Picture Organic Abstral 2.5L ($165)

Most Versatile Hard Shell

If you鈥檙e looking for a solid jacket for most conditions, at less than half the cost of the competition, this is your hard shell. From Appalachian drizzles to Rocky Mountain downpours, the Abstral kept us protected. It offers the full suite of features, including an adjustable hem and cuffs, a helmet-compatible hood, and two zippered hand pockets, and it packs up to the size of a grapefruit in its stow pocket. The catch? The details aren鈥檛 as dialed as they are on more expensive shells. The zippers are finicky, the cuff-adjustment strips are uncomfortably stiff, and the hood struggles to stay up over a ponytail. The 2.5-layer construction kept us comfortable on a rainy run in Montana, but got steamy backpacking on steep stretches of Virginia鈥檚 Appalachian Trail in the sixties. But these are annoyances, not deal-breakers. You get enough stretch to move freely, and the polyester interior feels smooth, not sticky, on bare arms. As for eco cred, the Abstral鈥檚 polyester face fabric is 46 percent recycled, and the DWR is PFC-free. 13.8 oz (men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL) / 10.5 oz (women鈥檚 XS鈥揦L)

Goldwin Fast Shell Light ($290)

Most Breathable Hard Shell

Despite what ads tell you, no waterproof shell is completely breathable鈥攂locking water requires some impediments to vapor transfer. The best jackets simply minimize that compromise. The Fast Shell Light does just that with Pertex鈥檚 new, air-permeable Shield Air fabric, which has a membrane made of randomly assorted nanofibers. The fibers crisscross each other, forming tiny pores that allow air to escape directly (unlike membranes that allow only moisture vapor to pass through, like Gore-Tex). It was the most breathable material we tested this year. That, plus the ultralight nylon face and lining fabrics, kept us from overheating, even on tough slogs. 鈥淲hile hiking a ridge in Gatineau Park with my toddler on my back in 40-degree weather, I was happy I could keep the elements off me without getting soggy inside,鈥� said a Canadian tester. Still, we stayed dry in a three-hour downpour at Mont Tremblant National Park, helped by the hem, cuffs, and nonadjustable hood鈥攏ot bad for a jacket that fits inside a coffee mug. Boo: no women鈥檚 version. 5.9 oz (men鈥檚 S鈥揦L)

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic ($200)

Best All-Around Hard Shell

The Stretch Ozonic lives at the nexus of price, performance, durability, and light weight. Its three-way adjustable hood (not helmet-compatible) amply covers the head and zips over the chin, but is small enough to remain unobtrusive when not in use. You also get a chest pocket big enough for light gloves, plus two mesh-lined hand pockets and a cinchable hem and cuffs, all in a package that smushes down to the size of a large tomato. The 50-denier, 100 percent recycled polyester fabric has a PFC-free DWR and feels soft, not plasticky. One tester appreciated its stretchiness on a scrambly, brushy traverse from Lilian Lake to Ribbon Lake in the Canadian Rockies and found that it held up without a tear. And the 2.5-layer proprietary construction sheltered us from all-day rain on Pennsylvania鈥檚 Bucktail Path and wind-driven drizzle on the shores of Lake Erie. The moderate fit worked well with multiple layers underneath, and the longer cut of the sleeves and hem kept drips out while biking. 11.3 oz (women鈥檚 XS鈥揦L) / 10.9 oz (men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL)

Marmot Precip Pro 3L ($150)

Best Value Hard Shell

When the going got tough, this shell kept going, without hurting our wallets. One New Hampshire tester brushed its 75-denier polyester face through poky young evergreens, shouldered an ax, and sawed branches while doing trail work on Mount Moosilauke. 鈥淣o signs of wear at all,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 confident wearing it for bushwhacking through thick brush.鈥� Weather protection is equally bombproof. We stayed dry in full-day rains, thanks to an adjustable hood, effective storm flaps over the zippers, and a cinchable hem that turned back cold White Mountain winds. That toughness comes with a breathability tax. Marmot鈥檚 three-layer NanoPro material 鈥渇elt a bit steamy on a drizzly, 60-degree trail run in Massachusetts鈥檚 Middlesex Fells Reservation,鈥� said a tester. Though, pit zips do help. We loved the relaxed fit, which accommodates a puffy underneath, and the plentiful features, including smooth-running zippers, adjustable cuffs, and large chest pockets that swallow gloves. The whole package rolls down to the size of a water bottle. 14 oz (men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL) / 13 oz (women鈥檚 XS鈥揦L)

Adidas Terrex Agravic Pro Windweave ($170)

Lightest Soft Shell

This soft shell is about as close as you can get to an invisible wind-blocking force field. The Agravic Pro weighs as much as a couple of string cheeses and packs to tennis-ball size, yet it held its own against gusts up to 30 miles per hour. It was all that one tester needed to keep going comfortably when the wind kicked up halfway through a trail run in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The shell鈥檚 woven material combines two different densities of nylon, with a more air-permeable weave on the torso, upper arms, and shoulders. The combo jettisoned our tester鈥檚 body heat on days into the forties, though we felt clammier when temps and humidity climbed. The DWR kept one Sedona, Arizona, mountain biker dry in a 15-minute shower, but we probably wouldn鈥檛 push it beyond that. Adidas somehow managed to cram a few features into 2.7 ounces, too, like a head-hugging hood and asymmetrical (read: no chin rub) half-length chest zipper that鈥檚 great for venting. The lightweight, 10- and 30-denier fabric needs TLC, but it stood up to daypack straps and brushes against pi帽on branches without visible wear. 2.5 oz (women鈥檚 XS鈥揦L) / 2.7 oz (men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL)

Rab Windveil Pull-On ($100)

Most Breathable Soft Shell

For highly aerobic days spent trail running, mountain biking, and steep hiking, we reached for this 眉berlight, super-stretchy shell. 鈥淚t prevented me from getting swampy, protected me from the occasional drizzle, and kept the wind bearable on the cooler summit,鈥� reported one tester after a 16-mile, 50-degree hike outside Jackson, Wyoming. Polyester mesh jersey fabric on the upper back, sides, and armpits proved highly effective at moving heat even under backpacks and running vests. That鈥檚 helped by the deep, half-zip front, which has a snap closure that keeps the shell鈥檚 chest panels from flapping around in the breeze when you have it unzipped for ventilation. The Windveil鈥檚 trim, body-hugging cut moved with us and fit best over just a T-shirt or base layer, and it packs down to peach size. Trade-off: there鈥檚 no hood, but you get an inner pocket that fits a smartphone or headlamp, a cinchable hem, and half-elastic cuffs that are cut long over the hands for extra protection against the elements. The 20-denier nylon fabric on the main body keeps weight down, yet we suffered no snags when running on overgrown trails. 4.1 oz (men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL) / 3.5 oz (women鈥檚 S鈥揦L)

Montane Krypton Hoodie ($155)

Warmest Soft Shell

Cozy doesn鈥檛 often come to mind when you think of shells, but that鈥檚 exactly what testers said about this extra-comfortable jacket. The polyester-elastane fabric is woven to be smooth on the outside and brushed on the inside, and it kept us warm into the low forties on day hikes, bike rides, belay sessions, and camping trips. 鈥淭he fuzzy lining and warm, fleecy pockets felt so inviting on early-morning hikes,鈥� said a tester. 鈥淎nd the hood was so cozy to pull up while camping in Washington鈥檚 Twanoh State Park.鈥� Trade-off: all that fluff means it鈥檚 heavy, bulky (packing down a little smaller than a football), and not breathable enough for intense exercise. But it鈥檚 perfect for mellow activities in cool or variable weather. The DWR-treated fabric shed drizzle for 45 minutes along Washington鈥檚 Hood Canal and blocked gusts up to 30 miles per hour at Snoqualmie Pass. We particularly liked how the helmet-compatible hood鈥檚 wired brim kept rain out of our eyes. You also get two hand pockets, a chest pocket, and a high collar that seals out breezes. The cut is trim and short, so consider sizing up to wear it with more than a base layer. 15.9 oz (women鈥檚 XS鈥揦L) / 18.9 oz (men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL)

Mountain Equipment Firefox ($475)

Best Alpine Hard Shell

Whether we were perched on Liberty Bell in the North Cascades, descending from the Grand Teton in a thunderstorm, or hiking Alaska鈥檚 Eagle Peak in a deluge, we were always glad to have this shell. It proved impenetrable to precipitation, and it struck the ideal balance of mobility, toughness, and packability for above-treeline exploits. The Firefox鈥檚 smart design features shine in the alpine: hand pockets sit above a harness and hipbelt, articulated sleeves and a longer-than-average hem let us reach freely without hiking it up, and the three-way-adjustable hood fits over streamlined helmets. Caveat: the hood was too small for one tester to belay comfortably, and the trim fit works best over a base layer and light midlayer. The 30-denier nylon face shrugged off granite scraping, and the latest Gore-Tex Active membrane (one of Gore鈥檚 lighter, more breathable offerings) plus 11-inch-long pit zips (on the men鈥檚 jacket) give above-average breathability. 鈥淲inds were gusting at 30 miles per hour with temps in the thirties as we left the saddle of the Grand Teton at 9,000 feet,鈥� reported one tester. 鈥淓ven then, this jacket kept me protected and comfortable.鈥� 9.9 oz (women鈥檚 8鈥�16) / 11.6 oz (men鈥檚 S鈥揦XL)

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The Salt Lake City鈥揵ased brand听 says its听new ($72) can heal听small holes or听tears听by rubbing your fingers over the fabric. One of our editors tested听it to see whether it actually works on different kinds of punctures.

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Remember the rain and wind shells of yore? Stiff and a little crinkly,听with Velcro cuffs and micro-fleece chin guards? We听hardly can. Performance apparel has evolved over the past decade, and听jackets are lighter, thinner, and more streamlined than ever.

In fact, apparel makers have grown so obsessed with shaving weight that a听profusion of technical shells have appeared weighing听less than a smartphone, packing small enough to fit in your back pocket, and designed to make you feel like you鈥檙e wearing nothing at all.

Of course, you might reasonably听wonder how these听眉ber-pared-down jackets听manage to stand out from one another, and how light听they can go before they start to lose functionality.听We rounded up a few听to find out.

The North Face Flight RKT ($160)

This shell is so freakishly thin that the cuffs and bottom hem are pretty much all you notice. It鈥檚 made from a single layer of DWR-treated, ten-denier ripstop nylon鈥攅nough to block wind and repel light precipitation鈥攁nd folds into an arm pocket roughly the size and shape of听a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (though it鈥檚 much lighter: just 2.8 ounces for听the men鈥檚 version).

As with most featherweight apparel, the Flight RKT听makes some compromises. There are no adjustment cords, and the fabric is more snag-prone than some other shells in the same category. But if you鈥檙e going fast and light for long distances, you鈥檒l be hard-pressed to find a more lightweight option.听

The North Face听bills the Flight RKT as a running shell, and the jacket performs well in high-output situations that call for protection without the encumbrance of听layers. Given how thin it is, we'd听be wary of taking it on scrambling missions where we know we'll听be dragging听our gear over听rock.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Lite ($100)

The Ghost Lite is similar to the Flight RKT鈥攊t鈥檚 made from DWR-coated听nylon听and designed primarily for running鈥攂ut it鈥檚 a bit more built up. The men鈥檚 version is 3.1 ounces,听and it鈥檚 longer听and听baggier. The loose fit is a boon if you want to wear your shell over lots of layers, but can also impede movement. That鈥檚 partially alleviated by the cinched hem and a Velcro tab to fold away the hood.

The 15-denier ripstop nylon has a soft, buttery feel, and it鈥檚 substantial enough to add听confidence in brambles and on abrasive rock. When folded into its chest pocket, the Ghost Lite is a tad bigger than the North Face jacket; it鈥檚 also slightly easier to zip up, since the zipper falls on the side of the pouch instead of across the top. The slightly longer fit also makes this jacket a great trail-to-town crossover piece; it鈥檒l keep you warm and relatively dry in the hills but won鈥檛 look (as) out of place in a coffee shop or bar.

Patagonia Houdini ($100)

The Houdini is sleek and trim, hitting right at the hip, without听excess fabric. But at 3.6 ounces in the men鈥檚 version, it鈥檚 the heaviest jacket here. That鈥檚 because it doesn鈥檛 skimp on features or durability. In addition to a chest pocket, it has a drawcord听at the waist and in the hood, and the fabric is 15-denier nylon, the same as the Ghost Lite.听

The papery quality of the Houdini offers superior听next-to-skin comfort; you can wear it over a short-sleeve shirt without that听clammy shell sensation against your arms. It also makes the jacket a little more rugged than the others we looked at. The Houdini听is billed as a trail-running shell, but we听wouldn鈥檛 think twice taking it climbing or scrambling.

The Upshot

The lightweight, DWR-treated wind shell deserves听a place in your pack. It鈥檚 the perfect layer for windy summits, drizzly mornings, and other occasions when a听thick fleece or听full-on waterproof piece would be overkill, and it's great insurance against unexpected storms.听It won鈥檛 keep you from getting soaked in a downpour, but the DWR coating goes further than you鈥檇 expect.

That said, there's no need to shell out extra cash just to save a few tenths of an ounce. All of the shells in this review function the same, differing only in price. They weigh within an ounce of one another, they're made with similar fabrics and DWR finishes, and they have similar features.听If you're tackling听fast and light missions or long hauls in high-alpine听terrain, it's worth the added expense to have the absolute lightest, most packable gear. But the average athlete could be served just as well with a slightly heavier, less expensive option.听Buy the one that fits best, and you can't go wrong.

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Rain is a lame excuse to cut a run short. These six mighty shells are a lightweight insurance policy designed to keep you on the trails no matter the weather emergency.听

Outdoor Research Helium II ($159)

OR鈥檚 designers trimmed the fat from this by using moderately breathable 2.5-layer Pertex nylon and retaining a bare minimum of features (chest pocket, drawstring toggles). The result packs down to the size of a Clif Bar. 6.4 oz.

Salomon Fast Wing Hoodie ($100)

This is the lightest, here. It won鈥檛 ensure you stay dry in a deluge, but it鈥檒l keep you hammering, thanks to super-breathable, ultrathin nylon and four-inch pit vents. 3.2 oz.

The North Face BTN ($130)

Crafted as a go-to training layer, the is cut from quick-drying polyester that lets you sweat without clamming up. There鈥檚 no exterior coating or laminate, so we wouldn鈥檛 take it on an alpine climb, but as an everyday running shell it excels. 6.7 oz.

Dynafit Trail DST ($169)

stands for Durastretch, a four-way soft-shell fabric that offers superior range of motion. Bonus: perforated sections in the exterior and on the upper back and torso dump heat during high-intensity outings. 7.2 oz.

Helly Hansen Odin Minimalist ($220)

The is among the lightest, most breathable waterproof shells we鈥檝e tested. The thin laminated nylon is surprisingly durable and packs easily into its own chest pocket. 5.6 oz.

Patagonia Storm Racer ($279)

Don鈥檛 be fooled by the hard-shell looks鈥攖he was crafted for mobility. Thanks to stretchy nylon, it moves with you. It was designed for alpine running, but a DWR coating beads moisture as well as a rain jacket. Bummer: it鈥檚 the heaviest shell here. 9.6 oz.

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The founders at want to make better cycling clothing. The new brand, based out of Squamish, B.C., was launched this fall at Interbike with an eye toward building high-performance, technical apparel for riders.听

鈥淎s cyclists, we always found ourselves riding in outdoor apparel rather than the cycling brands. We felt that quality and development was lagging in the cycling world,鈥� says Tyler Jordan, president and CEO of 7Mesh. 鈥淐yclists ride extremely refined and expensive bicycles. And we thought it was time to bring the soft goods up to the level of those bikes.鈥�

As a former CEO of Arc鈥檛eryx, an outdoor company known for its technical, well-cut apparel, Jordan knows a thing or two about performance in high-end equipment. And the rest of the 7Mesh team boast similar credentials, with years of experience at Arc鈥檛eryx and Assos.听

That experience听probably helped leverage a deal with fabric giant Gore, making 7Mesh, according to Jordan, only the second-ever startup to make such a deal (Mountain Hardwear was the first). That means 7Mesh鈥檚 Spring 2015 catalog is full of the latest waterproof breathable and moisture-management fabrics, including jackets built from GoreTex Active, Windstopper, and Windstopper Active.

All the product we鈥檝e received for testing bears a notable resemblance to Arc鈥檛eryx equipment, with spare lines and minimal sewing, taut tailoring, lots of welded seams and weatherproof zippers, and extremely understated branding. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want to be the Arc鈥檛eryx of the cycling world,鈥� Jordan told me. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 not a bad company to be compared with.鈥�

We鈥檙e impressed with the quality and designs of the pieces we鈥檝e seen so far. Still, it鈥檚 surprising to hear 7Mesh talk so critically of the existing market given the range of companies already producing high-end apparel.

Assos, renowned for its fabric development, attentive tailoring, and technological advancements, launched into mountain bike apparel last summer with its Off-Road Rally line. And Gore already uses GoreTex products to great effect in a full line of excellent, cycle-specific gear. Finally there鈥檚 Kitsbow, a startup that launched a couple years ago, that has produced some excellent technical pieces with a lifestyle bent. Whether 7Mesh can make gear that鈥檚 better than the clothing produced by these companies (and others) remains to be seen.

The other question is whether consumers are ready for yet another top-shelf apparel brand. 7Mesh is definitely aiming for the premium market, with jerseys starting at $130 and jackets up to $450. Those prices are steep, but they are in line with other high-end brands and reflect the company鈥檚 use of expensive fabrics as well as its B.C. locale. (It鈥檚 worth noting that while development and testing is being done in Canada, production is overseas.) The onus, however, will be on 7Mesh, as a startup, to prove that their goods warrant those prices.

We will provide in-depth reviews of 7Mesh gear as soon as we鈥檝e had a chance to fully test it. In the meantime, here鈥檚 a quick run-down of the gear we鈥檝e received.

Revolution Jacket ($450)

The 7Mesh line is broken into two lines鈥�7 Days for expedition-quality stuff to be used over multiple days and in the harshest conditions, and 7 Hours for products intended for use when you鈥檙e only out for the day. The is the company鈥檚 burliest, 7 Day piece, constructed of three-layer GoreTex 3L Pro for ultimate protection. The cut favors a riding position, though my size medium is not as trim as similar jackets from, say, Assos or Castelli. Detailing is top-notch, with full-length side zips for venting, a trim snap-off hood, slender Velcro cuff tabs, a tug-open main zipper, and small reflective hits.

Re:Gen Jacket ($350)

Part of the 7 Hour line, this piece is lighter than the Revolution (210 grams vs. 280 grams) and cut from the highly breathable GoreTex Active for waterproofing with excellent moisture transfer. It鈥檚 a much more spare piece than the Revolution, though it still has the critical features, watertight zippered cuffs, a gripper elastic waist, and a hands-free main zipper. The cut is trimmer than the Revolution, too, though there seems to be an excess of material in the chest when in a drop, riding position.

S2S Shirt ($130)

Perhaps the most interesting piece we鈥檝e received to date, this mid-weight polyester jersey has more volume than a typical jersey and uses very little stretch fabric. The idea is to create good fit and performance through excellent tailoring, and by and large it seems to work. The full-length zipper is welcome, and the zippered side pockets, as opposed to rear ones that could conflict with a pack, are a smart touch that we鈥檝e come to appreciate from Kitsbow design.

Glidepath Short ($140)

These simple over-shorts are cut from a tough, lightweight nylon that鈥檚 built to dry quickly. There are loops for a belt, as well as a fast-buckle webbing adjustment for going without. The two hand pockets are nice for bumping around town, but it鈥檚 the zippered side pockets that sit to the back that really make these good for riding. (Once again, we first saw this smart feature on Kitsbow shorts.) Also worth noting: the best way to judge any cycling apparel company is by their bibs, and up to now, 7Mesh is still fine-tuning the fit and form of their padded shorts.

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Endorphins are well worth a flogging from winter weather, but for those rational runners who don’t like wind-whipped eyes and numb toes, know that running companies have you in mind.

#1: Made from lightweight merino wool with a touch of nylon for durability, Icebreaker’s ($80) insulates but never caused us to overheat. Let the zipper fly for extra ventilation when the intensity picks up.

#2: and #3: Training in winter means running in the dark. Make yourself visible with Nathan’s ($55), which double as mittens and have rechargeable USB lights across the back of the hand, and ($55), with six LEDs and reflective piping. Dorky? A bit, but drivers will know you’re there from up to 1,300 feet away.

#4: It’s important to keep your nethers warm, which is why CW-X incorporated windproof panels into its ($125). Compression strips reduce muscle load, and temperature-regulating fabric throughout kept our lower half warm.

#5: The waterproof Brooks ($120) was designed for temperatures in the forties, but paired with the Icebreaker Aero Half Zip it kept us toasty below freezing. Even better, the semifitted polyester won’t slow down your interval sets when the wind picks up.

#6: The Saucony ($110) has everything we love about the Kinvara series, including minimalist uppers and a substantial but not too thick slab of foam underfoot. This one’s been armored up for snowy trails with FlexShell water-resistant coating.

#7: Lightweight crew socks aren’t enough for winter runs, and burly ski socks are too much. The Balega 听($12), with cushioning in the toes, heel, and cuff, is just right.

#8: Reflective yarn stitched into the North Face acrylic ($30) kept us visible on predawn training runs, and we especially liked the addition of a fleece band around the ears for those days when a skullcap just won’t cut it.

#9: Twist an ankle on a patch of ice? Hit the SOS button on the Timex ($400, plus data plan) to call for help. You can also store and listen to music, live-track your runs, and monitor metrics like pace and distance鈥攁ll without the need of a phone.

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Trail running is one of the fastest, simplest ways to explore the backcountry. But like any wilderness mission, it requires savvy prep and the right gear. Bring too much and you’ll be seriously weighed down; skimp on the wrong stuff and you could find yourself unprepared for an emergency. Here are a handful of essentials that have seen me through solo unsupported trail runs across the Grand Canyon, multi-day stage races, 100Ks, and long DIY days in the mountains.

Nathan VaporShape Pack ($125)

My requirements for an ultra pack are pretty simple: I need enough pockets that I can access without taking off the pack; the pack needs to be adjustable so that it doesn’t bounce or jostle; and it needs to be roomy enough to hold my stash for 40-plus-mile runs.

The two-liter 听is all that and more: a multi-pocketed endurance vest that snugly hugs your shoulders and torso and keeps your gear within easy reach. The two front pockets (one zip, one elasticized) are ideal for gel packets, a phone, wrappers, pills, and other small first aid essentials. Long waist pockets hold bars, PBJs, and blocks, and the huge back pocket is roomy enough for a hydration pack (insulating sleeve included), a jacket, gloves, and a headlamp. A back bungee cord lashes extra layers as you shed them, and a plethora of adjustable straps help you dial in the perfect fit for racing or training.

Hydrapak Shape-Shift Reversible Reservoir听($33)听

A dependable, leak-proof reservoir is the unsung hero of every trail runner’s kit. 听is the best of the bunch, with a wide, envelope-like top that’s fast to fill and opens and closes with a slider mechanism, which ensures a tight seal. You can fit a whole scrub brush inside, or simply turn it inside out; it’s completely reversible as well as dishwasher safe, meaning no more leftover sports drink residue.听Extra perks: The Plug-n-Play hose detaches easily so you can clean out any gunk, and the bite valve lock actually works. (Just remember to wash the valve well before using to rinse off the strong chemical taste.)听

Fuel

Spanish ultrarunner Killian Jornet famously runs epic peaks on only a few hundred calories, but for the rest of us mortals, 200 calories an hour is a smart benchmark for long-distance missions. Carbohydrate-packed energy gels pack small, go down easy, and absorb quickly, providing fast, reliable fuel on the go鈥攂ut they’re an acquired taste. My perennial faves for stuffing into vest pockets and the front of my running bra: ($1.35), both of which come with caffeine. When I find myself in a dehydration hole, I chew a few ($2.30), which deliver a walloping 150mg of sodium per serving鈥攆ast relief for fat sausage fingers and cramping calves. No matter what brand you choose, pack enough to go the distance and always train on your fuel before racing.

Patagonia Alpine Houdini Jacket ($199)

When I run high in the mountains, I always pack a lightweight jacket in case the weather gets ugly. The market’s flooded with bantam weather-resistant, windproof shells, but if I’m going to lug it for 30 miles above 10,000 feet, I don’t just want it to keep the wind out: I need it to keep me dry in even the heaviest of downpours. Enter Patagonia’s waterproof 听($199), designed by alpinists for emergency protection, so feathery it weighs under seven ounces and stuffs into its own pocket. The hood is generously sized for a climbing helmet, which means it slides easily over your beanie or visor and cinches tight to keep the drops out. Even if the forecast is for sunny skies, this one’s so tiny it should live permanently in your pack.听

Ridiculous Pain Elixir听

I keep a small container of this in my front pocket on long efforts as on-the-fly Rx for tight achilles, aching calves, or any other muscle flare-up. Made from a special-blend coconut and sesame oil, green tea, coffee butter, blueberry extract, and a blend of herbs and spices, a dab of 听($25)鈥攏amed for its crazy results鈥攊ncreases circulation on contact to banish soreness and keep you chugging. It also aids healing and speeds recovery. Available as a two-ounce paste (transfer into a tiny container if you’re trying to save on weight) and a one-ounce spray.

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I ran my first ultra, on December 7. Save two missing toenails and a pinky toe that looks like it belongs on a cadaver, I think I am far enough away from the pain to write about the gear that helped me across the finish line.

The author after finishing TNF 50.

As I trained for the race, I tested dozens of ultra-running items, which I eventually narrowed down the gear listed below. None of it let me down.

, $39, and , $20
I chose both of these hats because of their minimalist design. I wore the Toque through the morning and switched to the larger brimmed, non-thermal, Headsweats Race Hat at mile 27.7. The Toque covered my ears from the cold, and accommodated my headlamp with the brim up. With the small brim down, the hat shielded sun later in the day.
The Headsweats hat efficiently moved sweat from my forehead and kept the sun out of my eyes. It鈥檚 a nice, simple hat, which I used while training, and I felt like it brought me luck.

, $10
More terrified of bloody nipples than , I went crazy with this stuff at 3 a.m. getting ready for the race. Thankfully, I did not have to reapply all day and experienced no chafing to speak of.

, $12
When I started getting savage blisters during long training runs, I decided to try the Injinjis, aka toe socks. Sure, they take forever to get on, but once in place, they eliminate friction between the toes. Besides my mangled pinky toes鈥攚hich I understand to be a rite of passage for ultrarunners鈥攎y feet were blister free at the end of my race.

, $200
Although I did test jackets that breathed better, the Feather Lite Storm Blocker Jacket offered the best windproof-breathable combination of anything I tried. It was also the lightest waterproof jacket I tested. Back in November, I ran the in a downpour in the Feather Lite Storm Blocker and was thankful for protection that didn’t bog me down.

, $165
Prior to ordering these shorts, I鈥檇 probably spent $100 total on underwear during my lifetime. Initially, I felt ridiculous running in underwear this expensive, but now I absolutely love them. They have a girdle-like fit and rest just below the belly button, which provides extra core support (fantastic when fatigue creeps in to the abs). I also experienced zero chafing on my thighs and undercarriage. Yep, zero, and that鈥檚 worth $165 right there.

, $59
This shirt wicks moisture faster than any technical shirt I鈥檝e tested. I also noticed a significant decrease in nipple chafing during long training runs while wearing this shirt, thanks to silky Polartec Powerdry fabric.

, $55
The Infinity LD has a 7-inch inseam, supple liners, and a comfortable fit. But what made the LDs stand out was the pockets鈥攆our of them, which were invaluable for stashing GU wrappers, emergency TP, and gloves.

, $15
These simple lightweight gloves were still plenty warm for the chilly 5 a.m. start. I took them off around mile 15 and shoved them in my pockets. They were light enough that I forgot about them until I gave them to my wife at mile 27.7.

, $110
For a detailed breakdown of why I love these shoes, check out the eulogy I wrote for the pair I killed during training. The shorter story is that the deep lugs around the outside of the sole, coupled with a rock solid fit system, gave me heaps of confidence during muddy, technical training runs. In hindsight these shoes were a little aggressive for TNF 50鈥檚 dry, groomed singletrack, but I was pleased with their support, grip, and fit for all 50-miles.

, $20, with , $12
The Jurek Grip water bottle holder remained comfortable on my hand for all 50-miles thanks to non-slip grip. The 21-ounce Podium Chill allowed me to shoot water into my mouth from what Camelbak calls the Jet Valve. The insulation kept the bottle at a pretty ambient temperature even when filled with cold water鈥攎y hands were thankful during those early morning hours.

, $450
I found the GPS on the Ambit 2 S to be reliable and the interface intuitive. I programed the watch to show only current pace, average pace, and the chronograph, which gave me all of the information I needed to insure I would not get timed out. As expected, the watch ran out of batteries after roughly seven hours; soon thereafter my pacer arrived with a GPS that helped us to the finish.

, $30
Three pockets鈥攖wo in back and one in front鈥攐ffered more than enough space for 12 GUs, 12 S! Caps, and two packages of GU Chews, and are easily accessible while wearing gloves. And even fully loaded, the pack was barely noticeable around my waist.

For more on TNF 50, check out 国产吃瓜黑料 columnist Katie Arnold’s race report.

The post What鈥檚 the Best Ultrarunning Gear? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Rab Maverick Jacket

One jacket to rule them all? Not quite, but the Maverick came the closest. Worn over a base layer, testers were comfortable hiking in a 60-degree downpour and mountain biking with temps hovering around freezing. Credit goes to the new 2.5-layer eVent fabric Rab uses. Where most companies sandwich their fragile waterproof-breathable membranes between a face fabric and a liner designed to block body oils, eVent eliminated the liner, improving听 moisture transfer and cutting weight and bulk. The only catch: to maintain breathability, the jacket needs to be washed regularly. But that鈥檚 a minor concession for a jacket this versatile, affordable, and smartly featured (the rolls up into the high, cozy collar). 13 oz

BREATHABILITY: 5鈥�
UTILITY: 5

Arc鈥檛eryx Tecto FL

BEST FOR: Alpine pursuits.

THE TEST: Whether hiking or climbing, never slowed our testers down. Despite the streamlined fit, the articulation in the shoulders is so well executed that even big reaches on the rock went unrestricted. Extend for that handhold and your wrists stay covered by the narrow, low-profile cuffs. Even when our heart rates spiked, the jacket鈥檚 high-end fabric鈥擥ore-Tex Active, Gore鈥檚 most breathable material鈥攊mpressed testers, dumping heat even without pit zips.

THE VERDICT: Some testers bemoaned the lack of pockets (there鈥檚 just one tiny one on the biceps), but no one questioned this jacket鈥檚 functionality. 10 oz

BREATHABILITY: 4鈥�
UTILITY: 3

Patagonia Torrentshell Stretch

BEST FOR: Slow and steady activities.

THE TEST: During a soggy fall filled with backpacking and sea-kayaking trips in and around Vancouver Island, Patagonia鈥檚 proprietary membrane kept things completely dry despite several all-day drenchings. And when it came down sideways, our tester was grateful for the adjustable hood with good sight lines and full watertight zipper treatment鈥攊ncluding pockets and pit zips. Overall, protection was excellent; the consensus is that Patagonia鈥檚 H2No membrane is comparable to Gore-Tex鈥檚 standard stuff.

THE VERDICT: The fabric is more durable than the Rab鈥檚 and the Mountain Hardwear鈥檚 but not quite as breathable. 12.3 oz; patagonia.com

BREATHABILITY: 3鈥�
UTILITY: 4

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Capacitor

BEST FOR: Moving fast in wet climes.

THE TEST: One of our Vancouver-based testers spent three months biking around the city in
the Stretch Capacitor. He was impressed鈥攁 long fit in the torso and arms and stretchy fabric in the back and sides kept him totally dry, even when hunched over the handlebars with water coming from all directions. It performed equally well on hiking trails, where Mountain Hardwear鈥檚 new next-to-skin layer, Dry.Q Evap, let the sweat out, spreading body vapor around for faster dispersion.

THE VERDICT: Our biking tester said it best鈥斺�淔unctional fit, totally waterproof, good breathability.鈥� 11 oz

BREATHABILITY: 4.5鈥�
UTILITY: 4.5

Outdoor Research Enchainment

BEST FOR: Everyday cool-weather wear.

THE TEST: The Enchainment鈥檚 material lacks a membrane or water barrier, so while it deflected light rain, heavier showers soaked through. Even so, it鈥檚 the most water-resistant soft shell here. And thanks to panels of lightweight Schoeller soft-shell fabric under the arms and three venting, mesh-backed pockets, it breathes better than you鈥檇 expect. Which is why we ended up wearing it for everything from dog walks to fall hikes to an early-season ski tour.

THE VERDICT: Some deemed the style classic; others used the term 鈥渄ated.鈥� Either way, it鈥檚 a solid coat for the money. 1.1 lbs

BREATHABILITY: 4
WEATHER RESISTANCE: 4

The North Face Alpine Project Hybrid Hoodie

BEST FOR: Variable conditions.

THE TEST: A single multipitch climb in Squamish, British Columbia, was all it took for one tester to endorse this . The pockets sit above the harness. The Gore Windstopper membrane in the torso and at the tops of the arms rebuffed cold gusts, while the more breathable stretch-woven panels under the arms kept the Velcro-free wrists in place when reaching overhead. But the most noteworthy feature was the stretchy hood, which fits neatly under a helmet and affords great peripheral vision.

THE VERDICT: Send it. 1 lb

BREATHABILITY: 3
WEATHER RESISTANCE: 4.5

Sherpa 国产吃瓜黑料 Gear Imja

BEST FOR: Light protection during aerobic pursuits.

THE TEST: It isn鈥檛 just a name. The company is owned by Sherpas, and like nearly all its jackets and other clothing, the Imja is made in Nepal. Which is cool, but we included it here because it鈥檚 our new favorite . When a surprise rainstorm hit during a trail run, one tester pulled out the 4.9-ounce Imja鈥檚 hood, tucked his fingers into the long sleeves鈥攚ith thumb loops鈥攁nd kept on hauling uphill. Other smart touches: perforated panels under the arms for breathability and reflective highlights for visibility at night.

THE VERDICT: Big protection in a tiny package. 4.9 oz

BREATHABILITY: 4.5
WEATHER RESISTANCE: 3

Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Windshirt

BEST FOR: Looking and feeling good.

THE TEST: Mountain Khakis took windproof nylon, gave it a DWR coating, and then did something novel: . Testers liked the look but gave it the nod ultimately because of its performance. It鈥檚 not as breathable as the other wind shells here, but its hanging soft mesh lining wicked away moisture on hikes, fly-fishing excursions, and just about everything in between. The cut of the arms is a bit odd: the upper sleeves are baggy and the cuffs snug.

THE VERDICT: Points for style; double points for solid performance. 9 oz

PROTECTION: 3 听
VERSATILITY: 4.5

Columbia Trail Drier Windbreaker

BEST FOR: Lightweight, affordable protection.

THE TEST: Stuffed into its own chest pocket, this six-ounce shell virtually disappeared in testers鈥� packs. It鈥檚 bare-bones, but not in a bad way. Considering there are no adjustment points, the impressively snug hood stayed in place during a drizzly trail run in Toronto. That鈥檚 standard wind-shell stuff, of course; what separates it from the pack
is the moisture-wicking lining. The technology has a clunky name鈥擮mni-Wick Evap鈥攂ut it works well and kept clamminess to a minimum.

THE VERDICT: Solid, respectably light, and fully featured (with three pockets). 6 oz

PROTECTION: 4.5
VERSATILITY: 4.5

Marmot Nanowick

BEST FOR: Chilly or windy trail running and mountain biking.

THE TEST: 鈥淣ano鈥� refers to the weight鈥攍ess than five ounces. As for the 鈥渨ick,鈥� , its popular liner fabric, which mechanically pulls moisture away from the skin, and knit it into a superfine mesh in the jacket鈥檚 body. When the sweat started flowing on rides and trail runs, the shell didn鈥檛 stick to testers like plastic wrap; it remained soft and dry next to the skin. 鈥淚t looks flimsy,鈥� said one, 鈥渂ut it came out unscathed after I crashed into a blackberry bramble.鈥�

THE VERDICT: The most comfortable sub-five-ounce shell we鈥檝e tested. 4.5 oz

PROTECTION: 4
VERSATILITY: 4

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Outdoor Research Axiom

Gore stipulates that all jackets using its new waterproof-breathable Active Shell fabric must weigh less than 14 ounces, which has spawned a lot of minimalist shells. The is the exception, tricked out as it is with three pockets, a three-way adjustable hood, Velcro cuff closures, and a waist cinch strap. And it still makes the weight cut at a nimble 13 ounces. It lacks pit zips, but you鈥檇 never know it looking at testers鈥� field notes. 鈥淚 usually can鈥檛 wear a waterproof jacket when hiking hard uphill, but I wore this piece all day,鈥� said one, a testament to how breathable Gore鈥檚 new membrane is. The Axiom is designed primarily for alpine climbing鈥攖he hood is trim, the hand pockets sit out of the way of harnesses, and the fabric has a bit of stretch. But we found it鈥檚 up for just about every mission, from backcountry skiing to backpacking. 13.3 oz

BREATHABILITY:4
WEATHERPROOFNESS: 5
UTILITY: 5 (OUT OF 5)

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Hybrid

BEST FOR: Moving quickly in cool weather. THE TEST: Don鈥檛 let the tracksuit styling and snug fit fool you. The Terrex is built for fast-moving athletes, not retro-loving hipsters. Using body maps based on thermal imaging and moisture sensors, sought to create a jacket that offers the widest range of comfort possible. The resulting jigsaw puzzle鈥攑rotective Gore Active Shell Windstopper panels in the front, shoulders, and lower back; stretchier, more breathable soft-shell material in the upper back, front of the arms, and sides鈥攊s impressive. 鈥淚 was just as comfortable at 55 and wet as I was at 32 and windy,鈥� said one trail-runner. THE VERDICT: Burly enough for foul-weather runs, with styling that won鈥檛 embarrass you around town afterward. 11.8 oz

PROTECTION: 4
VERSATILITY: 4.5

Brooks-Range Brisa

BEST FOR: Your first line of defense. THE TEST: You鈥檒l either love or hate the wet, plasticky look. But even testers who weren鈥檛 wild about the style had to admit that the is a performer. What everyone liked best was the simple design. There鈥檚 a soft polyester liner in the body, but the arms are unlined. It鈥檚 a new twist on the classic 鈥搒tyle wind shell, and it makes for a versatile layer. On trail runs and fast-paced hikes, the liner sucked up sweat and wicked it away lickety-split. On slower jaunts, that same layer added a bit of warmth. THE VERDICT: The unlined sleeves can feel a bit clammy when you start sweating. We liked the Brisa best when we wore it over a lightweight base layer on cool-weather adventures. 9.8 oz

PROTECTION: 4
VERSATILITY: 4

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer

BEST FOR: Ultrarunners or anyone looking for a just-in-case backup shell. THE TEST: At a ridiculous two ounces, the is one of the lightest wind shells we鈥檝e ever tested. Though translucent and basically weightless, its DWR-coated, ultrathin nylon fabric still managed to cut even the stiffest of breezes and hold off a 20-minute shower without a leak. Of course, that鈥檚 about all it does. The wafer weight comes at the cost of convenience: there are no pockets and only a quarter zip, and if you鈥檙e broad shouldered or inflexible you may find getting this jacket on tougher than doing an asana. THE VERDICT: A fine city runner (it has reflective logos) or the ultimate backcountry featherweight friend. 2 oz

PROTECTION: 3.5
VERSATILITY: 4

The anorak is back. The partial-zip pullover style from your youth is trendy again, especially for lightweight, minimalist, and highly packable shells like the Ghost Whisperer. Stoic鈥檚 Vaporshell comes in an anorak version, too.

The North Face Alpine Project WS

BEST FOR: Climbers and hikers in need of moderate protection. THE TEST: There wasn鈥檛 much couldn鈥檛 do. On an alpine climb it layered over a fleece during the chilly approach, deflected wind on an exposed ridge, kept us from overheating on difficult pitches, shrugged off a summit shower, and then, when it really started dumping, slipped smoothly under a raincoat. Hood-to-tail stretchy Gore Windstopper fabric provides the protection, and three pockets (two for hands and one on the chest) zip open for ventilation. Our only beef: the hood barely fits a helmet and doesn鈥檛 cinch down as snugly as the Marmot. THE VERDICT: Our go-to shell in the mountains until it starts to pour. Could easily double as your backcountry ski jacket. 18.2 oz

BREATHABILITY: 4
WEATHER RESISTANCE: 4
VERSATILITY: 5

Dynafit Breath DST

BEST FOR: Not stopping. THE TEST: The most distinctive feature of the athletically cut is its front double pockets, which have standard zippered compartments as well as external, stretchy mesh pouches. The combo works great. Gloves, hats, lip balm, sunglasses, map, snacks 鈥� testers reported throwing just about everything imaginable in them. 鈥淚 liked that I didn鈥檛 have to take my pack off or even unzip to stash stuff,鈥� noted one. Large swaths of mesh on the back of the jacket help prevent overheating when we charged uphill, while the textured face fabric is as stretchy as it is tough, with not so much as a scuff after a combative chimney climb. THE VERDICT: You might think the front mesh pockets are bizarre, but there鈥檚 no denying their usefulness. 16 oz

BREATHABILITY: 5
WEATHER RESISTANCE: 3
VERSATILITY: 4

Marmot Vapor Trail Hoody

BEST FOR: One-jacket budgets. THE TEST: Testers hiked in the Rockies, mountain-biked in Canada鈥檚 Northwest Territories, backcountry-skied in New Mexico, ran in the rain in Utah鈥� We could go on, but you get the picture. The keys to the 鈥檚 versatility are its stretchy fabric, loads of pockets (four), and smart allocation of materials. Breathable back and side panels vented on uphill efforts, while the windproof front and sleeves baffled breezes. But what really sets the Vapor Trail apart from all the other midweight soft shells on the market are the little things, like a three-point adjustable hood and low-profile wrist closures that are easy to layer over. THE VERDICT: Wear it alone on aerobic outings, stretch it over a puffy, or stack it as a midlayer. 14.1 oz

BREATHABILITY: 4.5
WEATHER RESISTANCE: 2.5
VERSATILITY: 4.5

Marmot calls it body mapping. Adidas calls it hybrid design. The idea is the same: mixing and matching materials to create the ultimate combination of light weight, comfort, breathability, and protection.

Westcomb Switch LT Hoody

BEST FOR: Multisport hardmen. THE TEST: We鈥檝e long loved this Vancouver-based company鈥檚 innovative, functional jackets, and the is its best yet. Designed for climbers, backcountry skiers, and cyclists, it鈥檚 cut long in the arms (for added range of motion) and the tail (for coverage in a tuck). Polartec鈥檚 new NeoShell fabric sloughed off the elements but was still plenty breathable, especially with the well-designed pit zips open. The hood is helmet-compatible, and pockets are ample and high鈥攐ne biceps and three chest鈥攕o there are no zippers to pinch under a hipbelt. The only minor grumblings were from a few testers who wished there were hand pockets. THE VERDICT: A stellar all-rounder, the Switch LT very nearly got the nod for this year鈥檚 Gear of the Year award. 15 oz

BREATHABILITY: 4
WEATHERPROOFNESS: 5
UTILITY: 4.5

Stoic Vaporshell

BEST FOR: Minimalists pinching pennies. THE TEST: The Vaporshell is made with 鈥檚 proprietary polyurethane membrane, which testers found to be every bit as breathable as all the name-brand stuff. On a soaking weekend in the Cascades, the pit-zip-equipped Vaporshell never got damp inside, and rain still beaded off the exterior after two straight days of downpours. Testers gave it props for the trim cut (buy one size up if you鈥檙e on the cusp) but were less impressed with the unusually large hood, which was tough to cinch down because of inconveniently placed and insecure toggles. THE VERDICT: While it鈥檚 not as full-featured (there鈥檚 just one small chest pocket) as top-of-the-line jackets, it鈥檚 tough to beat the Vaporshell鈥檚 combo of performance and price. 13.6 oz

BREATHABILITY: 4
WEATHERPROOFNESS: 5
UTILITY: 3

To improve breathability, Stoic鈥檚 Vaporshell and Westcomb鈥檚 Switch LT fabrics permit air permeability. By allowing air to pass through microscopic holes in the membrane鈥攂ig enough for water vapor, but too small for liquid鈥攎oisture is expelled more quickly without sacrificing protection.

Kokatat Gore-Tex Paclite Full Zip

BEST FOR: Paddlers, fishermen, hikers in extremely soggy climes. THE TEST: The folks at are best known for paddling apparel (and, apparently, not creative product names), so it鈥檚 no surprise this jacket is loaded with aquatic features: self-draining pockets, a paddle-stroke-inspired cut, and watertight wrist gaskets. But it鈥檚 no fish out of water. On a damp backpacking trip in the Pacific Northwest, the jacket beat back six hours of steady cold rain. Two fleece-lined pockets kept testers鈥� hands warm, and the paddling-top-like Lycra wrist gaskets received rave reviews: when a tarpful of water spilled down a tester鈥檚 arm, not a drop made it inside. THE VERDICT: If you paddle (canoe, sea kayak, etc.) as often as you hike, this is your jacket. 14 oz

BREATHABILITY: 3.5
WEATHERPROOFNESS: 5
UTILITY: 4

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