First and foremost, autumn and spring are seasons during which we should not underestimate preparing for spending time in nature. Regardless of whether we are planning a two-hour walk or a five-day trek. Being out in the fresh air can suddenly be unpleasant due to the wind, which lowers the perceived temperature – and if you are not dressed sufficiently, it can also lower your body temperature, which in some cases can be dangerous and can lead to hypothermia.

Have a windproof layer with you

Therefore, it is advisable to have (or at least carry) at least one windproof layer of clothing, which minimizes the negative effects of the wind. This is where the first advantage of windbreakers or anoraks comes in, which are very lightweight and can easily be packed into a backpack or, in some cases, into a larger pocket of your pants.

Another advantage of windbreakers and anoraks is that you won't sweat excessively in a good quality piece from this category because the removal of excess heat is usually ensured by a gradual ventilation system. Today, most windbreakers are also partially or entirely water-resistant (depending on the water column, these jackets can handle light or even heavier rain), but most importantly – they are wind-resistant and very effectively protect the wearer from getting cold.

Most of them naturally do not have a thick layer of insulation – windbreakers are therefore generally not intended for winter when temperatures are below freezing. However, they are invaluable companions during the transitional seasons.

What material to choose?

A jacket with increased wind resistance can be made from various materials, but synthetic ones have proven particularly effective. These can include materials like nylon or polyester. Additionally, we have a group of materials under the unified name "softshell." These materials are generally quite lightweight and have an excellent price-to-functionality ratio – if we are still talking about resistance to external water and breathability.

In the category of softshell materials, we can choose between woven and membrane materials. The membrane ones are generally of higher quality but tend to be heavier and less flexible. If you intend to use an anorak or windbreaker mainly for one-day spring or autumn hikes in nature, a woven variant will be more than sufficient for you.

As we have already mentioned, softshell windbreakers retain their low weight and, in addition, are highly compact. You can easily pack one into a backpack without it taking up much space. Some windbreakers are so compact that they can be packed "into themselves," for example, into their hood.