GOREWEAR doesn’t only make waterproof/breathable outerwear. No, they also make wonderful gear for all conditions. The all-new GOREWEAR Concurve Windbreaker is aimed at runners looking to cut through the chill on their next run. With several weeks of trail running with the Concurve, it’s a solid entry into the running windbreaker market. It officially launched today, but I’ve been testing it for the last month.
GOREWEAR Concurve Windbreaker Features:
- Lined, ergonomically shaped collar
- Elastic insert on cuffs
- Two zippered hand pockets
- Highly packable into its own stow-away pocket
- Hem with drawcord
- Reflective details
- Weight: 5.7 oz. (medium, actual)
- Colors: Black, White, Tech Beige, Lime Yellow, Utility Red, and Engine Green
- Men’s and women’s versions available
- MSRP: $100
Windbreaker elevated by GOREWEAR
I’ve worn plenty of windbreakers over the years. Primarily, I appreciate them for their packability and protection in a pinch. On the bike, I rarely ride in the monsoon season without one stuffed into my jersey pocket. And, if you opened the back of my Pathfinder, you’d see at least 3-4 different windbreakers or lightweight jackets for quick access when the weather changes on the way to the trailhead.
Something great about windbreakers is their versatility. If you can block a stiff wind, you will stay warm — whether that wind is natural or created by running or biking at speed. Because of that, layering with a windbreaker is key and GOREWEAR has built the Concurve Windbreaker with layering in mind. I took the new Concurve Windbreaker out on cool days and freezing ones to see how it would function with a variety of layers. I was okay in the upper 20’s and I also wasn’t overheating in the low 50’s.
With a thicker layer, I was cold when starting, but warmed up to a comfortable temperature during my morning trail run. However, when stopped, the chill would come back. So, unless you’re wearing a heavyweight base layer, you’ll probably want something with a little more warmth, like the Inselberg Infima or the Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie. But, if you do layer up, the GOREWEAR Concurve Windbreaker is built for it since the fit is more traditional and not form-fitting.
Most of my trail running with the Concurve Windbreaker has been in the 35-45 degree range, which is a great application for this windbreaker as a winter trainer. Even in the low-50’s, I was comfortable and didn’t overheat since it breathes well. Additionally, the wide collar stays open when unzipped and doesn’t flap around or whip into your neck/chin with every stride. I appreciated that I could unzip it and the collar just stayed out of the way.
Speaking of the collar, GOREWEAR has given the collar and the pockets the same lightweight brushed fabric. This offers a cozy feel next-to-skin and makes for added comfort for cold hands. Oddly, the hand pockets aren’t sewn to the outer shell at the bottom, so they can’t be used as internal dump pockets. And, also missing is some sort of small, zippered rear pocket, which is usually a better carrying spot for gels while running. Also, the zipper pulls on the hand pockets sit exactly in the same plane as my arms with each stride and my hand bonks them regularly. I can’t honestly remember any jacket doing that, so it’s worth mentioning.
The fit and cut of the Concurve Windbreaker is great for running and doesn’t ever feel restrictive. Arm and body movements are quiet and comfortable and the fabric does offer additional stretch to it. The oversized cut does make it more versatile. It does pack down to about the size of a soda can, but doesn’t stuff into either pocket (in case you’re wondering). Should you wish to cinch down the hem, it features a simple toggle on both sides for added protection.
All of these features do make the Concurve Windbreaker a little more than a simple windbreaker. It’s not that ultralight jacket you’ll want to stuff in a lumbar pack or pocket, but instead, it’s kind of a full-featured windbreaker with added versatility.
The fabric of the Concurve Windbreaker does offer lightweight DWR to keep light rain or snow at bay, but this is not of the waterproof/breathable mold and will get overwhelmed in a downpour. I did get the fabric to become saturated on a particularly challenging trail run and it did dry out relatively quickly.
Interestingly, the fabric is ever-so-slightly brushed on the interior, which makes it cozy next-to-skin without the use of the brushed fabric on the collar and pockets. Because of that, the sleeves are comfortable with either short or long-sleeve shirts underneath. GOREWEAR has specifically designed the interior to not be so “clingy” to bare skin. I’ll have to validate that in the coming weeks/months. And, the simple half-elastic cuff does just enough to keep out the elements without making on/off a challenge. The sleeves are also of ample length to work well with lightweight gloves.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs, wearing the size medium. The body, sleeves and length are excellent for running or casual activities.
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The Bottom Line
The GOREWEAR Concurve Windbreaker is a full-featured windbreaker for running or other activities. It's nice enough to wear around town too -- not just for running. The fabric sheds wind and light rain while also feeling comfortable next-to-skin. It's not an ultralight jacket, but doesn't take up too much space when stuffed. Breathability is good for a variety of temperatures and it remains stink-free after multiple uses.
The Good:
- Excellent wind protection
- Full-featured experience with comfy collar and pockets
- Just enough water protection to keep light rain or snow away
- Single color options for a classic look
- Sleeve length and half-elastic cuff is just right
- Versatile for running or other activities
- Soft collar/pockets and subtle brushed interior offer next-to-skin comfort
- Stink-free after multiple uses
The Bad:
- Zipper doesn't always pull smoothly
- Lacks a rear stash pocket
- Hand pockets aren't sewn at bottom, so they can't double as interior stash pockets
- Zipper pulls tap my hand as my arms swing forward
- Wind Protection
- Water Resistance
- Fit
- Mobility
- Features
2 Comments
This was helpful. Thank you! I just ordered a red one. I probably would have gotten white, but wouldn’t want it to be transparent. We’re the same height and weight, so you helped me decide on the medium, since I’m often between that and Large. Thank you again!
The medium fits perfectly. Thanks again! Actually, the one thing I’d change in terms of fit is to have the neck a bit slimmer. I hate wide necks that let in cool air when zipped up. I probably won’t use a gaiter with such a lightweight jacket, and even with a slimmer neck, there’d be room for a light gaiter.
I agree with you that it would’ve been ideal if the pockets extended to the hem so they could be used as interior pockets. And finally, I wish there was a small mesh area in the armpits.
So, almost a perfect windbreaker.