to say that there are actually no pockets on this windbreaker –– the one on this checklist –– which suggests you’ll want some kind of waist belt or stash pouch in the event you’re path operating with this.

Whereas I liked the spaciousness of the coat, the sleeves are a bit lengthy. Fortunately, the elastic cuffs are more practical than most and keep above my palms. Additionally, in the event you’re transferring quite a bit, the jacket is sort of noisy. I wasn’t personally irritated by all of the thwifting however these round you may be.

Verdict: Maybe not the warmest or most sturdy jacket round, the Deploy Wind Shell from Black Diamond nonetheless advantages from its ripstop nylon material and is extraordinarily light-weight at simply 1.7oz. You gained’t get a hood or any pockets however this jacket offers you protection with its lengthy adjustable hem, elastic cuffs, and three/4-zip entrance.

Arc’teryx Solano

Greatest Improve: Whereas Arc’Teryx has earned insurmountable credit score for aiding within the new-age ‘Gorpcore’ development, the model has been round for for much longer than many even know. Courting again to 1989, the Canadian designers have managed to do no fallacious, and its Solano is an encapsulation of the model’s prowess. Serving as one in every of Arc’teryx’s extra top-shelf items from a windbreaker perspective, the jacket boasts a flexible design, a four-way stretch polyester, and a GORE-TEX INFINIUM membrane that’s waterproof, breathable, and even windproof. Not solely that however it’s accessible in a wide range of colorways to suit your wardrobe.

The Good

Regardless of their greater value tags, Arc’teryx at all times does an excellent job with creating accessible, versatile silhouettes with severe outside utility, and the Solano isn’t any totally different with its matte shell accessible in seven totally different colorways and its much less aggressive design ethos. One distinctive, however small, element is the addition of the elastic cuffs solely on the underside in order that they don’t disrupt the general look of the coat.

Whether or not you’re mountaineering, commuting, or operating your every day errands, the three zippered pockets –– two on the waist and one on the within of the opening –– are good for storing gear or different equipment. I liked the longer hem on this windbreaker, which is supplemented by a dual-sided adjustment twine, which made it very easy to cinch up in comparison with different jackets with single-sided drawstrings that require a little bit of reaching to function two-handed. Arguably the warmest windbreaker on this information, the jacket regarded quite slimming when zipped all the way in which up. Likewise, the shell is likely one of the extra sturdy we examined as properly, as apparent to the contact.

The Not So Good

$300 is quite a bit for a windbreaker however this price ticket is considerably par for the course for Arc’teryx. However as I stated, the options and building strategies listed here are appropriately top-notch. And but, there could also be a few notable downsides to contemplate earlier than buying. Just like the Black Diamond Deploy, the Solano has no hood, which removes this from consideration for wet days. Additionally, the sleeves are a bit lengthy, which acquired in my approach various occasions when reaching into my pants pockets and consuming.

Verdict: Not everybody shall be prepared to spring for a $300 windbreaker however the Arc’teryx Solano just isn’t a nasty choice in the event you select to take action. You’ll get the model’s knack for versatile and accessible aesthetics, supreme building strategies and materials utilization, and another good touches such because the dual-sided hem drawstrings. You gained’t get a hood or agreeable sleeves however that is nonetheless a stable choice for a myriad of actions.

Vollebak Race to Zero Jacket

Greatest Premium Windbreaker: Bar none, Vollebak is likely one of the extra modern manufacturers in the marketplace. The British band of adventurers’ Race to Zero jacket serves as a becoming piece to totally show what makes them so particular. For starters, it’s the model’s lightest jacket by a mile and is constructed to endure a lot of them — miles, that is. The remarkably gentle 85-gram jacket was crafted with ultramarathon runners in thoughts and options 27 laser-cut vents for optimized breathability whereas nonetheless managing to stay water-repellent and impressively windproof — it’s a windbreaker, on the finish of the day.

The Good

Among the best-looking windbreakers when not zipped up, the Vollebak Race to the End Jacket has a easy but unique design language, and advantages from the model’s lack of overt branding like at all times. I additionally love how the model optimizes its materials. Right here, the inside is extremely delicate but there’s little doubt about how sturdy the nylon is. I additionally love how properly the hood stays put, even when the coat isn’t zipped up.

Surprisingly heat identical to the Arc’teryx above, this windbreaker additionally doesn’t overheat in any respect. It additionally sports activities an extended lower for the hem, falling under the rear. Nevertheless, this jacket doesn’t seem like it’s overly lengthy both. Much like the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell, the pockets are quite spacious and properly positioned in the direction of the outer a part of the torso with a view to maximize that inside house.

The Not So Good

Anybody conversant in Vollebak’s excellent merchandise is properly conscious of the heightened pricing. But there aren’t actually any severe causes to avoid the jacket in any other case. And the few complaints that I do have are minor. Just like the Arc’teryx Solano, this coat places its elasticity on the underside of the cuffs however I nearly didn’t discover it at first for the reason that cuffs are a bit unfastened to start with, thus rendering the elastic band moot. Fortunately, the sleeves aren’t lengthy sufficient to get in the way in which. And likewise, I nearly anticipated perhaps yet one more pocket from Vollebak, however there are nonetheless three to work with right here.

Verdict: You gained’t go for the Vollebak Race to the End Jacket in the event you’re wanting to avoid wasting cash however that is nonetheless the most suitable choice when you have a big price range. From materials optimization to hood design to pocket building, this running-focused windbreaker hardly misses a step. And better of all, it weighs simply 3oz!

Windbreaker Comparability Chart

What’s a windbreaker?

Whereas windbreakers have been a outstanding trend selection relationship again to the ’70s, a decade paradoxically connoted with each rising environmental cognizance and figuratively washing the hippie motion away, the light-weight protecting jacket model can hint its roots again centuries. They’re historically made with light-weight artificial materials and have an elastic waistband and/or arms. And with new developments, many windbreakers are actually extraordinarily light-weight and will be simply packed away.

When do you have to put on a windbreaker?

Although primarily crafted to tackle chilly winds and a light-weight drizzle (by itself throughout hotter seasons and as a layer for colder circumstances), the trendy market dictates that the ever present garment can supply far more than mere wind safety. What’s usually been known as the quintessential layer for spring doesn’t have to be worn solely by means of the hotter months nowadays, as numerous notable manufacturers are manufacturing top-notch windbreakers for the sake of annual put on and elemental safety. And with all of the choices accessible right this moment, you’ll find a windbreaker for mountaineering, operating, climbing, and the whole lot in between. So the query isn’t actually about when it’s best to put on one, however about which one fits your wants.

Honorable Mentions

It may not have as many options as premium windbreakers however the Le Rai 3.0 Leon from K-Way is a glossy anorak that serves as a trendy and optimum entry-level piece that’s simply packable and waterproof. For added comfort, Okay-Approach’s garment is rounded out with an adjustable hood, in addition to the model’s signature striped element alongside the zipper for some added aptitude.

Cotopaxi has arguably the very best use of colour of any outside clothes firm and this Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker isn’t any exception. At simply $80, this light-weight windbreaker packs into its personal entrance pocket.

Salomon is a model that’s made a powerful crossover between the outside and streetwear. And whereas the Agile Wind Jacket is a trendy and inexpensive choice, we merely appreciated different windbreakers just a little higher.

One other notable sub-$100 jacket comes from Rab, a model recognized for efficiency shells. Nevertheless, the model of the Vita Windshell Hooded Jacket didn’t actually communicate to us, nor did it do something actually totally different than the others at this value vary.

Examined: The Greatest Mountain climbing Jackets for Males

Windbreakers will be nice for mountaineering however if you would like a coat that’s extra purpose-built for the paths, try our examined information to the best hiking jackets round.