How to choose a windbreaker?

There are some general points to consider when selecting a windbreaker, but at the same time, I also take my own purchasing preferences into account when choosing a product that suits me.

Let’s start with some general considerations, mainly:

1. Breathability: I think this is the most important, especially for someone like me who sweats easily and dislikes feeling sweaty. If a jacket isn’t breathable, it’s not only uncomfortable but can also easily lead to catching a cold, so I prioritize this.
2. Waterproofing: When wearing a windbreaker outdoors, you definitely value its waterproof ability—it should keep light rain out without leaking. Once an outer layer leaks, it’s not just uncomfortable, but all the warmth and breathability go to waste.
3. Warmth/Windproofing: There are many outdoor scenarios where warmth is needed, such as the temperature drop at higher altitudes while hiking, or the strong wind felt while cycling. Some three-in-one windbreakers, which use detachable down liners to create a versatile design, are quite good.

Beyond these general selection criteria, my personal shopping style also brings some additional considerations. Specifically, in addition to good quality, I prefer items that aremulti-purpose and low-maintenance.

For a windbreaker, this means:

Multi-purpose: I can wear this windbreaker for outdoor activities, but it’s also good for everyday use—getting more value out of one purchase.

Low-maintenance: It should be easy to care for, ideally requiring little to no active maintenance.

I value both multi-purpose functionality and low maintenance in many of my purchases. For example, recently, feeling a bit of a midlife crisis, I started thinking about picking up new hobbies I hadn’t tried before, along with getting some exercise. I eventually decided to give cycling a try.

Since I wasn’t sure if I’d stick with cycling long-term, I didn’t go all-in on a high-end new bike right away. Instead, I bought a used road bike to test my interest. As an entry-level road bike, it fit my needs well:

Multi-purpose: It’s very affordable among road bikes and has a relatively everyday look, so besides cycling, it can also be used for commuting.

Low-maintenance: The 8-speed internal hub requires much less upkeep compared to mainstream derailleur systems. The Shimano entry-level hydraulic disc brakes also need little maintenance—if they break, replacing them isn’t expensive.

These days, the temperature has dropped suddenly, especially during night rides. Wearing cycling gear, once you pick up speed, it really gets too cold to bear, so getting a windbreaker became a natural choice. After asking friends, one had just bought a three-in-one down jacket/windbreaker and started recommending it to me.

(The friend tried it on using my cycling helmet and gloves to show the effect.)

As a three-in-one windbreaker, this product consists of a waterproof outer shell and a down inner liner. For someone like me who lives in low-latitude areas and basically has no long-sleeve/warm clothing, it’s actually pretty good for daily wear. Occasionally traveling or hiking in the north, the outer material is waterproof—much better than Uniqlo.

The hood, hem, and cuffs are all adjustable. Besides providing warmth and blocking wind, it also seems to have a slimming effect. Of course, what I value most is that it has four pockets, so I don’t need to carry a separate cycling backpack when riding to hold keys, a phone, etc.

(Waist adjustment)

Overall, it fits my needs perfectly for cycling, daily travel, and the occasional hike, and the 3-in-1 design allows for versatile use across different scenarios without having to buy multiple pieces. The waterproof fabric of the jacket also makes it very easy to clean, and the low-maintenance aspect is a big plus.

After a friend recommended it to me, I decided to go to a specialty store to pick one out. For a garment like a windbreaker that prioritizes comfort, it’s best to try it in person at a store to get the right fit and feel.

After I started cycling, the most enjoyable feeling is the increasing speed as I pedal harder and the noticeable wind resistance during high-speed rides, which gives me a strong sense of control. Whether it’s a midlife crisis or encountering frustrating issues in life, this sense of control provides a lot of psychological comfort. After all, whether it’s the challenges of outdoor activities or difficulties in life, the essence of solving them isn’t about avoidance or seeking help—more often, it relies on pushing oneself, constantly challenging and exploring one’s stronger side.

Reposted from Zhihu: Xie Panda Jun