![]() Unlike the version pictured on Black Diamond’s website, our women’s jacket has a flap over the chest pocket-not a feature we love-and it also lacks a drawcord adjustment at the hem (which the previous version had). The Black Diamond Alpine Start was recently updated, with changes to the fit, better executed elastic at the cuffs and hem, and PFC-free DWR finish (it’s also now available in seven sizes for men and women). We’ve worn the Alpine Start in all-day drizzles and blowing snow and never once wished for more jacket. And perhaps most significantly, the shell’s robust nature, in addition to Schoeller’s Eco-Repel Bio DWR finish, means you get exceptional protection in wet weather. The jacket also features a relatively roomy fit and helmet-compatible hood that are great for colder days in the mountains. What makes the Alpine Start stand out is its stretchy, softshell-like fabric, which offers great range of motion, impressive breathability, and serious durability. What we don’t: Not super lightweight or packable updated version leaves off hem adjustment.Īh, the Black Diamond Alpine Start: where do we begin? This jacket has become our layer of choice for everything from windy hikes to daily runs, multi-pitch climbing, and even ski touring. What we like: Softshell-like fabric is breathable, stretchy, and very protective. See the Men's Patagonia Houdini Air See the Women's Patagonia Houdini Airīest Mountain-Ready Windbreaker Jacket 2. That said, no other design can match the minimalist build and performance chops and of the Houdini Air, making it our top windbreaker of 2023. And although the jacket’s DWR coating is impressive, a thicker shell fabric (like that of the Black Diamond Alpine Start below) will offer better wet-weather protection. ![]() That said, we've worn the the Air in 60mph, knock-you-over gusts in Patagonia, and felt sufficiently sheltered from the storm. Keep in mind that with such a thin shell and air-permeable weave, you do give up some of the bombproof protection of a 100% nylon jacket like the original Houdini. In many ways, the Houdini Air is the Swiss Army Knife of windbreaker jackets and makes a great option for hiking, running, mountain biking, and a wide variety of other outdoor uses. The jacket pairs a double-weave liner with a standard nylon shell, offering great wind protection and a softer feel than any other design in its weight class. Building off the beloved Houdini below, the Air takes the old formula but adds a ton of breathability and comfort to the mix. It’s not always this easy to narrow down competing models and make a top pick, but among windbreaker jackets, the Patagonia Houdini Air is head and shoulders above the rest. ![]() What we don’t: Expensive and not as protective as some of the options below. What we like: Impressive comfort and breathability in a tiny package. Best Ultralight Windbreaker Jacket: Enlightened Equipment Copperfieldīest Overall Windbreaker Jacket 1.Best Windbreaker Jacket for Running: Patagonia Airshed Pro.Best Budget Windbreaker Jacket: Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker.Best Mountain-Ready Windbreaker Jacket: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody.Best Overall Windbreaker Jacket: Patagonia Houdini Air.For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Below we break down our favorite windbreaker jackets of 2023, including models for hiking, alpine use, and running. And more good news: today’s designs are increasingly breathable and comfortable. These small but mighty outer layers pack a punch, offering serious protection from the elements for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, and backcountry skiers alike. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. Let’s get right to the point: we love windbreaker jackets.
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