Lets talk about Windbreakers - my favourite piece of gear!

What is the difference between a waterproof jacket and a windbreaker and why would you buy a windbreaker if you already have a waterproof jacket? I'm so glad you asked!

First off, let's talk about the windbreaker. A lovely lady swung by the shop the other day and asked why her waterproof jackets never lasted as long as she wanted. We got talking, and it turns out she used her quite expensive waterproof jacket way more than she needed to, wearing out the DWR and extra sweat and oils aging it. She didn't like the wind and chill when hiking, running and walking the dog (fair enough! I don't particularly like being cold, either!) I asked her how often it rained when she was wearing it, and the answer was not that often over a year (thank you, Christchurch!)

I was talking to her about how my waterproof jacket sees less action than hers and, as a result, appears to last much longer. So, the pressing question was, what do I use instead?

Well, the answer, my friends, is blowing in the wind... a wind shell jacket! I have been using them for YEARS. It is hands down my favourite and most coveted piece of kit. I wear it year-round, hiking, running, tramping, and anything else that requires me to be outside in a bit miserable, cold or windy weather - when all I need is something to keep the wind out (even in summer with that blue sunny sky, and bitter southerly cold wind!). I can work hard, sweat, wear sunscreens and DEET, and not worry about fabric delaminating. I can add and remove layers as needed, keep it scrunched up in the pack, throw it in the wash with my regular clothes, and it dries SO QUICK!! And it is so lightweight (my current Montane Featherlite jacket comes in at 90 grams!!).

Anyway, the moral of this story is that my rain jacket is saved just for that— rain. And by looking after it, keeping it hung up and not creased when stored, it has lasted much longer than I expected it to!

If you liked this chat about windbreakers how about this one: What's the difference between down and synthetic jackets, and what is best? That's a tricky question! There are definitely pros and cons of both, but what you use it for is one of the main reasons to choose one over the other. Kirsty wrote us this ripper blog about puffy jackets and goes over all the things to consider when you get one. It's a great read! Give it a go!

Top 5 reasons to use a windbreaker:

1. You can put it in a normal wash and you don't need to add any fancy teach wash. 
2. They're more price conscious than waterproof jackets.
3. They're super light. 
4. They dry really quick. 
5. By using a windbreaker, instead of your waterproof jacket, when it's not raining, you get a lot more life out of your waterproof jacket!