Tested: The 7 Best Men’s Windbreaker Jackets for Reliable Protection

Sure, the average windbreaker is often considered a sleek, sporty touch to any outfit, but there is far more to it than that. Many of the premier offerings of its kind that you may find nowadays boast optimized insulation and meticulous composition, both of which are intended to provide the perfect wind-resistant jacket for whenever you find yourself on the trails, on an early morning jog, or simply meandering through the city. Needless to say, there are few pieces more versatile than the quintessential nylon garment, so we rounded up a steady collection in our best men’s windbreaker jackets guide.

How We Tested

With so many windbreaker options available, we had to come up with a sort of system to whittle them down to a select few for testing. After scouring the market and revisiting some of our favorite brands, we chose jackets based on a few criteria such as material construction, aesthetic, price, water resistance, and other features such as hood, elastic cuffs, and adjustable hems.

From there, we sourced our units for testing, spending time with each jacket to see how they looked and, most importantly, how they felt, from comfort to fit to warmth, and everything in between. Our results are detailed below.

Measurements: For reference, I’m 6’0″ tall and, for jackets, I wear a men’s XL. My body type is on the husky side with broader shoulders, so I also prefer jackets that are a bit slimming, especially around the belly area. With jackets, I’m more particular than most about hood fit since I have long hair that I usually wear in a bun.

What to Look For

Function: First off, you need to decide when and where you’ll be wearing a windbreaker. If you plan on doing outdoor activities like hiking or climbing (and depending on the weather), you may want something thicker or abrasion-resistant. But if you’re going to be running in urban environments or just wearing it casually, then something thin and simple is best (unless you’re running in cold weather, then you might want something insulated).

Material: Ideally, windbreakers should be made with a mainly synthetic blend of material (usually nylon or polyester). For cold weather variants, look for a lining made with a warmer fabric.

DWR: While it’s not mandatory, a windbreaker jacket should have some sort of water resistance. The most common version is DWR, which stands for Durable Water Resistance. This is a type of treatment added to your fabric which allows it to wick moisture.

Weight: This has a large part to do with the function of the jacket – for cold weather outdoor jackets, spring for something heavier. And for running and casual windbreakers, you generally want something lighter and thinner.

Packability: This is another consideration that has a large part to do with how you’ll be using the jacket. More often than not, windbreakers will already be light and easy to pack, but many variants include extra storage options, like packs or being able to stuff into the hood.

Stretch: Some variants will include a bit of stretch with added material like elastane or through a weaving technique. So pay attention to the material breakdown if that’s something you do (or don’t) want.

Patagonia Houdini Jacket

Best Hiking Windbreaker: Patagonia’s Houdini is one of the more ubiquitous windbreakers around for its incredibly accessible style, more than fair price tag, and solid ripstop nylon construction that’s perfect for hitting the trail. As far as the “Houdini” moniker, the jacket features a zippered chest pocket that converts into a stuff sack, allowing it to perform quite the disappearing act. This one might not have the Pertex double weave of the discontinued Houdini Air but it also has a much lower price.

The Good

Incredibly lightweight, the Patagonia Houdini does well to balance durability with its low profile, and without being impractical in either regard; it’s still highly effective as a windbreaker. It’s also really comfortable with a soft feel despite the full nylon construction.

I liked the moderately clingy elastic cuffs which didn’t fall over my palms on their own but could be stretched over them for extra warmth if needed. While some jackets have a hard time with their hood and hem cinches, the drawstrings on both utilize a quick and easy-to-use cord that tightens and loosens quickly –– and with just one hand. I also loved the low-profile design of the jacket which was both slimming and spacious, yet didn’t add extra length or bagginess. Aside from all of its technical benefits, the Houdini is also incredibly affordable.

The Not So Good

While the coat is very packable, the jacket also wrinkles really easily, which will undoubtedly happen when stuffing it into your bag for extended periods. However, my biggest grip with the Houdini is the lack of pockets. There is a single zippered chest pocket, which could be a bit more spacious, although it does have room on both the left and right sides of the opening. However, for a hiking windbreaker, there needs to be at least one or two at the waist. Especially considering Patagonia’s knack for pocket design, these could be helpful when traversing with extra gear like keys, glasses, or other ancillary pieces. The lack of pockets also hinders its ability to be used as a non-hiking windbreaker as well.

Verdict: Patagonia’s Houdini is an icon for a reason –– namely its simple design, lightweight profile, and durability. We loved the elastic cuffs and drawstring function on the hood and hem, although we wish there were more pockets than the single chest compartment. Nonetheless, the pricing of the jacket is superb, making this a no-brainer if you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck.

The North Face Higher Run Wind Jacket

Best Performance Windbreaker: It’s impossible to go wrong with anything from the renowned Northern California label — and we mean anything. Built to battle winds and provide an unencumbered experience, the Higher Run Wind Jacket makes good use of the brand’s patented WindWall fabric (designed to reduce wind chill), all the while remaining lightweight with its DWR-coated recycled polyester plain weave. The jacket also has a two-way front zipper for ventilation options, making it a great option for running or gym workouts, or even hiking.

The Good

Compared to the similarly budget-friendly Patagonia Houdini above, the Higher Run Wind Jacket from The North Face has the appropriate number of pockets for both gym and everyday wear. There is a sizeable zippered mesh pocket at the chest plus two open hand pockets at the waist which offer more of a low-key casual look to the jacket as well. While the elastic cuffs could be a bit clingier around my wrists, the hem drawstring is another that’s easy to use, albeit it requires two hands to operate. I will say though, the sleeves are a bit too roomy for my liking.

On the other hand, I loved the hood which was roomy enough for all of my hair yet grippy enough that it wasn’t moving around on my forehead. Some might not love the lack of hood adjustment here but I didn’t think it was all that necessary. It’s also important to mention the look of the windbreaker, which taps into TNF’s knack for color and design.

The Not So Good

As I mentioned, the sleeves might be too spacious for some users and the hood lacks any sort of adjustment capability which may be an issue for some, although I didn’t have any problem with it. Meanwhile, the element that gave me the most issues was the two-way zipper, which was difficult to engage each time I attempted to zip the jacket up.

For testing, we went with the burgundy and high-vis orange colorway, which transposed well to multiple activities. However, I wish there were more color variants available. As of writing this, there are only two on the company’s site.

Verdict: Stylish and performative whether you’re working out or hanging out, the Higher Run Wind Jacket from The North Face is a simple yet attractive windbreaker. We loved the trio of pockets and the roomy yet low-profile hood, even though it lacked adjustment capability. However, the zipper gave us some issues. We also wish there were more colorways available since TNF does these variants so well.

Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell

Best for Travel: When packing your bags for a long vacation, you’ll want to look for a few things in a travel-ready windbreaker: lightweight packability, a versatile aesthetic, and comfort. You might not know every activity you’ll embark upon in your new locale so it’s important to pick a jacket that can serve you well across the board. Mountain Hardwear has just the pick in its Kor Airshell, recently updated for an improved fit and mobility with raglan sleeves and gusseted underarms. It’s constructed using 20D of Pertex Quantum Air, which blends recycled and non-recycled nylon ripstop fabric for a warm, dry, and breathable experience.

The Good

More than any lightweight windbreaker we tried out, the Kor Airshell had the most agreeable fit, which is perfect for wearing for long durations. This won’t be as lightweight as, say, the Patagonia or Outdoor Research jackets but it also gives you some extra thickness for both warmth and accessibility. It doesn’t look like it’s exclusively for the outdoors or working out. I loved the versatility of the silhouette which sports an accessible yet simple look that’s perfect for either an outerlayer or mid-layer.

While the jacket doesn’t have an abundance of pockets (there are only two zippered compartments), the pair that it does have are more than sufficient. They’re located at the waist and situated towards the side of the torso to make extra room inside. Aside from the roomy interior, the fabric is soft to the touch, inside and out. It even holds up to wetter conditions. Although the brand doesn’t list DWR anywhere on the product page, water certainly wicked off the Pertex fabric better than it did on most others on this list.

The Not So Good

Like the North Face windbreaker above, the Kor Airshell ditches the hood adjustment but, again, doesn’t really need it. Admittedly, the tight hood is a bit aggressive though, which is fantastic for keeping the winds out in tandem with the high chin guard but this also loses some casual appeal for the jacket. It’s also important to note that this jacket doesn’t have a hem cinch which only becomes an issue because the hem lacks a certain elasticity for keeping air out, as do the cuffs. When going on Mountain Hardwear’s website, it would seem like they’re phasing out the Kor Airshell, perhaps in anticipation of a newer version that may add some of these features.

Verdict: The Kor Airshell from Mountain Hardwear won’t give you the classic hem adjustment and the aggressive hood is more technical than stylish, but this is still an all-around attractive windbreaker that’s warmer than it seems to be. We loved the overall look, the interior comfort, and the simplicity of the silhouette, including its spacious pocket design. If you want something that can be worn for long periods of time, and in multiple situations, this is the one to consider.

Outdoor Research Men’s Helium Rain Jacket

Best Rain Windbreaker: Outdoor Research was started by nuclear physicist and outdoorsman Ron Gregg in 1981, after malfunctioning gear caused his friend to tragically pass in Denali. Gregg would go on to design durable gear backed by research, American manufacturing, and environmental consciousness. So you can trust that this jacket is made with care, along with Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer fabric, making it fully waterproof. It’s breathable, has an elastic drawcord and wrist cuffs, and it can be easily packed away into the chest pocket.

The Good

For those familiar with the Outdoor Research Helium Down Jacket (one of my personal favorites), the Helium Rain Jacket is much different in function yet possesses the same sleek, slightly glossy design language that almost makes you forget that these are outdoor-ready pieces of gear. Despite being a windbreaker for wet weather, the Helium Rain Jacket has a really stylish silhouette with lots of versatility.

Function-wise, this is about as waterproof of a windbreaker as you’ll find. Most traditional windbreakers are light and breezy, while rain jackets tend to be much thicker. However, the Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse is bolstered by YKK Aquaguard zippers and an adjustable billed hood, although I don’t think it needs the adjustment cord. Even the single chest pocket has the water-resistant zipper (it also has a key leash inside and doubles as a stuff sack). Mind you, this won’t be the most waterproof jacket around but it will be the best waterproof windbreaker you’ll find.

The Not So Good

There are a few complaints I had with the Helium Rain Jacket but they shouldn’t entirely turn you off from the windbreaker. For one, the cuffs, while technically elastic, don’t do their job all that well; they continuously fall over my palm. Secondly, there’s only one pocket here, albeit one that’s stylishly positioned and actually useful. However, this might affect the versatility of the jacket’s function. I also didn’t love the position of the waist drawstring, which was out of reach for both of my hands, yet required both of my hands to properly operate. Also, beware of the waxy interior coating of the fabric, which some might not love against their skin.

Verdict: Despite only having one pocket and some other minor detractions, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket is a superb option for wet weather without being too cumbersome. It’s stylish, surprisingly versatile, and pretty darn comfortable to boot. This is the only true rain jacket on this list for a reason.

Black Diamond Deploy Wind Shell

Best for Trail Running: If you’re running through the woods, high winds won’t just slow you down but can also just be downright uncomfortable. Billed as the lightest wind shell in the world at just 48g (1.7oz), the Deploy Wind Shell from Black Diamond is fantastic when you’re trying to move quickly. Equipped with a waist cinch, elastic cuffs, and a YKK Super Lightweight zipper, the three-quarter-zip windbreaker is also popular with backpackers and commuters for obvious reasons. Thin but relatively warm, this model is built from 5D ripstop nylon with DWR coating for extra coverage in light drizzles.

The Good

More akin to a plastic bag poncho than a traditional windbreaker, the Black Diamond Deploy Wind Shell is easily the lightest on this list, and one of the lightest windbreakers you’ll ever find. While it won’t be optimal for colder winds, the jacket was still surprisingly warm. And it will keep you comfortable without adding hardly any weight to your body. It also balls up incredibly small for easy packing (although watch for wrinkles if that’s gonna be an issue for you). It’s so thin and small that I mistook it for a baggie in my backpack at first.

Roomy to a fault, the jacket is also long enough to cover most of your rear. It’s a three-quarter zip, meaning the bottom fourth stays together no matter what. This is perfect for when you want your jacket to be mostly open but not accidentally come totally unzipped. Aside from trail running, this windbreaker would be a solid option for backpacking and hiking in general.

The Not So Good

You’ll instantly notice the lack of hood on the Deploy Wind Shell, which might be an issue for some. But again, this isn’t optimal for cold winds so chill on your neck won’t be as much of a problem if you’re using this properly. I also need to mention that there are literally no pockets on this windbreaker –– the only on this list –– which means you’ll need some sort of waist belt or stash pouch if you’re trail running with this.

While I loved the spaciousness of the coat, the sleeves are a bit long. Luckily, the elastic cuffs are more effective than most and stay above my palms. Also, if you’re moving a lot, the jacket is quite noisy. I wasn’t personally annoyed by all the thwifting but those around you might be.

Verdict: Perhaps not the warmest or most durable jacket around, the Deploy Wind Shell from Black Diamond still benefits from its ripstop nylon fabric and is extremely lightweight at just 1.7oz. You won’t get a hood or any pockets but this jacket gives you coverage with its long adjustable hem, elastic cuffs, and 3/4-zip front.

Arc’teryx Solano

Best Upgrade: While Arc’Teryx has earned insurmountable credit for assisting in the new-age ‘Gorpcore’ trend, the brand has been around for much longer than many even know. Dating back to 1989, the Canadian designers have managed to do no wrong, and its Solano is an encapsulation of the brand’s prowess. Serving as one of Arc’teryx’s more top-shelf pieces from a windbreaker perspective, the jacket boasts a versatile design, a four-way stretch polyester, and a GORE-TEX INFINIUM membrane that’s waterproof, breathable, and even windproof. Not only that but it’s available in a variety of colorways to fit your wardrobe.

The Good

Despite their higher price tags, Arc’teryx always does a great job with creating accessible, versatile silhouettes with serious outdoor utility, and the Solano is no different with its matte shell available in seven different colorways and its less aggressive design ethos. One unique, but small, detail is the addition of the elastic cuffs only on the underside so that they don’t disrupt the overall appearance of the coat.

Whether you’re hiking, commuting, or running your daily errands, the three zippered pockets –– two at the waist and one on the inside of the opening –– are perfect for storing gear or other accessories. I loved the longer hem on this windbreaker, which is supplemented by a dual-sided adjustment cord, which made it really easy to cinch up compared to other jackets with single-sided drawstrings that require a bit of reaching to operate two-handed. Arguably the warmest windbreaker on this guide, the jacket looked rather slimming when zipped all the way up. Likewise, the shell is one of the more durable we tested as well, as obvious to the touch.

The Not So Good

$300 is a lot for a windbreaker but this price tag is somewhat par for the course for Arc’teryx. But as I said, the features and construction techniques here are appropriately top-notch. And yet, there may be a couple of notable downsides to consider before purchasing. Like the Black Diamond Deploy, the Solano has no hood, which removes this from consideration for rainy days. Also, the sleeves are a bit long, which got in my way more than a few times when reaching into my pants pockets and eating.

Verdict: Not everyone will be willing to spring for a $300 windbreaker but the Arc’teryx Solano is not a bad option if you choose to do so. You’ll get the brand’s knack for versatile and accessible aesthetics, supreme construction techniques and material utilization, and some other nice touches such as the dual-sided hem drawstrings. You won’t get a hood or agreeable sleeves but this is still a solid option for a myriad of activities.

Vollebak Planet Earth Ultralight Shell

Best Premium Windbreaker: Bar none, Vollebak is one of the more innovative brands on the market. The British band of adventurers’ Planet Earth Ultralight Shell jacket serves as a fitting piece to fully display what makes them so special. For starters, it uses an innovative blend of 48% polyester, 30% polyurethane, and 22% polyamide for its shell and, while being the heaviest on this list at 12.3oz, is still surprisingly lightweight. The three layers form a supermaterial that not only opens and closes in the heat but combines to be waterproof, windproof, and breathable in any weather. The three materials are laminated together via a hot melt process that takes three days to bond completely. The end result is magnificent and we’re fortunate enough that we were able to try it out firsthand.

The Good

One of the best-looking windbreakers when not zipped up, the Vollebak Planet Earth Ultralight Shell has a simple yet original design language, and benefits from the brand’s lack of overt branding like always. I also love how the brand optimizes its fabrics. Here, the interior is highly soft yet there’s no doubt about how durable the superfabric blend is. I also love how well the hood stays put, even when the coat isn’t zipped up.

Surprisingly warm just like the Arc’teryx above, this windbreaker also doesn’t overheat at all despite the weight. It also sports a longer cut for the hem, falling below the rear. However, this jacket doesn’t look like it’s overly long either. Similar to the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell, the pockets are rather spacious and wisely placed towards the outer part of the torso in order to maximize that interior space.

The Not So Good

Anyone familiar with Vollebak’s superb products is well aware of the heightened pricing. Yet there aren’t really any serious reasons to stay away from the jacket otherwise. And the few complaints that I do have are minor. Like the Arc’teryx Solano, this coat puts its elasticity on the underside of the cuffs but I almost didn’t notice it at first since the cuffs are a bit loose to begin with, thus rendering the elastic band moot. Luckily, the sleeves aren’t long enough to get in the way. And also, I almost expected maybe one more pocket from Vollebak, but there are still three to work with here.

Verdict: You won’t opt for the Vollebak Planet Earth Ultralight Shell if you’re looking to save some money but this is still the best option if you have a large budget. From material optimization to hood design to pocket construction, this running-focused windbreaker hardly misses a step despite being the heaviest on this list.

Windbreaker Comparison Chart

What is a windbreaker?

While windbreakers have been a prominent fashion choice dating back to the ’70s, a decade ironically connoted with both emerging environmental cognizance and figuratively washing the hippie movement away, the lightweight protective jacket style can trace its roots back centuries. They’re traditionally made with lightweight synthetic material and have an elastic waistband and/or arms. And with new advancements, many windbreakers are now extremely lightweight and can be easily packed away.

When should you wear a windbreaker?

Though primarily crafted to take on chilly winds and a light drizzle (on its own during warmer seasons and as a layer for colder conditions), the modern market dictates that the ubiquitous garment can offer much more than mere wind protection. What’s often been referred to as the quintessential layer for spring doesn’t need to be worn only through the warmer months these days, as countless notable brands are manufacturing top-notch windbreakers for the sake of annual wear and elemental protection. And with all the options available today, you can find a windbreaker for hiking, running, climbing, and everything in between. So the question isn’t really about when you should wear one, but about which one suits your needs.

Honorable Mentions

It might not have as many features as premium windbreakers but the Le Rai 3.0 Leon from K-Way is a sleek anorak that serves as a stylish and optimal entry-level piece that’s easily packable and waterproof. For added convenience, K-Way’s garment is rounded out with an adjustable hood, as well as the brand’s signature striped detail along the zipper for some added flair.

Cotopaxi has arguably the best use of color of any outdoor clothing company and this Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker is no exception. At just $80, this lightweight windbreaker packs into its own front pocket.

Salomon is a brand that’s made an impressive crossover between the outdoors and streetwear. And while the Agile Wind Jacket is a stylish and affordable option, we simply liked other windbreakers a little better.

Another notable sub-$100 jacket comes from Rab, a brand known for performance shells. However, the style of the Vita Windshell Hooded Jacket didn’t really speak to us, nor did it do anything really different than the others at this price range.

Tested: The Best Hiking Jackets for Men

Windbreakers can be great for hiking but if you want a coat that’s more purpose-built for the trails, check out our tested guide to the best hiking jackets around.