Ortovox Windbreaker Review

Bottom Line

The Ortovox Windbreaker is a unique and high-performing windbreaker that stands out for its high-quality materials, merino blend construction, and extremely low weight. Built with Ortovox’s proprietary merino blend called Merino Protect, it is naturally odor-resistant and wet-resistant. Combined with a DWR coating, the Ortovox Windbreaker is a great jacket to use for four-season use. It thrives in a variety of conditions and is one of our favorite windbreakers.

The Ortovox quickly became one of our top choices for cold-weather trail runs and cross-country skis. We were never plagued with trapped perspiration or condensation even while exerting ourselves in below-freezing temperatures.  Combining durable polyamide fabric with breathable merino wool, it offers excellent temperature regulation while shielding you from wind and light precipitation. The design is minimalist yet functional, featuring an elastic hood and cuffs. Its zippered chest pocket also doubles as a stuff sack for compact storage. Its athletic fit minimizes bulk, making it ideal for fast-paced adventures like trail running, hiking, and climbing.

While the Ortovox windbreaker excels in breathability, mobility, and portability, it is best suited for light rain and wind rather than heavy storms. It beads light moisture but is no match for anything more than a drizzle. The slim fit may also be restrictive for those layering with thicker mid-layers. Additionally, its price point is higher than similar windbreakers. However, for those who prioritize weight savings and breathability, this windbreaker stands out as a reliable option for a variety of outdoor activities.

How We Tested

Over two months, we wore the Ortovox Windbreaker on hikes and runs as well as backcountry and cross-country ski trips to field test its performance in multiple conditions. Our tests consisted of real-world exposure to the wind and elements. We also used a blow drier to test wind resistance and also completed a one-hour run while intentionally overdressed to test its breathability and moisture management.

Wind & Weather Resistance

The Ortovox Windbreaker is unique in our lineup as it is the only jacket made with merino wool. Ortovox’s Merino Protect fabric combines fifty-five percent merino with forty-five percent polyamide. This blend creates a completely windproof layer that is found in panels through the chest, back, and arms. 

The stretchy panels around the sides are constructed with Ortovox’s Tec-Stretch material. This helps increase mobility but unfortunately is a point of weakness. During our blowdryer test, we felt that air was penetrating through these side panels. While hardly noticeable on most occasions, this may not provide the level of wind resistance needed for high winds. 

Although it’s treated with a DWR coating and utilizes the natural water repellency of merino wool, the Ortovox does not resist much moisture beyond a light drizzle. We were especially impressed with its ability to repel snow, but it is not a jacket to take out in truly wet weather.

Breathability

At first touch, the Ortovox windbreaker does not feel to be unique. The material is of a standard thickness among windbreakers and has that familiar crinkle. However, after running in the Ortovox while intentionally overdressed with a mid-layer underneath, we were quickly impressed with its breathability. We attribute this to its merino construction and breathable side panels. Merino is highly praised for its moisture-wicking properties, and we found that to be true in this jacket as well. The stretchy side panels are another source of breathability that helped keep that jacket condensation-free.

Weight & Packability

With a manufacturer-stated weight of 5.5 ounces and a measured weight of 4.2 ounces (men’s medium), the Ortovox is much lighter than we anticipated. It cracks the five-ounce mark and is a great windbreaker to throw in your pack as an emergency layer. Zipping into its own chest pocket, it packs down to approximately the size of an apple. We had no trouble storing it in a running vest or even a running belt. The Ortovox is a great choice for bringing along while being light enough to forget it’s there.

Comfort & Fit

Like many other Ortovox products, the windbreaker is very slim. We tested this jacket primarily on winter trail runs and cross-country skis where it was cold enough to warrant layering underneath. Though it’s just roomy enough to fit a mid-layer underneath, the jacket felt restrictive and tight through the torso and shoulders. You may need to consider sizing up if you plan to use this jacket with more than a base layer underneath. 

The torso is also very short on this jacket. We frequently found ourselves tugging it down from riding up, especially while wearing a backpack with a waist strap. This jacket may not be the best fit for most. Its very athletic cut will work best for slender bodies or for those who enjoy trim cuts for aerobic pursuits.

Should You Buy the Ortovox Windbreaker?

The Ortovox Windbreaker is a slim-cut and athletic jacket with great breathability for aerobic outings. It’s a standout option due to its merino blend that wicks sweat and repels moisture. The outer shell is weather resistant enough to block most gusts, but the highly breathable side panels can let in some strong wind. Its athletic fit might be a drawback for larger torsos or bulky layers. Plus, its premium quality comes at a premium price. However, if you’re someone with a slender torso or enjoy a more form-fitting jacket, the Ortovox is a well-designed and high-performing jacket that excels across four seasons.

What Other Windbreaker Should You Consider?

Head to our gear guide to see the full lineup of best windbreakers.

Arc’teryx Squamish Review: If you’re looking for another highly mobile jacket a a similar price point, the Squamish is extremely mobile with its elastic construction.

Black Diamond Alpine Start Review: Providing more weather resistance and a slightly larger fit to layer underneath, the Alpine Start is another great windbreaker for winter activities.

Rab Vital Review: While slightly heavier than the Ortovox, the Vital offers more features like two zippered hand pockets and both hood and hem cinches.