THE SELL: One of the lightest Gore-Tex jackets you can buy, at 8.5 ounces. THE TEST: Gore-Tex’s newspaper-thin PacLite stood up to abuse better than expected on a backpacking trip in Banff. The pockets sit higher, out of the way of hipbelts, and the hood is the best in the business, with a moldable strip of metal running across the brim: peak it out like a fireman’s helmet to deflect rain. And while there are no pit zips, the vented core pockets helped us stay comfortable in varying conditions, from muggy and drizzly paddles to chilly and windy hikes. THE VERDICT: A solid three-season shell, but watch the sizing. It’s slim and won’t layer over bulkier clothes or fit stockier people well.
Waterproofness: 5
Breathability: 3.5
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