Reviews You Can Rely On

Comparing Wind Jackets for Men

Showing 8 products | Change
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award    
Price $109.00 at REI
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$71.21 at Evo
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$138.69 at REI
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$77.37 at Backcountry
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$84.00 at Backcountry
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Overall Score
81
73
68
74
75
Star Rating
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Pros Low price, simple and effective design, tiny packed-size, impressive DWR coatingAffordable, PFC-free DWR, elastic hoodSoftshell fit and feel, oversized storm hood, designed for freedom of motionAbrasion resistant, ample room for layering, underarm ventilationLightest in the category, tiny packed size, larger chest pocket
Cons No feature to stow away the hood, thin material can feel clammy during high-output activityStuff sack instead of zippered stuff pocketExpensive, relatively heavy, odor retentionPoor water resistance, lack of articulationSee-through material, under-performing DWR fabric
Bottom Line The best overall value and performance in a lightweight package that sets the category standardA lightweight, versatile, DWR-coated nylon shell, all at an affordable priceAn ultra-lightweight alternative to your normal softshell, this jacket is warmer and more comfortable than many without sacrificing breathabilityDespite its flashy appearance, this is a technical windbreaker and is further reinforced with abrasion-resistant fabricAn ultralight jacket purposefully built for fast and light mountain missions
Rating Categories Patagonia Houdini -... Rab Vital Hoody - M... Black Diamond Alpin... Outdoor Research He... Black Diamond Dista...
Wind Resistance (30%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
Breathability and Venting (30%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Weight and Packability (20%)
8.0
6.0
4.0
7.0
9.0
Fit and Functionality (10%) Sort Icon
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Water Resistance (10%)
8.0
8.0
4.0
5.0
3.0
Specs Patagonia Houdini -... Rab Vital Hoody - M... Black Diamond Alpin... Outdoor Research He... Black Diamond Dista...
Measured Weight (size M) 3.9 oz (size L) 4.8 oz 7.3 oz 5.0 oz 3.5 oz
Material 100% nylon ripstop, DWR finish 20D Atmos woven nylon with fluorocarbon-free DWR Schoeller stretch-woven: 93% nylon, 7% Elastane, Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio DWR 100% Pertex Diamond Fuse (100% nylon ripstop) 100% nylon ripstop, woven w/ DWR treatment (Green Theme Technology)
Pockets 1 zip chest 2 zip hand 1 zip chest 1 zip chest 1 zip chest
Safety Reflective Material No (company states reflective logo on left chest, too small to really be visible) Yes, reflective logo on chest No Yes, reflective logo No
Stowable Pocket Yes: chest pocket No; included stuff sack Yes: chest pocket Yes: chest pocket Yes: chest pocket
Cuff Style Half Elastic Half Elastic Elastic Half Elastic Elastic
Helmet Compatible Hood Yes No Yes Yes Yes