ALL-WEATHER PERFORMER
Unlike most soft shells, which will keep you dry and comfy 90 percent of the time, the ultra-stretchy Tremor won’t wilt when conditions get sloppy. While OR won’t officially call the Tremor waterproof, our testers will. Thanks to a Gore Windstopper membrane and taped seams, the Tremor bested an all-day winter downpour during a hike along Vancouver Island’s Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. 1.2 lbs (L); outdoorresearch.com
Bonus: The brushed backing is bare-skin friendly, allowing the lightweight Tremor to double as a summer backpacking shell.
Bummer: The Velcro flap that stows the hood doesn’t prevent it from flopping around.