Side-by-Side Comparison - Wind Jacket

Comparative Review At-a-Glance

  
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award   
Price $64.35 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers		$98.99 at MooseJaw
Compare at 2 sellers		$98.95 at MooseJaw$75.93 at REI
Compare at 4 sellers		$159.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
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83
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74
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69
100
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68
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Pros Low price, sleek fit, super small packed size, good DWR coating.Liner makes it warmer and helps wick moisture, great wind protection.Great pocket space, neck snap for venting, brim gives some sun protection.Stretchy nylon, comfortable, very breathableGreat fit, useful features that work well, highly breathable stretch fabric, stylish look.
Cons No way to stow hood away, a bit too snug for layering beneath.Too hot for summer, doesn’t pack down very small.Hood brim is goofy looking, internal pocket low, not the best breathability.Soaks up water like a towel, sleeves a tad shortExpensive, no hand pockets, DWR coating not very durable, less wind protection than others.
Bottom Line The best value if money is a concern, and also the best wind breaker to hang on the back of a harness.A great layer for aerobic activities in cooler months, too much insulation for warm conditions.A solid jacket at a great price. The pocket options were best in class.A stretchy and hyper mobile windbreaker that breathes well.A real jacket that protects against wind, light rain, and cool temps.
Rating Categories Patagonia Houdini Ether DriClime Vital Windshell Tantrum II Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody
Wind Resistance (30%)
10
0
8
10
0
10
10
0
9
10
0
5
10
0
5
Breathability And Venting (30%)
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
8
Weight And Packability (20%)
10
0
9
10
0
3
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
7
Fit And Functionality (10%)
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
10
Water Resistance (10%)
10
0
9
10
0
7
10
0
7
10
0
3
10
0
5
Specs Patagonia Houdini Ether DriClime Vital Windshell Tantrum II Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody
Measured Weight, size L 3.7 oz 8.5 oz 5.0 oz 5.1 oz 6.0 oz
Pockets 1 zip (chest) 3 zip (2 hand & 1 chest) 3 zip (2 hand & 1 inside) 1 zip (chest) 1 zip (chest)
Material 100% nylon ripstop, DWR finish 100% nylon double mini rip 20D nylon Stretch nylon 100% nylon, DWR finish
Safety Reflective Material Yes, reflective logo on chest and center-back at neck Yes, reflective logos on front, back, and one arm Yes, reflective logo Yes, reflective logos on front and back Yes, reflective logo
Stuffs into itself Yes, stows in chest pocket Yes, stows in hand pocket Yes Yes, stows in lower back pocket with waist strap Yes, stows in chest pocket
Adjustable Cuffs Half elastic Elastic Elastic Elastic w/ thumb loop Velcro
Hood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes