Budget Wind Shirt and Rain Jacket

Terry,

I'm of the same build and hope to be an XL soon as well.

In my experience, you're SOL when it comes to affordable wind-shirts. The only one I found that fits us bear sized hikers is the Arc'Teryx Squamish. I own this year's model and think it's great. Sadly it's not cheap.

There's no shortage of wind where I live. Winds hit >60mph Tuesday and there was a tornado less than 20 miles away from my house yesterday. Contrary to what I believe is the majority of BPLers opinion, I find that I don't really need a wind shirt for three season hiking. The largest reason I bought the Squamish is that I wanted something that will breathe in the winter and was lighter than a softshell jacket.

What I've found is a nylon button down shirt works perfectly for me in windy conditions. While I had my Squamish in my pack, I only wore this shirt (t shirt as baselayer) when I climbed St. Helens in May. Wind was blowing pretty good. Yes it doesn't have a hood but I'm fine with a Buff and watch cap which I would bring regardless. YMMV.

Edit to add: check Walmart and Target for budget wind shirts/jackets.

I had a Precip and it works fine. Other companies, like Mountain Hardwear, make similar jackets. You'll build up moisture from within but cest la vie. Just find something that fits and is within your budget. Pit zips are a nice option.

Thanks Ian. What brand of buttondown were you wearing?

Regarding your comment on the need for a windshirt…it is unlikely that I would wear it while backpacking/hiking…only when resting or in the evenings…so I might not even need one?? Perhaps a somewhat breathable rain shell would do double duty?

Terry

If you do decide to get a windshirt, don't overlook the new Houdini's just because a few overly obsessive gear nerds like the older style better. I have a newer version and couldn't be happier. Of course YMMV.

Forgot the name of my new favorite nylon shirt but I'll post it later. I bought it at Costco for $25. I have a couple nylon shirts from Eddie Bauer but I like the Costco one the most. I have some polyester blend Columbia shirt but I've found that I like 100% nylon the most. The only time I don't wear this shirt is when I'm sleeping as I don't want to get my sleeping bag funky. Other than that, I wear it four seasons out of the year when backpacking/hiking.

"Regarding your comment on the need for a windshirt…it is unlikely that I would wear it while backpacking/hiking…only when resting or in the evenings…so I might not even need one?? Perhaps a somewhat breathable rain shell would do double duty?"

That's what I do. Again, I'm in the minority on this topic and most BPL members find their windshirts to be one of their most valuable pieces of gear. I tend to run warm and the cold rarely bothers me so there's that.

I always regretted not pulling the trigger on buying the Stoic Wraith when it was still on Backcountry/Steep and Cheap a couple years back. It was essentially the exact same thing as the MH Ghost whisperer anorak, but 1/3 the price (or even less).

Can't speak for Stoic but the Houdini isn't a great option for larger hikers.

XXL and "fitted" don't typically go together I guess.

Has anyone used the GoLite Wisp? $50 and 4 oz sounds pretty enticing…might be worth trying out.

I don't think the windshirt does much for you around camp in the evenings. I guess it might keep some mosquitoes off. If that is your intended purpose, I would probably not take one. A light fleece or puffy will have more utility on a cool night.

A winshirt really shines in cool, windy weather while you are on the move. A windshirt like the Stoic Wraith breathes well enough that you won't sweat out in it on the move. Most of the other really light windshirts don't breathe as well.

If you're hiking in Texas or other dry climates, I would probably just get dri-ducks, a lighter version of Frogg Toggs that can be had very cheaply. They are a bit fragile, but should work well if you aren't wearing it all the time. A poncho would be another good option. I would not waste money on heavier, more expensive rain gear for Texas hiking.

Can't speak to sizing, but Marmot Ion at Sierra Trading Post. $54 and 5 oz. I use a newer Houdini, but the rest of my family love their Ions.

The Marmot Trail Wind Hoody or Ion Hoody is their version of the Houdini. The DriClime windshirt is lined and more of a warmth piece (think water resistant microfleece).

I think the unlined ultralight wind shirt (I have both a Houdini and a Marmot Trail Wind) is the most used piece of outerwear I own. Love it as a light jacket around town and it's always the FIRST thing I grab out of my back pack when I'm a little chilly, or getting buffeted by wind, or a little drizzle. I have two because I got tired of grabbing the one out of the backpack to wear around town.

BackCountry has the Trail Wind Hoody for $57 in XL or XXL:

http://www.backcountry.com/marmot-trail-wind-hooded-jacket-mens

Sierra Trading Post (get on their email list for 35% off codes) has the Ion Hoody in XL or XXL for $55 (minus the 35% code gets it down to $45. These are the same jackets. Just two different names.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/marmot-ion-wind-jacket-for-men~p~3969g/?filterString=mens-clothing~d~15%2Fmarmot~b~1308%2Fmens-jackets-and-coats~d~142%2F&colorFamily=01

Marmot stuff is athletic fit, so I'd get the bigger one if you are borderline.

I like the styling and the fabric of the Houdini a little better for around town wear — not as shiny. For hiking, it's six in one, half dozen in the other. The Marmot has a little better hood — better adjusters to pull it tight in the wind.

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PreCip rain jacket is fine. Nicely made basic 2.5 layer rain jacket/shell. To get something significantly better or significantly lighter will cost at least double.