When snowy weather arrives, staying comfortable and protected becomes a top priority for outdoor enthusiasts. Windproof jackets for snowy weather are more than just a winter wardrobe staple, they’re your key to braving icy winds and heavy snow with ease. These jackets combine cutting-edge materials and thoughtful designs to block the chill while keeping you warm and dry. Whether you’re tackling mountain trails, enjoying a snowball fight, or commuting through a winter wonderland, the right windproof jacket ensures you’re ready for anything. Let’s explore the features and options that make these jackets essential for conquering snowy adventures!
Contents
- 1 Pro’s and Con’s of Windproof Jackets
- 2 Best Overall: Black Diamond Alpine Start ($181.29 on Amazon)
- 3 Best Budget: Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker ($78 – $80 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Ultralight: Rab Vital Hoody ($95 on Amazon)
- 5 Best Quality: Arc’teryx Squamish ($180 on Amazon)
- 6 Best Affordable Windbreaker: Columbia Flash Challenger & Flash Forward ($35.23 – $85 on Amazon)
- 7 Ortovox Windproof Jacket ($185 on Amazon)
- 8 Marmot Men’s Gravity Softshell ($150 on Amazon)
- 9 The North Face Men’s Venture ($127 on Amazon)
- 10 How we test Windproof Jackets for Snowy Weather
- 11 Conclusion
Pro’s and Con’s of Windproof Jackets
Windproof jackets come with several noteworthy advantages:
- Exceptional Waterproofing: One of their standout features is their ability to provide excellent protection against water. Few jackets match windbreakers in handling tough weather conditions.
- Lightweight Design: Most windbreakers are designed to be lightweight, making them ideal for outdoor activities. While winter-specific windbreakers might be slightly heavier, lightweight winter options are available if you’re willing to invest in a higher-priced model.
- High Breathability: Windbreaker jackets are crafted to ensure proper ventilation, keeping your body cool and preventing you from becoming drenched in sweat during activities like hiking.
Cons
- Basic Aesthetic: Many windbreakers have a simple design, which some users may find unappealing. There’s also occasional feedback about windbreakers giving a “balloon-like” appearance. However, for those prioritizing function over style, this may not be a significant concern.
Best Overall: Black Diamond Alpine Start ($181.29 on Amazon)
- Category: Alpine/hiking
- Weight: 7.3 oz.
- Materials: 93% nylon, 7% elastane
The Black Diamond Alpine Start has quickly become our go-to layer for a variety of activities, including windy hikes, daily runs, multi-pitch climbs, and even ski touring. What sets this windproof jacket apart is its stretchy, softshell-like fabric, which provides excellent mobility, outstanding breathability, and impressive durability. Its slightly roomy fit and helmet-compatible hood make it ideal for colder mountain adventures. Most notably, the jacket’s rugged design combined with Schoeller’s Eco-Repel Bio DWR finish delivers outstanding protection in wet conditions. We’ve tested the Alpine Start in prolonged drizzles and blustery snowstorms without once wishing for a different jacket.
The latest iteration of the Alpine Start introduced some thoughtful updates, such as improved cuff and hem elasticity, a PFC-free DWR coating, and expanded sizing options with seven sizes for both men and women. However, we do miss the drawcord adjustment at the hem, which was included in the previous version. Despite this, the rest of the windproof jacket remains true to its original design – an aspect we wholeheartedly appreciate. When it comes to comfort, breathability, and weather resistance, the Alpine Start even outshines competitors.
Best Budget: Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker ($78 – $80 on Amazon)
- Category: Hiking
- Weight: 5.8 oz.
- Materials: 100% polyester taffeta
If your idea of adventure leans more toward leisurely hikes than intense trail runs or uphill slogs, you probably don’t need a high-end windproof jacket, and you shouldn’t have to pay for one either. That’s where the Cotopaxi Teca Windbreaker comes in. Known for its vibrant color-blocked panels and fashionable designs, this jacket embodies the Cotopaxi aesthetic. Crafted from 100% remnant fabric, the Teca isn’t the most technical windbreaker on the market, but it’s undoubtedly the most visually striking and environmentally conscious. Featuring a DWR finish, a roomy fit, and a large kangaroo pocket, it’s an excellent pick for casual mountain hikes, breezy beach days, and everything in between.
The Teca excels in everyday versatility with its spacious hand pockets and functional kangaroo zip, making it more practical for daily wear compared to minimalist options. However, if performance is your priority, you’ll want to look elsewhere. Weighing 5.8 ounces for a men’s medium, it’s not excessively heavy, but this windproof jacket does pack bulkier than jackets like the Houdini or other streamlined designs. Additionally, its simple polyester fabric isn’t ideal for activities that make you sweat, although the rear vent does provide some airflow. Overall, the Teca is a great balance of style, sustainability, and casual functionality.
Best Ultralight: Rab Vital Hoody ($95 on Amazon)
- Weight: 4.8 oz (size Medium)
- Pockets: 2 zip (hand pockets)
- Fabric type: Nylon
The Rab Vital Hoody stands out as a versatile, durable, and highly technical windproof jacket, offering impressive performance at a price point that undercuts the competition. While some jackets may shave off a fraction of an ounce in weight, the Vital prioritizes functionality with a thoughtfully designed feature set. Notable innovations include a neck snap that allows the jacket to stay in place even when fully unzipped, enabling quick heat release or midlayer adjustments. Additionally, the stiffened hood brim, while unconventional in appearance, provides added rain deflection, and the fully elastic hood prevents flapping in the wind. With its recent update to include a fluorocarbon-free DWR finish, the Vital Hoody further enhances its eco-friendly performance, making it an exceptional value.
However, the lightweight ripstop nylon fabric, while durable, doesn’t match the breathability of other windproof jackets in its class. During side-by-side testing on bike climbs, the Vital left us feeling noticeably sweatier than other top-rated windbreakers. Another drawback is the redesign of the pocket system. Previously known for its convenient stow pocket, the current model now uses a separate stuff sack, which is less convenient for quick storage. Despite this minor inconvenience, the Rab Vital Hoody remains an unparalleled option for those seeking technical, lightweight weather protection at an affordable price.
Best Quality: Arc’teryx Squamish ($180 on Amazon)
- Category: Alpine/hiking
- Weight: 4.9 oz.
- Materials: 100% stretch nylon
The premium Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody (available in Men’s and Women’s styles) offers an exceptional mix of breathability and protection. While it sits on the higher end of the price spectrum, the superior stitching and durable hardware ensure it will withstand years of use. This windproof jacket is thoughtfully designed with features like a helmet-compatible hood and adjustable hem cords, making it a fantastic option for a variety of outdoor pursuits.
Whether you’re biking or climbing, the Squamish stands out as a reliable companion. If you’re looking for a dependable jacket that seamlessly blends function and durability, the Squamish is a top contender.
Best Affordable Windbreaker: Columbia Flash Challenger & Flash Forward ($35.23 – $85 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 100% Polyester
- Weight: 5.9 oz.
The Columbia Flash Challenger is budget-friendly windproof jacket ideal for casual use. With a loose fit, these jackets are easy to layer over other clothing, and the women’s version stands out with adjustable drawstrings at the hem and hood, allowing for a more customized fit.
During testing, these windproof jackets proved to be less wind-resistant than some of the higher-performing options, making them better suited for mild conditions where breathability takes priority. If you’re seeking a fashionable and functional windbreaker for everyday wear, these options from Columbia are an excellent choice.
Ortovox Windproof Jacket ($185 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: Merino Wool
- Weight: 5.9 oz.
The Ortovox Windbreaker stands out with its innovative blend of nylon and merino wool, offering exceptional moisture-wicking and odor-control properties. While this material combination adds a touch of warmth and reduces breathability compared to other windbreakers, it provides superior wind-blocking capabilities, making it a standout choice for challenging conditions.
As the priciest option on our list, the Ortovox Windproof Jacket justifies its cost with outstanding durability and a lightweight design tailored for high-alpine adventures and cold-weather activities. If you’re looking for a premium windbreaker that combines performance with rugged reliability, this jacket is well worth the investment.
Marmot Men’s Gravity Softshell ($150 on Amazon)
- Dimensions: 25 x 17 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.65 pounds
- Fabric type: 85% nylon, 15% elastane
The Marmot Men’s Gravity Jacket is a top-notch choice for outdoor enthusiasts engaging in activities like backpacking, hiking, or cross-country skiing in cold and wet conditions. Crafted from a blend of 85% nylon and 15% elastane, this windproof jacket offers excellent durability and a water-repellent design, ensuring it withstands years of use.
The jacket features a softshell interior, providing exceptional comfort that enhances the overall outdoor experience. Its performance in both durability and water resistance makes it a reliable option for those seeking a well-designed waterproof system to brave the elements while staying comfortable.
The North Face Men’s Venture ($127 on Amazon)
- Dimensions: 26 x 18 x 1 inches
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Fabric type: 100% recycled nylon ripstop
The North Face Men’s Venture Jacket is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a windproof jacket with convenient zippered pockets. Made from premium materials, this jacket is built for longevity, offering superior durability compared to average options. Its standout features include excellent water and wind resistance, making it a reliable companion for jogging or outdoor activities in challenging weather conditions.
This windproof jacket also boasts a fully adjustable hood for added protection and enhanced breathability, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable even during intense activities. Lightweight and functional, the Venture Jacket feels effortless to wear while keeping your essentials organized and easily accessible in its zippered pockets.
How we test Windproof Jackets for Snowy Weather
Our team of experts has meticulously tested over 35 of the top windproof jackets on the market. This comprehensive review highlights 8 of the best jackets, which were evaluated side by side. To assess these products, we identified key metrics defining a high-performing windproof jacket and developed a series of detailed tests based on research and personal experience.
We ventured to blustery mountaintops and coastlines for wind resistance to conduct field evaluations. Water resistance was tested in controlled, repeatable lab-like settings, while breathability was assessed through bodyweight workouts in temperature-controlled environments. We simulated windy conditions with a hair dryer and analyzed each jacket’s layering compatibility.
Our final ratings are based on five crucial metrics:
- Wind Resistance: 30% of the total score
- Breathability and Venting: 30% of the total score
- Weight and Packability: 20% of the total score
- Fit and Functionality: 10% of the total score
- Water Resistance: 10% of the total score
Conclusion
In conclusion, windproof jackets for snowy weather are indispensable for anyone looking to stay warm and protected in harsh winter conditions. By combining warmth, comfort, and the ability to shield you from the biting cold winds, these jackets allow you to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about the weather. Don’t let the weather hold you back, embrace the season confidently and comfortably!
