FLYWEIGHT CONTENDERThe seven-ounce Essence is no sissy, thanks to a tough ripstop nylon fabric. The tapered cut keeps excess fabric from flapping—but a little extra material under the arms keeps the jacket from sneaking up your torso when you go for that just-out-of-reach bolt. This two-layer, welded-seam shell is armed with a coating of waterproof polyurethane, while an inner layer of smooth silk protein fights clam-miness.
Bonus: Reflective tape lit me up at night like the Transamerica Pyramid.
Bummer: The single-point bottom hem has you working the bunched-up fabric around your hips.