Take the sting out of getting caught in the rain with this waterproof, lightweight Mountain Hardwear jacket

When you’re caught outdoors in a steady rain, it doesn’t take long to feel miserable. Those who’ve been hiking or camping without a waterproof jacket will remember the experience. That’s why a rain jacket is a must-have for those spending hours or days in the outdoors far away from shelter.

Mountain Hardwear’s Cloud Cipher hooded jacket provides excellent protection from the elements in a lightweight package that’s easily stowed when not needed. The Cloud Cipher is constructed with a 20-denier nylon face fabric that meets Mountain Hardwear’s DrySpell standard, which means it’s completely waterproof and wind resistant. It is also designed to let moisture out, helping keep you from overheating. (Underarm zippered vents will also help in warmer conditions.) The hood features an elastic binding and a laminated brim to help seal in the warmth when needed and provide better peripheral vision. The dual cinches at the hem and the adjustable asymmetrical cuffs help you dial in the perfect fit. It’s easily compacted into its own pocket and weighs under 12 grams.

While designed for hiking and backpacking, the Cloud Cipher is a nice piece to have handy any time it rains. It’s on the pricier side, but if you want a quality jacket that will deliver when needed, you’ll be happy with the investment.

Price: $310, mountainhardwear.com

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