10 Best Windbreaker Jackets in 2018

With the Watertight II, you get the best of both worlds – solid wind-blocking capabilities with a waterproof promise…and breathable too, making it our Best Choice. For an all-round, men’s windbreaker jacket with hood, this is a good place to start and can be used for most outdoor sports. It’s not a slimline fit – the sizing can be on the larger side – but it means you can layer up for extra warmth. And while it’s limited in technical spec, it does the job.

This Columbia jacket is a great wind jacket to pack into your rucksack for when the weather changes and its adjustable features means its flexible enough for out on the bike. Affordable and in good range of colors, the Watertight has all the basics you need to keep the wind and rain at bay.

One of this review’s lightest windbreaker jackets, the makers claim it can pack down to the ‘size of a granola bar’, making it a good jacket to have as a back-up, come wind, rain or shine!

There’s no denying Outdoor Research is a simple lightweight windbreaker, but that’s its strength…no fuss, and easy to wear. But does it stand up to the rigors of the weather? Overall, yes. It can take some heavy downpours although the lack of adjustable wrists can lead to damp arms. The Helium is also impressively windproof, although its super-thin fabric won’t keep you warm. Layer up on colder days and this wind jacket should see you through. Be sure to also check out our list of the best winter jackets for more great items like this.

Great for hiking, the Venture 2 is one of our review’s high-performers in terms of wind and rain but at 1.76 pounds it’s the heaviest. Made from 100% windproof fabric, the Venture 2 also has a waterproof shell for excellent breathability.

Despite its tech-spec, this men’s windbreaker jacket is a laid-back dude, with a relaxed fit to let you layer up in the winter months. Unlined, it comes with well-made adjustable features, including wrist straps, hem cinch cord and hood to keep you snug. Surprisingly, for its size, the Venture 2 can also pack down into its own pocket, for stowing when the sun comes out. Our handy guide to the best field jackets features more great products like this.

On and off the water, Helly Hanson’s Seven J certainly has its sea legs when it comes to the triple – waterproofing, windproofing and breathability.

More of a robust shell jacket that some other windbreakers in this review, this hooded windbreaker coat is made from 2 Ply fabric to keep water out and allow sweat to effectively evaporate. This is a full weather/all season windbreaker at a price that won’t break the bank and, for all its tech spec, its acceptably lightweight too. There’s plenty of adjustment features to keep you toasty and dry whatever the activity. Love this jacket? Check out our review of the best ski jackets for our top picks.

The Precip from outdoor gear specialists Marmot is our Premium Choice thanks to the materials and design that make this slick looking windbreaker a top performer at a quality price.

Lightweight, windproof and waterproof, it’s the perfect allrounder and makes a stylish men’s windbreaker jacket for when you’re on the go. And, at just under a pound, it won’t eat into your luggage weight allowance. But how does it perform? Pretty damn well, we’d say. Its clever design means it is a fast-paced jacket, with its ‘Angel Wing’ movement design giving you a full range arm movement without riding up. Fantastic for cold weather biking or running as well as on the walking trail. And the Precip’s breathability is impressive, keeping you cool however hard you are working. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best running jackets.

Coming in at a remarkably light 3.6 ounces, the Houdini is a featherweight windbreaker jacket that can pack a punch when it comes to beating the weather.  But for its weight, this nice-looking Patagonia jacket looks substantial and hardwearing.

Perfect for the runner, rider or climber, the Houdini comes with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop and an adjustable hood, designed so that it doesn’t block your peripheral vision. Its lightweight nature means it can only claim to be water repellent, but this lightweight windbreaker knows its job and can effectively block wind and withstand abrasion on the most exposed cliff faces.

Nike’s classic Windrunner is a handsome wind jacket that’ll give your daily run some extra oomph. Super comfortable and lightweight, its ripstop fabric is durable and blocks cold wind while the built-in hood and draw cord keeps you snug and warm. The fit is a runner’s dream and provides great stretch where you need it at the cuffs and hem for freedom of movement and comfort. Plus, there’s a neat vent on the back yoke for maintaining airflow.

It is a slim fit, so you may need to go up a size, but this is a super-comfortable windbreaker hoodie that was born to run. Make sure you also check our guide to the best denim jackets.

Freedom of movement and flexibility is behind this lightweight windbreaker from Canadian outdoor specialists, Arc’teryx. The curiously named Squamish Hoody is an outdoor sports fan’s windbreaker dream, with a host of features for a wide range of activities.

Made from water resistant nylon, the premium wind blocking fabric used in this light wind jacket is extremely durable. Ok, the Squamish may be at the higher end of the budget, but you get a lot of windbreaker for your money. From its clear vision stormhood to its gusseted underarms, the Squamish is ergonomically designed to take you from cliff face to mountain bike trail. In short, this is a versatile men’s windbreaker jacket that will keep you protected, season after season. If you need a warm jacket for winter, check out our guide to the best down jackets.

The classic Charles River Apparel Windbreaker earns our Best Value trophy for its lightweight styling at a great price.

A good-looking windbreaker hoodie that’s stylish enough for everyday wear, the Windbreaker also offers decent wind and water-resistant protection for when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Made from River Tech nylon, with a cotton flannel lining for added comfort, this is a great go-to when traveling, out on the golf course or for a casual hike on the trail. Its pull-on design with built in hood and solid extended zipper keeps you protected against the elements, while the elastic cuffs and drawstring hem will keep you extra snug. Make sure you also check our selection of the best rain jackets for more great options like this.

This running jacket will keep you flying like the wind, even when the weather gets a little choppy. For the price, the adidas Essentials wind jacket is well-made and designed to keep you moving on those chilly runs.

Made from 100% durable and wind resistant nylon, this windbreaker also comes with a breathable mesh lining to keep you fresh. For when the wind chill rises, the hood is welcome addition, with an adjustable draw cord to help you keep snug as you run.  The overall design is a slim fit and can run small so try on a larger size, which will give you space to layer if winter running is your thing.