Originally Posted by
PaulRivers
If you don't need to waterproof, I know from experience the best is windproof-front breathable-back. Unfortunately I've also had trouble finding these like this that also look decent.
One jacket that fits that category is the
Endura Windchill. I ordered one to compare with the Gore jackets I was also considering. It has a quilted windproofing on the front and the sleeves, and a more breathable stretch material on the back. Seemed like it would be a good jacket and didn't look funky, but it didn't feel as sturdy as the Gore products - I wouldn't expect it to last more than a few seasons. And it was WAY too small. I was right in the middle of the Large size range, and I could barely squeeze into it. Would need to size up at least one size, maybe two. Unfortunately, Endura doesn't offer free returns like Gore does, and I wasn't willing risk having to pay return shipping twice if the XL wasn't big enough. Ideally, though, if you could find a local store that stocks the Windchill, it might worth checking out.