Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip
Eco-friendly windshell
Brand: Cotopaxi
Model: Teca Half-Zip
Our take Like a lot of ultralight windshells, the Teca repels gusty weather and even light rain. Unlike any other we’ve seen, this one is made from remnant fabric. The 20-denier ripstop nylon comes from other Cotopaxi products and factory leftovers, saving scraps from the landfill. Each pattern is a limited edition, so new ones are created as available fabric changes. But the Teca is not just a fashion statement. A DWR treatment provides water resistance for up to 30 minutes, and the shell breathes well enough that you can work hard without getting soaked from the inside (a covered vent on the back and a half-zip on the front help). And if the eco cred isn’t enough, Cotopaxi gives 2 percent of its revenue to nonprofit projects around the globe.
The details A giant kangaroo pocket easily swallows maps, snacks, and gloves. The elastic-rimmed hood stretches over a helmet but stays put on a bare head, even in strong winds. Check fit: You’ll want to size up if you intend to wear it over more than a baselayer, and sizing is unisex (a men’s medium is a women’s large), so no tailored fit for women.
Trail cred “On the Cuban coast, we were blasted with 20-mph winds and ocean spray, but the misty gusts couldn’t penetrate this ultrathin shell,” says one tester.