cheap, decent wind jacket?

If you're not a very tall/large person, these cheap Chinese jackets are amazing. This newer version has longer sleeves and no fake logo (I reviewed the previous version a few years ago). I now own 3 of them, so that I can keep one stashed in various kits. http://www.ebay.com/itm/321175965735?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=510141537561&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Edited to add: Sizing goes up to XXL, which is probably equivalent to a men's L.

The point I see that it may be completely different now from the jacket you reviewed. Yes, it may be cheap and so go for it, but it remains a risk till you try it and found it to be good.

Woubier, I just bought one of the "new" jackets about a month ago (got it in 7 days from China — amazing). It's the exact same material and construction as the old version, but with longer sleeves and no phony logo.

The "Faux-dini" is an option that's been discussed at great (and I mean great) length around here. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=84082&startat=300

Yeah, Just wish it came in An XXL or XLT American size.

Check the liquidator stores like Ross and Marshall's for sports-oriented windbreakers. The weight will be greater and breathability less. The really good ones are running shells like the Brooks LSD series jackets. REI has the LSD III model in XXL for $25. That's about as good as it gets. http://www.rei.com/product/882042/brooks-lsd-lite-jacket-iii-mens-2014-closeout

I hate to keep flogging Uniqlo but for $40 the Pocketable Hooded Jacket is a pretty sweet wind shell. Similar in breathability to my Squamish with pretty good DWR. http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/men-light-pocketable-hooded-jacket-139257.html#

I think the Uniqlo is a good recommendation, cheap and quite good. You can buy a different one or spend more money when you know exactly what you want (more or less breathability, or ultra light like the Montbell Tachyon). They don't do grid fleece but they have a micro fleece (or at least in Japan) that is quite similar to Montbell Chameece fleece. Again, good as a start unless you know you want something different.

The $25 dollar Brooks LSD III model is a great deal/value Brett, but if you ever want to experiment with a Paramo/Furtech like system (which we've talked about), you will need a windjacket with significantly more HH water resistance. I have the LSD II model, and i would be surprised if the HH mm was even 100. The DWR was decent, but no where as long lasting as an EPIC treated fabric. Curious why you decided against the EPIC military type windjacket you were looking at? Just the financial factor? Or also weight? When i think of how long the material itself will last, how long the DWR will last, the great balance of good CFM to relatively high HH water resistance, well if i had the money and was looking for a windjacket, i would go with the EPIC military type one especially if i was going to use it in a Paramo like manner.

Sierra Trading Post: Marmot Ion 39.95

"Sierra Trading Post: Marmot Ion 39.95" Having a windjacket that doesn't breathe well,…well that's like being a man married to a partner who won't play the flute. It really sucks, or rather, it doesn't at all.

I have the marmot "ion" from STP. It was actually the trail wind hoody that has mesh side panels. I run really hot when moving and this helps me dump lots of heat. Just know that it does not do well with wind coming at you from the side. Outdoorgearlab did a review on it too. http://m.outdoorgearlab.com/Wind-Breaker-Jacket-Reviews/Marmot-Trail-Wind-Hoody

Thanks all for the help. I was looking for my girlfriend in one capacity and also myself to see if there was anything out there at a cheap price point where the wind and water resistance would come from the material and not the DWR kinda like the old Momentum was supposed to be. I am still going to get an Epic wind shirt not only for the Paramo type stuff but also because I want something that I don’t have to keep reapplying the DWR to. Options are Wild Things at $120 shipped or ORC at $72 shipped. I am already using a poncho/tarp with a waist cinch for the rain because I don’t have to worry about the DWR on that.

And what is the model of that?

I do admit that i didn't specifically look at the Ion on STP right now, but was speaking from past threads and discussions about past Ions. My understanding is that at one point, years ago, the Ion fabric was fairly breathable, but then became pretty non breathable. But if the somewhat current or rather STP selling version has mesh sides, etc, then yeah, that helps. But what is ultimately more efficient, is to have a fabric that has a certain CFM level throughout. I wouldn't go lower than 10 CFM myself on a windjacket or shell, and ideally (because i tend to respect Nisely's perceptions and research), closer to 35 or so.

Does anyone have weights for the fauxdini and/ or the Uniqlo?

If you look at the link Mithchell Ebbott posted above it gives a thread several pages long with photos , weights and numerous peoples comments on their fauxdini purchased from ebay