A windbreaker jacket’s weight and packability depend on its feature set, fabric durability, and level of breathability. Jackets like Mountain Hardwear’s Kor AirShell are decorated with two handwarmer pockets, a full front zipper, cinch cords, and soft stretchy fabrics — which all contribute to its relatively high 4.8-ounce weight and bulky nature. Black Diamond’s Deploy Wind Shirt lands squarely on the other end of the spectrum, clocking in at 1.6 ounces, but rocking a simplified, streamlined design.
In general, windbreakers are the most lightweight, packable shells you can buy for outdoor use. They provide a surprising amount of wind and weather protection for how much they weigh, which can be the difference between comfortably trekking through gusty weather, or miserably trying to stay warm.
The packed size, stuff sack design, and overall weight of windbreaker jackets vary wildly depending on their intended use; (photo/Chris Carter)