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.聽
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.