Windbreaker Buying Guide

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A reliable windbreaker is an essential part of our pack for summer alpine hiking. Windbreakers are a versatile piece of gear that provide a bit of early morning warmth, but also serve as an emergency light rain jacket in a pinch. Since a windbreaker is a go-to piece of gear for us, we tested three of the top windbreakers from some of our favorite outdoor gear manufacturers who make durable, quality products: 1) the Stio Second Light Windshell, 2) the Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody, and 3) the Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker. Our research led to this comprehensive windbreaker buying guide intended to help you make an informed gear purchase.

Note: Products in this review were provided for review purposes. Our product reviews are independent in order to provide readers with candid gear recommendations.


Product Specifications

Product

Price

Weight

Materials

$129.00

4.0 oz.

100% Nylon, Meridian Stretch Mini-Ripstop, 20 denier with DWR finish

$159.00

4.9 oz.

100% Nylon, Tyono 30 denier with DWR finish

$99.00

3.7 oz.

100% Nylon, Ripstop with DWR finish


Overall product Scores

STIO SECOND LIGHT

ARC’TERYX SQUAMISH

PATAGONIA HOUDINI

Wind Resistance

9

7

9

Water Resistance

8

6

8

Breathability

8

7

8

Weight

9

6

10

Packability

10

8

10

Value

10

7

10

Style

10

8

7

OVERALL

91%

70%

89%

Stio Second Light Windshell - Back
Back – Stio Second Light Windshell
Stio Second Light Windshell - Front
Front – Stio Second Light Windshell
Stio Second Light Windshell
Stio Second Light Windshell
Patagonia Houdini - Back
Back – Patagonia Houdini
Patagonia Houdini - Front
Front – Patagonia Houdini
Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody - Back
Back – Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody - Front
Front – Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
Windbreakers in Fast Pack
Fast Pack & Windbreakers
Packed Windbreakers
Windbreakers in Stuff Sacks

Product Ratings

Stio Second Light Windshell
9
Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
7
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
9

Stio Second Light Windshell
8
Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
6
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
8

Stio Second Light Windshell
8
Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
7
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
8

Stio Second Light Windshell
9
Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
6
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
10

Stio Second Light Windshell
10
Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
8
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
10

Stio Second Light Windshell
10
Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
7
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
10

Stio Second Light Windshell
10
Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
8
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
7


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