Women's Windbreaker

When you're out in nature, keep warm by wearing a windbreaker to protect yourself from the chill of the wind. Always be ready for the unexpected.
Womens - Windbreaker - Arc'teryx Australia

What Is a Windbreaker Jacket?

A windbreaker jacket is a lightweight outer layer designed to block wind and reduce heat loss while maintaining breathability during active use. Women's windbreakers are commonly used as packable shells for variable conditions, high-output activities, or as part of a layering system.

What Is the Windbreaker Jacket Made Of?

Windbreaker jackets are constructed using specialised fabrics that prioritise wind resistance, breathability, and low weight. The primary materials used include:

GORE-TEX

GORE-TEX remains one of the most popular materials for windbreaker construction due to its ability to block wind and water while remaining breathable. Its protective membrane structure provides strong wind insulation and comfort across a wide range of outdoor conditions.

TerraTex™

TerraTex™ offers a more cost-effective fabric option that delivers light to moderate wind protection while maintaining breathability. This material provides added warmth and comfort for mild to cool conditions where full waterproof protection is not required.

How Wind and Water Resistant Is a Windbreaker Jacket?

The level of wind and water resistance in a windbreaker jacket depends entirely on the materials used in its construction.

GORE-TEX windbreakers provide superior protection against both wind and rain, using a membrane with microscopic pores that block water droplets while allowing moisture vapour to escape. This combination helps keep the jacket weatherproof without sacrificing breathability during active movement.

Other materials such as TerraTex™ are wind-resistant and offer water resistance suitable for mild wind and light rain. These fabrics are ideal for conditions where protection from occasional weather exposure is needed without the weight of fully waterproof shells. If you need more consistent wet-weather coverage, explore women’s waterproof jackets or compare options within women’s GORE-TEX jackets.

Is a Windbreaker Jacket Breathable?

Breathability is a core design consideration in Arc'teryx windbreaker jackets, ensuring comfort during physical activity. Fabrics such as GORE-TEX and TerraTex™ allow moisture vapour to escape from the inside of the jacket, helping regulate body temperature and prevent overheating during high-output pursuits.

Windbreaker vs Insulated Jackets: What Is the Difference?

Windbreakers prioritise wind protection, breathability, and packability, making them ideal for active use and variable conditions. Insulated jackets are built to retain heat, making them better suited to colder temperatures or lower-output activities.

Styling Your Windbreaker Jacket

  • Layer a windbreaker over warm tops to provide additional insulation during cool and windy conditions without adding bulk.
  • Pair with a women’s fleece jackets or insulated jacketunderneath to increase warmth while maintaining breathability during active use.
  • Combine with Arc'teryx women’s hiking pants and footwear for full-body wind protection in exposed environments.
  • Wear as a lightweight outer layer for everyday errands and casual activities where weather protection and comfort are needed.

Women's Windbreaker Jackets for Various Activities

Arc'teryx designs women's windbreaker jackets to support a wide range of outdoor and everyday activities:

  • Hiking: Lightweight, packable windbreakers provide reliable protection from sudden gusts and changing mountain weather. Pair with supportive women’s hiking shoes and a hiking backpack for day trips and weekend missions.
  • Skiing: Windproof shells layer comfortably over insulating mid-layers, offering adaptable protection in alpine conditions. For storm days, consider women’s ski & snowboard jackets and women’s ski & snowboard pants.
  • Climbing: Durable and stretchy designs support unrestricted movement during technical climbing and scrambling. For more technical pieces, browse women’s climbing apparel.
  • Trail running: Ultra-light and breathable windbreakers help regulate temperature during high-output running in exposed environments. Match with women’s trail running shoes.
  • Everyday wear: Clean silhouettes and versatile styling make windbreakers suitable for urban use and daily activities. Add cold-weather accessories like toques & beanies when temperatures drop.

Choosing the Right Women's Windbreaker Jacket

When selecting a women's windbreaker jacket, several factors should be considered to match performance with intended use:

  • Activity: Choose a windbreaker based on how it will be used, such as hiking, skiing, climbing, trail running, or everyday wear, as different activities require different balances of durability, breathability, and protection.
  • Weather conditions: Consider typical wind exposure and the likelihood of light rain to determine whether a highly windproof or lightly water-resistant fabric is sufficient.
  • Breathability needs: Higher-intensity activities require greater moisture management to maintain comfort during sustained movement.
  • Packability: Lightweight, compressible designs are ideal when the jacket will be carried in a pack and deployed only when conditions change.
  • Layering: Ensure the fit allows space to wear comfortably over base layers or mid-layers without restricting movement.

Caring for Your Windbreaker Jackets

  • Always check the care label for fabric-specific instructions to prevent damage to technical materials.
  • Use specialised technical wash products designed for waterproof and breathable fabrics to maintain performance.
  • Wash windbreaker jackets in cold water on a gentle cycle to preserve fabric integrity.
  • Tumble dry on low heat to help reactivate durable water-repellent treatments.
  • Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as they can reduce breathability and water resistance.

For step-by-step guidance and best practices, visit product care.