Windproof clothing for hiking

Wind can be dangerous when hiking if you are not well equipped. The stronger the wind, the colder you feel. It only takes a little wind to lower the temperature and this can have a significant effect. Today, most hiking clothes are equipped with a windproof effect to maintain a good body temperature. We explain everything about windproof clothing for hiking in this article.

The protection of windproof hiking clothing

For a fabric to have a windproof function, it must be made of a fairly tightly woven mesh or be equipped with a special membrane. Today most hiking clothes have very effective membranes that protect well against the effects of wind. In the three-layer system, it is the third layer that acts as a windbreak. It should be chosen with care.

There are several things to consider when the wind is strong:

It is important to protect the extremities of your body which are the parts that lose the most heat.

A warm hat or cap protects your head from the cold, but it is best to have a windproof hood with your jacket. A three-point adjustable hood is recommended.

Also remember to adjust your clothing at the sleeves and waist. This prevents the wind from getting in.

Classic windproof jackets are very light. They have a 100% windproof membrane and are highly breathable, but are often not waterproof.

The choice of softshell garments

Unlike a simple windproof jacket, a softshell jacket allows for better air circulation and thermal regulation. Softshell is generally used as a second and third layer. It provides warmth, comfort, thermal insulation, water repellency, wind protection and freedom of movement. Softshell trousers have the same characteristics with very good resistance to wind and cold.

If you want to buy a softshell jacket that is sufficiently windproof, the best choice is a softshell with a membrane. These are found, for example, in the Cimalp range of clothing or in many brands with Windstopper® technology. This technology developed by Gore-Tex® combines breathability and windproofness. The Windstopper® membrane is integrated between the inner and outer layers of the fabric and has a high level of resistance.

If you are hiking in unstable conditions and are likely to encounter rain as well as wind, the softshell is not necessarily the right jacket. It has a water-repellent treatment, but is not waterproof.

Choosing hardshell clothing

Windproof clothing is generally hardshell. Both jackets and trousers are waterproof and provide very good resistance to the elements (rain, snow, hail and wind). A protective jacket with membrane is 100% windproof and 100% waterproof (it has either 2, 2.5 or 3 layers).

The hardshell jacket is ideal for unstable weather. It is light and packs well in the bag. It does not need to provide warmth as it is used as a third layer, in addition to the insulating second layer. The hardshell is also breathable, but not as much as a softshell.

The choice of your windproof clothing also depends on its breathability. In addition to the information on the membrane, you can use the RET indicator to measure the breathability of your garment. If you want a jacket that is both windproof and waterproof, its RET will generally be between 6 and 12. Below that it will be more breathable but less waterproof, above that more waterproof and less breathable.