We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Gusting winds may blow, but with the right windbreaker to shield you, being outside is a breeze. A good windbreaker can not only shield you from the wind, but also act as a quick fix in a sudden downpour and an emergency layer you can always have on hand.
Since 2015, our team of adventure-loving ladies has tested dozens of the best and most popular windbreakers on the market. We've worn them to summit mountains in summertime, to walk the dog in the fall, on African safaris in savannah winters, and to explore Icelandic coastlines in spring. From Caribbean downpours to North Atlantic squalls, these jackets have seen it all. No matter if you plan to roam the globe or head to the farmers' market, we can help you find your perfect windshell.
The best windbreaker on the market right now is the Rab Vital. This jacket blends a minimalist weight and breathability with everyday features like hand pockets and a brim, and is one of the most water-resistant models around.
The best budget-friendly model is the casual and practical Columbia Switchback IV. With convenient features like velcro-adjustable cuffs and a packable hood, it's a great option for everyday activities, yet still easy enough to pack that we never mind bringing it along just in case.
If you need the best breathability for high-octane activities, consider a running jacket instead. On the other hand, if you expect to encounter more intense elements, the added protection of a rain jacket may come in handy.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on August 20, 2025, after testing new models from Outdoor Research, Black Diamond, Columbia, Enlightened Equipment, and Champion, testing updated versions from Patagonia and Mountain Hardwear, and retesting models from Rab and Cotopaxi.
The Rab Vital Hoody offers a serious amount of protection from the elements in a relatively inexpensive jacket — a combination we're in love with. Its fabric is both one of the most wind-resistant and one of the most water-resistant in our test fleet. “It's one of my favorite options for biking or breezy yard work, and even for wearing over thicker underlayers,” our lead tester said. Its longer torso keeps you covered, and the hood features both an elastic rim and a wire-stiffened brim over your eyes. A unique snap flap above your sternum lets you fully unzip this jacket for serious ventilation without it falling off your shoulders while you run headfirst into the wind. It's also one of the lighter jackets we tested.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
4.1 oz (size S)
Material
Atmos woven nylon with fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment
Pockets
2 hand
Hood
Yes
Cuffs
Half elastic
Rab no longer offers stuff sacks for their jackets. They also removed the reflective logos that used to be on both the front and the back of this jacket, limiting your low-light visibility. These minor complaints aside, if you're looking for superior technical performance without the super-high price tag, this is the windbreaker for you.
The hood on the Rab Vital Hoody combines a secure, elastic rim and a wire-stiffened brim for added eye protection and a secure fit, delivering superior technical performance in challenging conditions.
If your gear wish list is long but your budget is tight, the Columbia Switchback IV offers great value. This versatile jacket offers solid wind protection for lots of casual activities. It's got all the basics, including adjustability on the hood and waist hem, wide, adjustable velcro-closure cuffs, and two zippered hand pockets. It has great wind resistance and a full-length internal storm flap behind the zipper. While it ranks in the heavier group of jackets we tested, the Switchback offers great packability, with a convenient water and stain-repellent coating.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
8.0 oz (size L)
Material
100% nylon with Omni-Shield
Pockets
2 hand
Hood
Yes
Cuffs
Velcro fasten
The Switchback IV isn't ultralight or particularly breathable. The interior of the jacket became noticeably wet quickly during medium to vigorous adventures. But for low-output activities — like running errands, boating, coasting on an electric bike, or riding in open-air vehicles — this jacket is a great fit. It's convenient, packable, and offers excellent wind resistance at a very affordable price.
The stowable hood on the Columbia Switchback IV unpacks easily for quick coverage. The storm flap behind the main zipper helps block wind from coming through the teeth on blustery days.
Remaining one of our favorite options for when keeping weight low matters most is the Patagonia Houdini. This impressively lightweight windbreaker continues to earn some of our highest ratings in wind resistance, weight, and packability. This piece has been around for years, which has allowed Patagonia to fine-tune the details to get a seriously impressive mix of function and weight savings. The Houdini compacts into a ridiculously lightweight 3.1-ounce package, sure to please even the most hardcore ultralight enthusiast. Despite this absurdly low weight, the Houdini is still impressively wind-resistant and withstood every adventure we wore it on, from climbing and mountain biking to trekking with mountain gorillas and boating across the Caribbean.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
3.1 oz (size S)
Material
100% nylon ripstop with DWR treatment
Pockets
1 chest
Hood
Yes
Cuffs
Half elastic
Of course, this impressively thin layer is a bit see-through, particularly in some of its lighter colors. This makes it not the best-looking model we tested. When layered thoughtfully, this does become less noticeable. And though it claims to have a DWR coating, it does still eventually get wet — and a little quicker than some others. It retails for less than a lot of less-impressive models in our lineup and has your back when you need to stay protected and still travel ultralight.
The Patagonia Houdini remains a top ultralight pick, combining exceptional wind resistance, weight savings, and packability in a refined 3.1-ounce design that performs across a wide range of demanding adventures.
The Fjallraven High Coast excels in wind protection and offers a plethora of spacious pockets, making it especially practical for everyday tasks like dog walks. The roomy pockets are perfect for stashing gloves, treats, or your phone on the go — or simply resting your hands on a casual jaunt. Its long length, adjustable hem and hood, and urban-chic design make it a stylish and functional choice for city outings, and its cotton-blend material feels cozy and comfortable even against your skin.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
10.0 oz (size S)
Material
54% polyamide, 46% cotton, wax coating
Pockets
2 hand, 1 chest
Hood
Yes
Cuffs
Elastic
While the High Coast offers excellent wind protection and standout style, it's not the most breathable option, and it isn't our first choice for things like biking, running, or strenuous hiking. The fabric also tends to saturate quickly in wet conditions, limiting its effectiveness in anything more than a light drizzle. Additionally, it's too bulky to be as easily packable as most other windbreakers with nylon shells. But if you want a comfortable and stylish jacket for casual, everyday wear, the Fjallraven has got you covered.
The Fjallraven High Coast Jacket pairs solid wind protection with generously sized pockets ideal for stashing essentials, making it a stylish, functional choice for dry, breezy days around town.
Credit: Kat Thompson
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Rab Vital Hoody
Patagonia Houdini
Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hooded
Outdoor Research Shadow Hoodie
Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Shirt
Fjallraven High Coast
Black Diamond Distance Shell
Columbia Switchback IV
Charles River Pack-n-Go Pullover
Champion Stadium Packable
Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip
Awards
Best Overall Windbreaker
Best Lightweight Adventure Windbreaker
Best Everyday Heavyweight Windbreaker
Best on a Budget
Weight
4.1 oz (size S)
3.1 oz (size S)
4.2 oz (size S)
4.8 oz (size M)
1.9 oz (size M)
10.0 oz (size S)
4.8 oz (size L)
8.0 oz (size L)
8.7 oz (size M)
8.6 oz (size M)
3.7 oz (size S)
Material
Atmos woven nylon with fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment
100% repurposed polyester taffeta with DWR treatment, with 600mm PU backer
Pockets
2 hand
1 chest
2 hand, 1 internal
1 chest, 2 hand
None
2 hand, 1 chest
1 chest
2 hand
1 kangaroo, 1 zippered pouch
1 kangaroo, 1 zippered pouch
1 kangaroo, 1 zippered pouch
Hood
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cuffs
Half elastic
Half elastic
Half elastic
Half elastic
Elastic
Elastic
Elastic
Velcro fasten
Elastic
Elastic
Elastic
Stuffs Into Pocket
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Safety Reflective Material
None
Reflective logo on front and back
Reflective logo on chest and back
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
Fit
Regular fit
Slim fit
Regular fit
Slim fit
Relaxed fit
Relaxed fit
Regular fit
Regular fit
Relaxed fit
Relaxed fit
Relaxed fit
How We Tested
Each season since 2015, we scour the market for promising new models to test alongside old favorites. Every jacket gets measured, scrutinized, compared, and tested in the lab and in the field. We use fans and hair dryers to test wind resistance and garden hoses to assess water resistance — in addition to wearing these jackets up peaks, on runs, while travelling, in the rain, and around town as much as possible for months. From kayaking and biking to walking the dog and adventuring across the globe, we strive to always bring you the most intriguing models and up-to-date information to help you find the perfect windbreaker for your favorite outdoor endeavors.
These jackets were tested and scored using five weighted performance metrics:
Wind Resistance (30% of overall score weighting)
Breathability (30% weighting)
Versatility (20% weighting)
Weight and Packability (10% weighting)
Water Resistance (10% weighting)
Be Prepared
It's important to always plan for the worst and expect the unexpected when heading outdoors. This includes packing a warm layer on a hot day and making sure your car has survival tools if you were to get stranded crossing a winter mountain pass or summer desert. A windbreaker is an excellent emergency layer and so absurdly useful you may find yourself wondering why you didn't buy one sooner.
Why Trust GearLab
Review Editor, Kat Thompson, brings her expertise and perspective to this review, testing these jackets across the globe—from the humid jungles of Rwanda to the rugged mountains of California's Central Coast. Logging dozens of trail miles in gusty conditions and during trail race training, she put each jacket through a wide range of real-world tests.
Senior Review Editor, Maggie Nichols, aided by her team of adventuring girlfriends, have also contributed to the extensive testing of this category. A seasoned backcountry guide of over 15 years, Maggie has professionally led backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing trips in some of the windiest locations around the world. She's been testing women's technical apparel and a ton of other adventure gear for GearLab since 2016.
We took these jackets around the globe in our pursuit to find the best for every situation.
Analysis and Test Results
Windbreakers are lighter, more breathable versions of rain jackets, offering some protection from the elements while keeping you quick and agile while you're out. We divided our testing into five metrics, weighting these scores based on their importance to choosing the right windbreaker.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We tested a wide variety of specialty and general-use windbreakers across a range of prices. Some offer incredible performance that we think is worth the extra cost, like the Patagonia Houdini. We've been repeatedly impressed with the Rab Vital Hoody technical performance, and its moderate price tag makes it a high-value pick. The Columbia Switchback IVis a simple, everyday jacket, with a reasonable price.
We tested these windbreakers in diverse conditions to assess their value across different uses.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Wind Resistance
Wind may be a breath of fresh air in warm weather, but as the temperatures drop, cold gusts can chill you very quickly. A trusty lightweight windbreaker jacket might make the difference between a fun outing and a miserable experience. Every model that we tested is wind resistant to a certain degree, but when gusts huffed and puffed and nearly blew the little pig's house down, we noticed some key differences in performance.
We were quite impressed with the wind resistance of the Rab Vital Hoody. It uses a highly wind-resistant material and is our top choice for seriously windy days (and even days that are colder than we'd recommend most windbreakers for). The Patagonia Houdini is also impressively wind-resistant, though its thinner fabric offers less insulation in truly cold winds. The Outdoor Research Shadow and Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell use slightly thicker fabric to help keep the winds at bay while remaining soft and pliable.
The OR Shadow has flexible and comfortable fabric and an elastic hood rim that are both very wind resistant and very comfortable.
Credit: Kat Thompson
If you completely lock your jacket down by tightening an adjustable hem, you minimize the amount of air that enters, keeping those gusts at bay and your body warmer overall. A draft flap behind or in front of the zipper and adjustable cuffs are other components that contribute to stopping the wind. Those features also add to the overall weight of the jacket.
Hood designs vary widely, with many offering rear adjustment points to cinch securely around your face for improved protection. The Patagonia Houdini hood stays securely in place and is also helmet compatible.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Not all hoods are created equally. Many offer adjustable points on the back to really cinch down around your face, like the Enlightened Equipment Copperfield and Black Diamond Distance. Others have cleverly integrated elastic along the rim, like the Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell and Outdoor Research Shadow. A few jackets take hood protection a step further. The Rab Vital hood combines a scuba fit with soft elastic on top with a wire-stiffened brim to help shield your eyes.
A few jackets elevate hood protection, like the Rab Vital, which pairs a scuba-style fit and soft elastic with a wire-stiffened brim for eye coverage, delivering impressive wind resistance despite its sheer fabric.
Credit: Kat Thompson
Breathability
A windbreaker that breathes with you as your exertion increases is like gold. The drier you stay, the more comfortable you'll be. Because windbreakers are designed to keep wind out, they are generally not great at letting air from the inside get out to keep you dry. Breathability is largely dictated by fabric type, though a few other features aid in this as well. We tested every model's breathability by wearing them during all kinds of activities, including long hikes, morning runs, kayaking, bike rides, multi-pitch climbs, and dog walks.
The Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell is one of the more breathable picks, and a great option for a more shirt-like feel. Because this gear category typically aims to cut weight, adjustable cuffs and pit vents are rarely included. Instead, cuffs are often lined with softer fabric to make them more comfortable to push up your sleeves. The Cotopaxi Teca and Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell both feature a fully elastic cuff made of wider, softer material than the rest of the jacket.
Other models incorporate hidden vents under flaps of fabric to keep you cooler without sacrificing too much in element protection. The Cotopaxi Teca features a long mesh strip between the two back panels. The Rab Vital Hoody offers impressive breathability during high-output activities by including a chest button that snaps under your neck, allowing you to unzip the jacket all the way without it falling off your shoulders — even during a run or climb. The Fjallraven High Coast also offers adjustable ventilation with a convenient two-way zipper.
The Fjallraven High Coast jacket is equipped with a two-way front zipper that allows for precise, user-controlled ventilation, enabling effective thermoregulation during varying levels of activity or shifting weather conditions.
Credit: Kat Thompson
Versatility
Certain features of a windbreaker jacket may increase versatility for one person but decrease it for another. For example, some jackets don't stuff into their own pockets - the Fjallraven High Coast, Enlightened Equipment, and the Rab Vital are among these, although the Vital is easy enough to stash into one of the hand pockets, just don't zip that zipper too far closed! You may not miss a stow pocket for everyday use, as you can simply hang these jackets in your closet, but for activities like backpacking or rock climbing, it could be a dealbreaker. Many of the lighter-weight models lack hand pockets and instead feature only a chest pocket, like the Patagonia Houdini and the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell
A hood adds some versatility (and warmth), and a few of the models we tested came with a helmet-compatible one. However, if the hood's drawstrings cinch down around the sides of the face, it tends to bring the material forward and obstruct your peripheral view. We prefer the Patagonia Houdini, Rab Vital, and Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell jackets because their hoods cinch at the back. This lets you pull the hood far enough back to keep your side vision angles wide and clear.
The Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell offers great protection with adjustability at the hem and on the hood with a single rear tightening point.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Another important aspect of versatility is a jacket's style. Some models that we love, like the Patagonia Houdini and Rab Vital Hoody, are great options for functionality, but their technical appearance makes them stand out when walking into the office on Monday morning or shopping the trendy new downtown area on a Saturday afternoon. We found that ultra-lightweight picks, like the Black Diamond Distance, were noticeably sheer, unless layered thoughtfully. Other models, like the Fjallraven High Coast and even the budget-friendly Columbia Switchback IV, are much more stylish and at home in situations where fashion is just as important as function.
With ample pocket space for dog-walking essentials, the Fjallraven High Coast combines everyday utility with a stylish design suited for settings where appearance is just as important as performance.
Credit: Kat Thompson
These jackets lose a little in certain areas of their performance, like weight and packability, but make great options for urban use. Two jackets stand out from the crowd in this respect, performing well enough for adventuring while looking cute enough for Sunday morning brunch — the Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell and the Outdoor Research Shadow. These two jackets take slightly different approaches to achieve their higher levels of versatility. The Kor AirShell drops more technical features like an adjustable hem and hood, and instead includes generally useful options like two zippered hand pockets and a sleek design that fits right into urban scenes. The OR Shadow maintains more technical features like an adjustable hem, but has a slimmer fit and style that also makes it a good choice for around town.
While these jackets trade off some weight and packability, the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie stands out with its blend of technical features and a slim, urban-friendly design that's equally suited for everyday wear and weekend adventures.
Credit: Kat Thompson
Packability
When traveling over long distances or in fast-and-light mode, the weight of your gear and how well it packs down become a priority. While the difference between the lightest and heaviest models that we tested is only a matter of ounces, when you can shed an ounce here or there from all of your gear, the difference adds up.
If you are trying to move efficiently in the mountains, weight is crucial. A lighter-weight model is more likely to end up in your pack or clipped to your harness than a heavier one, so consider your priorities when it comes to added features such as zippered pockets and cuff tabs, and decide if they are worth their weight.
The lightweight Patagonia Houdini packs down into an impressively small package. Patagonia sheds weight with this design's athletic fit, absurdly thin yet resistant fabric, and lack of certain features, like a zipper storm flap, hand pockets, and cuff tabs. Even more astounding is that this jacket doesn't sacrifice performance for these weight savings. If you love having hand pockets, you'll have to live with an extra ounce or two and go with something like the MH Kor AirShell or Rab Vital.
The women's windbreakers we tested covered a wide variety of weight and compressibility, ranging from ultra-light models that disappear into a pocket to more substantial options that prioritize durability and structure over minimal packed size. This range ensures there's something to suit everyone, whether you're chasing peak performance on the trail or just need a packable layer for daily errands.
Credit: Kat Thompson
The Cotopaxi Teca stands out for its low weight, but as this jacket can be made of a variety of different types of materials, it's difficult to say if the 3.7-ounce model we got is representative of the typical Teca weight.
If style takes priority over technical performance, the Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker offers great pocket space and a trendy, casual look that's perfect for errands or a laid-back dog walk.
Credit: Kat Thompson
Water Resistance
We conducted various tests to determine the water resistance of each windbreaker jacket. While none of these jackets are designed to hold up in a torrential downpour, many offer decent protection against light rain and intermittent showers. To properly assess this metric, we tested their resistance to becoming soaked, in addition to how quickly they dried once completely wet.
One of the most common ways to make a garment water-resistant is by applying a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. This is a water-repelling chemical coating applied by the manufacturer to the outer material of the garment. It works by beading up raindrops, causing the water to roll right off instead of saturating through the material. Other manufacturers have created proprietary materials made of blended fabrics with specific weaves that help water droplets roll off rather than soak in. And still, others rely on the natural properties of man-made materials like polyester (aka plastic) to create fabrics that don't soak up water easily or quickly.
DWR coatings don't last forever and need to be reapplied over time. You can increase the coating's longevity by keeping your jacket clean. Dirt particles interfere with their ability to bead water droplets. Once the coating is no longer working effectively, you can renew it with a product like Nikwax Tech Wash.
The windbreakers with thicker material and a DWR finish, like Rab Vital Hoody, are quite water repellent. The DWR coating and breathable fabric keep the jackets drier.
The Fjallraven High Coast delivers standout style, excellent wind protection, and generous storage, making it a great choice for low-output days, despite its bulkier build.
Credit: Kat Thompson
Conclusion
Windbreakers are a frequently underrated piece of gear that is truly an integral part of any outdoor adventurer's apparel. But knowing which jacket is best for you can be difficult. With considerations ranging from breathability, water resistance, and weight, the jacket you choose will ultimately depend on the climate in which you plan to wear it. We hope our review has steered you towards the jacket most suited to your needs.
No matter why you want to be outside, we've found the right windbreaker for you.
