Men's Lightweight Windshadow Jacket

Excellent lightweight jacket

I have had one of these jackets ever since they first came out years ago. It is my go-to jacket for spring through to autumn when i just want something wind and showerproof. I wear it a lot for golf and walking. It is also ideal for putting in the rucksack when walking in the hills for when you want something to cut out the wind and occasional shower.

Still going strong (the jacket, that is)

I bought an earlier incarnation of this jacket back in 2013. At the time, I intended taking it to Greece in late September. I was looking for something which would be very lightweight, but which would cope with occasional, very heavy, thunderstorms. The jacket never made it to Greece as I quickly realised that it was only really suitable for showers rather than sustained rain.

However, over the years it has seen plenty of use. It is very light and easy to throw into a bag - just in case it is required.

It was my jacket of choice when going out for early morning walks through lockdown. It was just sufficient to give a little warmth until I had got moving, and then its excellent breathability meant I didn’t overheat. There was also the reassurance that it would cope with a light shower if there was a question mark over the weather.

For such a lightweight jacket, it has surprised me at how well it has held up. When the time comes, I hope to replace it. I do consider the full price rather optimistic - so I would probably hope to pick one up during a sale.

great windproof layer, for travel and bike commuting

This is a great windproof layer, perfect for travel (easily packed) and bike commuting (light, breathable, can take a very light shower, but keeps the wind chill away). I have the previous design (grey, exterior Napoleon pocket and little velcro sleeve adjusters). I would buy another, but only if the exterior Napoleon pocket makes a return...

Way too baggy

I’ve got a lot of time and respect for Rohan and have bought lots of their stuff. Their attention to detail and build quality is fantastic and their customer service is second to none.

Having said that, I really wish they’d sort out the design of their tops, and this jacket is no exception.

I’m 5ft 11 and 13 stone and a perfect medium with every other brand (Rab, Mountain Equipment, Haglöfs, Icebreaker etc) but this jacket along with all of Rohan’s tops/jackets is huge on me and way too baggy.

The shoulders are and the arms are the right length, but the main body is extremely boxy and baggy and doesn’t look anything like it does in the photos.

Maybe Rohan’s target market is the very well rounded gentleman but if you’re of average build / a bit overweight then the fit is awful.

If the products are aimed at those people who are carrying an extra 3 stone plus around their middle, then why don’t they market them as such, say they are loose fit (as other companies do) and show it a bit more clearly in the photos and with the models they use.

This is the third top in a row I’ve sent back for the same reason and I’ve got a few other jackets and shirts I don’t wear because they are way too baggy but I was too stubborn to admit it when they arrived as I love the technical aspects of their clothing so much!

I’ve got several pairs of Rohan trousers that fit perfectly, I just wish they’d design tops/shirts/jackets for people of average build and/or be a bit clearer in their descriptions

Not quite perfect

Very handy, packable jacket for those days when it's too warm for a heavy jacket and there is a chance of rain. The zip is a bit tricky and the jacket feels a. bit flimsy, but maybe it's tougher than it looks. I think it is over-priced for what it is, but mine was half price in the sale, so I am reasonably happy.

Wear most days

I use this most days for dog walking. It can take quite a reasonable shower- more than I anticipated. Very light .Probably my favourite Rohan item.

Windshadow Jacket

This is billed as windproof and shower proof, it is not sold as a waterproof jacket. I've used mine year round in the UK and it's gone out to Iraq with me during their spring when it can rain heavily. It did not cope with Spring rain there.

In the UK i find it useful as a windproof when cycling, as that extra layer when you stop for food in the middle of the forest. It's light to carry and you forget you have it. Put it on when you stop and it's so breathable you don't get any creeping damp from condensation on the inside.

I've taken it to Florida twice now as it's great for the midday showers. It's so breathable that in the heat and humidity it still allows body moisture vapour transfer, a breathable membrane would really struggle with this due to the humidity and temperature gradients.

All in all it's a great jacket for showers in warm weather or as a windproof for active sports. I have got wet in it due to the amount of rain falling but it's fine for showers and more breathable than any waterproof.

Effective Wind And Shower Protection

The Windshadow Jacket weighs only 200g, making it very easy to carry in a bag and bring out when required. This jacket can be folded into it’s own Packpocket to make storage very simple indeed, and it does not appear creased when worn, even when taken straight out if it’s Packpocket. It can be washed and dried in a couple of hours – very useful when a quick turnaround of clothing is required.

I recently wore this jacket for hiking in a tea plantation and trekking in mountain areas of South Sulawesi, Indonesia – it was very effective for keeping out rain in short showers, and it kept the wind chill out at higher altitudes and in the evenings. However, for prolonged heavy rain or monsoon conditions, I would definitely use a jacket such as Rohan’s Elite Jacket – much better rain protection, and stronger material with the rip-stop nylon technology.

Jackets such as the Elite have all the functions, but you almost look like you are going to climb Mount Everest when wearing it!! In contrast, the Windshadow Jacket looks very stylish when on (so I have been told!!). And with a hood which packs easily into the collar, elasticated cuffs (helps to keep the wind and rain out), two zipped hand pockets and two internal pockets – this jacket has many effective features. And, it is very breathable, even when worn in the heat and humidity of South East Asia.

The main zip at the front of this jacket does not appear to be very strong, and it was difficult at first to get the zip to close properly. However, after a few goes it worked fine, and I hope the zip is durable and lasts a long time.

This jacket is certainly not the “ultimate” waterproof jacket – for long and tough trekking and hiking, it may be advisable to go up the price scale and buy a top-of-the-range waterproof such as Rohan’s Elite Jacket. But the Windshadow Jacket is very useful as a light and compact option for slightly less demanding conditions.

Very poor rain protection

This is light and easy to carry. It is ok for keeping wind off, eg as evening gets cooler. However utterly useless against rain - tried it for first time in a 10 minute shower today and was soaked through round arms good etc. Not satisfactory at this price.

Good insurance policy

I bought this as something that can be carried regularly, but rarely worn. Already used when on a long summer cycle ride when the evening drew in. The extra layer (that I barely noticed I was carrying) came in very handy when a slight chill developed. The windproof & showerproof propertites are a great insurance policy.

Done its job

Bought as part of recommended 5 layer system when visiting Arctic Norway. Done is job. However, surprisingly flimsy and have never worn it as an outer layer. Would be wary of it ripping and would prefer a waterproof not just showerproof outer layer.

You never know when you’ll need it

After ten years my old one really needed replacing. This new one took its place in the day pack pocket, weighing next to nothing. I forgot about it until we were on a water taxi that turned out to be a soak ‘em all trip. Out came the WS. I was as smug as a bug in a rug.