The 8 Best Men's Windbreakers of 2024, Tested by Experts
It's time to upgrade the most versatile piece of outerwear in your closet.
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WINDBREAKER JACKETS MIGHT be the most useful layer you'll invest in this spring. That's because the best windbreakers are ultra-packable, lightweight, and protect against harsh wind and rain, all without breaking the bank. Even premium models from Smartwool, Patagonia, and Black Diamond can often be snagged for around $100. Most are so compact, and can easily be packed into your everyday bag.
As the name implies, windbreakers (a.k.a. wind jackets or wind shirts) are designed as “windbreaks” to help temper everything from light gusts to heavy gales. They act as a barrier between your skin and the wind to keep you warmer and more comfortable without the bulk of traditional, insulated jackets. With so many options available, finding a decent windbreaker isn’t hard. But, we dug a little deeper to suss out the very best windbreakers. Then we dive into how we tested and what you should look for in a jacket for yourself.
Best Windbreakers
What to Consider
Wind Resistance
Subjectively, measuring wind resistance is a little “iffy.” It’s like trying to accurately determine how warm a sleeping bag is. Right now, the industry standard relies on CFM, or cubic feet per minute per square meter. The scale starts at 0-CFM fabric (which doesn’t allow any air to pass through) and increases with higher numbers indicating higher permeability and, therefore, less wind resistance. Sometimes, 0-CFM (or 100% wind resistance) is the way to go, but not always, as it can negatively impact breathability. Most outdoor adventurers want to balance wind resistance and breathability.
Weight and Packability
Weight is a hot topic among seasoned outdoorsmen. Some obsess over it, while others are content with slightly heavier gear if it means more protection against the elements. There is no “best” packability; it depends on what works for you. Among the options we tested, we looked at everything from Black Diamond’s featherweight Deploy, which weighs less than two ounces and packs down to about the size of a Snickers, up to beefy, 12-plus-ounce tarp-inspired wind shells for $25 on Amazon.
Ultra-lightweight gear gives you bragging rights in some circles. But, unless you’re thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, you’re probably not going to notice a few extra ounces in your pack. For most outdoorsmen, it’s worth going with a slightly (we’re talking 1-2 ounces) heavier windbreaker for the added wind resistance.
Fit and Functionality
By design, windbreakers are usually cut with a slim, athletic fit. That’s because, for maximum wind resistance, you want as little space between the fabric and your skin as possible. Windbreakers designed for runners are typically the slimmest of all fits, with only enough room underneath to fit a single base layer or T-shirt. Hiking-centric windbreakers offer a bit more room to allow for an extra layer underneath, and mountain-specific windbreakers are the roomiest of all. Some offer a generous fit with enough space to fit over an insulated jacket.
How We Selected
From the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the wind-swept plains of Oklahoma, we tested over 30 men’s windbreakers in a wide variety of terrain. That includes plenty of different activities: hiking, biking, camping, and a little climbing too. But, since most of us want one windbreaker that does it all, we also tested for everyday wear in casual situations—running errands, grabbing drinks at the bar, and chilling in the backyard—to find the best, most versatile windbreakers that move effortlessly from the streets to the backcountry.
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