A freezing wind sucking the life from your body will ruin a five-star route. One primo solution comes via the ARC’TERYX CELERIS JACKET ($119, arcteryx.com). This tough, ultra-light (4.6oz) wonder vanishes into a pack faster than a hungry chipmunk and even fits in a roomy cargo pocket. The highly breathable, slightly stretchy, wind- and water-resistant Celeris has a sleek, low-profile torso and long, climber-friendly sleeves. Meanwhile, the waist drawcord, Velcro wrist closures, and micro-fleece collar seal in body heat. During my breezy multi-pitch adventures, the Celeris kept the belay shivers at bay, yet also offered super breathability and full-zip venting. Epic and bizzled. . . .

—Dave Sheldon