MSRP: $190
This is an ultra light, incredibly compact and highly breathable storm shell that I found to be ideal for a variety of uses. Featuring Gore-Tex Paclite fabric with narrowly taped seams, one chest pocket and a hood perfectly cut to use with a helmet, it had everything I needed and nothing more. Weighing in at a scant 7.7 ounces (less than half a pound) for a size large, and compressing to the size of my fist, there was rarely a reason to leave it behind on my daily climbs in the Korakoram.
While climbing and trekking around Pakistan, I found that water beaded off it nicely during snow and rain and all the openings cinched tightly to keep the wind out. In France, I put the Zealot in a tiny stuff sack and clipped it to the back of my harness for long multi-pitch rock climbs, as thunderstorms were a daily threat. The waist length contoured cut worked well and seeing my footwork was never an issue. Basically, this jacket was made for fast-moving adventure, and I’m totally psyched every time I put it on.