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Oct 29, 2025, 08:31 AM

The Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2025-2026

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When the wind howls across a ridgeline or whips down a canyon, a good windbreaker can be the difference between powering onward and turning back. Over the past three years, our team has put more than 25 jackets to the test — on big wall climbs in the Sierra, multi-day backpacks through the Tetons, thru hikes in the Appalachians, and even international expeditions — to find the true standouts.

Editor https://gearjunkie.com/author/chris-kassar">Chris Kassar and wildlife guide https://gearjunkie.com/author/ryan-kempfer">Ryan Kempfer pushed the latest models hard in 2024 and 2025, logging miles on skis, hikes, climbs, and bike rides in the Tetons and beyond. Longtime tester Chris Carter added his decade of experience, built on thousands of miles of thru-hikes and alpine missions, helping us pinpoint what really makes a windbreaker worth carrying.

From alpine essentials like the https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=el&merchant_id&website_id&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F143470%2Fpatagonia-houdini-jacket-mens&subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets">Patagonia Houdini to budget-friendly picks such as the https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=el&merchant_id&website_id&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F203402%2Fcotopaxi-teca-half-zip-windbreaker-mens&subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets">Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip, we've rounded up the jackets that deliver when the wind picks up, no matter where your next adventure takes you.

Editor's Note: We updated this guide on October 28, 2025, by adding the https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.rei.com%252Fproduct%252FC02330%252Fmountain-hardwear-kor-airshell-hooded-jacket-mens">Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hybrid Hoody, a hybrid shell that blends wind protection with light insulation, and the https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.rei.com%252Fproduct%252FC02904%252Fstio-second-light-wind-shell-mens">Stio Second Light Windshell, an ultralight layer built for fast-and-light missions. We also introduced jacket ratings to give clearer insight into testing and rewrote the buyer's guide to make it more helpful.

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The Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2025

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Best Overall Windbreaker Jacket

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=el&merchant_id&website_id&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F143470%2Fpatagonia-houdini-jacket-mens&subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Patagonia Houdini

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               seconds.At a mere 3.7 ounces, the Houdini lands comfortably in the "barely there" realm of technical layers — and sports an almost translucent appearance when held to the sun. Its pack size follows suit. Shoving into its zippered chest pocket with a carabiner loop, it crams down to about the size of a pear and easily disappears in a pack or weightlessly floats behind you on a climbing harness. Maintaining any semblance of durability in this weight class does merit a few downsides, namely breathability and comfort.We've taken this tiny gem to some wild corners of the world — but we don't necessarily push the pace when wearing it. For light to moderate activities like hiking or mild multipitch climbs, it blocks wind like a champ, keeping you warm and cozy. But the nylon shell has little elasticity, subpar next-to-skin comfort, and minimal moisture-wicking capabilities. Not the best combo for desperately fast missions with a spiking heart rate; if you need something more breathable and better for pushing the pace, try the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody. At that mass and price point though, it punches well above its weight. For versatile, affordable protection in a wide range of climates and conditions, it's in a league of its own.">
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               9.2/10 Rating

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https://schema.org/Offer">https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=el&merchant_id&website_id&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F143470%2Fpatagonia-houdini-jacket-mens&subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$109 at REI – Men'shttps://schema.org/InStock">

https://schema.org/Offer">https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=el&merchant_id&website_id&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F144128%2Fpatagonia-houdini-jacket-womens&subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$109 at REI – Women'shttps://schema.org/InStock">

https://patagonia.pxf.io/c/381569/1948563/23649?subId1=Gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patagonia.com%2Fproduct%2Fmens-houdini-windbreaker-jacket%2F24142.html" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">check price at patagonia – men'shttps://patagonia.pxf.io/c/381569/1948563/23649?subId1=Gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patagonia.com%2Fproduct%2Fwomens-houdini-windbreaker-jacket%2F24147.html%3Fdwvar_24147_color%3DTMBL" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">check price at patagonia – women's

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Best Budget Windbreaker Jacket

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=el&merchant_id&website_id&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F203402%2Fcotopaxi-teca-half-zip-windbreaker-mens&subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker

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               7.0/10 Rating

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https://schema.org/Offer">https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=el&merchant_id&website_id&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F203402%2Fcotopaxi-teca-half-zip-windbreaker-mens&subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$80 at REI – Men'shttps://schema.org/InStock">

https://schema.org/Offer">https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=cl&mi&pw=7185&subId1=Gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F245641%2Fcotopaxi-teca-half-zip-windbreaker-womens" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$50 at REI – Women'shttps://schema.org/InStock">

https://cotopaxi.pxf.io/c/381569/2168919/27792?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcotopaxi.com%2Fproducts%2Fteca-windbreaker-halfzip-mens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check Price at Cotopaxi – men'shttps://cotopaxi.pxf.io/c/381569/2168919/27792?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcotopaxi.com%2Fproducts%2Fteca-half-zip-windbreaker-womens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check Price at Cotopaxi – women's

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Best Ultralight Windbreaker Jacket

https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=16109&pw=7185&ctc=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackdiamondequipment.com%2Fproducts%2Fm-distance-wind-shell" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell

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               8.9/10 Rating

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https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=16109&pw=7185&ctc=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackdiamondequipment.com%2Fproducts%2Fm-distance-wind-shell" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at Black Diamond Equipment – Men'shttps://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=16109&pw=7185&ctc=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackdiamondequipment.com%2Fproducts%2Fw-distance-wind-shell" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at Black Diamond Equipment – Women'shttps://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/381569/358742/5311?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fblack-diamond-distance-wind-shell-jacket-mens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at Backcountry – Men's

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Most Versatile Windbreaker Jacket

https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=15913&pw=7185&ctc=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.outdoorresearch.com%2Fproducts%2Fmens-shadow-wind-hoodie-300899%3Fvariant%3D47372866060609" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie

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               8.7/10 Rating

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https://schema.org/Offer">https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=15913&pw=7185&ctc=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.outdoorresearch.com%2Fproducts%2Fmens-shadow-wind-hoodie-300899%3Fvariant%3D47372866060609" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$90 at Outdoor Research – Men'shttps://schema.org/InStock">

https://schema.org/Offer">https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=15913&pw=7185&ctc=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.outdoorresearch.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-shadow-wind-hoodie-300900" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$129 at Outdoor Research – Women'shttps://schema.org/InStock">

https://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/381569/358742/5311?subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Foutdoor-research-shadow-wind-hooded-jacket-mens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CHECK PRICE AT BACKCOUNTRY – MEN'Shttps://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/381569/358742/5311?subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Foutdoor-research-shadow-wind-hooded-jacket-womens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CHECK PRICE AT BACKCOUNTRY – WOMEN'S

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Best Windbreaker Jacket for Mountaineering

https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=16109&pw=7185&ctc=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackdiamondequipment.com%2Fproducts%2Fmens-alpine-start-hoody" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody

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               wind.At 7.3 ounces, it tips the scale as the heaviest jacket on our list but brings top-shelf durability, performance, and protection to justify it. If every gram counts, you'll want to consider the Enlightened Equipment Wind Shirt, but if you want better durability and performance, stick with this one. The stretchy nylon/elastane blend affords some of the best mobility of any windbreaker we tried while contorting our bodies on tricky rock climbs or bounding about on exposed knife edges. A helmet-compatible hood and roomy fit for adding insulating layers underneath make this our favorite shell for mountaineering and alpine use. The thicker material adds bulk but also stellar wind protection and above-average water resistance for soft fabrics, thanks to its Schoeller Eco-Repel Bio DWR finish. With a fleece jacket underneath, the Alpine Start fends off all-day drizzles, snow, and light rain like a champ and wet out completely in just under a minute during our shower-simulated downpour. Of all the jackets we tested, this one is most reminiscent of a lightweight rain jacket and became our workhorse outer layer in everything but the most brutal weather.The hood is elasticated and cinch-cord adjustable, and the hem and cuffs are elasticated to help seal in warmth and keep the weather out. We wish the new iteration kept the hem's drawcord adjustment of the previous version, as that is a pivotal windbreaker feature for us. It has a single, low-profile chest pocket that doubles as the stuff sack and has a carabiner clip for harness compatibility.Though it's heavier than most, the tradeoff is worth it for us, and you just can't beat the Alpine Start's performance in the mountains. Send hard at your local crag, or rope up on some far-flung snow-capped peak — this is the windbreaker you want.">
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               8.3/10 Rating

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https://schema.org/Offer">https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=16109&pw=7185&ctc=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackdiamondequipment.com%2Fproducts%2Fmens-alpine-start-hoody" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">$189 at Black Diamond Equipment – Men'shttps://schema.org/InStock">

https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=16109&pw=7185&ctc=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackdiamondequipment.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-alpine-start-hoody" class="avantlink-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">check price at black diamond – Women'shttps://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F237084%2Fblack-diamond-alpine-start-hoody-mens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">check price at rei – Men'shttps://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F248942%2Fblack-diamond-alpine-start-hoody-womens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">check price at rei – Women's

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Best Hybrid Windbreaker Jacket

https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.rei.com%252Fproduct%252FC02330%252Fmountain-hardwear-kor-airshell-hooded-jacket-mens" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hybrid Hooded Jacket

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               few.It's slightly heavier than ultralight windshells but still compact enough to stash in a pack or clip to a harness. The Kor Airshell Hybrid is best for those who want one layer that can handle shifting conditions, from cool starts on the skin track to breezy summit pushes.It isn't a replacement for a true hardshell or an insulated belay jacket, but for complicated missions where efficiency is everything, the Kor Airshell Hybrid offers a smart middle ground.">
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               8.9/10 Rating

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https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.rei.com%252Fproduct%252FC02330%252Fmountain-hardwear-kor-airshell-hooded-jacket-mens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at REI – Men'shttps://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7767252/type/dlg/https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/womens-kor-airshell-hybrid-hooded-jacket-2109811.html" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at Mountain Hardwear – Women'shttps://backcountry.tnu8.net/c/381569/358742/5311?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.backcountry.com%252Fb%252Fmountain-hardwear-kor-airshell-hybrid-hooded-jacket-mens" class="regular-buy-button" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Check price at Backcountry – Men's

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9.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Rating Details

Specifications

Weight:
3.7 oz. (men's medium)

Materials:
100% recycled ripstop nylon with PFC-free DWR coating

Pockets:
1 zippered chest pocket (stuff sack)

Pros

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                                    Versatile protection for a range of different conditions

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                                    Affordable but hard-working

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                                    Ultralight and packable

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                                    Stellar wind and weather resistance

Cons

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                                    Not as breathable as other models

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                                    Minimal elasticity

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Here it is — the gold standard of windbreaker majesty and a seemingly ubiquitous quiver-of-one addition to the kit of every hiker, mountaineer, and adventurer we see. Like many of Patagonia's products, the legendary https://rei.pxf.io/c/381569/1448521/17195?tt=el&merchant_id&website_id&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F143470%2Fpatagonia-houdini-jacket-mens&subId1=gjbgapparelgeneralwindbreakerjackets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houdini ($109) has developed nothing less than a cult following during its years of service to the outdoor community ... and for good reason.

Though not the most technical shell on our list, its simple silhouette, approachable price, and ultralight weight have made it the famous take-anywhere jacket it is today. With a classic cut for style around town and enough hardworking gumption for the mountains, the Houdini won our best overall award for its rugged versatility, top-shelf construction, and stellar value.

We've been testing this jacket on months-long thru-hikes, lofty multipitch climbs, and demanding bushwhacks since 2018, and it remains a shoo-in on any of our adventure gear lists. While we've snagged new iterations as they come out over the years, our original model is still going strong with only a peeling logo to show its age — a true testament to the Houdini's longevity.

From a 30,000-foot view, it's a bare-bones shell. A single zippered chest pocket, elasticated cuffs, and a drawcord hem round out its basic feature set. But peek under the hood, and you'll find top-shelf tech, featherlight but bomb-proof materials, and an incredibly versatile design at just over 100 bucks.

Recycled ripstop nylon with a surprisingly stalwart DWR coating shrugs off significant torture and light rain in the backcountry, and a slim fit with a slight drop tail gives it an athletic feel, with just enough room for a couple of light layers underneath. We put each jacket on this list through a shower-simulated downpour to test the fabric’s wet-out time (with a thin fleece jacket underneath), and the Houdini lasted an impressive 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

At a mere 3.7 ounces, the Houdini lands comfortably in the "barely there" realm of technical layers — and sports an almost translucent appearance when held to the sun. Its pack size follows suit. Shoving into its zippered chest pocket with a carabiner loop, it crams down to about the size of a pear and easily disappears in a pack or weightlessly floats behind you on a climbing harness. Maintaining any semblance of durability in this weight class does merit a few downsides, namely breathability and comfort.

We've taken this tiny gem to some wild corners of the world — but we don't necessarily push the pace when wearing it. For light to moderate activities like hiking or mild multipitch climbs, it blocks wind like a champ, keeping you warm and cozy. But the nylon shell has little elasticity, subpar next-to-skin comfort, and minimal moisture-wicking capabilities. Not the best combo for desperately fast missions with a spiking heart rate; if you need something more breathable and better for pushing the pace, try the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody.

At that mass and price point though, it punches well above its weight. For versatile, affordable protection in a wide range of climates and conditions, it's in a league of its own.

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