ECO ALL-STAR
Nau has made a splash this year with its all-eco-friendly line, dedication to sustainable business practices, and fashion-forward style. All of which matters not a whit if the company’s signature storm shell can’t keep you dry. It does. The two-layer Quintessenshell’s 100-percent-recycled outer shell kept the rain out and breathed moderately well—and took up little space when crumpled in the bottom of a pack. And thanks to its textured fabric, discreet chest vents, and refreshing absence of logos, it was our around-town jacket of choice. 16 oz (M); nau.com
Bonus: Nau donates an impressive 5 percent of the purchase price to one of 12 charities—you choose which one.
Bummer: Might be hard to try one on. You can buy Nau’s products only online or at one of its four planned stores (scheduled to open this spring in Boulder, Chicago, Portland, and Bellevue).