Wind Shirt/Jacket

Patagonia Houdini seems to be a favorite on here, it's also what I use. With shorts and a windshirt, I'm fine down to the 30s/40s as long as I'm moving. The only thing I don't like about it is the hood, only because I use an OR Sun Runner cap which has a removable neck cape making it redundant. I prefer the windshirt over a vest because it keeps bugs and the sun off my arms.

Houdini is a staple. A lot of people like the Stoic Wraith if it fits them (it's also incredibly inexpensive compared to all other windshirts right now).

Here's a pretty good run down on current offerings:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=65418

That's some serious research! Thanks for the info guys.

From what I've read – going all the way back to '08, the patagonia houdini is a favorite.

Am wondering though – anyone have any experience with the marmot trail wind jacket (decent price & weight) or the norrona fjora aero 100 jacket (more expensive, decent weight)?

I've owned a Norrona Off Track windshirt which uses the Aero 100. It's very soft and has slight stretch compared to many of the other fabrics seen. It feels really good and is quite breathable. I would put it on par with the middle of pack fabrics like pertex. My jacket was also considerably heavier than the quoted weight. It's DWR is pretty decent though from my experience.

It'll work, but for the money I'd definitely look at a lighter option (I can't say enough good things about the wraith, as long as you size up)

Have you looked at this review?

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/montbell_tachyon_anorak_dynamo_wind_pants.html

SWEET!

Thanks for the link. I really like Montbell products.

I just bought my 3rd Marmot Trail Wind Hoody. I simply love this jacket and basically wear it every day when a windbreaker is needed. Hiking, cycling, to and from work, outdoor at work, in town, cross country skiing, traveling, this jacket simply goes with me wherever I go. I needed more of them so I could get it washed every now and then :)

The new jacket has more ventilation in the arm pits, than the previous model, which is fine with me. The first model I bought does not have this arm pit ventilation, and I use this one more in the winter when it’s colder. It keeps me a bit warmer.

My wife has the Norrøna Bitihorn Aero60 Jacket. Great fabric and function, but the hood is way to large and not possible to adjust away from your eyes. Without a cap the hood is useless. (Why do the manufacturers make all their hoods for helmets btw….)

I love hoods, and the Marmot TWH hood is just perfect size and shape for my liking.

Espen, it depends on the company, but many (like Norrona) gained notoriety for climbing and mountaineering (later snow sports), not backpacking. As such they cater to their "core" base of helmet wearing outdoors folk. Some companies don't have this lineage but there aren't too many like that.

I love Patagonia products and own a bunch of them, but you can't beat the First Ascent Sirocco wind shirt on sale now for $24.99. I own one and have used extensively. One of my favorite pieces of gear.

Also, Rab Cirrus Windshirt.