With all the tremendous fabric and protection technology available today, the lightweight, packable rain jacket has gone upper class. Sometimes you just need and want a jacket that packs small, is effective at blocking some wind and water, and is cost effective. If you are like most of us, you have lost at least a handful of emergency rain shells over the years, or had them get so filthy that gray becomes the new color fad. Thus we warmly welcome the Castelli Squadra ER Jacket, an essential for every cyclist; a piece that will shut out the wind and provide a bit of protection from light rain while still being small enough to pack into your back pocket or seat bag and sells for under $60.

The Squadra ER features a coated, 100% polyester ripstop fabric that is windproof and moderately water-resistant. It has a rear vent opening to allow excess heat to escape, a multi-panel construction that delivers a semi-form to form fit that keeps the billowing and flapping to a minimum. A tall, flexible collar with a protective fabric overlap protects the skin and helps to seal out the weather. The YKK Camlock zipper is a favorite for lightweight pieces like this, and rarely seen at this price point. Down the center of the back the Castelli wordmark graphic is fully reflective for visibility. The Squadra ER packs small, weighs just 128g (Large), and ideal for stuffing into your pocket in case of rain on those unpredictable days, or for those rides in the mountains where no spectators are passing out newspapers at the peak to keep you warm on the descents.