6. Outdoor Research Helium II ($159)

While a bit pricier than the other jackets we’ve covered thus far, the OR Helium II provides a notch up in terms of performance. This tiny, incredibly light jacket packs away inside its own internal pocket to the size of a baseball and weighs a mere 6.4oz, meaning you could leave it in the bottom of your pack and pretty much forget it’s there until the rain comes. When that happens, the Helium II won’t let you down either, with its Pertex Shield+ fabric offering superb waterproofing abilities and superior breathability to other competitors in its price range. Features-wise, the Helium II offers a fully adjustable hood, elasticated cuffs and a very handy carabiner loop in the storage pocket so you can clip it to your harness for easy access when on the move.

Pros

• Incredibly light (6.4oz)!
• Packs away very small
• Greater breathability than competitors
• Adjustable hood and hem
• Very handy carabiner loop

Cons

• No velcro cuffs on wrists (they’re elasticated – good enough but not to everyone’s liking)
• No hand pockets!