Is there one jacket that I can wear on the trail and in a business meeting?

Well, that’s an interesting question. A jacket that looks decent around town, survives being stuffed into a suitcase, and offers some protection from the elements.

ExOfficio Barometric Jacket

Barometric Jacket

We’re not going to find a navy blazer with little brass buttons that has a Gore-Tex liner, but by looking to travel-friendly outerwear companies we might find something. ExOfficio, for instance, makes a piece called the Barometric Jacket ($170, but now on sale for $119) that is essentially an urban soft shell. It’s made from polyester twill with a water-repellent finish, so it can shrug off rain, offer some warmth when it’s cold, and resist wind. It’s also wrinkle-resistant and stain-repellent. The look is low-key, and, with a sweater or dress shirt, you would look fine walking into any business-casual environment.

I also think Patagonia’s Shelled Synchilla ($160) is a piece that looks good nearly anywhere. It’s slightly on the technical side, with a slick polyester shell over a fleece lining. But its colors are subtle, and its bomber-jacket style is a go-anywhere classic. My Shelled Synchilla is more or less my standard winter uniform.

Lastly, Cloudveil’s Serendipity ($270) offers a really high-performance piece that employs Schoeller’s Dryskin Extreme fabric, which works well in wind, rain, snow. It’s definitely an outdoor piece, but the design is very clean and understated. Get it in black, throw it over a black turtleneck, and people will just naturally show you the respect you deserve.

The 2008 Summer Outside Buyer’s Guide is now online. From riding to trail-running to camping, get reviews of nearly 400 gear must-haves.