Best Wind Jackets 2020

Here is my selection of the best wind jackets for 2020 which I would consider taking on my next hiking or backpacking trip.

A lightweight wind jacket is probably one of the most useful pieces of clothes which you can pack into your backpack and it does not need much space either.

Wind jackets comparison table

Arc’teryx Incendo Hoodie

Weight: 4.6 oz. / 130 grams
Fabric: Luminara—Stretch nylon ripstop

The Arc’teryx Incendo Hoody has breathable mesh panels under the arms, a hood, and full front zip. It also features an internal MP3 pocket with audio ports, side stow pockets, and reflective blazes.

The Incendo Hoody is more a running jacket than a hiking jacket but could be an alternative to the Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody if you are an Arc’teryx fan and want to save a few grams.

You can buy the Arc’teryx Incendo Hoodie on Amazon.

Arct’eryx Nodin Jacket

Weight: 5.5 oz. / 155 grams
Fabric: Tyono 20 denier

The Arc’teryx Nodin Jacket might be a perfect jacket if you are looking for a minimalistic jacket.

The Nodin jacket is not as durable as the Squamish Hoodie but offers plenty of features, e.g., it comes with a full-coverage StowHood.

Further, the Nodin jacket is also highly compressible and fits into your pocket.

You can buy the Arct’eryx Nodin Jacket on Amazon.

Arc’teryx Squamish Hoodie

Weight: 5.5 oz. / 155 grams
Fabric: Luminara—Stretch nylon ripstop

The Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody is a wind-resistant, super lightweight, durable, and compressible hooded wind jacket for hiking or trekking in the wilderness or for climbing.

This jacket is a high-performance jacket made of a breathable material with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish.

If features articulated elbows, gusseted underarms, soft hood brim, adjustable hood drawcords, full front zip, drop back hem and can be stowed away in its pocket. Further, it also features a reflective logo.

You can wear the jacket either for warm or cold weather activities to protect you from chilly winds. Arc’teryx is known in its industry for its craftsmanship and design.

You can buy the Arc’teryx Squamish Hoodie on Amazon.

Fjallraven High Coast Wind Jacket

Weight: 11.28 oz. / 319 grams
Fabric: HC-Lite

The Fjallraven High Coast Wind Jacket is made for hiking, biking, and paddling which easily stows away in your pack.

The jacket comes with an HC-Lite fabric that is durable and breathable.

Apply Fjallraven wax on the jacket, and it will become resistant to water and the wind.

The jacket comes with an adjustable hem and hood, zippered hand and chest pockets and elastic-edged cuffs.

You can buy the Fjallraven High Coast Wind Jacket on Amazon.

Icebreaker Coriolis Hooded Windbreaker

Weight: 11.8 oz. / 334 grams
Fabric: Pertex Quantum

The Icebreaker Coriolis Hooded Windbreaker is the latest wind jacket from Icebreaker and is made of DWR-treated Pertex Quantum Air fabric. It also has a soft merino wool lining which wicks moisture. There are also zippered hand pockets to store your gloves or snacks for the trail.

You can buy the Icebreaker Coriolis Hooded Windbreaker on Amazon.

Marmot Ether DriClime Hoody

Weight: 9.5 oz. / 122 grams
Fabric: polyester, DWR coating

The Marmot Ether DriClime Hooded Jacket comes with an inner layer that is soft to the skin and wicks moisture away.

The breathable outer layer wind and water-resistant and the attached roll-up hoodie add additional protection. There is also a hand and chest pocket on the jacket, elastic cuffs, and hem, and it packs into its hand pocket.

You can buy the Marmot Ether DriClime Hoody on Amazon.

Marmot Trail Wind Jacket

Weight: 4.3 oz. / 122 grams
Fabric: polyester, DWR coating

The Marmot Trail Wind Jacket is a comfortable, lightweight and packable wind shell which adjusts to your movements come with a chest stow is water repellent and protects against the sun.

It is a great jacket if you go hiking, biking, camping or running.

You can buy the Marmot Trail Wind Jacket on Amazon.

Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket

Weight: 6.4 oz. / 181 grams
Fabric: Ultralight Pertex Shield

The Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket is built with weather-resistant Pertex Shield fabric and packs small into your pack.

As with all other wind jackets the Helium II is waterproof and breathable and comes with a DWR coating and water-resistant zips.

The jacket is fully taped seams and comes with a single-pull hood drawcord and zippered Napoleon pocket to store small items. Finally, the jacket also comes with elastic cuffs.

You can buy the Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket on Amazon.

Outdoor Research Men’s Tantrum II Hooded Jacket

Weight: 4.7 oz. / 133 grams
Fabric: Nylon 20D mechanical stretch ripstop

The Outdoor Research Men’s Tantrum II Hooded Jacket has a movement-mirroring stretch. It also comes with Thumb loops and an elastic drawcord hem and a zippered chest pocket.

You can buy the Outdoor Research Men’s Tantrum II Hooded Jacket on Amazon.

Patagonia Houdini

Weight: 4 oz. / 113 grams
Fabric: 15-denier nylon ripstop

The Patagonia Houdini is another great wind jacket which got recommended by many other outdoor enthusiasts.

The jacket comes with a zippered chest pocket and the hood is adjustable.

There is also a reflective logo on the front and back so that you will get noticed during the night as well.

You can buy the Patagonia Houdini on Amazon.

The FAQ on wind jackets

Are wind jackets waterproof?

No, wind jackets are not waterproof. Their purpose is to protect against cold winds and compared to rain jackets they are very breathable, and you won’t sweat that much in it either.
Moreover, a windproof jacket can also protect you from the sun and bugs.

Should a wind jacket have a hoodie?

I would recommend buying a wind jacket with a hood. You lose most of your body temperature on your head. You will feel warmer if you protect your head against cold winds.

Should I carry both, wind and a rain jacket?

Depending on the weather forecast I would wear a wind jacket if it’s not raining and exchange it with a rain jacket if the weather turns bad. I wear rain clothes only when it is raining.

What are wind jackets made of?

Wind jackets are made of very light fabric, e.g., 15 or 20 denier nylon. They are not that durable as rain jackets, but they are excellent to wear in warm temperatures.

How to layer with a wind jacket?

You can wear a long- or short-sleeved base layer under your wind jacket (also read our article about the Icebreaker Tech T-shirt). Still, feeling cold? Add a fleece jacket over your base layer and pull on the wind jacket over it.