Patagonia Airshed Pro Review

Bottom Line

The Patagonia Airshed Pro is a unique windbreaker that blurs the lines between a lightweight shirt and wind wind-resistant shell. With a body made of wind-resistant Pertex Quantum Air and the hood and arms made of recycled polyester, the Airshed Pro feels like a shirt – but with the protection of a windbreaker. This unique combination makes it one of our favorite windbreakers for high-output activities like trail runs and mountain hikes.

Tested on trail runs and hikes in temperatures in the low forties and mid-thirties, the Airshed Pro is a great layer to wear for high-exertion activities in moderately cold temperatures. Fitting more like a shirt than a jacket, the Airshed Pro is very slim and comfortable enough on the skin to be worn as a standalone layer. However, the slim cut makes layering over anything more than a baselayer impossible.

The Airshed Pro is one of the most breathable windbreakers in our lineup. We never felt clammy or overly sweaty while running for hours in this jacket thanks to its extreme breathability. A windstop body, combined with Patagonia’s stretchable and comfortable Capilene material in the arms makes it airy and light. This extreme breathability comes at the price of its wind resistance. Only wind-resistant in the body, wind easily passes through the hood and arms. This may not be the best jacket to take out on the windiest days, but it is a great one to wear on cooler runs for light protection.

How We Tested

Over two months, we wore the Patagonia Airshed Pro on hikes and runs as well as backcountry and cross-country ski trips to field test its performance in multiple conditions. Our tests consisted of real-world exposure to the wind and elements. We also used a blow drier to test wind resistance and also completed a one-hour run while intentionally overdressed to test its breathability and moisture management.

Wind & Weather Resistance

The Airshed Pro is designed to be either a standalone layer or worn over a light baselayer to provide additional wind resistance. It blurs the lines between shirt and jacket while tipping more towards a heavily built shirt. 

The body is made with Pertex Quantum Air, a completely windproof taffeta nylon. While taking this jacket out on a blustery shoulder season trail run, it became apparent that the Airshed Pro does not hold up on truly windy days. The body provides full wind resistance, but the wind quickly and easily penetrates through the arms and hood. Made from double-knit Capilene, those areas lack any kind of wind resistance. 

Even though it’s treated with a DWR finish, the Airshed Pro quickly wets through on windy days. Good enough to throw on as you head out the door for a jog or to stuff in your running vest, the Airshed Pro does not provide the full coverage needed on windy days with long exposure to a cold breeze.

Breathability

The Airshed Pro stands out to us as one of the most breathable windbreakers we have tested. Although we noticed our back became wet with sweat while running with a vest, the quick-dry material quickly evaporates away any excess perspiration. 

The standout feature of this jacket is the breathable Capilene Cool fabric found in the arms and hood. This is the same fabric Patagonia uses on many of their base layers and sun shirts. The arms and hood are both extremely breathable and vent all sweat and excess heat quickly. Furthermore, the sleeves are stretchy allowing them to be pushed up on the forearms for increased venting and comfort. We also appreciated the double zipper to allow for a customizable opening on the chest of the jacket.

Weight & Packability

With a manufacturer-stated weight of 4 ounces and a measured weight of 3.5 ounces (men’s medium), the Airshed Pro is reasonably light – but not the lightest in our lineup. Still, a 3.5-oz weight is light enough that it’s hardly noticeable in a pack or running vest. We love that it zips into its chest pocket to make it extremely packable. We shoved this small bundle into running vests, belts, and even coat pockets for quick and easy deployment.

Comfort & Fit

The Patagonia Airshed Pro fits more like a shirt than it does a jacket. Its slim cut means that layering over anything more than a baselayer is impossible. However, it is comfortable and trim enough that it can be worn directly on the skin as a stand-alone layer. The Capilene Cool sleeves are comfortable and soft on the skin – like a t-shirt – and the wind-resistant body lacks the uncomfortable trash bag feel of more traditional wind jackets. You won’t be wearing this jacket over a mid-layer or vest like others we tested, but it’s perfect for aerobic outings where a light layer add a little more warmth.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Airshed Pro?

The Airshed Pro is perfect for trail runners, climbers, or anyone needing a light wind shell for aerobic outings. It’s a great layer for mild cold and shoulder season temperatures – either worn over a baselayer or directly on the skin. We love the comfort and breathability of the Capilene Cool arms and hood. However, wind quickly passes through those areas, and the DWR finish won’t prevent the jacket from wetting through quickly with any precipitation. The Airshed Pro is a high-tech wind layer perfect for those embarking on aerobic outings with brief exposure to the elements.

What Other Windbreaker Should You Consider?

Head to our gear guide, to see the full lineup of best windbreakers.

Montbell Tachyon Review: Similarly breathable, the Tachyon is even lighter than the Airshed Pro but offers more features like zipped hand pockets and is fully windproof.

Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Review: If lightweight is what you’re after, then you can’t get much lighter than the Copperfield.

Patagonia Houdini Review: With better wind and weather resistance and a slightly roomier fit, the Houdini is a slightly more versatile option than the Airshed Pro.