Stio Second Light Windshell Review

Bottom Line

The Stio Second Light Windshell (men’s / women’s) is built for active days when you need reliable protection with minimal bulk. It’s made from a lightweight, breathable fabric that blocks wind while allowing excess heat to escape, making it a strong choice for hiking, trail running, or backcountry travel. 

The Second Light quickly became one of our top picks for windbreakers thanks to its excellent breathability, light weight, and easy packability. Weighing in at 3.9 ounces on our scale, the Second Light offered some of the best wind protection for its weight of any jacket we tested. Worn for trail runs, backcountry skis, and springtime hikes in fickle weather, we quickly came to rely on the Second Light for protection in a variety of conditions.

The Second Light packs down into its chest pocket, so it’s easy to stash in a backpack or even a pants pocket when you need to shed a layer. Thoughtful details like a streamlined fit, adjustable hood, and elastic cuffs help keep things comfortable and secure in shifting weather. Though it’s not meant for heavy rain, it dries quickly when wet. Overall, the Second Light is a versatile layer that balances minimal weight with reliable performance.

How We Tested

The Stio Second Light was tested over two months in late winter and early spring in Alaska. We wore this jacket during a variety of activities and in variable weather conditions, from cold cross-country skis to springtime hikes, to evaluate every aspect of its performance.

Wind & Weather Resistance

The Stio Second Light packs impressive wind resistance into a lightweight package. On a blustery spring day with gusts up to 30 miles per hour, we were pleasantly surprised that the jacket blocked all wind. Thumb loops help seal in the cuffs, and an adjustable hem keeps the jacket tight around the waist. Though the hood has elastic to help keep it in place, we did experience some wind penetration that a cinch would help alleviate. 

Though it offers plenty of protection for windy days, the Second Light suffers when precipitation starts to fall. The jacket was quick to wet through in anything more than a misting rain. Windbreakers in general are not meant to replace a fully waterproof rain jacket or hardshell, but the Second Light falls short compared to some of its direct competitors. 

Breathability

While testing the Second Light on up-tempo activities like hilly trail runs and weighted-pack hikes, we quickly came to love this jacket for its great breathability. The material is among the thinnest in our lineup, which allows for excellent venting and release of perspiration. We were not plagued by the trash-bag feeling found in other jackets, making it a favorite for trail running and fast-paced hiking. If breathability is your priority, the Second Light is a strong option.

Weight & Packability

With a stated weight of 4.4 ounces and a measured weight of 3.9 ounces, the Second Light is one of the lightest jackets in our lineup. Though there are lighter jackets out there, the Second Light strikes an excellent balance between weight and weather protection. 

We easily stashed it in a running vest or belt, and we even carried it in the pockets of our hiking pants. Packing easily into the zippered chest pocket, the Second Light stows away quickly and with minimal effort. From trail runs to fast-and-light hikes, the Second Light is a great choice.

Comfort & Fit

Like other Stio products we’ve tested, the Second Light jacket runs large. We had to size down from our usual size for a better fit. Designed with Stio’s “Regular” fit, the Second Light has a casually shaped design that errs on the roomy side, even when sized down. This allows for easy layering underneath in cooler weather but may be slightly baggy for those looking for a more athletic cut. The 20-denier ripstop nylon material is slightly stretchy, which allows for a natural feel with no restriction to movement.

Should You Buy the Stio Second Light?

The Stio Second Light is an excellent jacket for anyone looking for a high performer at a reasonable price. We wore it in both winter and spring conditions and found that it has excellent versatility across seasons and weather conditions. It is breathable, comfortable, and has great mobility for a variety of activities. Reasonably lightweight and easily packable into its reversible chest pocket, this is a great layer to throw in your pack and quickly deploy when needed. 

The jacket runs large enough that it was still slightly baggy even when sized down. In other words, it’s probably not the best choice for those who prefer an athletic cut. It’s not great at fending off moisture, either, although it excels at what it’s designed to do: reliably seal out wind.

What Other Windbreakers Should You Consider?

Check out our gear guide to the best windbreakers for a full list of favorites. The three options below are particularly strong alternatives to the Stio Second Light.

Montbell Tachyon Review: For an even lighter option, the Tachyon is hard to beat at a scant 2.5 ounces. It sacrifices some durability as a result, and the trim cut makes it tough to layer underneath, but it’s a surprisingly complete option for the weight.

Rab Vital Review: One of our top choices for those on a budget, the Vital packs excellent performance at a price that won’t break the bank. It offers better assurance in light rain than the Second Light, and we love the snap pocket at the chest for ventilation. Breathability is the biggest compromise.

Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Review: For around the same weight, the Kor AirShell tacks on zippered hand pockets for a boost in security and convenience. It’s pricier than the Stio, but the deft balance between breathability and protection is hard to beat.