Say you happen to have an accident and have to be fetched off the hill by mountain rescue. They'd probably have stern words of advice for you if happened to not be carrying a rain jacket. This is certainly the case in the notoriously wet uplands of the UK, while places like the Pacific Northwest or the east coast also experience their fair share of precipitation.
But do you always need a waterproof jacket? Many hikers and runners these days opt for a lighter, more comfortable windbreaker to get the job done, especially if there's no rain in the forecast. We've sent in our hiking experts to consider the battle of windbreaker vs rain jacket to see which is best for different situations.
Windbreaker vs rain jacket: the verdict
So, which will it be? The more robust waterproof jacket that shields you from a heavy shower, or the lighter windbreaker? The answer is that it really depends on where you are and what you’re doing. Here in Scotland, I really need a waterproof jacket for most adventures, and you might too if you’re in the Pacific Northwest or the east coast. Waterproof jackets are also more versatile, since they’ll work against light and heavy rain as well as wind. But back in my old stomping grounds of Colorado? A windbreaker would definitely get the job done.
As you’ve probably noticed, I own both, and I use them for different adventures. For hiking, I prefer a waterproof jacket, though in blue skies I’ll definitely substitute a windbreaker to save space in my pack. For trail running, I have occasionally worn my waterproof jacket when I’m traveling and it’s my only option, but I definitely prefer a windbreaker when I’m going to sweat.
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Weight and packability
- Windbreakers tend to be lighter and more packable
Though waterproof jackets are getting lighter and more packable with each passing day, windbreakers will always win out in this category. This is because a good quality waterproof jacket will be constructed using at least two, and possibly three, layers, including the outer shell which is usually treated with DWR, and waterproof membrane. A windbreaker, on the other hand, will consist of a single, much thinner layer with a tight weave, making it lighter and more packable.
As an example, I often run in my North Face Lightriser Futurelight running jacket which is waterproof. At seven ounces (200 grams) it is super lightweight and folds up to about the size of a softball. My Montane Lite-Speed Trail Pull-On windbreaker, however, squeezes down smaller than a tennis ball and barely tips the scales at all at just over two ounces (60 grams). Obviously, weight and packability varies between styles, but to save the most weight and space in your backpack, you’ll always want to go with a windbreaker.
Rain and wind protection
- Windbreakers are not designed to keep out heavy rain
- A waterproof jacket has a coating of DWR and a waterproof membrane to keep you dry
- Both are effective against the wind
The weather can change very quickly in the mountains, so it's wise to always carry a waterproof.
Alex Foxfield, Mountain Leader
So a windbreaker helps you save on space and weight, but can it really provide the same level of protection as a rain jacket? Well, when it comes to rain, the secret lies in the name. A rain jacket (or a good one at least) is designed to fend off a heavy downpour, what with its DWR treatment and waterproof membrane. You should be able to hike or run in a deluge with a rain jacket for quite some time before wetting out. A windbreaker will definitely work against a light drizzle, but it’s not designed to keep out heavy rain.
When it comes to wind, both options should provide a pretty comparable – and good – barrier against a cold wind, meaning as an outer layer they’ll both serve to help keep you warm if it’s windchill, rather than just low temperatures, that’s causing you to be cold in the first place. That said, the more breathable a garment is, the less windproof it will be, so if you’re looking for something you can move fast in, such as a windbreaker for trail running, you’ll sacrifice some wind resistance for breathability. Since you’re going to be picking up the pace and getting warmer, this probably won’t be a problem, but it’s good to know if you plan to use your windbreaker for less sweaty endeavors such as hiking.
Comfort and breathability
- Rain jackets tend to be stiffer and don't allow as much freedom of movement
- Windbreakers are thinner, tighter fitting and tend to be more comfortable
Both a rain jacket and a windbreaker are designed to be worn as outer layers, meaning they won’t touch your skin, so they’re not necessarily designed with comfort in mind the way a base layer is. That said, you still want to be comfortable in any piece of outdoor gear and there are a couple of factors that will affect your comfort level.
Rain jackets tend to be made from stiffer material (although my Montane Phase Lite waterproof jacket is pretty soft) and they’re not usually as breathable as windbreakers, since their job is to keep the elements out. Finally, they don’t tend to have added stretch; rather, they’re made from synthetic materials that tend to have natural stretch (my Phase Lite is 100% nylon). All of this means that, if you’re working up a sweat, your waterproof jacket may not be the most comfortable item in your closet, but it’s a necessary means to an end. Another good option for a lighter waterproof that provides more freedom of movement is the excellent Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket.
Windbreakers on the other hand tend to have a “barely there” feel to them, made from super light and soft material. They’re more breathable, meaning you don’t get as clammy when you’re running in them, and the fabric may have a little more give in it to allow more dynamic movement. All in all, a windbreaker is likely to be a bit more comfortable.
There is one other aspect to both garments that might affect their comfort, depending on what you’re doing in them, and that’s their fit. Rain jackets are usually cut with the assumption that you’ll be layering them over a base layer and a mid layer (and possibly a down jacket, too) so they’ll be a bit more roomy. This means on warmer days, they’ll hang a bit looser and be comfortable, if not flappier in the wind. Windbreakers are often designed to be pulled on over a running top, and have a more snug fit to them, which means they won’t be as comfortable if you try to layer them over something bulkier.
Durability and price
- Waterproof jackets tend to be made of tough, durable material
- However, they're also more expensive
Your protective layer may be built to withstand the elements, but will it hold up against a thorny branch on the trail? If you’re wearing a windbreaker, possibly not, since the single, thin layer of fragile fabric does tear easily. A good waterproof jacket should be ok when it comes to typical trail obstacles, however.
The sturdier construction of a waterproof jacket also comes with a higher price tag, generally speaking. My Montane Phase Lite retails for $399, whereas the Lite-Speed Pull-On is just $80, which is a huge difference. You can find both budget and high end versions of both options, of course.
