I’ll be honest, I never gave windbreakers much thought. My trusty backcountry ski shell always did double duty for summer adventures. But once my mountain bike rides started pushing past four hours, space in my pack became a real issue, especially with all the snacks I like to bring. That is when I discovered the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie. Here is my honest take on why this jacket has become an essential part of every ride.
No Chill: This Hoodie’s Got Your Back
When there’s a chance of a stray summer shower or you’re heading out at dawn with a chilly start, the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie is a smart piece to have in your kit. It weighs next to nothing and packs into its own pocket—about the size of a PB&J sandwich.
And when you actually need it, it delivers. It blocks wind effectively but remains surprisingly breathable, keeping you warm without making you feel like you’re wearing a plastic garbage bag with a hood.
Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie Specs
- Material: 90% nylon/10% elastene 20d stretch woven
- Weight: 5 oz
- UPF 30 Rated Sun shielding material
- Water-resistant
- Packable: Yes (front chest pocket)
- Elastic wrist cuffs
- Adjustable waist hem
- Retail Price: $129
- Buy from: REI | Backcountry.com
Light, Packable, Ready: Your New Favorite Wind Layer
Wearing any kind of jacket during summer mountain adventures can be tricky. Start early and it’s cold. But as soon as you get moving, you warm up and start sweating. I’ve often wrestled with the age-old question: “Be bold and start cold,” or throw on a jacket?
With the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie, I’ve found a great middle ground. The breathability is impressive, giving me a much wider comfort range while still wearing a layer. For how thin this thing is, I was honestly surprised by how warm it kept me during a dawn patrol ride, even with just a mountain bike jersey underneath.
Also, I’ve been hooked on packable jackets ever since I got my first puffy that stuffed into its own pocket. The Shadow Wind Hoodie does the same, and it nails the execution—it’s a feature I always look for, and this one is legit.
How it Shines Over Other Wind Hoodies
One of the biggest complaints I’ve seen with other wind hoodies is pocket size—or lack thereof. Not the case here. The Shadow Wind Hoodie has three generously sized, zippered pockets, so you can stash your essentials with confidence.
- The two hand pockets are big enough to hold a pair of gloves
- The chest pocket easily fits a large iPhone (see image below)
Another common issue with similar jackets is the hood flapping around when not in use. OR solved that with a clever snap-and-loop system that lets you roll up the hood and secure it when you don’t need it.
I’m not usually a big hood guy, but when the weather calls for it, this one works great. It fits snugly under a mountain bike helmet or baseball cap, and since it doesn’t have cinch cords or ties, it stays out of the way while still offering solid wind protection.
One of the more frustrating things about windbreakers—or even shells—is how the bottom hem tightens. Most use a basic plastic toggle with a long cord that often sticks out and sometimes gets caught on things like branches. Outdoor Research takes a smarter approach. Their design places the adjustment system inside the jacket (see pic below), using two pull tabs that stay tucked away. That means no dangling cords—ever.
Windbreaker That Nearly Nails It – Just Add DWR
One of the main reasons I carry a shell—or even just a hoodie—when mountain biking or hiking is for two things: staying warm, especially when the wind kicks up, and being prepared for those surprise summer thunderstorms.
On one ride, I was especially glad to have the Shadow Wind Hoodie. A light rain rolled in, and it was just enough to keep my mountain bike jersey dry. That said, I could feel the fabric approaching its limit in terms of water resistance.
To truly elevate this jacket into the top tier of windbreakers, a durable water repellent (DWR) coating would make all the difference. Having that extra protection in your pocket would take the guesswork out of whether to pack a full-on backcountry shell or just bring the windbreaker.
