Women's Windbreaker

Women's Windbreaker Jacket at Arc'teryx
Arc'teryx women's windbreaker jackets are designed with advanced materials to provide protection from wind and light rain. These lightweight designs pack down small, making them convenient to carry as an extra layer while providing insulation to retain body heat without adding bulk.
What is the Windbreaker Jacket Made Of?
Windproof jackets can be constructed with a variety of materials to offer protection from the wind. The primary fabrics used include:
- GORE-TEX: Remains the most popular material for waterproof protection, but also provides the most insulation from the wind. This is due to how protective and comfortable the material is.
- TerraTex™: Offers a more cost-effective solution, which provides light to moderate insulation protection against the wind and provides extra warmth.
How Wind and Water Resistant is the Windbreaker Jacket?
The wind and water resistance of a windbreaker jacket will completely depend on the material make-up of the garment.
GORE-TEX offers superior protection when it comes to wind and water. Every one of the millions of little holes in GORE-TEX fabric is much too small to allow even the tiniest water droplet to pass through. Despite this, water vapour has considerably smaller particles that can travel through the material, giving it wonderful breathability which keeps it comfortable.
Other materials such as TerraTex™ are wind and water-resistant which offers great protection from mild wind and rain conditions.
Is the Windbreaker Jacket Breathable?
Arc'teryx designs garments with functionality and comfort at the forefront. Breathability is a large part of the ergonomic design of every jacket. To keep you comfortable, materials with breathable qualities like GORE-TEX and TerraTex™ are used in the construction of windbreaker jackets. This allows moisture vapour to escape, helping regulate temperature and elevating comfort inside the garment.
Choosing the Right Women's Windbreaker Jacket
When selecting a women's windbreaker jacket, consider these key factors:
- Activity: Choose based on intended use (hiking, skiing, climbing, trail running, everyday wear)
- Weather conditions: Assess typical wind and rain exposure
- Breathability needs: More active pursuits require greater moisture management
- Packability: Consider how often you'll need to stow the jacket
- Layering: Ensure enough room to wear over base and mid layers as needed
Arc'teryx offers windbreakers with varied levels of weather protection and insulation to suit different activities and conditions. Try on multiple options to find the ideal fit and features for your needs.
Styling Your Windbreaker Jacket
- Layer over warm tops for extra insulation in cold conditions
- Pair with a fleece jacket for increased warmth
- Combine with Arc'teryx windproof pants and shoes for full protection
- Wear as a lightweight outer layer for everyday errands and activities
The sleek designs and range of colours allow these technical jackets to transition seamlessly from outdoor pursuits to casual urban wear. Complete your look with a beanie to provide head warmth while maintaining breathability during active pursuits.
Refer to our layering guide for tips on combining pieces for optimal comfort in any climate.
Caring for Your Windbreaker Jackets
- Check the care label for specific instructions based on fabric type
- Use technical wash products designed for waterproof/breathable materials
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
- Tumble dry on low heat to reactivate water-repellent treatments
- Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets
For detailed cleaning guidance, consult our product care page. Following these steps helps maintain your windbreaker jacket's protective qualities and appearance.
Windbreaker vs Insulated Jackets: What is the Difference?
Windbreakers excel as lightweight, packable shells for high-output activities or milder conditions where you generate body heat through movement. They're perfect for trail running, active hiking, or as an outer layer in layering systems.
For colder conditions or lower-intensity activities, consider puffer jackets which provide built-in insulation alongside weather protection. Our women's puffer jackets work well for static activities, casual wear, or when you need warmth without multiple layers. Many outdoor enthusiasts own both styles to cover the full range of conditions and activities.
Women's Windbreaker Jackets for Various Activities
Arc'teryx designs windbreakers suited to diverse activities:
- Hiking: Lightweight, packable options for changeable mountain weather
- Skiing: Windproof shells to layer over insulating mid-layers
- Climbing: Durable, stretchy designs for freedom of movement
- Trail running: Ultra-light, breathable jackets for high-output activities
- Everyday wear: Stylish, versatile pieces for urban environments
Each windbreaker jacket is engineered with activity-specific features to enhance performance and comfort. For those who enjoy hiking, consider pairing your windbreaker with women's hiking shoes for optimal comfort on the trails. Explore the full range of women's Gore-Tex jackets to find the ideal complementary gear for your outdoor adventures.