REVIEW: First Spear Windcheater

Have we mentioned that we love windbreakers? They are lightweight, easy to pack, and besides blocking the wind, they also keep the rain out (to some extent). Additionally, they are almost always without insulation, making them usable all year round - in summer over a shirt and in winter over a fleece jacket. Today we show you the First Spear Windcheater.

First Spear is actually specialized in upgrading combat gear and backpacks. However, there are now some clothing items on their website as well. The first products in this category were developed and offered in cooperation with the Norwegian company NFM Group. The Windcheater is a complete development of First Spear and was initially manufactured in the Far East. Then the production of the jacket was moved to the USA. Our jacket is a USA-made product.

The Windcheater is made of 100% Nylon Cordura called "Ambush." Unfortunately, there is no information about this material on the Cordura website, but at least you can find a small paragraph about it on Cabelas.

First Spear describes the Ambush Cordura as equally robust and abrasion-resistant as regular Cordura, but with better breathable properties. We can confirm that the jacket is definitely breathable without losing its windproof properties. In addition to the Cordura, Hypalon is used for the cuff adjusters and as a garage for the YKK zippers.

The two hand pockets are lined with mesh material on the inside to save weight and allow gloves to dry on the body. Other hardware comes from ITW Nexus, as expected.

The cut of the Windcheater is difficult to describe. First Spear says that when choosing the size, you should pick your T-shirt size. We were able to test a Windcheater in size Large (which is actually the recommended size) at the IWA, and we found that to be true - although there isn't much room left for fleece jackets or similar underneath.

For this reason, we opted for the next size up. In XLarge, the Windcheater looks a bit "baggy," especially if you're not wearing additional layers of clothing underneath. However, this is only noticeable in the torso and lower back area; the sleeves fit very well.

The cuff features adjustable straps made of Hypalon, with the First Spear logo printed on them. To provide some protection for the lower back, the hem is extended down and slightly rounded at the back.Here, it can also be cinched with an elastic band to prevent wind from coming in from below. The excess bungee cord is routed upward through a tab, so it doesn't get in the way.

Added to the two mesh hand pockets are upper arm pockets on each side. This is rather unusual for a windbreaker in military circles and therefore very welcome, especially since the pockets are a decent size.

In the lower corners of the pockets, there is a stitched drainage eyelet, which is unfortunately quite purposeless as it was sewn too tightly. Well, we don't really need that for a moderately waterproof windbreaker, so it's not a big deal. These pockets - as well as the hand pockets - are closed with a zipper that has a nice long zipper pull. When closed, the zipper sleeps in the Hypalon garage.The pockets also feature a patch field of Velcro-loop that barely protrudes. As a special feature, the First Spear logo is integrated as a negative into the Velcro, making the field look cool even without a patch.

To avoid sweating too much during physical activity, you can ventilate under the arms with a zipper. It has two sliders, allowing ventilation in both directions - away from the body or towards the body.

You can also ventilate through the front zipper, which is fully open on the Windcheater - so it's not a pullover. This zipper leads directly into the hood's collar and is covered at the top by a material overlap.

The hood itself is huge and can accommodate a MICH helmet if needed. The size can be adjusted in two places: in the collar with two bungee cords and an additional one at the back of the head.On top, there is a small oval Velcro field for IFF patches and a small visor on the front completes the hood's function.

Additionally, there is a small flag with the First Spear logo on the left chest and a large embroidered logo between the shoulder blades. A bit too much brand display if you ask us, the logos on the adjusters and Velcro are sufficient.

The construction of our jacket is okay but far from top-notch. There are some small stitching errors here and there, and the zippers are not sewn down in the pockets. These are minor issues, but in this price range, a little more attention to detail in the construction should be required. At least so far, no seams have come undone, even after multiple washes.

In the field and in everyday use, the Windcheater wears well, especially in this changeable summer that is often warm but windy and wet. The jacket effectively blocks the wind, and it can withstand a light rain shower, but when it pours, the dry time is relatively short despite the DWR coating and re-impregnation. However, this is to be expected with a windbreaker, and it dries extremely quickly again.

CONCLUSION: Not as well constructed as one would expect from First Spear, but still within acceptable limits - with lots of style and attention to detail - that's what defines the First Spear Windcheater. We especially like the abundance of features such as armpit ventilation, upper arm pockets, and Velcro patches, which are sadly missing from some windbreakers.

The First Spear Windcheater is available in the depicted Coyote Brown or Gray at TACWRK Berlin on request. The price of the jacket is around €265.