The Rock Front TL3 Windbreaker is a 10 denier nylon windbreaker that is loaded with performance features including a two-way adjustable hood with a brim, a zippered chest pocket, stretch wrist cuffs, and a hem adjustment. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the TL3 has reflective elements on the front and back that make it suitable for hiking, backpacking, and running, both on trails and off.
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- Type: Jacket
- Weight: 3.3 oz in size medium
- Fabric: 10d nylon
- Hood: 2-way adjustable with brim
- Hem Adjustment: Yes
- Pockets: 1 zippered chest
- Wrist Cuffs: Elastic
- Hem Adjustment: Yes
- Stuffable: Yes
- Price: 90 euros
Windbreakers are a great layering option for hiking and backpacking because they can trap the heat of a mid-layer in windy conditions and prevent the wind from robbing your warmth without making you perspire. They’re breathability stems from the fact that they’re usually made with very thin uncoated nylon which is far more breathable than a rain jacket.
The most important part of a windbreaker is arguably the hood, and the Rock Front TL3 has a great hood with a high neck, a front brim, a rear drawstring volume adjustment, and neck cords so you can control the size of the face opening. Rock Front has gone so far as to bury the controls for the face opening so the cords come out on your upper chest, making them easy to adjust without requiring you to expose your neck to the cold or to remove your gloves in the process. Double A+ on the hood.
The TL3 has a chest pocket which is zippered and that you can stuff the windbreaker into. The chest pocket is also large enough to hold a smartPhone (in my case an iPhone 14.)
If you want to vent the jacket over the chest but keep the bottom half still zippered, there’s a chest strap that snaps in place and prevents the two sides from flapping in the wind. It also gives the chest pocket added support, so you can still use it to carry something like a smartPhone without that side of the jacket collapsing. It’s a nice added touch that I’ve never seen on any other windbreaker or wind shirt.
The TL3 has elastic wrists cuffs that can let you pull the sleeves up your arms to vent excess warmth without taking the jacket off. There’s also an adjustable hem so you prevent drafts from chilling you below.
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Recommendation
The Rock Front TL3 Windbreaker is a 10d ultralight backpacking garment that’s ideal for year-round use when layered over a base layer or mid-layer insulation. It is loaded with features, including an excellent dual-adjustable hood with a brim, elastic wrist cuffs, an adjustable hem, and a stuffable chest pocket. The sewing quality is excellent and men’s and women’s sizing is available. Rock Front also makes an even lighter weight 7d windbreaker that looks to be identical to the TL3 but made with even thiner fabric.
Disclosure: Rock Front donated a jacket for review.
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