Our buying guide, The Best Men’s Windbreaker Jackets, will review one of the most versatile jackets in a guys outerwear arsenal. The windbreaker is perfect for those days where you have otherwise great weather, but strong gusts or the occasional downpour look to ruin your outing. Throwing on that perfect windbreaker will put a smile back on your face.
Related: The Best Men’s Field Jackets
Related: The Best Men’s Winter Coats
For the purposes of this article, we consider a windbreaker as a lightweight coat specifically designed to block wind chill. These jackets may also have varying degrees of water resistance. Windbreakers are usually made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester and may include features like elastic waistbands and armbands, removable hoods and large pockets. Some windbreakers may also use reflective materials for visibility at night for low light running. Another feature is that a lot of these lightweight windbreakers are extremely packable. They come with a front pocket that the jacket can fold into, to about the size of a candy bar. So you can take them along for any trip or run and not even notice them.
The windbreakers in this list will have a mixture of a lot of these features, but we start off with one of our favorites.
The Mountain Hardwear Finder Men’s Windbreaker Jacket ($90) is one of the best windbreakers available. We’ve pictured the black men’s windbreaker above, but this jacket comes in a multitude of colors. It is made from 100% Nylon and is manufactured in the United States. The shell uses a Dry.Q Core technology that is a super durable fabric, is breathable, and 100% waterproof. Additional features include two covered, zippered handwarmer pockets and a total weight of just 14oz / 406g.
Cheap Windbreaker Pullover Jacket. If you’re looking for a functional inexpensive windbreaker, then this should fit the bill. The Charles River Apparel Classic Solid Men’s Windbreaker Pullover ($30) is actually less than $30 and comes in a multitude of colors. The shell uses River Tec nylon which is wind and water resistant. This shell is lined with 100% cotton flannel to provide warmth on those chilly days. Additional features include front pockets, elasticized cuffs, and a drawstring at the waist.
Men’s Performance Windbreaker. Arc’teryx is one of the best performance outerwear companies around. They are located in the Canadian Coast mountain wilderness so they are just steps away from testing their gear in their own backyard. Their gear is a little pricier than other windbreakers you will find in this list, but if you’re looking for the best high-performance outerwear, then this is probably the windbreaker you want to buy.
The Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody Men’s Windbreaker Jacket ($140) is made from a nylon ripstop textile with mechanical stretch that resists wind and has a DWR finish to repel moisture. It is also loaded with features that you’ll only find in higher end jackets. These include a #3 Vision front zipper with wind flap, a low profile storm hood designed to block the harshest elements without inhibiting mobility or vision, that can also be adjusted with a one-handed drawcord.
Additional features include an adjustable Drop back hem, laminated die-cut velcro cuff adjusters, articulated elbows, and gusseted underarms. Anatomical shaping provides enhance motion and eliminates excess bulk.
Even with all of these features, the Squamish Hoody folds up into its own check pocket for easy packability.
Men’s Running Windbreaker. If you’re looking for a low-light running windbreaker, then look no further than the Asics Storm Shelter Running Men’s Windbreaker Jacket ($140). The shell of this jacket is 100% laminated polyester and features a water repellent finish for weather protection, and a 360-degree reflective thread woven into the shell for the ultimate safety in low light running. The front zipper is fully seam-sealed and mesh-lined to increase the jacket’s water resistance. Additional features include zippered hand pockets and vents, zippered chest pocket with media port, adjustable cuffs with gaiters and thumbholes, and a removable hood.
Mens Hooded Windbreaker. Anyone who has hit the trails in summer or spring know that even though the sun is out, high winds can make even the nicest weather uncomfortable. When looking to hit the trails, you’re going to need a combination of water protection and breathability. The Marmot Trail Wind Hooded Men’s Windbreaker Jacket ($77) offers the right combination of both. The Trail Wind is made out of an ultralight DWR-coated polyester shell that blocks wind and light rains. Active venting keeps moisture from building up, 360-degree reflectivity lets you be seen even if you hitting the trails after sunset. Another great thing about the Marmot Trail Wind is that it can be stowed into its own zippered chest pocket and stashed in a backpack or luggage when not in use.
If you’re looking for a stylish everyday windbreaker you can throw on to run an errand, the Rains Men’s Windbreaker Jacket ($95) is a perfect choice. Whether you need to go out in a downpour or in high winds you’re covered. The Rains Windbreaker utilizes a classic silhouette and a water-repellent shell made from 50% PU and 50% Polyester making it 100% water and wind resistant. Additional features include welded seams, a front zipper, press zip pockets, an adjustable hood, adjustable drawcord waist, and underarm & back shield ventilation.
Men’s Lightweight Windbreaker. There is nothing worse than being out on the trail on a beautiful day and getting caught in a wind or rain storm. Well, if you have the Outdoor Research Helium II Men’s Windbreaker Jacket ($160) you will be in the clear. The Helium II packs up small enough to clip to your pack and you won’t even notice it until you need it. It’s made from a 100% nylon shell that features a 2.5-layer 30D Pertex Shield. Additional features include fully taped seams, zippered chest pocket for storage, and an adjustable hood with reflective trim.
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