Mountain Hardwear Kor Preshell

Our take There are lighter windshells, but none more breathable. From redline summit pushes to chilly backpacking trips, the Kor Preshell was just the ticket, thanks to Pertex Quantum Air fabric, which has a less dense weave than typical windshell material, increasing air permeability while remaining wind resistant. “When we topped out on California’s 10,834-foot San Jacinto Peak on a day with 30-mph winds, I barely felt a draft and was able to snack in peace while my hiking partners looked for shelter,” a tester reports. “Breathability is good enough that I wore the shell all day as sun protection while hauling a 20-pound pack near Taos with temps in the mid-50s—and when I did eventually get sweaty, the jacket dried fast.”

The details An elastic hem keeps the Kor Preshell from riding up; the snug, non-adjustable hood adds warmth, and you also get two hand pockets. A DWR treatment adds moderate wet-weather protection in light precip.

Trail cred “Even next to skin, this windbreaker is so soft it feels more like a shirt than a shell,” one tester says.