EDITOR'S PICKS
MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM
- Best Slim Fit | Patagonia | Find On Backcountry
- Best For Cold Conditions | Swix | Find On Amazon
- Best For Mountain Sports | The North Face | Find On Amazon
- Most Versatile | Helly-Hansen | Find On Amazon
- Best For Snow Conditions | Eddie Bauer | Find On Eddie Bauer
Imagine a world where the wind is your ally, not your enemy. A world where you can easily conquer the great outdoors, thanks to the superior protection of windbreaker pants.
Designed to provide comprehensive protection from the wind and other elements while allowing for breathability and movement, windbreaker pants are the ultimate clothing choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're scaling a mountain peak or taking a windy boat ride, these pants will keep your legs warm and protected, no matter the weather.
With so many options on the market, finding the perfect pair of windbreaker pants can be overwhelming. To help you shop, we have rounded the best windbreaker pants for men. These versatile and useful gear can be worn in many different weather conditions and activities, windbreakers will protect you from the wind, keep you warm, and also keep you dry in light rain.
What to Look for in Windbreaker Pants
Material
Look for windbreaker pants made from breathable, lightweight, and wind- and water-resistant fabric. This will help keep you dry and comfortable during activities like hiking, running, or cycling. Popular materials for windbreaker pants include nylon, polyester, and Gore-Tex.
Also, keep in mind the temperature you're adventuring into (this will help you decide how thick and warm of a layer you want to invest in). Pants for a breezy sailing expedition in the summer are not made to be pants for the snowy alpine, so choose accordingly.
Fit
Make sure to try on different sizes and styles to find a pair of windbreaker pants that fit well and allow for freedom of movement. Look for pants with elastic waistbands, cuffs, and adjustable features such as zippers or drawstrings to ensure a proper fit. Along with the material, the looser the pants, the less you can retain your body heat or stay warm, so find a snug fit.
Ventilation
Look for windbreaker pants with ventilation features such as zippered vents or mesh-lined legs. This will help to keep you cool and comfortable during activities and prevent overheating and the need to remove and re-add a layer. Fluctuation of your body temperature will happen, especially in more intense activities, thus vents are the best solution to keep up with it.
Pockets
Consider how many pockets you need and where they are located. Some windbreaker pants have multiple pockets on the thighs or down lower, like cargo pants, while others have only one or two, like a typical pair of pants. Also, be aware of pocket types and what they can hold. For example, a zipper pocket ideally ensures more safety for valuable items such as your phone.
Durability
Look for windbreaker pants made with durable materials and reinforced areas, such as the knees and seat. This will help ensure that your pants last long, even with regular or intense use. You want to avoid a pair of pants immediately falling apart after one excursion.
Adjustability
For ultimate comfort and customization, look for pants with adjustable features such as zippers, suspenders, belt loops, or drawstrings. This will help to keep the pants in place, keep you comfortable, or in some cases, even allow them to become shorts.
When shopping for windbreaker pants, you must consider your needs and preferences. Some people may prioritize ventilation and adjustability, while others may prioritize durability and pockets. By considering the above factors, you will be able to find a pair of windbreaker pants that are perfect for you and your outdoor activities.
Price
The cost of windbreaker pants can vary depending on the brand, material, and features, and they can range anywhere from $20 to $100 or more. Overall the cost of windbreaker pants can vary greatly, and it's best to check and compare different options to find the best fit for your budget.
9 Best Windbreaker Pants for Men
The North Face Men's Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Full-Zip Pants
Best Overall
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
Look no further if you're looking for reliable and high-performing windproof pants. The fit is perfect, with an elastic waistband, cuffs, and a zip-fly closure. It also has adjustable features such as full-length covered side zippers (for easy dressing/undressing and ventilation), drawstrings, and multiple pockets (including a zippered back pocket).
These pants are made with high-quality materials and a FuturelightTM shell, which is breathable, lightweight, and water-resistant. The inside has a soft stretch knit for warmth and comfort. The pants are also durable, with kick patches and reinforced areas on the knees and seat, ensuring they will last for a long time, regardless of high usage and varying intensities.
Material
FUTURELIGHT™ 3L shell, recycled polyester, nylon, polyurethane
Fit
Standard fit, straight leg
Care
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
The North Face Men's Hydrenaline Pants 2000
Best Runner Up
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
The Hydrenaline pants are fantastic, highly wind-resistant (WindWallTM fabric) and water-repellent (non-PFC DWR finish) pants made with 100% recycled fabrics. To spice it up, these pants are a fun throwback to early 2000's performance wear with a more standard-than-slim fit (think joggers but wider).
For ultimate comfort and adjustability, these pants have encased elastic cuffs and an encased waistband with an internal drawcord and cord lock. As for pockets, this pair has two welt hand pockets and a welt secure-zip back pocket.
Material
50D x 50D 76 g/m² WindWall™, 100% recycled polyester with FlashDry™ and non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
Fit
Standard fit
Care
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
Uniqlo Windproof Extra Warm Lined Pants
Most Budget Friendly
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
Coming at only about $30, Uniqlo's pants are the best budget-friendly option on our list. Recently, they improved the pants to offer a better buckle size and tape width. These features make it easier to put them on, take them off and make adjustments, even with gloves on.
Although cheaper than many competing models, the pants will still keep you comfortable while keeping the cold air out. The material is made with a blend of polyester and spandex, creating a 2-way stretch fabric. Their pants consist of a 4-layer construction that includes the outer fabric, padding, a windproof layer, and tricot lining for heat retention and protection from the cold.
For those who like varieties, they come in four different neutral colors, making them not just functional for the outdoors but fashionable as well.
Material
Shell: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
Filling: 100% Polyester
Lining: 100% Polyester
Pocket Lining: 100% Polyester/ Belts: 100% Polyester
Fit
N/A
Care
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, Do not dry clean
Pros:
Cons:
Patagonia Men's Wind Shield Pants
Best Slim Fit
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
Made in stylish neutral color options (black, navy, or "basin" green), these pants are made to make you look good. The fit is excellent, with a slim fit design that conforms to the body while still allowing for freedom of movement. You also get two no-bounce side pockets and zippered openings at the cuffs with stretch-woven gussets. The gussets allow additional easy adjustability, meaning you can pull these pants over shoes.
The pants are quite breathable and comfy with stretchy soft-shell DWR fabric, HeiQ Pure® odor control, and Capilene Cool® lightweight fabric on the backside to ensure fast-drying comfort and a "soft next-to-skin" feel. Keeping with Patagonia's sustainability reputation, these pants are Fair Trade CertifiedTM, making you not just look good but feel good about buying these pants.Material
face fabric: 100% polyester
panels: 68% recycled nylon, 15% polyester, 17% spandex
lining: Capilene Cool Lightweight, DWR finish
Fit
slim fit
Care
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
Swix Men's Lillehammer Insulated Windproof Water-Resistant Breathable Stretchy Active Pants
Best for Cold Conditions
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
The Lillehammer is the perfect choice for those who need warmth and protection in cold and freezing conditions. The soft-shell fabric in the front panels and lower legs are durable, stretchy, and breathable, making it perfect for any activity. The high insulation level and windproof membrane in the front provide maximum warmth and keep you dry in harsh weather conditions.
These pants are also designed for comfort, with a fly front opening, slightly wider ankles, and a zipped lower leg for boot flexibility. Additionally, they are fitted with reflective tapes for low-light visibility and have two zippered side pockets for storing essentials.
Material
Polyester
Fit
Narrow fit
Care
Machine Wash
Pros:
Cons:
The North Face Men's Venture 2 Half-Zip Waterproof Hiking Pant
Best for Mountain Sports
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
The Venture 2 Pant is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a functional, versatile, and high-performance option for mountain sports. Made from 100% recycled materials with DryVentTM performance technology and coated with a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish, this pants is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, keeping you dry and comfortable in any weather.
The relaxed fit design allows for comfortable movement and easy layering, while the elastic waistband with internal drawcord provides custom adjustability and secure-zip hand pockets to protect your items. This pant is also sustainable due to its recyclability, regenerative, and responsibly sourced renewable materials.
Material
100% Polyester
Fit
relaxed fit
Care
Machine Wash
Pros:
Cons:
Helly-Hansen Men's Dubliner Waterproof Windproof Rain Pant
Most Versatile
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
These versatile pants are a dream for those who need something for both warm and cold weather conditions. Whether you're biking to work or spending a day in the woods, the Dubliner has you covered.
The Dubliner is made of a breathable, waterproof, and windproof Helly Tech® fabric and 2-layer construction that keeps you dry, comfortable, and protected from the elements and various activities. Not only that, but these pants have quick-dry liners, and sealed seams, all of which ensure that you're making a good long-term investment for your varying outdoor adventures.
Material
100% Polyester
Fit
N/A
Care
Machine Wash
Pros:
Cons:
Eddie Bauer Mountain Ops Ski Tour Pants
Best for Snow Conditions
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Comfort
Features:
These pants are an excellent choice for those who love skiing, snowboarding, or any other snowy activities. Specifically, these pants are a favorite among ski guides for their wind- and water resistance, thanks to the StormRepel® DWR finish. Additionally, the reinforced, waterproof knees provide extra protection (which is much needed for snowboarders).
These athletic-fit pants also feature four secure zip pockets, two hook-and-loop pockets, and snow gaiters, which are great for storing small essentials and keeping snow out. The reinforced cuffs protect against ski edges, and the ankle zips provide clearance for boots. The pants also have an active, athletic fit that is close to the body without restricting mobility.
Material
50% nylon, 43% polyester, 7% spandex
Fit
N/A
Care
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
