ZPacks Challenger Rain Jacket

Field-tested for waterproofness, breathability, and strength, the ZPacks Challenger rain jacket offers weather protection at such a low weight, you’ll have no excuse not to bring it along. Starting at just over 5 ounces in the men’s small, it’s made from waterproof cuben fiber with a three-layer construction: an eVent membrane for the transfer of water vapor, Dyneema fibers for extremely high tear strength and rip-stopping qualities, and a thin outer layer of DWR-coated nylon for abrasion resistance. The result? A breathable jacket that’ll keep you dry, and come cold weather, you can hike or sleep in without getting clammy. It rolls up smaller than a soda can, and can be secured by the waist elastic—no stuff sack necessary.

The Challenger jacket is complete with a full-length front zipper, a zippered chest pocket, and a fitted hood. The pocket is positioned just below where your sternum strap sits, so you can easily access your rain mitts, phone, maps, or snack while wearing a backpack. The hood has a stiffened visor to keep water off your face, with a small strap at the back that allows you to make vertical adjustments, and to roll up and tuck away the hood. Though the hoot is not specifically designed for use over a helmet, it fits decently over climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and cycling helmets. (Note that when worn with a helmet, the jacket only zips up to chin level, rather than all the way to your nose.) Need to make repairs in the field? Because repair tape (not included) sticks so well to cuben fiber, doing so should be a cinch.