The Ruston was the surprise hit of the test. For starters, Scott's designers nailed the details on this highly water-resistant soft shell: The hood is top-notch, and there are good-sized pit zips. Even more impressive is that this jacket doesn't scream "I'm wearing a super-techy soft shell!" But while the Ruston is advertised as waterproof—the welded seams are also taped, like a hard shell's—don't push it. The outer fabric easily fended off light rain and snow for hours, but in a serious downpour it wet out much faster than our favorite hard shells. And while it puts up an impressive defensive for a softie, there is a downside: It'll get steamy in a hurry if you don't open up those pit zips. 13 oz; scottusa.com
Wind/Water Resistance: 4.7
Breathability: 3.5
Scott
Ruston
Photo: Courtesy of Scott
