Comparing Wind Jackets
Showing 13 products | Change
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Price | $99.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $170 List $169.00 at Backcountry | $140 List $97.96 at Backcountry | $130 List $84.50 at Backcountry | $99 List $90.26 at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Low price, simple and effective design, tiny packed-size, impressive DWR coating | Ultimate breathability, next-to-skin softness | Lightest in the category, tiny packed size, larger chest pocket | Well-ventilated, body-mapped Merino panels | Lots of zippered pockets, ease of packing, elastic brim |
Cons | No feature to stow-away hood, thin material can feel clammy during high-output activity | Cold in a strong wind, expensive | See-through material, under-performing DWR fabric | Lack of drawcords, billowy | Goofy looking brimmed hood, swampy, lack of DWR treatment |
Bottom Line | The best overall value and performance in a lightweight package that sets the category standard | An ultralight, breathable, versatile layer for those who live by the mantra of fast-and-light | An ultralight jacket purposefully built for fast and light mountain missions | Packable weather protection that skillfully incorporates Merino into a well-ventilated shell | Best-in-class storage in a lightweight, ripstop-nylon shell, all at an affordable price |
Rating Categories | Patagonia Houdini | Patagonia Houdini Air | Black Diamond Dista... | Smartwool Merino Sp... | Rab Vital Windshell |
Wind Resistance (30%) | |||||
Breathability and Venting (30%) | |||||
Weight and Packability (20%) | |||||
Fit and Functionality (10%) | |||||
Water Resistance (10%) | |||||
Specs | Patagonia Houdini | Patagonia Houdini Air | Black Diamond Dista... | Smartwool Merino Sp... | Rab Vital Windshell |
Measured Weight (size M) | 3.9 oz (size L) | 4.0 oz | 3.5 oz | 4.8 oz | 4.7 oz |
Material | 100% nylon ripstop, DWR finish | 90% nylon (51% recycled) / 10% polyester double weave, DWR finish | 100% nylon ripstop, woven w/ DWR treatment (Green Theme Technology) | 100% nylon outer, 54% Merino wool / 46% polyester liner, DWR coating | Hyperlite nylon |
Pockets | 1 zip (chest) | 1 zip (chest) | 1 chest zip | 1 zip (chest) | 3 zip (2 external hand, 1 internal) |
Safety Reflective Material? | No (company states reflective logo on left chest, too small to really be visible) | No (company states reflective logo on left chest, too small to really be visible) | No | Yes reflective logos on chest, back, right arm; stripes on cuffs and seat hem | Yes, reflective logo on chest and back |
Stowable Pocket? | Yes: chest pocket | Yes: chest pocket | Yes: chest pocket | Yes: chest pocket | Yes: internal pocket |
Cuff Style | Half Elastic | Half Elastic | Elastic | Half Elastic | Half Elastic |
Hood Fits Over Helmet? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
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