Arc’teryx Alpha SL Anorak ($375)
The Super-Tough UltraLight
Hot climates, fast and light missions, and mountains that rarely see precipitation call for wispy rain gear. This tissue-thin pullover fits the bill, with minimalist features like a single chest pocket and streamlined hood adjustment. The ripstop nylon feels tolerable in oppressive temperatures but is durable, thanks to liquid-crystal polymer fibers that Arc’teryx developed for its backpacks. That plus the three-layer design proved protective enough to withstand a multi-day deluge. 7 oz (men’s, pictured) / 6 oz (women’s).
Eddie Bauer BC Dura 3L ($279)
The Four-Season Workhorse
Light and supple enough for warm-weather hiking, this buttery shell also withstood wintry conditions. A contoured cut and stretch-woven nylon allow for freedom of movement, which we appreciated while scrambling up a fourteener. The hood fits over a helmet, and its three-layer construction and 20-denier fabric prevent punctures from sharp equipment or snags. The breathability and storm protection held up to hours of rain and snow without wetting out. 12 oz (men’s, pictured) / 10 oz (women’s).
Under Armour OutRun the Storm ($100)
The Wet-Weather Performer
This jacket is water-resistant, but it lacks a membrane to seal out drizzle for extended periods. Still, we love it for rainy-day running, because the superior breathability ditches sweat during speed work, and the stretchy blend of polyester and elastane feels soft on skin. A DWR finish, articulated cuffs, and a protective hood keep showers at bay. It all adds up to a suitable companion for your daily endorphin chase. 12 oz (men’s, pictured) / 10 oz (women’s, pictured).
Rab Downpour Eco ($120)
The Sustainable Steal
Jackets that move the sustainability needle often come at premium prices. Yet this affordable 2.5-layer shell employs 100-percent-recycled polyester in both the face fabric and the waterproof-breathable membrane. Most important, the Downpour Eco really performs: the PFC-free water-repellent coating foiled daylong rainstorms, and the breathable membrane and zippered underarm vents kept clamminess to acceptable levels. It’s neither ultralight nor ultra-technical, but it’s an exceptional—and responsible—insurance policy against showers. 11 oz (men’s) / 10 oz (women’s, pictured).