Test Conditions
I used the Ridge Merino Windshifter (men’s/women’s) on an early GR20 season trip across Corsica.
Temperatures ranged from just above freezing to around 85°F/30°C on the warmest parts of the trail (north end). The gusty winds across the high mountains of Corsica provided ample evidence of its anti-aircraft power, but even if I had always had the ball in my pocket, I’m not sure I would have seen it.
It was a last minute addition to my GR20 gear list, and I’m very happy to have it. It will definitely be going with me when I go to Peru next month.
Ridge Merino Windshifter Specs
- Weight: 5 oz / 142 g (men’s large)
- Fabric: 55% Merino wool, 45% nylon
- Fabric Weight: 1.74 oz/yd² / 59 GSM
- Water Resistance: PFAS-free DWR (durable water repellent)
- Packages: One chest pocket with zipper
- Cuffs/Hem/Hood: Elastic cuff fastening, adjustable hem cinch, and adjustable hood cinch
- Equivalent to: A casual fit, designed to layer over a t-shirt or mid-layer
- Maintenance: Machine wash cold, hang dry, do not bleach or clean, iron on low wool
- Colors: Dark Green, Dark
- Amount: $150
Photo Gallery
Good
Fabric & Feel
The standout feature of the Ridge Merino Windshifter is undoubtedly its 1.74 oz/yd² (59 GSM) fabric, which is a special blend of 55% Merino wool and 45% nylon.
Because it uses Merino wool, it completely avoids the stiff, stiff feel that plagues almost every other ultralight synthetic windshell currently on the market. It’s a mix of rough and soft materials that stay comfortable against the skin, so you can ride, run, bike, or just hang out with a t-shirt (or Solstice Pro) underneath.
It it doesn’t sound like a garbage bag that quickly adheres to the slightest sweat or stick to your skin, unlike many other wind jackets.
Packability
The Windshifter is one of the lightest Merino products on the market, meaning you won’t see it in your kit. When not wearing it, it packs away completely in its integrated chest pocket. That said, I just put it in the outside of my pocket (or, better yet, in the bottom pocket) when I’m not using it.
It packs small enough that no matter what you have in your pocket, you will be able to install it easily (then pull it out) down the sides to fill any empty space (I recommend storing all your jackets this way instead of packing them all into a stuff sack).
The design includes a web loop, so you can easily attach a padded jacket to the outside of a bag or belt loop if your pocket is really bursting at the seams (or you’re using a vest/belt that won’t fit anything else inside).
Air and Climate Protection
Perhaps most importantly, the Windshifter does what it’s advertised to do, too effectively blocks wind. I also found that – even in direct sunlight – it provided enough ventilation that I didn’t need to remove it immediately when climbing.
Although it is a light woven wind shell and not a fully waterproof rain jacket, it comes treated with a modern, PFAS-DWR (durable water repellent) finish. This treatment provides water resistance in an unexpected downpour or foggy morning on the trail, but you won’t want it when a storm hits.
The hood
One of the most frustrating things about a wind jacket (or really any top) can be when you can’t keep the hood open (assuming your wind shell has a lid, which the Windshifter does). I found out that the Windshifter hood had it there are no permanent problems and a zip-up jacket.
There’s a cinch in the back (which I’ve never really used) which I think would make it easier if you want a hood, but also have the jacket closed down (or maybe to keep it more secure if you’re wearing a hat – wear a hat, friends).
On that note, there is also a cinch at the waist, but I never used it.
The Okay
Weight
In a 5 oz / 142 g men’s size, the Ridge Merino Windshifter it’s not very easy the lightest windbreaker on the market.
If you’re a hardcore gram-counter (cool, buddy), you can find pure synthetic options that weigh a few ounces, which puts this jacket firmly in the middle.
However, given that it’s made from an ultralight knitted Merino wool blend, the weight penalty is a comfort-driven trade-off that many (myself included) will happily make.
Packets
If you’re the type of hiker who likes dedicated hand warmer pockets or lots of places to stash your gear, you might find the Windshifter a bit lacking.
It has features one chest pocket with zipper. This minimalist approach means you’ll have to rely on your pants, running vest, or backpack for practical storage. That said, I don’t tend to rely too much on sticking to my light windshell jacket pockets. The pocket, I guess, is there so you can pack the Windshifter down in it, but I wouldn’t be mad if it wasn’t there at all, saving a few grams by saving all that zipper weight.
And importantly, the package – if you plan to use it – is not too big. It will fit your ID, credit cards, or other snacks just fine, but it wouldn’t fit my phone (with a 6.8-inch screen).
Sizing
This is obviously personal, but Windshifter’s rating puts me off firmly between medium and large.
Because the fabric doesn’t stretch or give much, I decided to upsize, and I think it was the right decision. I might pop into the Ridge store next time I’m in Mammoth Lakes and try the medium, but I feel like it’s going to be tight (especially when I remind myself that I usually wear my wool under this – because of the cold).
If it helps anyone, I’m 5’10” / 179 cm, 190 lb / 86 kg. Update: I’ve now tried on a used item and confirmed that it fits me better than the large (and still fits my fur underneath just fine).
Bad
Color Selection
Currently, the Ridge Merino Windshifter for men is only available at two muted colors: Green Shades of Green and Black. If you’re a cyclist or trail runner (or SAR-conscious backpacker) looking for a bright, highly visible neon color to stay visible, you’re out of luck.
Maybe it’s because they can’t make the fabric in other colors, or maybe they somehow know that not everyone is as into bold colors as I am, but I wish Ridge had this in a bold color (and it would look better in photos!).
Price
At $150, Windshifter it’s not a budget-friendly windbreaker shopping at will (but if you’re on that whim train, a solid option).
You pay a premium for that unique blend of Merino wool, lack of plastic wrinkle, thoughtful design details, and supporting a small company. While the performance justifies the cost for anyone who knows they’ll be using this regularly outside, for someone who can’t articulate why they need a windproof jacket, the investment may be hard to justify.
Whose?
Thru-Hikers and Backpackers
The Ridge Merino Windshifter is an excellent choice for hikers. Honestly, I’ve been thinking about ditching my down jacket and instead bringing a light fleece and wind jacket on future hikes (when I know the temperature won’t drop to freezing). Even with the jacket on, I can see myself continuing to include the Windshifter in my gear system.
Trail Runners & Fastpackers
The Ridge Merino Windshifter is a great piece of gear to bring along for trail runs, bikes, and alpine days out. It breathes well, pairs well with a light base layer, and is easy to pack when you inevitably get hot. Now that I’m writing this, I might start bringing you on a bike ride (although I like rocking vests on a bike).
Casual Pedestrians & Travelers
If you’re looking for a layer that won’t make you look like you’re walking around in a garbage bag, packs down very thin, and blocks the wind, the Windshifter is the perfect fit. If you’re a regular in an area where you know you can expect cool mornings or breezy afternoons, this piece will go a long way to ensure you stay comfortable on your outings in the countryside.