To get the most out of every outing, we recommend always having a windproof jacket to hand, whatever the season. The advantage of being able to protect yourself from the wind, especially when it is chilly, is that it helps you avoid getting cold and having the enjoyment of being out in the wild spoiled. An essential bit of kit for any hiking enthusiast, windproof jackets are above all lightweight and breathable. Many are also waterproof so you do not end up soaked if the rain makes an appearance in the mountains or if you are walking along a coastal path swept by wind carrying sea spray.
Our best men's windproof jackets
Our best women's windproof jackets
Our selection of the best hiking jackets for men
To help you choose more easily, we are presenting our selection of the best windproof hiking jackets for men this season. We hope you will find the model that best meets your needs among these options.
Comparison table of men's models
| Model | Weight | Waterproofing | Breathability | Construction | Eco-friendly | Packable | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaude Men's Scopi Insulation Jacket | 318 g | No | Yes | Insulated fleece | 100% recycled | No | Insulation, lightweight feel, recycled materials |
| DARE2B Torrek III | 550 g | 35,000 mm | 35,000 g/m²/24h | ARED membrane | Almost entirely made from recycled materials | No | 35K/35K protection, freedom of movement, recycled materials |
| Mammut Alto Guide Hardshell Hooded | 480 g | 20,000 mm | 20,000 g/m²/24h | 3-layer hardshell | 100% recycled | No | 20K/20K protection, helmet and harness compatibility, recycled materials |
| Millet Seneca 2,5L | 340 g | 10,000 mm | 10,000 g/m²/24h | 2.5-layer | 100% recycled | No | Lightness, ventilation, recycled polyester |
| Patagonia M Torrentshell 3L | 400 g | Yes | Yes | 3-layer ECONYL | 100% recycled | Yes | Waterproofing, breathability, packability, recycled nylon |
| Salewa Puez Aqua 4 Ptx 2.5L M | 310 g | 10,000 mm | 10,000 g/m²/24h | 2.5-layer | 57% recycled / Salewa Committed | No | Lightweight, waterproof, breathable, 57% recycled materials |
Vaude Men's Scopi Insulation Jacket
The eco-responsible insulated jacket for the shoulder season
Made entirely from recycled polyester, the Scopi Insulation Jacket shows a clear environmental commitment. Its fleece lining provides thermal insulation that makes it more than just a windproof layer: it is a shoulder-season jacket, designed for cool days and unsettled weather. The water-repellent treatment helps to shrug off light showers. The pre-shaped sleeves improve comfort on the move, and two zipped pockets complete the features.
What sets it apart: At 318 g, it is the second lightest in the men's selection.
Who is it for? The hiker who cares about environmental impact and wants a versatile jacket for the cool shoulder season.
DARE2B Torrek III
The technical jacket for tackling harsh conditions
Made almost entirely from recycled materials, the Torrek III is fitted with a ARED 35K/35K membrane offering an exceptionally high level of waterproofing and breathability. It is built for demanding outings in poor weather, with fully sealed seams, water-repellent zips and a PFC-free water-repellent treatment. AEP KINEMATICS technology improves freedom of movement. It has the best pocket set-up in the men's selection: two hand pockets, a chest pocket and an inner pocket.
What sets it apart: Its ARED 35K/35K membrane delivers the highest performance in the men's range, both for waterproofing and breathability. No other jacket in the selection comes close to this level of protection.
Who is it for? The hiker heading into the mountains in all weather and unwilling to compromise on protection.
Mammut Alto Guide Hardshell Hooded
The hardshell aimed at mountaineering
The Alto Guide Hardshell Hooded features a DRY Tour 20K/20K membrane for high-level protection against the elements. The pit zips regulate temperature effectively during exertion. The backpack-compatible pockets and harness-compatible design show this is a jacket made for technical terrain.
What sets it apart: The only jacket in the men's selection that is compatible with both helmet and harness, plus it has a two-way zip. It is designed for mountaineering, climbing or via ferrata as much as for hiking.
Who is it for? The mountaineer or serious hiker looking for a versatile jacket that bridges trekking and technical terrain.
Millet Seneca 2,5L
The lightweight, eco-designed waterproof jacket
With its DRYEDGE™ 10K/10K membrane and waterproof zips, the Seneca provides effective protection against moderate to heavy precipitation. The underarm vents and protective collar complete a well-thought-out setup for hiking.
What sets it apart: The only waterproof jacket in the men's selection made entirely from recycled polyester.
Who is it for? The hiker who wants a lightweight waterproof jacket that is kind to the environment.
Patagonia M Torrentshell 3L
The benchmark compact and durable waterproof
Built from 3-layer recycled ECONYL nylon with an H2No Performance Standard membrane, the Torrentshell 3L offers reliable protection in poor weather. Its double storm flap over the main zip and micro-fleece collar prevent chafing on the chin during long outings. The underarm vents manage strenuous climbs.
What sets it apart: It packs into its own pocket with a carabiner clip. It is the most compact jacket in the men's windproof jacket selection.
Who is it for? The hiker looking for a dependable, packable and responsibly made waterproof jacket.
Salewa Puez Aqua 4 Ptx 2.5L M
The lightweight option for fast-paced outings
With its Powertex 10K/10K membrane in a 2.5-layer construction and taped seams, the Puez Aqua 4 Ptx offers serious waterproof protection. Its waterproof front zip further improves defence against the weather. It also features two zipped hand pockets, velcro-adjustable cuffs and a adjustable hem.
What sets it apart: At 310 g, it is the lightest in the men's selection.
Who is it for? The hiker who prioritises low weight without giving up rain protection.
Our selection of the best windproof jackets for women
To help you choose more easily, we are presenting our selection of the best windproof hiking jackets for women this season. We hope you will find the model that best meets your needs among these options.
Comparison table of women's models
| Model | Weight | Waterproofing | Breathability | Construction | Eco-friendly | Packable | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mammut Linard Guide Hardshell Hooded Jacket W | 387 g | 20,000 mm | 20,000 g/m²/24h | 3-layer hardshell | Almost entirely recycled | No | 20K/20K protection, ventilation, recycled materials |
| Patagonia W Torrentshell 3L | 352 g | Yes | Yes | 3-layer ECONYL | 100% recycled | Yes | Waterproofing, breathability, packability, recycled nylon |
| Icepeak Bathgate | - | 10,000 mm | 5,000 g/m²/24h | Softshell | - | No | Versatility, flexibility, removable hood |
| Salewa Puez Aqua 4 Ptx 2.5L W | 310 g | 10,000 mm | 10,000 g/m²/24h | 2.5-layer | 57% recycled / Salewa Committed | No | Lightweight, waterproof, breathable, 57% recycled materials |
| Patagonia W's Granite Crest | 357 g | Yes | Yes | 3-layer Ripstop | NetPlus® + Fair Trade | Yes | Waterproofing, breathability, packability, NetPlus®, Fair Trade |
Mammut Linard Guide Hardshell Hooded Jacket W
The eco-designed hardshell for harsh conditions
Made almost entirely from recycled polyester, the Linard Guide Hardshell Hooded shows a strong environmental commitment. The outer fabric and lining are both made from 100% recycled polyester, while the membrane contains 75%. Its 3-layer DRY Tour 20K/20K membrane delivers solid protection against heavy precipitation, backed up by a long-lasting PFC-free water-repellent treatment. The zipped vents under the arms regulate temperature during exertion, and the pre-shaped sleeves with hook-and-loop cuffs fine-tune the fit.
What sets it apart: With its 20K/20K membrane, it offers the highest waterproofing and breathability levels in the women's selection.
Who is it for? The female hiker looking for a high-performance hardshell in poor weather, designed to limit environmental impact.
Patagonia W Torrentshell 3L
The packable waterproof for all seasons
Built from 3-layer recycled ECONYL nylon with an H2No Performance Standard membrane, the Torrentshell 3L is waterproof and breathable for outings in changeable conditions. Its double storm flap over the main zip and micro-fleece collar provide neat wind protection. The zipped underarm vents manage the release of warm, humid air during hard climbs.
What sets it apart: Along with the Granite Crest, it is one of the two most packable and portable jackets in the women's selection, as both stow into their own pocket.
Who is it for? The female hiker who wants a dependable, lightweight waterproof jacket that is easy to take anywhere.
Icepeak Bathgate
The versatile softshell for mountain outings
The Bathgate from Icepeak stands out for its softshell construction, which gives it lightness, flexibility and durability. Its 10K/5K membrane provides protection against moderate to heavy precipitation, with a PFC-free water-repellent treatment. The comfortable inner collar and chin guard add welcome wearing comfort.
What sets it apart: The only softshell jacket in the women's selection, and it also has a detachable hood: it adapts to conditions where the others lock you into one set-up.
Who is it for? The female hiker looking for a versatile, flexible jacket suited to moderate conditions.
Salewa Puez Aqua 4 Ptx 2.5L W
The lightweight choice for moving fast in the mountains
With its Powertex Extreme 10K/10K membrane in a 2.5-layer construction and DWR water-repellent treatment, the Puez Aqua 4 Ptx delivers weather protection in a compact, ultra-light format. The full-length front zip with a windproof rear flap further improves defence against the wind. The adjustable shaped hood and ergonomic sleeves ensure comfort on the move.
What sets it apart: At 310 g, it is the lightest in the women's selection.
Who is it for? The female hiker who prioritises lightness and packability without giving up rain protection.
Patagonia W's Granite Crest Jkt
The ethical, high-end hardshell with responsible credentials
Made from NetPlus® 30 denier Ripstop nylon derived from recycled fishing nets, the Granite Crest takes environmental commitment further than any other jacket in the women's selection. Its 3-layer construction and H2No membrane guarantee top-level waterproofing and breathability. The two-way pit zips and hem drawcord accessible directly from the pockets make this a jacket that is as well thought out as it is well built.
What sets it apart: The only jacket in the whole selection certified Fair Trade® and made from NetPlus® nylon derived from recycled fishing nets. Alongside the Torrentshell 3L, it is also one of the two women's models that pack into their own pocket.
Who is it for? The female hiker who does not want to choose between technical performance, ethical manufacturing and a low environmental impact.
What is the difference between a windproof jacket and a waterproof hiking jacket?
A windproof jacket is designed to provide excellent protection against the wind, whether strong or moderate, while remaining breathable enough to let sweat evaporate. Its main job is to stop the wind penetrating and reduce the feeling of cold. A waterproof jacket, by contrast, uses a specialist membrane that blocks moisture, whether that is raindrops or snowflakes. There are different levels of waterproofing to cope with heavier or lighter rainfall. Many windproof jackets are waterproof as well as breathable, helping to regulate body heat so you avoid overheating when the temperature rises a few degrees or if your effort increases.
Does a water-repellent windproof jacket protect against rain?
Most windproof jackets offer a degree of protection from moisture thanks to their water-repellent treatment, which in a light shower allows water droplets to bead and run off the surface without soaking into the fabric. However, this does not guarantee waterproof performance in prolonged or heavy rain. If conditions are properly wet, a waterproof jacket remains the most suitable choice.
Does a windproof jacket keep you warm?
A windproof jacket usually does not have an insulating lining and therefore does not provide warmth directly, as a winter coat or a ski jacket can. However, by blocking the wind effectively, it reduces the sensation of cold and limits body heat loss, which helps preserve your comfort. If you are walking and temperatures are low, we recommend using the 3-layer system, with the mid-layer made up of a fleece or a down jacket worn just underneath the windproof layer.
What is a technical hardshell jacket?
Hardshells are jackets that are waterproof, windproof and breathable all at once, perfectly suited to mountain hiking, mountaineering, ski touring... Many users simply refer to them as Gore-Tex because they are so often made with a Gore-Tex membrane.