Getting the right windbreaker for your outdoor adventures is no walk in the park. Although these jackets tend to be lightweight, they also offer moderate warmth and protection against light rain. Windbreaker jackets serve to protect you from windy weather when it rains outside. They can be an excellent option for warm seasons and for layering in the colder months.
What is the Best Windbreaker Jacket?
We have compiled for you the top 3 Best Windbreaker Jacket in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with windbreaker coat and having used several windbreaker jackets you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about windbreaker jackets.
1. Columbia Rain Jacket Men’s Watertight II
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.8 pounds (0.36 kg) Shell Material: 100% Nylon Lining Material: 100% Polyester |
The Columbia Men’s Watertight II Rain Jacket is a lightweight windbreaker that is ideal for keeping you warm when outside. It features a water-resistant nylon outer shell with Omni-Shield treatment that allows it to dry quickly and a polyester mesh inner lining that wicks away moisture to prevent cold sweats. The windbreaker jacket comes with velcro adjustable cuffs to keep it secure, and seam-sealed construction helps to prevent cold air from penetrating in. It has a front zip closure with zip flaps to protect water from penetrating the zippers and two side pockets with zips to store keys and phones. The jacket is also ideal for layering on top of other sweaters.However, due to its popularity, there are several fake Columbia windbreakers in the market, but they are easy to spot. The fakes lack the packable tag in the inner side pockets, and they have a taped Columbia logo sticker on the sleeves instead of an embroidered logo.It also features a generous adjustable hood with drawstrings to completely cover your face and hair. However, the sizes run a bit small, so make sure to get one size up to avoid returning it. The Columbia Men’s Watertight II Rain Jacket is my top choice for an effective windbreaker.
Pros
- The Omni-shield repels moisture and dries quickly,
- Water-resistant nylon shell with polyester mesh inner lining,
- Features an abrasion-resistant chin guard,
- Elastic cuffs and hem provide a snug fitting
Cons
- There some fakes in the market,It is not waterproof,Zippers get stuck on the zipper flaps
2. MARMOT Men’s Minimalist Jacket
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.9 pounds (0.41 kg) Material: 100% Polyester |
The Marmot Men’s Minimalist Jacket is my premium choice for a lightweight windbreaker. It features Gore-Tex construction that is durable and windproof, while the Paclite technology allows the Gore-Tex fabric to have better breathability.Gore-Tex is a waterproof material that delivers high performance in heavy downpours. However, some users have noted that their jackets are not waterproof, and it may indicate that there are low-quality fakes in the market. The Marmot jacket also features a chest pocket with a water-resistant zipper to hold small items like phones and two zippered side pockets to keep your hands warm during the cold. It also comes with an adjustable hoodie with cinch cords to cover your head. This jacket is an excellent option for hiking, running, and camping.
Pros
- Waterproof with Gore-Tex construction,
- It is lightweight and foldable for easy packability,
- Pit zips increase airflow and comfort,
- Tapered seams prevent water from leaking through
Cons
- It is not waterproof,No inner lining for insulation,The sizes run a bit small
3. Champion Packable Quarter-Zip Jacket
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.2 pounds (0.09 kg) Material: 100% Polyester Micro Poplin Fabric |
The Champion Packable Quarter-Zip Jacket is a lightweight, thin and wind-resistant jacket. It is made with polyester material which is breathable to regulate your body temperature while outdoors. The material is water-resistant, despite the noise it makes when you move.Unlike other windbreakers on the list, the Champion is a pullover jacket with a quarter zip closure. However, it is harder to take off than a full-zipper closure wind coat, especially if it is wet. The elastic cuffs on the sleeves provide a snug fit, while the two deep side pockets will keep your hands warm. This windbreaker jacket is suitable for layering with other sweaters underneath to keep you warm since it lacks an inner lining. The Champion Packable Quarter-Zip Jacket is my budget pick and is ideal for hiking and running.
Pros
- It features a hoodie for extra protection,
- The pull-over front design prevents water from leaking through,
- Large kangaroo pocket at the front,
- It is compact and easily packable
Cons
- No inner lining to keep you warm,The jacket has a tarp-like feel that is noisy,It has wide sleeves
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of windbreaker jackets and decided that 3 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Windbreaker Jacket is Columbia Rain Jacket Men’s Watertight II which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider MARMOT Men’s Minimalist Jacket as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Champion Packable Quarter-Zip Jacket is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying windbreaker jackets
Overview
There are several factors to consider when buying a windbreaker. These jackets are made with light material to protect you from the wind and light rains, and they often come with elastic bands at the wrists and waist to secure it on your body.Below are some features that will help you make the right choice when purchasing a windbreaker jacket.
What is a WindBreaker Jacket?
A windbreaker is a lightweight coat that protects you from wind and light rain by preventing heat loss from your body, thus keeping you warm. Unlike most rain jackets, you can wear a windbreaker jacket all year round.
Wind Resistance
Windbreakers are also known as windcheaters due to their wind-resistance abilities. The wind-resistance is measured in terms of CFM- cubic feet per minute per square meter. A lower CFM rating means a higher wind resistance performance. However, elevated wind resistance also means reduced breathability because the fabric will be less air permeable. The typical softshell windbreaker will have a CFM rating of between 10 – 5 CFM to be considered very wind resistant.
Water Resistance
Quality windbreakers not only protect you from strong winds but also light rains. The outer layer of a windcheater jacket is made of softshell material coated with DWR – durable water repellent coating. This water- repellent treatment causes rainwater to bead up and fall off the coat when it rains, leaving you dry. Over time, the DWR coating may wear off and diminish the water-repellent capability. However, washing and drying your jacket will reactivate the DWR, and you can reapply the treatment using DWR sprays in the market.
Warmth
Most windbreaker coats are made of light softshell materials. Although these materials make the jacket suitable for all seasons, they do not provide warmth. However, insulated windbreakers made for cold seasons feature an outer polyester material with an inner cotton lining to keep you warm. These windcheaters are also heavier and bulkier due to the lining.
Weight and Packability
When buying a windbreaker jacket, consider lightweight materials such as nylon for running or carrying in a hike in case of heavy rains. They are foldable and fit in small backpacks without adding extra weight. For alpine environments, it is necessary to stay warm, and tricot coats are the most ideal because of their heavy materials.
Breathability
The best windbreakers should be breathable to reduce sweating inside your coat while you are active. Most windbreaker jackets feature a single thin nylon layer of material that easily lets air through while keeping you dry. Tricot fabric is a soft and breathable lining material that allows air flow while keeping you warm. On the other hand, polyester fabric is an absorbent material that makes for a breathable windcheater with a cooling effect. It is ideal for running and mountain climbing.
Features
Most windbreaker jackets come with extra features depending on their functionality. Some coats have adjustable hoods to protect your hair, face, and ears, while others feature elastic hems and cuffs for a secure fitting.Generally, windbreakers feature a chest pocket that doubles up as the storage bag, and bright colors for visibility. However, hiking windbreakers come with multiple pockets for small items and have many adjustable features.
Fit and Sizing
To find the best windbreaker for your outdoor activities, consider checking out a size chart. If you are tall, you can measure your chest and body length to determine if you fit in a size small, medium, or large according to the size chart. When trying on a windbreaker, make sure the jacket’s sleeves are right above your wrists, and the hem ends at the waist. Moving your arms around should be effortless to allow room for any activity you will be doing outdoors like hiking and running.
Questions and Answers About windbreaker jackets
Are windbreakers in style?
Yes, windbreakers are popular, especially among campers, cyclists, and hikers. These jackets are lightweight, windproof, and water-resistant, which are useful for wind and light rains. However, modern rain jackets also come with the same features and they are more stylish than windbreakers.
Can I wash a windbreaker?
Yes, you can wash your windbreaker when it needs a deep cleaning. You will put it in the washing machine and run a gentle cycle. Put the jacket inside a lingerie bag when washing it so that it does not get messed up. Generally, you can wipe down your jacket after use and only deep clean it when necessary.
How do I clean and maintain my windbreaker jacket in good condition?
Avoid washing your windbreaker with bleach and fabric softener, so that it lasts longer. To reactivate the DWR coating for waterproofing, tumble dry for 20 minutes after the machine wash. Make sure not to mix with other colors when washing and air dry after the wash.
Are Windbreakers good for summer?
No, windbreakers are not ideal for the summer seasons. However, they can be suitable for chilly summer nights and light summer rains when out on excursions.
Is a Windbreaker similar to a Rain Jacket?
A windbreaker jacket’s primary function is to protect against strong winds. On the other hand, the rain jacket’s purpose is to protect against light and heavy rains. However, some windcheaters like the Arcadia II Jacket can perform both functions at once because it is both water and wind-resistant.
