Mystic Gust Windbreaker Review: How to Stay Warm Without a Thicker Wetsuit

Skip is one of the OG kiteboarders here in West Michigan, so when he finds a piece of gear he really likes, we pay attention. Today it's... a windbreaker? Yep, and according to Skip, it can be a real session saver during those shoulder-season months when the water is still relatively warm but the wind has a bite to it.

What Is the Mystic Gust Windbreaker?

The Mystic Gust is a windbreaker designed specifically for watersports. It cuts the chill from the breeze when a thicker wetsuit would be overkill.

Does the Mystic Gust Windbreaker Keep You Warm?

Yes, the Mystic Gust significantly reduces wind chill, helping you stay comfortable in cooler air without switching to a thicker wetsuit.

Skip tested it in 65°F (18°C) water, with air temperatures about the same or slightly cooler. He was wearing a 3/2 wetsuit, and his chest was starting to get cold. After putting on the Gust, he was able to ride for a couple more hours comfortably.

Even better, he didn't need booties, gloves, or a hood, a nice bonus for keeping mobility high and gear minimal.

Can You Wear the Mystic Gust with a Harness?

Yes, the Mystic Gust is designed to work with a harness and can be worn either over or under it thanks to its built-in hook hole.

You can also pair it with a vest or PFD, depending on your setup.

Skip found two setups worked best:

• Wing foiling: Under the harness
• Kiteboarding: Over the harness

The hook hole lined up well and didn't shift side to side much during his sessions.

Does Water Go Through the Mystic Gust Windbreaker?

Yes, but less than you might expect for something that looks like a jacket, especially when worn under a harness.

The Gust includes:

• Velcro wrist seals
• Adjustable neck closure
• Elastic waist

These help minimize water entry.

When Skip wore the Gust under his harness while wing foiling, water flushing was minimal. However, when kite foiling with the Gust over his harness, more water moved through since the waist isn't tightly sealed.

Because of that, you'll still want a wetsuit appropriate for the water temperature. The Gust's main job is to reduce wind chill, not replace insulation.

Does the Mystic Gust Windbreaker Fit True to Size?

Yes, Skip found it ran true to size. At 5'10" (178 cm) and 160 lbs (72.5 kg), he chose a medium. The large felt too baggy for his slim build, even when worn over a PFD.

Because of the elastic waist, it took a little effort to pull the medium down over his vest, but once it was in place it fit well and didn't feel oversized when worn under his PFD and harness.

Is the Mystic Gust Windbreaker Worth It?

Yes, if you ride in mild-to-cool conditions, the Mystic Gust is an easy way to stay warmer without sacrificing mobility. It's a simple solution for reducing wind chill when a thicker wetsuit would be too warm.

Compared to adding a heavier wetsuit, it:

• Keeps mobility high
• Adds almost no weight
• Extends your comfortable riding window

It's the kind of layer you'll likely keep using right up until the temperatures truly call for a thicker suit.

Plus, it comes in multiple color options, so you can go with classic black or something a bit more eye-catching.

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