Bargain

Can a shell that costs under $100 keep you dry in real rainfall? Our tester was skeptical, until she rode out an hour-long downpour in Arches National Park in the mesh-lined shell. “I stayed perfectly dry,” she reports. “And the brimmed hood cinches tightly enough to stay put during light winds.”

Although there are no pit zips, two venting hand pockets offer a measure of airflow, while the proprietary membrane provided breathability “good enough for moderate hikes in temperatures below 70°F.” But during sustained climbs or in warm, muggy conditions, testers overheated, and it’s bulky to pack (canteloupe-size). $99; 1 lb. (w’s S); adidas.com