Review: ThruDark Oryon Windguard Jacket
Our Verdict
A lightweight, breathable, windproof layer I’ve used on every hike since getting it.
| RRP | £175 |
| Weight | 150g (size medium) |
| Features | Fabric: Pertex® Equilibrium (100% nylon outer, 100% recycled polyester lining) Water resistance: PFAS free DWR finish Warranty: 5 years and lifetime repairs. |
Pros
- Lightweight and highly packable
- Breathable
- Looks great and fits really well
- Adjustable hood and hem which helps with the fit and keeping the weather out
Cons
- Could be considered expensive
WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR
A light windproof is my favourite piece of outdoor clothing. To me, a softshell is the most versatile layer you can own. On most days in the hills I don’t need to wear a waterproof, I just need something to take the edge off the wind, and a windproof does that without the weight or the sweat that comes with a hardshell. As someone who runs hot and tends to hike quickly it also adds a surprising amount of warmth over a base layer and packs down to almost nothing.
So that’s exactly what I was looking for. Something lightweight, breathable that would keep the wind off.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Firstly, I love the colour (Lunar grey). Thrudark have been branching out into brighter colours over the last year or so and it really suits the jacket. This is the second generation of the Windguard and the main difference being the upgrade to Pertex® Equilibrium which has made the jacket 140g lighter than the previous iteration. So a big upgrade for this type of jacket.
The fit is the other thing that stood out. It’s a regular fit and it looked and felt right straight away. I’m 5”9 with a 38inch chest and went for a small, based off the size chart. It fits really well, close enough to not feel baggy but enough room to add some layers underneath.
The Windguard is packed with features such as rear vents and dual zips. Fits really well with lots of adjustability (hood/hem) and is constructed of a great fabric. So it was safe to say I was impressed and looking forward to testing it out.
THE TEST
I’ve been testing this jacket for a few months now and have pretty much worn it on every hike. The Windguard has kept the wind off while allowing my body to breathe, and if I got a bit too hot I could use the two way zip for some extra ventilation.
It has kept the wind off and whilst jackets like this aren’t designed to be waterproof, it’s water resistant and dries quickly, which is what you want when a light shower blows through the fells. For such a lightweight jacket I was impressed with all the features, including rear vents, a two way zip and an adjustable hood/hem.
The jacket isn’t designed as a winter softshell and while the material feels tough I don’t imagine it would hold up to lots of abrasion on rocky terrain. But it’s not designed for that, it’s a lightweight, highly breathable jacket for moving fast in the mountains during the warmer months.
Overall I’ve been really impressed with the Windguard and it’s done exactly what I wanted it to. Moving into Autumn/Winter, I’ll still be using it on shorter/fast hikes but will most likely opt for something heavier when we get to December and onwards.
WHO IS THIS ITEM FOR?
The Thrudark Oryon Windguard is a strong option for hikers and runners wanting a lightweight, packable and dependable layer that will help keep the wind off whilst allowing your body to breathe.
As briefly mentioned previously, if you want a rugged softshell for rocky terrain or deep Winter this might not be for you.
WHAT STANDS OUT?
Pertex® Equilibrium – Lightweight, wind resistant, fast drying and is designed to move moisture away from the body.
Rear vents & two way zip – Alongside the Pertex® Equilibrium fabric, these features help your body breathe.
Lightweight – 40% lighter than the previous version (150g – Medium)
Adjustable hood & hem – Allow you to get the perfect fit and help keep the elements out.
VALUE FOR MONEY
The Windguard costs £175, which definitely isn’t cheap. However, for that you get Pertex® Equilibrium fabric, an adjustable hood, rear vents, YKK zips, reflective detailing and a five year warranty with lifetime repairs.
In terms of alternatives there are both cheaper and more expensive options. The Mountain Equipment Aerofoil is cheaper (£100 RRP), lighterweight but the featureset and material is more stripped back. The RAB Borealis is again cheaper (£85 RRP), but again has a simpler featureset and is a fair bit heavier (273g – Medium). Sitting at a similar price is the Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody (£180 RRP) is a similar weight at 150g, has an adjustable hood and is constructed from a breathable, lightweight but durable Tyono™ 30D material.
Overall the Windguard from Thrudark is good value for money, it sits comfortably in between its competitors, offering more than the cheaper ones and similar features to comparably priced jackets.
BASE BOTTOM LINE
The Thrudark Oryon Windguard is a lightweight, breathable windproof that fits really well and looks great. It’s ideal for hikers or runners who run warm and want a lightweight, packable layer that will keep the elements off.
At £175 it’s definitely a considered purchase, but if it’s within budget I’d definitely recommend it, and it’s already become my go to wind layer for 3 season use. Thrudark also often have great sales events, which is a great way to potentially get this jacket at a reduced price.
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