Best lightweight men's jackets for everyday wear

Top pick: Carhartt Storm Defender Relaxed Fit Lightweight Packable Jacket. It's the one I'd wear daily: a real shell that packs down, shrugs off showers and wind, and comes in the widest size range, so it works over a tee or a sweater.

Who the others suit:

• Members Only Packable Windbreaker — the cleanest everyday look if you mostly want a light layer for mild days, not rain.
• Portwest Pakka Packable — simplest, most affordable showerproof option with an adjustable waist.
• Montane Fortes Lite — the warmest and lightest of the bunch, for cold mornings and travel.
• Aerovent Packable Windbreaker — best if you'll actually get caught in rain; it's rated waterproof and breathable.
• ANETO Recycled Packable — for anyone who wants recycled fabric and a jacket that stows in its own pocket.

Skip the ultra-cheap no-name windbreakers if you want breathability you can trust — the specs are thin.