I see windshirts on a lot of gear lists. I do a lot of coastal hiking and see plenty of nippy wind, but my Arcteryx rain shell cuts wind and resists heavy rain and can insulate a bit if layered properly. Yet I see a lot of gear lists with both rain shells and windshirts that weigh more than my relatively heavy 11 oz ArcTeryx Alpha.

Why would I need a windshirt?

Weight! Mine weighs 2 oz. Otherwise, yes a rain shell does the same job, or even better.

Edited by evanrussia on 07/01/2010 11:16:53 MDT.

I haven't used a windshirt in twenty years, so I am not current. In the old days, my windshirt was good if I did not want to increase my wind profile. It was kind of snug. In contrast, a full-blown Goretex rain shell was very windproof, but a strong wind could knock me around like it was a sail.

--B.G.--

I like to wear a wind shirt in areas of mosquitos. It acts as a great insect repellent while keeping me cool. I don't use Deet because I sweat too much. I put my rain jacket on for weather related issues.

My current hooded rain jacket weighs a full 4 oz, so I guess that is a veritable boat anchor.

--B.G.--

I like the flexibility in having both a rain shell (I use REI's 10 oz. eVent running jacket and a GTX brimmed hat) and the wind shirt in my home closet so I can pull the right things out for the conditions. During outings where rain is unlikely or infrequent (I backpack in VA/WV/PA) it's great to have the windshirt on cool (or even cold) mornings, days, or nights when you need something for the elements or weather - but not too much. And you rarely feel guilty about something relatively light, say 2 oz. compared to 10 oz. for what I have. Then again, if I know I'm going to spend hours in the rain with non-summer temperatures, the rain shell is coming with me.

If I'm working hard, running, or climbing, a rain shell would soak me from the inside with sweat.

Aside from really light windshirts, I've never had a jacket that really "breathes" when I'm working hard (I don't personally buy the WPB idea much because of this). I have an ArcTeryx Paclite shell and a Driducks suit- I overheat and sweat too much in both unless it's below freezing.

That's where the windshirt comes in- superlight, comfortable enough to wear to bed, and won't overheat you when you're working hard.

For me it is mainly a breathability issue. When putting the hammer down on a fast or steep hike, waterproof breathable is not sooooo breathable. I have perma-sweat stains on my waterproof breathable (non-Event) jackets from such situations and now always pack the Montane windshirt goodness for highly aerobic situations, but depending on my tolerance for getting wet on a particular trip, will also pack the hardshell.

Hiking in SoCal, there are huge chunks of the year when rain is unlikely, though wind still occurs! In this case, a wind shirt is less weight than a breathable coat. YMMV.

Thanks for the quick reponses. I see their value now.

Someday I will find one on clearance and try it out :-)

Joe,

There are some more comments on this thread, including my thoughts.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=27732&disable_pagination=1

@Bob, what's your 4 oz rain jacket? Silnylon?

Yes.

--B.G.--

I just found a windshirt in a bunch of old corporate swag that I have. It's a Columbia (doesn't specify the model), but unfortunately has a cotton band at the waist and cuffs, so it weighs 10 oz. Probably not practical for my upcoming trip, but I will experiment with it on some day hikes.

Sorry for starting a double-thread. I did a search but the way it was worded I missed that last thread. Good stuff there, too, thanks.

A windshirt is a very versatile piece- bugs, alpine ridges, drizzle, hard hiking in cooler weather...I use mine all the time. They add surprising warmth to an insulation layer- especially when it's windy. They stand up to sprinkles and light snows, dry quickly, and don't sweat out like a shell.

The only time I skip one is when I'm carrying an eVENT shell because those breath so well that a separate wind shirt is redundant.

Also- windshirt with a poncho or poncho/tarp is a great combo.

dj

Unless it is very cold or actually raining, my rain shell is far too hot to wear while hiking. But just a base layer by itself is often not warm enough, even if there is no wind. A 3-ounce wind shirt fits the bill.

Aside from all the other good reason cited above, I find a windshirt saves wear and tear on my usually quite fragile UL rain shell.

Interesting- I hike in my shell in moderate weather all the time. Often just a tshirt baselayer and the shell with the pit zips open.

Though I don't hike very fast, regardless of conditions. Too many plants to look at.

My experience:

Windshirts blocks wind, but allows water vapor to escape. Rain shells do not.

A windshirt over fleece/sweater makes a huge difference in warmth. It will also repel light rain.

Most wind shirts weigh less than 4 oz.

A wind shirt under a rain shell can actually help reduce the amount of water buildup that would normally occur under a rain shell alone.

Windshirts dry quick. Light fleece dry quick. A softshell jacket does not dry as quick and is heavier than the fleece/windshirt combination.

I find that a windshirt and light fleece combination will keep me warm, but damp for 97% of 3 season use. I do carry a rain shell and a down vest for the other 3% of the time. I will then use the rain shell and down vest for breaks and lounging around camp.

Edited by brooklynkayak on 07/01/2010 18:17:50 MDT.

I think my little Houdini might be my be the most versatile piece of clothing I own

it might not make sense in all environs, but in the mountain west it certainly does

I combine mine w/ a poncho-tarp, the poncho is rarely used as a poncho (but quite often as a tarp :))- the windshirt is used daily- it blocks wind- duh, it breathes incredibly well (considering it blocks wind the way it does), it sheds light rain and snow magnificently, dries quickly if it does happen to wet out- still contributes to your warmth even when it does wetout, is great over a down garment, keeps bugs at bay, you get the idea- very versatile piece of equipment

when I'm using a tent, if I'm not expecting rain- the Houdini is the only piece of "rain gear" I carry, if I'm expecting rain- it still goes (along w/ rain gear)

again might not be useful in some areas, but certainly the mountain west is one of those places

ymmv