The North Face Better Than Naked Jacket (Gear of the Year 2013)

Trail Runner Gear of the Year: Best Running Jacket | $130 | www.thenorthface.com

True to its name, this buttery-soft, hooded jacket is so light you’ll hardly notice it’s there. At a scant five ounces (for the pictured women’s version) and featuring an athletic fit, it packs down small for high-alpine days, offering a shield against light wind and rain, or sun protection for exposed arms on warmer runs. Perforated back panels dump excess body heat.