Difference Between Windbreaker & Waterproof Jackets

Layering your activewear correctly is essential to staying comfortable in any outdoor training session. This is particularly true in the spring or fall when wet or cold weather conditions can quickly appear. If you need on-hand protection when you’re out cycling, running or hiking, then having the right jacket is essential. 

Windbreakers and rainproof jackets are the two main options when it comes to lightweight sports outerwear. However, each offers different features and benefits which you need to consider before making your final choice. To help you decide, we’ve taken a dive into each jacket’s technologies, advantages and uses. 

When to Wear a Windbreaker

Windbreakers are ideal if you want a lightweight outer layer that will resist light rain and wind chill during your outdoor training session. If you’re heading out on a long run, cycle or hike in the shoulder seasons or summer, then a packable windbreaker will give you on-hand protection from the cold and damp. 

This is useful for times when weather conditions look mixed, you’re heading up into high elevation areas, or are planning a rest stop or are relaxing outdoors at the end of your session. Wearing a windbreaker on top of other layers will block air and resist moisture, meaning it won’t get to your skin and cause your core temperature to drop, which affects your performance and recovery. 

When to Wear a Waterproof Jacket

Athletes should wear a waterproof jacket if they know they’re going to face rainy conditions during their outdoor training session. This is because waterproof jackets are the only outer layer which can give complete protection from constant damp, stormy weather and heavy downpours. With materials and features designed to keep any wet conditions at bay, even over long time periods, they’re ideal for winter hikes, runs and cycles. 

Putting on a waterproof jacket over other breathable layers before you step out the door will also help you stay protected from the cold without feeling damp inside. This will help you perform at your best, even in the worst weather conditions. 

Can You Use a Windbreaker as a Rain Jacket?

A windbreaker isn’t designed to be used as a rain jacket. This is because the main function of a windbreaker is to block air from coming into contact with your skin rather than protecting you from wet conditions. For example, GOREWEAR windbreakers are designed to resist light rain and splashes but won’t keep you dry in constant or heavy rain. 

So if the forecast for your run, hike or cycle predicts wet or stormy weather, you should use a waterproof jacket for complete protection. If it looks like there might be some light rain or drizzle and some wind, then a windbreaker will keep you sufficiently warm and comfortable. 

How to Choose The Right Jacket For Your Sport

Once you’ve decided on the level of moisture or wind protection you need from your jacket, it’s important to consider sport-specific features. For all types of athletes, making sure your outerwear has the following details will ensure you can perform at your best:

• Next-to-skin comfort will stop you suffering from irritation, chafing or discomfort. Looking for jackets with breathable materials will let sweat escape without letting moisture or cold in, keeping your skin dry and avoiding rubbing as you move

• Lightweight and packable jackets mean you can wear or carry them in a backpack or bike pack without being weighed down. Looking for jackets with anti wet-cling features will also stop you from being hampered while you walk, ride or run

• Quick-drying materials are essential for athletes who need gear that meets the demands of their regular training regime. It also means water won’t build up in the material and weigh you down as you run

• Freedom of movement is fundamental to any activewear, so it’s important that your jacket has a streamlined fit with no restriction or bagginess that will hold you back 

• Pockets are a must-have for endurance athletes who need to carry their valuables, water and nutrition with them. A mix of external and internal pockets will help everything stay safe and protected or within easy reach

Running 

A major priority for running jackets is a design that allows you to move your torso freely while keeping you fully covered. Known as kinetic garment construction, quality running jackets are designed based on a moving body rather than a static one, meaning they're ergonomic and more comfortable. 

Another feature that’s essential when you’re running in the cold or wet is having a close-fitting hood and a high collar. This will keep your face and head covered, warm and dry without any restriction or shifting as you move, meaning you can keep the road or trail in your sight even in the worst weather. 

Cycling

To stop moisture and cold spraying up from the road and causing discomfort, quality cycling jackets  have a dropped tail fit. This longer back panel will protect you from water and mud that comes from your wheels, stopping you from getting cold and wet on long cycles. Combine this with an over-the-helmet hood and you’ll stay warm and dry for mile after mile. 

Pre-shaped elbows are also a helpful feature that makes turning your handlebars easier, something that’s particularly helpful if you’re a trail cyclist. For road cyclists, a streamlined drop bar fit means you can stay in that position comfortably for longer. 

Hiking

Hiking may mean you’re tackling remote trails and changing elevation, where you’ll be more exposed to any bad weather. You’re also more likely to stop to refuel or check your route. A waterproof jacket layered with other breathable activewear will help maintain your core temperature even if you’re out for hours in the rain and cold. 

Taped seams are a mark of a jacket’s quality and will stop water from getting to your skin when walking in downpours or storms. Having adjustable hems will help your jacket stay in place if you’re wearing a backpack, keeping you protected from bad weather on long hikes. 

Which Jacket is Best for Keeping Warm?

Both windbreakers and waterproof jackets are great for keeping athletes warm. When you sweat, breezes that come into contact with your skin can quickly make you cold. Windbreakers are designed with fabric and features that block out wind and stop the chill from getting to your body. These jackets are also breathable, meaning they wick away sweat from the inside, helping you stay dry, warm and comfortable. 

Also breathable, fully waterproof jackets are constructed to stop moisture from making your layers wet and soaking your skin. Even in heavy downpours, the materials and elements (such as taped seams and adjustable hems) will stop any wetness from entering your clothes and making you cold. This is essential to maintain a consistent core temperature, which is key to top quality performance. 

Waterproof vs Windproof Jacket Technologies

If you choose the wrong layers, wind and rain could quickly disrupt your training session and make you feel uncomfortable. The fabric technologies used in the jacket you choose will have a huge impact on how well you’re protected from these conditions. 

When you’re considering GOREWEAR jackets, it’s important to consider the material technologies used in each product to make sure you get the best option for your performance needs. This includes:

• GORE-TEX® Products which are durably waterproof, windproof, and breathable

• WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE-TEX LABS which provide totally windproof, reliably breathable, and water-resistant protection 

Once you’ve selected the most appropriate technology, looking carefully at the features of each GOREWEAR jacket will help you find a sports-specific design that supports your performance. 

Shop Sports Jackets from GOREWEAR

Whether you’re regularly heading out for days on the bike trails, doing long training runs, or heading into the countryside for hikes, having the right jacket will make a big difference to your performance. The first barrier against any wet, windy or cold weather, lightweight, breathable outerwear will ensure you can layer up correctly and keep your core warm in any conditions.