Stio Second Light Windshell: Whisper Light Wind Protection

A versatile jacket that provides solid weather protection and packs into its own pocket.

Who is This For

Active men and women seeking wind protection in cool and cold weather for low- to moderate-paced outdoor activities. The shell’s light weight, wind-blocking protection, and drizzle-resistance fabric will satisfy runners, hikers, and travelers.

Field Testing

Scenario 1

Night Cycling | 35°-40° F, breezy | Gothenburg, Sweden

During many long evening bike rides through Gothenburg I noticed that I got too warm wearing my wind-breaking insulation jacket over a wool hoodie and a short-sleeved merino t-shirt. I tried replacing my jacket with an insulation vest, but that left my arms susceptible to the bitter wind. 

Stio’s Second Light Windshell provided me with an ideal solution: a wind-breaking layer that added virtually no weight (less than four ounces). The wind really burns in Gothenburg, but I stayed very comfortable on many rides in temperature that were between 35-40°F (but were actually more like sub-freezing temperatures due to the wind chill).

I was happy to discover that the Stio Second Light Windshell provided decent breathability. Its PFAS-free DWR coating held up well to misty weather. I stayed dry and didn’t overheat, and those are always two of my top goals when I’m outdoors. I wouldn’t expect the shell to keep me dry in a downpour, but it’s nice to have a layer that serves a few different functions and is extremely packable (it folds into its own zippered pocket, making it a must-pack item in my pack).

Scenario 2

Urban Hike | 41° F felt like 33° F, windy | Stockholm

One of the things I love about spring is that it can be sunny and 50°F one day and down to freezing the next day. Stio’s Second Light Windshell is ideal for this sort of crazy weather. 

On warmer days, I wear the shell over my merino hoodie and a short-sleeved merino t-shirt. I’ve been impressed with both the wind protection and breathability on hour-long and longer urban hikes. I stay comfortable because the shell does a great job of breaking the wind while also providing enough breathability that I don’t overheat. On days when the wind pulls the temperatures down near freezing, I add my insulation vest. 

The Second Light Windshell has become an integral part of my spring gear collection because it’s so versatile. I’m always surprised that such a thin fabric can block the wind so effectively; it truly makes a big difference in my comfort level. 

Fit

Stio describes this shell has having a “regular fit” that’s “not to tight, not too baggy.” I think most women will find that this jacket runs true to size and will like the athletic cut. If I still ran, I’d love the close fit and minimalist style. As a 6’ tall woman with very long arms and a long torso, I should have gone up a size or tried a men’s style in order to get the torso and sleeve coverage I like. I also like to layer, so going up a size might have been wise.

On the other hand, the shell is designed for action; a baggy fit might get in the way of performance. The Second Light Windshell has been so handy when I want to shed layers or bulk but need solid wind protection to stay warm.

I like the way Stio added simple thumb loops with just thin pieces of elastic inside the sleeves. So handy on outings where it feels warm enough to leave my gloves at home and then I realize my hands are cold. I didn’t find that the loops allowed me to cover the tops of my hands, but instead covered my wrists. My arms are a bit too long to use that feature comfortably, but it’s aways a thoughtful inclusion. 

Too small

Slightly small

Fits well

Slightly big

Too big

Materials & Construction

Material/Fabric: The Stio Second Light Windshell is made out reMeridian™, an ultra-thin “mini riptop” fabric containing 100% recycled nylon. It’s coated with a PFAS-free DWR finish, making the fabric water-resistant. It’s exactly the jacket to have in my pocket or pack on days when the weather can change suddenly.

I love the soft, paper-thin fabric that has a bit of stretch to it; I don’t feel constricted when I move. I like the minimalist design even it means I lose pocket space (the shell only has one side pocket, which initially drove me a little crazy because I like symmetry, but I am ok with the sacrifice). The shell has a single side pocket (the men’s jacket has a chest pocket) and a subtle elasticized hood that provides wonderful protection against the wind and fits just right. I always assume I won’t wear the hood, but I also regularly forget my hat. 

The Stio Second Light Windshell has thin reflective strip that looks to be about three inches long inside one of the back seams of the jacket for night-time visibility. There is a toggle in the hem to cinch the bottom of the jacket tighter.

Sustainability Creds: 100% recycled fabric, PFAS-free

Bottom Line

It’s easy to know what to wear in very cold and very hot weather, but it can be tricky to get my apparel dialed in for variable and windy weather. I think the Stio Second Light Windshell is a fantastic all-around jacket because it performs well when I need wind protection but not more warmth.

Specifications

• Men’s Sizes: S-XXXL
• Women’s Sizes: XS-XXL
• Weight: 3.8-4.4 ounces
• Price: $129

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Some images from Stio website.