Wind can be dangerous when hiking if you are not properly equipped. The stronger it blows, the colder it feels. Even a light wind can lower the temperature you feel significantly. Today, most hiking clothing provides wind protection to help maintain your body temperature. In this article, we explain what you need to know about windproof clothing for hiking.
Protection from windproof hiking apparel
For a fabric to block wind, it requires either a tight weave or a dedicated membrane. Today, most technical hiking garments feature high-performance membranes that shield effectively from wind chill. In a 3-layer system, the third layer acts as your windproof shield—so choose it carefully.
Key factors to keep in mind when facing high winds:
- Protecting your extremities is vital, as hands, feet, and head lose body heat fastest.
- A beanie or warm cap provides good head protection against the cold, but pairing it with a windproof jacket hood offers optimal defence. A 3-point adjustable hood is strongly recommended.
- Remember to adjust the cuffs and hem of your garments to seal out drafts and prevent wind from penetrating.
- Standard windbreaker jackets are ultra-lightweight. They feature a 100% windproof membrane for maximum breathability, but are rarely fully waterproof.
Explore all our men’s windproof jackets and women’s windproof jackets.
Choosing softshell clothing
Unlike a basic windproof jacket, a softshell jacket allows better airflow and temperature regulation. A softshell generally serves as both a second and third layer. It provides warmth, comfort, insulation, water repellency and wind protection while allowing plenty of freedom of movement. Softshell trousers offer the same benefits, with very good resistance to wind and cold.
If you want a softshell jacket with enough wind protection, choose one with a membrane. You will find these in the Cimalp clothing range and from many other brands using Windstopper® technology. Developed by Gore-Tex®, this technology combines breathability with wind protection. The Windstopper® membrane sits between the fabric’s inner and outer layers and is highly resistant. If you hike in changeable conditions and may encounter rain as well as wind, a softshell may not be the right jacket. It has a water-repellent treatment, but it is not waterproof.
Choosing hardshell clothing
Windproof mountain apparel is typically hardshell. Both jackets and trousers are waterproof, offering high protection against harsh mountain weather (rain, snow, hail, and wind). A protective jacket with a membrane is 100% windproof and 100% waterproof (available in 2-layer, 2.5-layer, or 3-layer builds).
A hardshell jacket is ideal in changeable weather. It is lightweight and packs down well in your rucksack. It does not need to provide warmth because you wear it as a third layer over an insulating second layer. A hardshell is also breathable, though not as breathable as a softshell.
Choosing the right windproof gear also comes down to breathability. Alongside membrane specifications, check the RET rating to assess fabric breathability. For a jacket that is both windproof and waterproof, look for an RET between 6 and 12. A lower rating indicates higher breathability (with less weather protection), while a higher rating means more waterproof protection with reduced breathability.
