EXCELS IN ALL CONDITIONS
From paddling in Wisconsin to backpacking in New Mexico to skiing in British Columbia, the Stormlight was a tester favorite everywhere we took it, in wind, rain, and snow. The key is a smart blend of Gore-Tex’s most durable fabric (XCR) on the high-wear and high-motion areas—the shoulders and tops of arms—and Gore’s lighter-weight Paclite throughout the rest of the jacket. But what separates it from all the other shells on the market is the details, from the cuffs, lined with soft, moisture-wicking DriClime, to the perforated material that lines the chest pockets (which saves weight and increases ventilation). 17 oz (M); marmot.com
Bonus: Thanks to a stiff wire in the brim, the hood doesn’t flap around in the wind.
Bummer: A bit heavy for a Paclite jacket.