Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2025

When the wind is howling at the summit or the lakeside, a windbreaker jacket will make a huge difference in your comfort. Over the last five years, we’ve researched and tested over 30 of the best windbreakers on the market. We’ve taken our top picks on thru-hikes, overnights, and day trips to determine which ones are the most weather resistant, breathable, packable, and comfortable. Our guide to the best windbreaker jackets highlights and ranks our favorites for this year.

And for more info, check out some of our other most popular gear guides:

Quick Picks for Windbreakers

Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best Windbreaker Overall: Arc’teryx Squamish Men’s ($220) / Women’s ($220)

Best Lightweight Windbreaker: Patagonia Houdini Men’s ($109)  / Women’s ($109)

Super Breathable & Packable Windbreaker: Montbell Tachyon Mens ($139) / Women’s ($139)

Highly Protective Windbreaker for Cold Weather: Ortovox Windbreaker Men’s ($185)  / Women’s ($185)

Great Value Windbreaker: Rab Vital Windshell Men’s ($95) / Women’s ($95)

Most Protective & Durable Windbreaker: Black Diamond Alpine Start Men’s ($185)  / Women’s ($185)

Highly Breathable Windshirt: Patagonia Airshed Pro Men’s ($139) / Women’s ($139)

Best Budget Windbreaker: Cotopaxi Teca Men’s ($80)  / Women’s ($80)

Ultralight Windbreaker for Die Hard Gram Counters: Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Men’s ($120) / Women’s ($120)

How We Test & Methodology

We assessed each windbreaker jacket for weather resistance, breathability, weight and packability, and comfort and fit.

WEATHER RESISTANCE

Field testing is at the core of every one of our metrics. We brought every jacket out into wind, rain, and snow to test how well it protected us from the elements. We finished our testing with an at-home test where we held a blow dryer on full blast to each jacket to be able to compare each jacket’s wind resistance in a controlled setting.

BREATHABILITY

When using each jacket on hikes, runs, and skis, we noted any clamminess or sweat build up. We also wore the jacket for an hour run while intentionally overdressed to see how well the jacket vented excess perspiration.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

We weighed every windbreaker jacket in our gear guide to compare it to the manufacturer’s stated weight. We also packed every jacket as small as possible and tried to fit them in different packs, running vests, and pockets to test their portability. We evaluated them based on measured weight and noted which jackets stuff into their own pockets or not. An ounce difference may not seem like much of a difference, but we take into account every bit of weight to find which jacket is the lightest and most packable.

COMFORT & FIT

We wore each jacket multiple days for hours at a time to assess how it felt in the field. We also experimented with layering under each wind jacket to determine which ones were a better fit for winter layering and which ones were slim-fitting and better worn with only a base layer underneath. Even though comfort and fit are ultimately up to the wearer, we take pride in our ability to determine how each jacket fits and which outdoor activities make the most sense for a specific windbreaker.

Why Trust CleverHiker

We’ve hiked upward of 100,000 miles on trails all over the world, including treks through the alpine peaks of Patagonia, summer monsoons in the Rockies, and sweltering days in the desert, with more than 5000 nights in the wilderness. Gear Analyst Brett Kretzer pitched and slept in these shelters along his many thru-hikes of the Long Trail, Colorado Trail, GR11, Wonderland Trail, and more.

He weathered nights through high-alpine storms in frigid temperatures on trail and nerded out on all of their specs at basecamp. His extensive experience as a gear tester and adviser gives him a unique, data-driven insight into the features and functionality that backpackers, including himself, are most often looking for.

Analysis & Results

We ranked the best windbreaker jackets by five metrics: value, weather resistance, breathability, weight & packability, and comfort & fit.

VALUE

At CleverHiker, the metric of value refers to the balance between price and performance. With that definition in mind, the Rab Vital Windbreaker is a standout option. With a sub-hundred-dollar price point and solid performance across our other metrics, it’s a versatile and reliable option for budget-conscious adventurers.

The Patagonia Houdini is another long-time favorite of ours with excellent performance. Its combination of packability, weather resistance, and affordability make it one of our best all-around jackets. 

If price is your number one concern when picking out windbreakers, then the Cotopaxi Teca is the obvious choice. The least expensive jacket in our lineup, it’s made of sustainable materials in bold colorways to create a unique and distinctive jacket that is sure to earn a place in any budget adventurer’s closet.

WEATHER RESISTANCE

Even though a windbreaker won’t replace your rain jacket or hardshell on the harshest days, we were pleasantly surprised with the weather resistance of a few jackets in our lineup.

The Black Diamond Alpine Start is purpose-built for alpine environments exposed to high wind and the occasional pulse of precipitation. This quickly became one of our top layers to bring out when the forecast was uncertain because it provides superior wind resistance and even repels light moisture. 

Similarly, the Arc’teryx Squamish is another windbreaker we found ourselves using again and again on some of the harshest days. This quickly became our jacket of choice for backcountry ski days when we needed protection from wind and snow, but didn’t need the bulk of a hardshell. 
Lastly, the Rab Vital is an affordable option that packs a punch when the weather turns bad. On an extremely windy day in the Alpine of Alaska’s Western Chugach, we were glad to have this jacket with us as it kept us warm and protected from even the strongest gusts.

BREATHABILITY

We hate feeling trapped in a sweaty bag as much as anyone and as such have narrowed down the field to bring you the highest performers and most breathable options.

The Montbell Tachyon is a clear leader in this metric as it offers some of the best breathability on the market. Thanks to four-inch-long vents under each arm, and extremely sweat-permeable fabric, the Tachyon quickly became our top choice for trail runs and cross-country skis where we anticipated needing to breathe and sweat a lot. 
Feeling more like a shirt than a jacket, the Patagonia Airshed Pro is a unique layer in our lineup. Its extremely thin body fabric is windproof while still being extremely breathable. For a full jacket that still has strong weather resistance, the Arc’teryx Squamish is impressively breathable. We were never plagued with the classic sweaty back found while wearing this jacket under a backpack.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

Our lineup ranges from 2.2 ounces up to 7.2 ounces. A five-ounce difference may not seem like much. However, in the world of windbreakers, an ounce is a lot, so we were intentional about finding the lightest jackets that still provide the features and weather protection to be practical on the trails and in the mountains.

If you’re the type of hiker who prioritizes weight savings above all else, then the Enlightened Equipment Copperfield is the jacket you’ve been looking for. Coming in at a feather-light 2.2 ounces, it’s the lightest in our lineup. The Patagonia Airshed Pro is another lightweight option. Fitting and weighing more like a shirt, this excellent layer is great for throwing on and forgetting it’s there. 
For a fully featured jacket, the Montbell Tachyon is an incredibly lightweight option. At 2.7 ounces, it still has the features of a heavier jacket  – like zippered hand pockets and a well-constructed hood -but it’s still light enough to please any ounce counter.

COMFORT & FIT

Renowned for its eye for design and well-thought-out pieces, Arc’teryx continues to impress with the Arc’yteryx Squamish. We love this jacket’s elastic material that moves with the body combined with cinches in the hem and hood that help dial in the fit. It’s athletic without being restrictive, yet still roomy enough to layer underneath with a warm mid-layer. 

Another timeless piece that we have long loved is the Patagonia Houdini. The fit is trim yet comfortable and roomy enough to layer underneath. A unique jacket incorporating Merino wool and elastic side panels, the Ortovox Windbreaker stood out to us for its comfort and mobility. We loved this jacket for activities requiring dynamic movements like cross-country skiing.

How to Choose a Windbreaker Jacket

For those of us at CleverHiker, windbreakers are one of the most versatile pieces of gear. We use ours year round from winter backcountry skis to summer hikes and backpacking trips. They are lightweight, packable, and provide impressive warmth and weather protection for their thin material. 

That being said, not all windbreakers are created equally, and some excel better than others in specific circumstances. Every choice comes with a tradeoff, so we’ve made this guide to outline how to weigh multiple options to make the best purchase when choosing your next windbreaker.

MATCHING YOUR WINDBREAKER TO YOUR ACTIVITY

The first step in choosing a windbreaker is identifying the activity you’ll use it for. For high-energy activities like trail running prioritize low weight and breathability with a slim fit to reduce excess material and enhance mobility. Ventilation features such as breathable panels or underarm vents are crucial for maintaining airflow during intense activity. 

If hiking or backpacking where long exposure to adverse weather is common, consider windbreakers that emphasize weather protection and durability. You may also wish to opt for a slightly roomier jacket to be able to layer underneath in colder temperatures. 

Meanwhile, casual users may prefer stylish yet functional designs that provide basic wind resistance for everyday wear.

BREATHABILITY VS. WEATHER RESISTANCE

Balancing breathability and weather resistance is essential since each impacts comfort. For high-intensity activities where breathability is paramount, opt for windbreakers that incorporate lightweight, breathable fabrics or ventilated zones to prevent overheating. However, very breathable jackets tend to suffer when it comes to weather resistance. Heavier, hotter jackets tend to perform best when the weather turns and you need all the protection your jacket can offer. 

Look for jackets treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to help repel precipitation and keep you protected from the elements. The best jackets combine the best elements of both breathability and weather resistance to make a shell that vents excess heat and moisture while keeping you protected from wind and rain.

WEIGHT VS DURABILITY

The balance between weight and durability is another critical factor. Lightweight windbreakers are ideal for activities where packability and freedom of movement are priorities, such as trail running, cross-country skiing, or ultralight backpacking. These jackets often fold into their own pockets for convenience and are made of paper-thin materials. If you’re someone who prefers to cut every excess ounce from their pack but is ok with a less robust jacket, an ultralight wind shirt might be just what you’re looking for.

However, the trade-off of ultralight windbreakers is that they may lack the abrasion resistance needed for rugged terrain or high-impact use. If durability is a concern—such as during hiking trips where abrasion from rocks or branches is likely—choose a slightly heavier windbreaker with reinforced construction to withstand wear and tear.

WINDBREAKER VS RAIN JACKETS & HARDSHELLS

It’s important to distinguish windbreakers from other options like rain jackets and hard shells. Windbreakers are designed to block wind and provide light rain resistance but are not fully waterproof, making them ideal for moderate weather and high-output activities. Rain jackets, on the other hand, offer complete waterproofing with sealed seams but tend to be heavier and less breathable. Hardshell jackets are the most robust, built for extreme weather with advanced waterproofing and durability but at the cost of weight and breathability. 

Assess your activity and environment to determine which type of outerwear meets your needs. While a windbreaker will never match the wet weather performance of a rain jacket or hard shell, it can go a long way in making your outing comfortable, safe, and fun in relatively dry weather.