(The Hybrid)
This mix-and-match jacket uses two types of fabric to deliver a blend of soft- and storm-shell performance. Waterproof-breathable nylon protects the shoulders, chest, and hips—the points where you get the most exposure. Stretchy, breathable material covers the sweat-prone areas of the core. The hybrid won’t keep you dry in a deluge, but it did fend off rain when I scrambled up a trail through intermittent drizzle. Better still, it stayed comfortable after the squall had passed. Think of it as a fortified lightweight soft shell, not a dressed-down storm shell. 13 oz; www.rei.com
Bonus: The sleek design and welded seams keep the overall weight under a pound.
Bummer: The deadweight hood—weather that demands a hood demands a jacket with full waterproofing.