adidas Voyager Jacket

Our take Simplify your packing with this Adidas lightweight, do-it-all softie, which has the best performance-to-price ratio of any softshell we tested. It works as a shoulder-season outer layer for all activities, thanks to generous stretch and a DWR treatment, or as a midlayer under a waterproof shell, thanks to a slim fit and soft lining (feels great over just a T-shirt). The stretchy fabric moved with us on bouldering problems and trail runs (it’s made with 90 percent polyester, 10 percent elastic dobby, which is a weave with extra texture). Bonus: The addition of UPF 50 sun protection delivers the UV shielding of a heavier jacket without the weight. Bummer: The synthetic material gets stinky quickly.

The details It packs down to softball size, and features are simple and useful: hand pockets, an elastic hem that stays put under a harness or pack, and an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood.

Trail cred “There’s not much I haven’t done in this jacket,” reports a mountain guide, who found the Voyager ideal for chilly trail runs, climbs, wet ski tours, hikes, mountain bike rides, and sea kayaking trips in New Zealand, China, and Hawaii. “The collar seals down nicely if you’re caught out without a Buff in moderate winds, and after weeks of travel the shell shows no signs of wear.”