Wind Breakers & Ultra Breathable Raingear

[Austink47]

I have been very happy with a AD90 hoody paired with a Houdini. I wear that combo over a merino base and have been very impressed with the versatility. Always carry a hard shell for when things nasty.

 

[fwafwow]

good info from @mtwarden

in praise of the windshirt

if you do a search of "windshirt" on this site- I guarantee you my name will pop up dozens of times- I'm a huge fan of windshirts and without a shadow of a doubt they are my most used piece of clothing as the name would imply- they do block wind, but unlike a hardshell (rain jacket) that also...

bushcraftusa.com

I can't seem to access that post. Was it moved? I did register.

 

[mtwarden]

I wrote that back in 2018, so a little dated; but this link should work

https://bushcraftusa.com/threads/in-praise-of-the-windshirt.221379/

 

[fwafwow]

I wrote that back in 2018, so a little dated; but this link should work

https://bushcraftusa.com/threads/in-praise-of-the-windshirt.221379/

Thanks! It's Black Friday, so there's of course more of a "need"... and my son lost my prior wind shirt.

I'm thinking of using a wind shirt for duck hunting - to get to the spot. I'm that guy who is such a baby with cold that I wear everything and practically die from heat stroke getting through the pluff mud (SC Lowcountry), so I'm thinking about packing in some of my upper layers, like some do to get to a deer stand.

Maybe I should also be in better shape...

 

[mtwarden]

The old adage of "be bold and start cold" works, BUT not going to deny it definitely sucks for awhile

 

[fwafwow]

I am currently focused on the Houdini ($109 - no sale), the Helikon Tramontane (on sale $70) and the Montbell Tachyon ($130).

• The Houdini seems to consistently get great reviews and weighs 3.7 oz
• The Tramontane is less expensive but weighs about 6.4 oz.
• I haven't seen as much (yet) about the Tachyon, but it's only 2.5 oz.

I'm sure I will find more. I'm only on page 7 of the Bushcraft thread. Although it's an older thread, it's interesting to see which brands and versions are still around (some with changes), and which aren't.

I did look at the HPG Wind Cheater, but it's much heavier (1.5 lbs) and much more expensive.

 

[mtwarden]

I had a Windcheater—nice garment (even had the optional coyote ruff); definitely the most robust wind jacket I've used, but just didn't breathe well enough for me.

No ideas on sales, but also check for Black Diamonds Alpine Start—pretty good balance of weight, durability, breathability

If you're planning on pushing through a bunch of stuff to get to your duck hunting spot—I'd probably forego any of the very lightweight options, including the Houdini (which I own a couple and think highly of)

 

[fngTony]

I am currently focused on the Houdini ($109 - no sale), the Helikon Tramontane (on sale $70) and the Montbell Tachyon ($130).

• The Houdini seems to consistently get great reviews and weighs 3.7 oz
• The Tramontane is less expensive but weighs about 6.4 oz.
• I haven't seen as much (yet) about the Tachyon, but it's only 2.5 oz.

I'm sure I will find more. I'm only on page 7 of the Bushcraft thread. Although it's an older thread, it's interesting to see which brands and versions are still around (some with changes), and which aren't.

I did look at the HPG Wind Cheater, but it's much heavier (1.5 lbs) and much more expensive.

Ya the hpg is more of a Sitka jet stream jacket rival than an ultra light wind shell. I still think the lack of stretch my biggest gripe with the Houdini but it’s still a solid option.

 

[cubdriver84d]

After wearing my L35 ventile hilltrek bealach a lot, it has become my go to windbreaker. Haven’t touched my alpine start since I got it.

 

[fwafwow]

No ideas on sales, but also check for Black Diamonds Alpine Start—pretty good balance of weight, durability, breathability

I've been checking on this one too. Looks like lots of others have done so before me, as there are not many place carrying my size.

 

[fwafwow]

Am I crazy to want one of these in a vest? I see running and golf vests but nothing (so far) geared towards hunters (not that a running or golf vest wouldn’t work)

 

[mtwarden]

I think there are times when a vest would suffice, but no sleeves and no hood would really limit their usefulness imho

 

[fngTony]

Am I crazy to want one of these in a vest? I see running and golf vests but nothing (so far) geared towards hunters (not that a running or golf vest wouldn’t work)

A cycling vest but those are usually very bright and reflective, almost construction worker level

 

[fwafwow]

A cycling vest but those are usually very bright and reflective, almost construction worker level

I’ve found a few options including a Montbell. But note the point made by @mtwarden

 

[Poser]

I’ve seen some cycling vests that are popular with alpinist. They are mesh or thin material on the back, which, if you’re wearing a pack is plenty of insulation by itself, and wind stopper fleece on the front. Gore Mae’s one: https://www.backcountry.com/gorewear-everyday-vest-mens

Or you can go even lighter:

https://www.backcountry.com/craft-essence-light-wind-vest-mens

 

[fwafwow]

I’ve seen some cycling vests that are popular with alpinist. They are mesh or thin material on the back, which, if you’re wearing a pack is plenty of insulation by itself, and wind stopper fleece on the front. Gore Mae’s one: https://www.backcountry.com/gorewear-everyday-vest-mens

Or you can go even lighter:

https://www.backcountry.com/craft-essence-light-wind-vest-mens

That second one is slim! No way they have an expanded belly size.

 

[bmart2622]

Hey @mtwarden, is a windshirt still a viable option for blocking the wind if it isn't worn as the outer layer?

 

[Poser]

Hey @mtwarden, is a windshirt still a viable option for blocking the wind if it isn't worn as the outer layer?

I do this sometimes while snowboarding at ski resorts. I'll sometimes wear a insulated flannel (because STEEZ...) shirt over windshirt with a baselayer underneath. Works great on bluebird days, but still don't get cut by the wind while going 50 mph.

 

[mtwarden]

I think ideally it's worn on the outside, BUT I frequently am wearing a base layer and wind layer (and sometimes a mid-layer too) when moving and I'll stop to glass, eat lunch, etc and I simply put my puffy layer over the top of everything. It's still blocking wind (albeit less now as the puffy is cutting some wind).

Besides saving some time and hassle, I've found that my body heat with the puffy over everything is doing a pretty good job drying out any dampness in my base layer and wind layer.

 

[HighUintas]

I didn't know steez. Had to look it up. But it sounds like it's the explanation for most of gen Z looking like they raided a goodwill with the intent of looking as confusing as possible