Windshirts 101

Wind shirts and wind shells are thin lightweight jackets, pullovers, or anoraks weighing 2 to 4 ounces, that hikers wear as a vapor barrier to prevent winds from stripping away body heat. Weighing 2 to 4 ounces, they're usually made of highly breathable, water-resistant nylon that is insufficient protection for sustained rain, but can be worn over a fleece or base layer to block the wind and keep you warmer when hiking or trail running.

While you can wear a wind shirt anywhere, they're particularly useful in mountainous terrain, when wearing a full rain or technical shell would be too warm. The best wind shells have fully adjustable hoods so they don't flap wildly against your head and face in a stiff breeze, a sound that will drive you out of your mind on a long mountain traverse. Wind shirts are also a great layer to wear on cold mornings over a fleece because they hold the your body heat without the bulk of a rain jacket. Elastic wrist cuffs, and adjustable waist hem, and a 1/2 or full length zipper are also useful for sealing in the heat and venting for thermal regulation.

Here are the best hooded wind shirts and shells available today. Note: when shopping for wind shirts and wind shells, retailers may list them under trail running jackets, since there's so much overlap with hiking and backpacking.

Patagonia Houdini Wind Jacket

The Patagonia Houdini is one of the most legendary wind shirts available today. Weighing just 3.3 oz, it's made with a 15 denier 100% nylon ripstop shell with a DWR finish for improved water resistance. Elastic wrist cuffs make it easy to pull up the sleeves if you get too warm, while a drawcord cinches the hem. The hood adjusts with a single drawstring, while the jacket packs snugly into its zippered chest pocket, which has a carabiner clip in loop.

Check out the latest price on:
REI | Amazon

Arc'teryx Incendo Hoodie

The Arc'teryx Incendo Hoodie is a highly breathable, 20d nylon tafetta hoodie treated with a DWR coating for improved water resistance. It has a trim fit with gusseted mesh underarms for improved ventilation, with a non-adjustable fitted hood that rolls away and secures with a snap when not needed. Weighing 4.6 oz, it's the heaviest wind shell in this list, but its thoughtful design and excellent breathability make it an excellent choice for high exertion climbs and hikes.

Check out the latest price on:
REI | Amazon

Marmot Air Lite Jacket

The 3.7 ounce Marmot Air Lite Jacket is a wind-resistant, water-repellent and breathable 12-denier stretch ripstop nylon shell that packs into its own chest pocket. The hood is gathered slightly in back for a secure fit with partial elastic bound cuffs and an elastic hem seal out the elements. Available for men and women.

Check out the latest price on:
REI | Amazon

Montbell Tachyon Parka

Montbell's Tachyon Parka is made with a super fine 7 denier DWR-coated nylon. Weighing just 2.5 ounces it has underarm vents, elastic cuffs, and packs easily into integrated stow pocket. Drawstring hood adjustment and brim round out this exceptional wind shell.

Check out the latest price on:
Montbell America

Montbell U.L. Stretch Wind Parka

The Montbell U.L. Stretch Wind Parka is made with a 12 denier Ballistic Airlight rip-stop nylon give just the right balance of breathability and wind resistance. It's cut on the bias, like many of Montbell's sleeping bags to give it an element of stretch and freedom of movement. Weighing 4.1 oz, the U.L. Stretch Wind Parka has two zippered hand pockets and elastic cuffs. A drawstring hood adjustment and brim make this jackets a great addition to any outdoor enthusiast's gear list.

Check out the latest price on:
Montbell America

Written 2018.

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