Daniel Neilson tests a host of breathable jackets designed to stand up against the wind
There’s one thing that generally unites these windproof jackets: they are exceptionally light. Most are less than 160g and three are less than 100g. The idea behind a windshirt is generally for summer use to fend off the worst of summit winds. They are not all waterproof but they will be treated with some kind of water repellent treatment that will see water bead off, at least initially.
Montane Lite-Speed Jacket
“This Montane jacket for me has the best combination of features against weight and price, plus designed for walking first.”
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Black Diamond Alpine Start Windproof Jacket
“It’s made by Schoeller, and is a stretch woven fabric. It is really breathable but will still hold off most of the wind. It’s easily the most stretchy jacket tested.”
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Rab Windveil Jacket
“Rab’s solution is to have a tightly-fitted hood that is elasticated around the face. It fits really well – better than most of the other hoods on test here.”
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Salomon Fast Wing Hoodie Jacket
“This is an incredibly light jacket at only 84g on my scales. It is designed for trail running – an area Salomon perform well in.”
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Arc’Teryx Squamish Hoody Jacket
“The Arc’Teryx Incendo Hoody has been my go to windshirt for running for a while. It’s really well detailed and designed.”
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Páramo Enduro Windproof Jacket
“Páramo’s jacket is the heaviest here – a bit heavier than the Fjällräven High Coast Wind Jacket but is designed for hillwalking and mountaineering, rather than trail running.”
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Inov-8 Race Elite Windshell HZ Jacket
“This is easily one of the lightest jackets in the test, and very minimalist.”
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Patagonia Houdini Pullover windbreaker
“This is one of only two windshirts that doesn’t have a hood. I stated my preference for a hood on a windshell because it’s the type of garment that will be worn as an outer layer in the right conditions water than a softshell.”
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Fjällräven High Coast Wind Jacket
“This is a beautiful jacket and unlike any other here. It’s designed for walkers and cyclists rather than runners. It’s heavier than many of the jackets reviewed here.”
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