Fanatic jacket makes springtime fantastic.

• Position: WHAT'S NEW? - Brief article

After having been virtual shut-ins because of the miserable winter weather we endured here in the East, the recently arrived beautiful spring days are most welcome, as we finally can get out and enjoy one of our favorite activities: hiking. Whether just going for a couple of hours or the whole day, one thing we've learned from experience is that, once you get off the beaten path, you can never be sure of the weather.

We prepare for the unexpected by tucking the featherweight Fanatic Jacket from Outdoor Research, Seattle, Wash., into our pack. Offering ultralight protection from the worst storms, the garment is made of waterproof, yet breathable, Pertex Shield stretch ripstop fabric, engineered to allow...