When outdoors on a cold day, you’ll need ample shielding from environmental elements such as the wind and the rain. There are several jacket options that can shelter you from these elements and provide the protection that you need – windbreakers and rain jackets. Maybe you’ll ask, aren’t all jackets the same? Well, not really. Continue reading this article and you’ll discover the difference between windbreakers and rain jackets.
Summary Table
| Windbreaker | Rain jacket |
| Close-fitting jacket that reaches to the hips and has an elasticized waistband and wristbands | Raincoat that is waist-length |
| Made of nylon or polyester | Made of a combination of two or more of the following materials: cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, vinyl, and rayon |
| Single-layer construction | Multi-layer construction |
| Wind and water resistant but not waterproof | Water resistant and waterproof |
| Lightweight jacket | Slightly heavier garment |
| Extremely breathable | Less breathable |
Descriptions
A windbreaker is a light jacket that is close-fitting and often tailored with an elasticized waistband and wristbands. It is a useful outdoor clothing that is both wind and water resistant. This means that this type of jacket is made of fabric which has the ability to block gusts of wind and resist water penetration, but only to a certain degree. Moreover, this jacket is made of a single-layer nylon or polyester material, making it lightweight and breathable. This also helps keep the jacket’s price down and makes it more portable. Windbreakers are useful when hunting, camping, or mounting climbing – typically during the fall season.
A rain jacket is much a like a raincoat. It is made of the same kind of material but is only waist length. The materials used to make a rain jacket can be a combination of two or more of the following: cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, vinyl, and rayon. This type of jacket is not only water resistant but also waterproof. A rain jacket has a multi-layer construction that enables it to be more resistant to water. However, this makes the jacket bulkier, less breathable, and a little more expensive. Rain jackets are practical apparel that can be used while fishing or when outdoors and in bad weather conditions.
Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket
What is the difference between a windbreaker and a rain jacket?
A windbreaker is a close-fitting outer jacket that reaches up to the hips and has an elasticized waistband and wristbands. A rain jacket, on the other hand, is like a waist-length raincoat. Windbreakers are made of nylon or polyester and are tailored with just a single-layer construction. Rain jackets are made of a combination of two or more of the following materials: cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, vinyl, and rayon. They have a multi-layer construction design. Windbreakers are wind and water resistant but not waterproof, whereas rain jackets are water resistant and waterproof. Because of how windbreakers are designed, they are lightweight and breathable, which is useful when hiking on a clear day. Conversely, rain jackets are slightly heavier and are less breathable but they are practical garments to use when outdoors on a rainy day.
Comfort & Breathability: Rain Jacket vs. Windbreaker
When it comes to comfort and breathability, which is best? Rain jackets are usually made from stiffer material, and they’re not designed to be breathable. Remember, the jacket’s job is to keep the wind and rain out so you can warm and dry. In addition, these jackets usually don’t stretch too much.
On the other hand, windbreakers feel as if they’re hardly there when you wear them. They’re made from light, soft materials meant to keep you warm. Windbreakers are more breathable than rain jackets, so you won’t become as sweaty or wet if you wear a windbreaker while jogging. The windbreaker is also made of a stretchy material that allows more movement. So, these are usually more comfortable to wear than a rain jacket.
Which Should You Choose: The Rain Jacket or the Windbreaker?
The answer depends on the weather and your planned activities. For instance, if you’re hiking in rainy weather, with occasional rain showers, the rain jacket is your best choice. These jackets are meant to keep you warm and dry in rainy weather and shield you from heavy/light rain and wind.
On the other hand, if you’re hiking in the mountains, you may want to consider taking a windbreaker. The windbreaker is made especially to keep you warm and dry (in a light rain). On a summer day of trail hiking, a windbreaker may be the best choice. The windbreaker isn’t as heavy as a rain jacket and takes up less room in your backpack.
So, the answer to which jacket to take along ultimately depends on the weather and your planned activity.
