Wind on a hike can quickly become dangerous if you are ill-equipped. The stronger the wind, the faster wind chill drops your core temperature. Even a light breeze can cause a significant drop in perceived temperature. Today, most technical hiking garments feature a windproof barrier to maintain thermal regulation. Here is everything 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 standard windbreaker, a softshell jacket delivers enhanced airflow and thermal regulation. Softshells are typically worn as a mid or outer layer, providing warmth, comfort, insulation, water repellency, wind protection, and complete freedom of movement. Softshell trousers offer the exact same benefits, with excellent resistance to wind and cold.
If you are looking for a highly wind-resistant softshell jacket, choose a softshell equipped with a membrane. You will find them across the Cimalp range and from various brands using Windstopper® technology. Developed by Gore-Tex®, this technology combines high breathability with total wind protection. The Windstopper® membrane is laminated between the inner and outer fabric layers for exceptional durability. However, if you are hiking in volatile weather with risk of persistent rain alongside strong winds, a softshell may not be sufficient: it features a water-repellent treatment, but is not fully 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 for unpredictable mountain weather. Lightweight and packable, it compresses easily into your backpack. It does not need to provide insulation since it acts as a third protective layer over an insulating mid-layer. A hardshell is also breathable, though less so than 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.
