Men's Wind Breakers
Men's wind breakers and lightweight wind jackets that cut the chill without weighing you down, made to stuff into a pack or a pocket until the breeze picks up. Our range features Columbia, The North Face and Just Another Fisherman, with packable shells for hiking, running and travel, and casual styles for everyday cover.
A wind breaker does one job well: it blocks wind and light showers while staying feather-light and breathable. It is not the same as a waterproof rain jacket, which holds out sustained rain but weighs more, and it has no insulation of its own, so it works best over a fleece or a tee. Choose a wind breaker when packability and breathability matter most, for fast-moving days and changeable weather where you want protection on hand without carrying a heavy shell.
Not sure whether a wind breaker or a full rain jacket suits your plans? Have a chat with the team at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery right across New Zealand, or click and collect from our Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about men's wind breakers
What is the difference between a wind breaker and a rain jacket?
A wind breaker is built to block wind and shrug off light showers while being as light and packable as possible. A rain jacket is built to keep sustained rain out, with a rated waterproof membrane, taped seams and usually a hood, which makes it heavier. If your main enemy is wind and the odd sprinkle, a wind breaker is perfect; if you expect real rain, choose a waterproof jacket.
Are wind breakers waterproof?
Most are water resistant rather than waterproof. They will handle a light shower or a bit of drizzle, but in steady or heavy rain they will eventually wet through, because they trade full waterproofing for low weight and breathability. Think of a wind breaker as wind protection with a bit of shower cover, not a jacket to rely on in a downpour.
When should I choose a wind breaker over a heavier jacket?
Reach for a wind breaker when weight, pack size and breathability matter most, and full waterproofing does not. It is ideal for trail running, fast hikes, cycling, travel and changeable days where you want something to cut the wind that lives in your pack until you need it. When conditions are genuinely cold or wet, step up to an insulated or waterproof jacket instead.
How small do wind breakers pack down?
Very small. Most pack into their own pocket or a small stuff sack, roughly the size of your fist, and weigh only 100 to 250 grams. That is the whole appeal: you can carry one all day without noticing it and pull it out the moment the wind picks up or the temperature drops.
Are wind breakers breathable for running and hiking?
Yes, breathability is one of their strengths, which is why they are popular for high-output activity. Because they are thin and often have a more open weave or vents, they let heat and sweat escape better than a heavier waterproof shell. That makes them comfortable when you are working hard in cool, breezy conditions.
Can I layer a wind breaker over a fleece?
Definitely, and it is a great combination. A fleece provides the warmth and the wind breaker seals in that warmth by blocking the breeze, giving you a light, flexible system for cool weather. Add a base layer underneath and you can fine-tune your warmth by adding or removing pieces as your effort and the conditions change.
Do wind breakers keep you warm?
Not on their own, because they have no insulation. What a wind breaker does is stop wind from stripping away the warmth your body and other layers create, which can make a big difference in how warm you feel. For actual warmth, wear it over a fleece or an insulated layer rather than expecting the wind breaker itself to do the heating.