Reviews You Can Rely On

Comparing Wind Jackets for Men

Showing 8 products | Change
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Windbreaker
  Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
 
Price $99.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$139.95 at Amazon
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$77.37 at Amazon
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$69.83 at Amazon
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$180 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
81
75
74
73
72
Star Rating
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Pros Low price, simple and effective design, tiny packed-size, impressive DWR coatingLightest in the category, tiny packed size, larger chest pocketAbrasion resistant, ample room for layering, underarm ventilationAffordable, PFC-free DWR, elastic hoodTechnical fit, thoughtfully incorporated features, stretchy breathable fabric
Cons No feature to stow away the hood, thin material can feel clammy during high-output activitySee-through material, under-performing DWR fabricPoor water resistance, lack of articulationStuff sack instead of zippered stuff pocketExpensive, not very weather resistant, holds onto smell over time
Bottom Line The best overall value and performance in a lightweight package that sets the category standardAn ultralight jacket purposefully built for fast and light mountain missionsDespite its flashy appearance, this is a technical windbreaker and is further reinforced with abrasion-resistant fabricA lightweight, versatile, DWR-coated nylon shell, all at an affordable priceA thoughtfully-designed technical layer for the refined mountain guide
Rating Categories Patagonia Houdini -... Black Diamond Dista... Outdoor Research He... Rab Vital Hoody - M... Arc'teryx Squamish...
Wind Resistance (30%)
8.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Breathability and Venting (30%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Weight and Packability (20%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Fit and Functionality (10%)
9.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Water Resistance (10%)
8.0
3.0
5.0
8.0
4.0
Specs Patagonia Houdini -... Black Diamond Dista... Outdoor Research He... Rab Vital Hoody - M... Arc'teryx Squamish...
Measured Weight (size M) 3.9 oz (size L) 3.5 oz 5.0 oz 4.8 oz 4.8 oz
Material 100% nylon ripstop, DWR finish 100% nylon ripstop, woven w/ DWR treatment (Green Theme Technology) 100% Pertex Diamond Fuse (100% nylon ripstop) 20D Atmos woven nylon with fluorocarbon-free DWR 100% nylon, DWR finish
Pockets 1 zip chest 1 zip chest 1 zip chest 2 zip hand 1 zip chest
Safety Reflective Material No (company states reflective logo on left chest, too small to really be visible) No Yes, reflective logo Yes, reflective logo on chest Yes, reflective logo
Stowable Pocket Yes: chest pocket Yes: chest pocket Yes: chest pocket No; included stuff sack Yes: chest pocket
Cuff Style Half Elastic Elastic Half Elastic Half Elastic Half Elastic
Helmet Compatible Hood Yes Yes Yes No Yes