Ortovox Windbreaker Evaluation | CleverHiker

Backside Line

The Ortovox Windbreaker is a novel and high-performing windbreaker that stands out for its high-quality supplies, merino mix building, and very low weight. Constructed with Ortovox’s proprietary merino mix referred to as Merino Defend, it’s naturally odor-resistant and wet-resistant. Mixed with a DWR coating, the Ortovox Windbreaker is a good jacket to make use of for four-season use. It thrives in quite a lot of situations and is considered one of our favourite windbreakers.

The Ortovox rapidly grew to become considered one of our high decisions for cold-weather path runs and cross-country skis. We have been by no means plagued with trapped perspiration or condensation even whereas exerting ourselves in below-freezing temperatures.  Combining sturdy polyamide material with breathable merino wool, it presents wonderful temperature regulation whereas shielding you from wind and light-weight precipitation. The design is minimalist but practical, that includes an elastic hood and cuffs. Its zippered chest pocket additionally doubles as a stuff sack for compact storage. Its athletic match minimizes bulk, making it best for fast-paced adventures like path working, climbing, and climbing.

Whereas the Ortovox windbreaker excels in breathability, mobility, and portability, it’s best suited to mild rain and wind reasonably than heavy storms. It beads mild moisture however is not any match for something greater than a drizzle. The slim match may additionally be restrictive for these layering with thicker mid-layers. Moreover, its worth level is larger than comparable windbreakers. Nonetheless, for individuals who prioritize weight financial savings and breathability, this windbreaker stands out as a dependable possibility for quite a lot of outside actions.

How We Examined

Over two months, we wore the Ortovox Windbreaker on hikes and runs in addition to backcountry and cross-country ski journeys to subject take a look at its efficiency in a number of situations. Our assessments consisted of real-world publicity to the wind and components. We additionally used a blow drier to check wind resistance and in addition accomplished a one-hour run whereas deliberately overdressed to check its breathability and moisture administration.

Wind & Climate Resistance

The Ortovox Windbreaker is exclusive in our lineup as it’s the solely jacket made with merino wool. Ortovox’s Merino Defend material combines fifty-five % merino with forty-five % polyamide. This mix creates a totally windproof layer that’s present in panels via the chest, again, and arms. 

The stretchy panels across the sides are constructed with Ortovox’s Tec-Stretch materials. This helps improve mobility however sadly is a degree of weak spot. Throughout our blowdryer take a look at, we felt that air was penetrating via these aspect panels. Whereas hardly noticeable on most events, this may occasionally not present the extent of wind resistance wanted for top winds. 

Though it’s handled with a DWR coating and makes use of the pure water repellency of merino wool, the Ortovox doesn’t resist a lot moisture past a light-weight drizzle. We have been particularly impressed with its capacity to repel snow, however it isn’t a jacket to take out in really moist climate.

Breathability

At first contact, the Ortovox windbreaker doesn’t really feel to be distinctive. The fabric is of a typical thickness amongst windbreakers and has that acquainted crinkle. Nonetheless, after working within the Ortovox whereas deliberately overdressed with a mid-layer beneath, we have been rapidly impressed with its breathability. We attribute this to its merino building and breathable aspect panels. Merino is very praised for its moisture-wicking properties, and we discovered that to be true on this jacket as nicely. The stretchy aspect panels are one other supply of breathability that helped maintain that jacket condensation-free.

Weight & Packability

With a manufacturer-stated weight of 5.5 ounces and a measured weight of 4.2 ounces (males’s medium), the Ortovox is far lighter than we anticipated. It cracks the five-ounce mark and is a good windbreaker to throw in your pack as an emergency layer. Zipping into its personal chest pocket, it packs right down to roughly the dimensions of an apple. We had no bother storing it in a working vest or perhaps a working belt. The Ortovox is a good selection for bringing alongside whereas being mild sufficient to neglect it’s there.

Consolation & Match

Like many different Ortovox merchandise, the windbreaker may be very slim. We examined this jacket totally on winter path runs and cross-country skis the place it was chilly sufficient to warrant layering beneath. Although it’s simply roomy sufficient to suit a mid-layer beneath, the jacket felt restrictive and tight via the torso and shoulders. It’s possible you’ll want to contemplate sizing up when you plan to make use of this jacket with greater than a base layer beneath. 

The torso can be very brief on this jacket. We regularly discovered ourselves tugging it down from driving up, particularly whereas carrying a backpack with a waist strap. This jacket might not be the very best match for many. Its very athletic lower will work finest for slender our bodies or for individuals who get pleasure from trim cuts for cardio pursuits.

Ought to You Purchase the Ortovox Windbreaker?

The Ortovox Windbreaker is a slim-cut and athletic jacket with nice breathability for cardio outings. It’s a standout possibility attributable to its merino mix that wicks sweat and repels moisture. The outer shell is climate resistant sufficient to dam most gusts, however the extremely breathable aspect panels can let in some robust wind. Its athletic match is perhaps a downside for bigger torsos or cumbersome layers. Plus, its premium high quality comes at a premium worth. Nonetheless, when you’re somebody with a slender torso or get pleasure from a extra form-fitting jacket, the Ortovox is a well-designed and high-performing jacket that excels throughout 4 seasons.

What Different Windbreaker Ought to You Take into account?

Head to our gear information to see the total lineup of finest windbreakers.

Arc’teryx Squamish Evaluation: When you’re searching for one other extremely cellular jacket a an analogous worth level, the Squamish is extraordinarily cellular with its elastic building.

Black Diamond Alpine Begin Evaluation: Offering extra climate resistance and a barely bigger match to layer beneath, the Alpine Begin is one other nice windbreaker for winter actions.

Rab Very important Evaluation: Whereas barely heavier than the Ortovox, the Very important presents extra options like two zippered hand pockets and each hood and hem cinches.