Lightweight Hiking Windbreakers

When a T-Shirt Isn’t Enough

Wind picks up. The temperature drops a little. The forecast looks annoying rather than catastrophic.

That’s where a lightweight hiking windbreaker earns its place.

These packable jackets give you an easy extra layer for exposed trails, cooler starts, travel and the weather that can’t quite make its mind up. They’re lightweight, easy to stash and built with useful details like a concealed hood, zipped pockets, elastic cuffs and ventilation eyelets.

A man wearing a black waterproof jacket with a white 'WILD PEAK' logo on the chest, standing on a wooden boardwalk in a lush green forest.

They’ll handle wind and the odd light shower, but they’re not waterproof rain jackets. If proper rain is settling in, take the shell.

Not sure which one you need? Our Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket guide makes the difference pretty simple.

The Jacket You’re Glad You Packed

A windbreaker is at its best when you barely notice you brought it.

Keep one in your day pack for exposed ridges, breezy lookouts, cold starts or the walk back after the temperature drops. When you don’t need it, pack it down and get it out of the way.