Ortovox Trace Windbreaker Jacket Review

Bottom Line

The Ortovox Trace (men’s / women’s) is a unique, performance-focused windbreaker that stands out for its high-quality materials, wool-heavy construction, and low weight. Built with Ortovox’s proprietary merino blend called Merino Protect, it is naturally odor-resistant and effective at wicking moisture. As a result, it thrives in a range of conditions and is one of our favorite windbreaker jackets, especially for those who get out year-round.

The Trace quickly became one of our top choices for cold-weather trail runs and cross-country skis. Combining durable polyamide with breathable merino wool, it offers excellent temperature regulation while shielding you from wind and light precipitation. The design is minimalist yet functional, featuring an elastic hood and cuffs. Its zippered chest pocket also doubles as a stuff sack for compact storage. The athletic fit minimizes bulk, making it ideal for fast-paced adventures like trail running, hiking, and climbing.

Like most windbreakers, this Ortovox jacket beads light moisture but is no match for anything more than a drizzle. For that, we turn to fully waterproof rain jackets or hardshells. The slim fit may also be restrictive for those pairing it with thicker mid-layers. And price-wise, the specialized build does come at a bit of a premium. 

How We Tested

Over two months, we wore the Ortovox Trace on hikes and runs, as well as backcountry and cross-country ski trips. Our tests consisted of real-world exposure to wind and other elements. To make accurate comparisons, we used a blow drier to gauge wind resistance and completed a one-hour run while intentionally overdressed to test its breathability and moisture management. 

Wind & Weather Resistance

The Ortovox Trace is unique in our lineup as the only jacket made with merino wool. Ortovox’s Merino Protect fabric combines 55% merino with 45% polyamide. The blend nicely balances warmth, odor resistance, and durability.

The pliable panels at the sides are constructed with Ortovox’s Tec-Stretch material. This helps increase mobility but unfortunately is a point of weakness. During our blow dryer test, we felt air penetrating through these side panels. Though hardly noticeable on most occasions, this may not provide the level of wind resistance needed in challenging alpine environments. 

Although it’s treated with a DWR coating and utilizes the natural water repellency of merino wool, the Trace does not resist much moisture beyond a light drizzle. To be fair, we were impressed with its ability to repel snow, becoming a quick favorite for winter activities. Still, the Trace is no replacement for a full-on rain jacket or hardshell.

Breathability

At first blush, the Ortovox Trace does not feel special. The material is of a standard thickness among windbreakers and has that familiar crinkle. However, taking a closer look, the merino-blend side panels are what set the jacket apart. Highly praised for its moisture-wicking properties, merino wool is a great choice for maximizing breathability. 

That said, the material at the chest and back is thicker than that of other jackets we tested. It’s prone to trapping moisture and growing clammy and damp. This was especially noticeable while wearing a backpack. As a result, the Trace wouldn’t be our first choice for warmer temperatures or sweat-heavy activities.

Weight & Packability

With a manufacturer-stated weight of 4.3 ounces and a measured weight of 4.2 ounces (for our men’s medium), the Trace is a solid option for those seeking a lightweight layer. It cracks the 5-ounce mark and is a great windbreaker to throw in your pack as an emergency layer. 

Zipping into its own chest pocket, the jacket packs down to approximately the size of an apple. We had no trouble storing it in a running vest or even a running belt. Overall, it’s light and streamlined enough to go unnoticed on your body or in a pack, even on long outings.

Comfort & Fit

Like many Ortovox products, this windbreaker is very slim. We tested this jacket primarily on winter trail runs and cross-country skis, where it was cold enough to warrant layering underneath. Though it’s just roomy enough to accommodate a mid-layer, the Trace felt tight and restrictive through the torso and shoulders. You may want to consider sizing up if you plan to add anything more than a base layer underneath. 

The torso is also very short on this jacket. We frequently found ourselves tugging it down from riding up, especially while wearing a backpack with a hipbelt. In the end, the very athletic cut is best suited for slender bodies or those who prefer a trim fit for aerobic pursuits. 

Should You Buy the Ortovox Trace?

The Ortovox Trace is a slim-cut and athletic jacket with great breathability for aerobic outings. It’s a standout option due to its merino blend that wicks sweat and repels moisture. The outer shell is weather-resistant enough to block most gusts, although the highly breathable side panels can let in strong winds. 

The Trace’s athletic fit might be a drawback for larger torsos or bulky layers. Plus, its premium quality comes at a premium price. However, if you’re someone with a slender torso or enjoy a more form-fitting jacket, the Ortovox is a well-designed and high-performing jacket that excels across four seasons.

What Other Windbreakers Should You Consider?

If the Ortovox Trace is a little too pricey or specialized for your needs, check out the rest of our best windbreakers gear guide. The three jackets below are particularly strong alternatives.

Arc’teryx Squamish Review: For another high-quality jacket that’s easy to move in, the Squamish is a tried-and-true technical standout. It’s an ounce heavier than the Trace and costs more, too, but the level of performance is hard to beat.

Black Diamond Alpine Start Review: With better weather resistance and a slightly roomier fit, the Alpine Start is another great choice for winter activities. Both jackets blur the line between windbreaker and softshell, but the Alpine Start is noticeably more substantial than the Trace, offering better assurance in shifting alpine conditions.

Rab Vital Review: Though slightly heavier than the Ortovox, the Vital offers additional features, including two zippered hand pockets and cinches at the hood and hem. It’s also considerably cheaper, although the Trace breathes better during high-output pursuits.