The Best Deals on Camping, Backpacking and Outdoor Gear [July 2025]
If there’s one piece of clothing we’ve come to appreciate as outdoorists, it’s the humble windbreaker. They’re perfect for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and more, keep out the chill on dark start mornings, prevent you from bailing on the summit early because you’re too cold, and pack up small enough you don’t need to think twice about whether to take them along. So whether you’re planning adventures near home or traveling farther afield, one of these packable, sustainable windbreakers will keep you sheltered on cool mornings, breezy hikes, sunset summits, beach walks, windy downhill rides and so much more.
Need more warmth? Layer one of these sustainable windbreakers with a sustainable hybrid jacket! Check out our favorite sustainable hiking hats, too.
The Best Sustainable Hiking Windbreakers
Ciele VNT Jacket: For Speedy Ultralight Pursuits
This might be our new favorite hiking jacket for any outdoor activity that calls for moving fast in a too-cool breeze. I’m talking trail running, cycling and mountain biking when the wind cuts through your sun hoodie too much for comfort. Fortunately, the VNT is super duper lightweight (4 oz) and crazy thin but still blocks wind from the front where you need it while large stretchy mesh panels on the back offer lots of breathable space to dump body heat when you’re working hard. So we wouldn’t necessarily want this jacket on a breezy summit because it doesn’t block wind from all directions, but it is made by a running company, so it makes sense that it would be designed for moving fast on trails and regulating body temp.
We tested it while biking, trail running and hiking with a backpack and loved the combination of breathability and wind protection (especially in the armpits). The material is silky and extremely light, so we’re not sure it will be as durable as other options (and don’t think it would survive a bike wipeout), but we do love how quiet it is. Even when speeding downhill on a road bike it barely snapped in the breeze and when running, that annoying swish sound is so minimal we barely noticed it. Bonus: we love the reflective details and bright colors that make us more visible to vehicles and other trail users (but more subdued hues are also available).
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% recycled nylon, PFAS-free, lifetime guarantee. Ciele is also a B-corp.
Pros
- Reflective details on the back and bungees
- Bungees in the hem and hood
- Bright colors and neutrals available
- Highly breathable
- Low noise
- Two zippered hand pockets
- Ultralight
- Packs into its own pocket
Cons
- Not as durable
- Not wind protective from all sides
Outdoor Research Deviator Wind Jacket: For More Durability + Breathability
For a more durable option for high-output trail pursuits like running or fast packing, look no further than the Deviator. The fabric is stretchy and smooth to the touch, making it a pleasure to put on during all kinds of activities. In fact, it felt like one of the most high-quality, durable hiking windbreakers we tested. We especially loved it for fast hikes, biking and trail running as the front fabric blocked wind like a boss but the material on the back is perforated to aid in breathability and help body heat escape. But that does mean it wasn’t as effective at keeping out the chill during slower or more stationary activities like relaxing on a breezy summit. It did mean we didn’t have to shed the layer as quickly as with other options when hiking uphill.
This jacket is more fitted and runs on the small side, so if you like more wiggle room in your outerwear or you’re in between sizes, we recommend sizing up. On the upside, the fabric is super stretchy (especially on the back) to allow more freedom of movement and it made minimal noise when on the move. It’s also one of few options we tested without a hood, with means there’s less fabric to get in the way and catch the wind when moving fast. It’ll definitely be one of our go-to jackets for high output activities.
How it’s sustainable: Made of bluesign® approved 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex and bluesign® approved perforated 85% Recycled Nylon, 15% Spandex. PFAS-free.
Pros
- Fun colors and neutrals available
- Reflective detail on front and one arm
- Stretchy
- Ultra breathable
- Two zippered hand pockets
- Zippered chest pocket big enough for a phone
- Packs into its own pocket
- Durable materials
- Hoodless design
Cons
- Not windproof on the back due to perforations
Finisterre Forecast Windcheater Jacket: The Understated Town to Trail Jacket
We’ve never worn a hiking windbreaker like the Finisterre Forecast Windcheater before. It almost feels too nice to wear outside where it will get dirty and scuffed. But outside we will take it, and gladly, because not only is the Forecast Windcheater ultralight (5.3 oz), it’s also ultra slinky. As in, the feel and drape of the fabric is similar to silk. We don’t know how the brand that bills itself as “the U.K.’s Patagonia” did it, but we like it. It’s soft and flexible plus almost silent during activity. What’s more, while it feels delicate, it’s made of rip-stop material, so it should stand up to more use and abuse than you think.
But the fabric isn’t the only reason it’s a fave: two open hand pockets (no zips) offer easy access to small items (they’re deep so lip balm stayed put during a lot of movement), there are two deep drop pockets inside, which we love in a jacket, and a secure zipper pocket on the back doubles as the stuff pocket. The fabric doesn’t stretch, but it doesn’t need to because it’s roomy enough to offer full freedom of movement. There’s a hood plus a bungee in the hem for extra windy days and the stretchy wristbands are pleasantly fitted.
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% recycled polyamide, PFAS-free, ships by sea not air, packaged in biodegradable packaging.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Silky material
- Lots of pockets
- Bungee in the hem
- Hood
- Understated and stylish
- Packs into its own pocket
Cons
- Only two neutral colors available
Patagonia Houdini Stash Half-Zip Jacket: The Easy Breezy Pullover
The first time we stuffed this little hoodless jacket into its chest pocket, we were amazed at how small and light it was. So small and light (3.3 oz), in fact, that we don’t think twice about tossing into a backpack for just about any adventure, just in case. We’ve taken it on extended day hikes to summit mountains, mountain biking, trail running and so much more. We love it because it takes up so little room in even a small hip pack–we’ve even taken it off mid-run and stuffed it in a spandex shorts pocket–but also because it blocks wind and breathes well.
There are a few small overlapping vents on the back for breathability, but they’re not so big we end up feeling chilled when taking a break. Plus the pullover design with a 1/2 zip lets you vent the front if you start to warm up, which we appreciated on chilly morning trail runs. There are no hand pockets, but there are bungees in the hem, a small zippered chest pocket, and two small velcro drop pockets on either side that are big enough for lip balm or gels, but not much else.
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% recycled nylon in a Fair Trade Certified Factory, PFAS-free.
Pros
- Several bright and neutral colors available
- Vented for breathability
- Ultralight
- Adjustable bungee in the hem
- Water resistant
- No hood to get in the way
- Packs into its own pocket
Cons
- Only small pockets (not big enough for a phone) and no hand pockets
- A little noisy
Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker: The Trendy One (In Plus Sizes!)
If you’re looking for a windbreaker that’s more trendy than technical, give the Cotopaxi Teca Half-zip a look (there’s also a full-zip crop for women). It features the brand’s classic color blocking and looks just as good on hiking trails as it does during wanders around town. Plus it’s functional thanks to the oversized anorak pocket on the front and zippered kangaroo pocket.
The fabric isn’t as sleek or soft as other options, but it is a bit more heavy-duty if it’s durability and more protection from cold wind are what you’re searching for. That thicker material is noisy, though, so other trail users may hear you coming before they see you. We found this option best for cold hikes (including for layering over insulating layers) and for popping on at wind-whipped summits since it’s not as breathable as other options and feels more plastic-y on skin but does a solid job at blocking the chill.
How it’s sustainable: Like the rest of Cotopaxi’s Teca line, this is made of 100% repurposed fabric that might have gone to a landfill. The brand is also Fair Trade Certified and is committed to social and environmental good and offers lifetime warranty and repairs.
Pros
- Trendy styling
- Available in fun colors (and one neutral)
- Large pockets
- Water resistant
- Extended sizing from XXS to 4XL
- Packs into its own pocket
Cons
- Noisy fabric
- Few neutrals available
The North Face Higher Run Jacket: The Solid All-Rounder
If there’s one windbreaker that seems like it just might be the most versatile hiking jacket, it’s this one. It felt plenty breathable on long, cool hikes up mountains, has a touch of stretch, and was perfect for donning during summit gales and cool to cold hikes, even if they require maximum effort. There’s a bungee in the hem, a stretchy fitted hood and cuffs, and it stores in its own chest pocket for portability.
That chest pocket is large enough for a phone and there are mesh-lined hand pockets (not zippered) for extra venting. That’s nice in moderate temps, but during really cold, low impact activities they may allow more air in than you’d like since you can’t zip the pockets closed. In milder temps, the main zipper is two-way, meaning you can unzip it from the bottom or the top (or both) to promote airflow, which works great if you’re carrying a backpack. It is a slim fit design, so if you’re on the line size-wise or like your jackets a bit roomier in order to layer over something like a grid fleece), size up (Josh is wearing a L instead of his usual M).
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% recycled polyester with PFAS-Free DWR finish. The North Face Renewed program can repair, refurbish or recycle old clothing to keep int out of a landfill.
Pros
- Available in several colors, including neutrals
- Water resistant
- Reflective details on back
- Soft material
- Quiet
- Durable
- Packs into its own pocket
Cons
- Only available in men’s/unisex
Stio Second Light Windshell: The No Fuss Ultralight
One of the simplest, most ultralight (3.8 oz) options on this list is the Stio Second Light, which we won’t think twice about packing on backpacking trips, day hikes, or evening bike rides. That’s because it packs down to almost nothing in its own pocket, there are hidden thumb loops in the stretchy cuffs, and the hood offered the best fit of any we tested thanks to elastic on both sides. There’s a bungee in the hem, too, and the whole jacket was true to size and fit just right–not too tight, not too loose.
The only thing we found odd about this hiking windbreaker was the single zippered hand pocket. We wished there were two to offer a place to stuff our hands on chilly mornings before we get moving or after a hike when waiting for our coffee order. So this one is better suited for activities where you’ll likely be using your hands. On the upside, it’s not super noisy and feels light and breathable on skin, not clingy.
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% Recycled nylon, PFAS-free. The brand also supports outdoor non-profits and offers a Stio Second Turn program to keep their apparel out of landfills.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Water resistant
- Packs into its own pocket
- Hidden thumb loops
- Reflective detail on the back and side
- Several colors available
- Well-fitted hood
Cons
- Only one zippered hand pocket
Bottom Line: Hiking Windbreakers
A packable, sustainable windbreaker is a beautiful thing whether you’re hiking, biking, backpacking, paddling or walking the dog. They block out the biting wind without making you feel too hot during activity, are an easy layer to throw on on breezy summits, keep you warmer than you think when layered over an insulating layer like a lightweight puffy jacket in the spring and fall, and are usually so light and packable there’s no reason not to bring one along on every adventure.
So grab yourself a more sustainable windbreaker if yours is stuffed in a corner somewhere tattered and unusable and get out there and wander on.
Remember: the most sustainable gear is used gear. Find new-to-you windbreakers on some of our favorite used sites like Geartrade and REI Re/Supply.
