MINIMALIST PERFORMER
Good for Backcountry
Like the Marmot (near left), the waterproof-breathable Shuksan was a tester favorite among all-season jackets. True, this pared-down shell has no winter-specific features, but that doesn’t mean it can’t handle the cold. The well-designed hood can accommodate a helmet, and the stretchy material didn’t slow down our testers when they were out snowshoeing or cold-weather rock climbing. The Shuksan lacks pit zips, but it breathes better than you’d think, thanks to its eVent membrane and four mesh-backed front pockets. After one tester wore the jacket in full sunlight with a heavy pack in Iceland, he reported that it “wicked away moisture better than any non-pit-zip-equipped jacket I’ve worn.” 1.2 lbs;