What to look for in a soft shell jacket?

If you found yourself looking at this website, you might be asking yourself, "do I really need that softshell jacket I've been eyeing?" Alternatively, you might be wondering how to pick the right softshell for your needs. If this is you, then read on for some advice on selecting the top women's softshell jacket for your lifestyle and adventure needs.

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Softshells are among the most versatile jackets on the market because of their ability to strike a balance between weather protection, breathability, and mobility without sacrificing comfort. The best softshells resist wind and water without becoming swampy like a hard shell or rain jacket. Ideally, they should also be stretchy, soft, and supple.

Softshells are a great blend of form and function, and the best among them is breathable and weather resistant, without sacrificing movement or comfort.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Sounds amazing, right? Well, they certainly can be, depending on what type of outdoor activities take up your time. Softshells can be excellent layers to have in your kit, but they may not be a necessary addition to your closet. If you are new to outdoor adventuring, you might want a hardshell and an insulating layer before considering a softshell. That said, softshells are an unbeatable option for mountain athletes who need a jacket that provides some weather protection while allowing you to move unhindered by a stiff or non-breathable jacket. If your idea of a good time includes getting sweaty in the backcountry, where temps and weather vacillate, then a softshell is probably a great adventure accessory for you.

Softshells are ideal for ice climbing, where you'll work up a sweat while climbing, but need a layer to protect you from the wind.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

If you're still unsure, or you want to learn more about layering in general, we recommend referencing our How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm article to help you decide when to wear a softshell, as well as what other jackets or fleeces to layer with them. First and foremost, you will want to determine if you need a softshell, a hardshell, or both. If you are primarily concerned about staying dry in a downpour, then you should get your hands on a top-ranked hardshell jacket or one of the the best women's rain jackets. If you value breathability and a little warmth over everything else, then you'll want a great women's fleece jacket. And if you want a layer that gives you a little bit of both, then a softshell will be the choice for you.

With great breathability and warmth, it's short wonder that softshells are all over the backcountry in the winter.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Types of Shell Layers

There are an incredible number of protective layers available on the market. This can make it difficult to determine which type will best suit your needs. Here we outline some of the most common shell layers and their ideal uses to guide your decision.

Hardshell

The Arc'teryx Alpha SV

Credit: Arc'teryx

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Rain Jacket

Helium II - Women's -- Hydro

Credit: Outdoor Research

A rain jacket is another waterproof layer, but these tend to use less sophisticated fabric than a hardshell, meaning it won't be as breathable or durable. They are also much less expensive than hardshells and often much lighter-weight. While they serve a similar purpose as a hardshell, they can get really swampy if you're doing anything aerobic while wearing them. That said, they are an excellent protective layer for the budget-conscious outdoors person or for someone who needs an emergency waterproof layer that doesn't want the heft or the price tag of a hardshell.

Softshell

ARc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody - Women's

Credit: Arc'teryx

A softshell is generally wind and water resistant (though some models, particularly hybrids, stray from convention here). These layers are breathable and very flexible, making them more comfortable than a hardshell or a rain jacket. The more wind and water-resistant or warm, the less breathable they become — proving you really can have too much of a good thing. They work best for activities that involve aerobic activity, lots of movement, and exposure to the elements but not an all-out rainstorm.

Windbreaker Jacket

Credit: Patagonia

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Running Jacket

Saucony Sonic

Credit: Saucony

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Ski Jacket

Patagonia Primo Down - Women's

Credit: Patagonia

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Hybrids

Credit: Patagonia

Every year, we see new hybrid designs on the market that try to bring together some "perfect" combination of the above features. Think of a wind-resistant fleece or a waterproof softshell. While this sounds awesome in theory, they tend to miss the mark, providing too much insulation to move well or too much weather resistance to be breathable. That said, every year hybrids get closer to proving that you can both have and eat cake. Our review features a couple of excellent hybrids that don't sacrifice the golden trifecta of weather protection, breathability, and mobility. And even the less nimble ones can be useful for more specialized applications; think of these jackets as tools for a focused athlete rather than a generalist who is seeking a multi-use jacket.

Softshells are primo when temps vacillate wildly on windy ridges.

When to Wear a Softshell Jacket

Hardshell vs. Softshell

hardshell jacket is a waterproof layer that offers full protection in stormy weather without turning into a swampy mess. This is the layer you want to have with you when you're miles deep in the backcountry and think you'll hit heavy precipitation. Think backcountry skiing, ice climbing in wet or humid conditions, mountaineering expeditions, overnight winter trips in the mountains, or heavy rain or wet snow when it is cold. It will be the most protective of all the shell layers, being windproof, waterproof, and durable. Usually, hardshells are more breathable than a rain jacket but less breathable than a softshell. They can also be pretty expensive.A rain jacket is another waterproof layer, but these tend to use less sophisticated fabric than a hardshell, meaning it won't be as breathable or durable. They are also much less expensive than hardshells and often much lighter-weight. While they serve a similar purpose as a hardshell, they can get really swampy if you're doing anything aerobic while wearing them. That said, they are an excellent protective layer for the budget-conscious outdoors person or for someone who needs an emergency waterproof layer that doesn't want the heft or the price tag of a hardshell.A softshell is generally wind and water resistant (though some models, particularly hybrids, stray from convention here). These layers are breathable and very flexible, making them more comfortable than a hardshell or a rain jacket. The more wind and water-resistant or warm, the less breathable they become — proving you really can have too much of a good thing. They work best for activities that involve aerobic activity, lots of movement, and exposure to the elements but not an all-out rainstorm. windbreaker is a lightweight layer that protects from the wind. It will not be waterproof and usually is not very water-resistant either. Typically, wind jackets are very packable and are ideal for clipping to a harness on a multi-pitch climb or tossing into a backpack for a multi-day trip. The benefit to these layers is that they are much lighter than other types of shells, but they also offer far less protection. running jacket offers a thin layer of protection while running in the cold. It can be either a wind jacket or a softshell, but it is highly breathable and usually has features tailored to runners to make them more functional and comfortable. ski jacket is an insulated jacket with either a softshell or hardshell exterior. In most cases, it is better to have an insulation layer separate from a shell layer, but for skiing at a resort, it is convenient and comfortable to have both in one layer. These jackets usually have features to allow for temperature regulation, such as pit zips, and also have features targeted specifically towards skiers like powder skirts and pass pockets.Every year, we see new hybrid designs on the market that try to bring together some "perfect" combination of the above features. Think of a wind-resistant fleece or a waterproof softshell. While this sounds awesome in theory, they tend to miss the mark, providing too much insulation to move well or too much weather resistance to be breathable. That said, every year hybrids get closer to proving that you can both have and eat cake. Our review features a couple of excellent hybrids that don't sacrifice the golden trifecta of weather protection, breathability, and mobility. And even the less nimble ones can be useful for more specialized applications; think of these jackets as tools for a focused athlete rather than a generalist who is seeking a multi-use jacket.

The primary difference between these two layers is that hardshells are waterproof while softshells are typically only water resistant. In the outdoor industry, waterproof means the material has a protective membrane that is impermeable to water even during a continuous downpour. Waterproof jackets have taped seams and either waterproof zippers or a storm flap underneath the zipper to protect the zipper from water seepage. By contrast, water resistant means that the garment will repel a drizzle for a short period but will eventually absorb water and wet out. The seams and zippers may or may not be taped, and often the water resistance is due to a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) fabric treatment that will break down with use. Never fear, you can buy a water resistance spray for your worn-out softshells to reinvigorate their water protection. To synthesize, a high-end hardshell can function as a rain jacket while providing some breathability, while a softshell (that is not waterproof) cannot. Bottom line, hardshells are more expensive but also more protective than softshells.

If you need a wind layer on long routes, then an active softshell might be perfect for you.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

The trade-off for the lack of a waterproof designation is that softshells breathe far better than hardshells. High-end hardshells allow some moisture to transfer through the material, but softshells do this better and more comfortably. Rather than leaving you feeling swampy inside a rubbery jacket, softshells help regulate your temperature with thinner, more porous materials.

When you're working hard in cold temps, you want a jacket that will sluff off moisture, so you don't get swampy.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Another big difference between hard- and softshells is tactile. Softshells tend to be much more comfortable than hardshells; they are stretchier, more flexible, less stiff and noisy, and not as suffocating. As the name implies, softshells are often soft and silky to the touch. Some are even fleece-lined to be even cozier and provide extra warmth. They feel incredible and are much more enticing to wear. While softshells do not provide the same degree of water protection as hardshells, they are more pleasurable to wear — especially while climbing, ski-touring, running, or hiking. Besides, a hardshell may be unnecessary, depending on how and where you plan to use your jacket.

The great thing about a softshell is that you can almost use them year-round for protection against wind and light precipitation.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Softshell vs. Fleece

Some of you might be asking, if storm protection is not my top priority and if breathability is the main reason to wear a softshell, then why not just wear a fleece jacket? A fleece will be less expensive and far more breathable than a softshell. In most cases, it will also be more insulating, offering a thin layer of warmth. However, except for a few windproof fleeces, they aren't designed to provide weather protection. Softshells allow for breathability while repelling a moderate amount of wind and water at the same time. For activities such as ice climbing or ski-touring, where you work up a sweat and need something breathable, you may also want some wind or water resistance for protection from snow or running ice. Both of which would soak right through a fleece. This is where a softshell shines.

When you're high on a route, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you chose the right jacket to wear.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Best Uses for a Softshell Jacket

Even though many companies claim to make waterproof and breathable jackets, it is almost always a trade-off between the two. The more waterproof a jacket is — especially when it is really wet — the less the fabric is able to release your sweat through the "pores" in the fabric. Enter the softshell. It sacrifices some waterproofing in exchange for premium breathability. Ultimately, you will want to use a softshell for most mountain activities where the chance of aerobic activity is high and the chance of getting completely soaked is low. They're great in dry snow for backcountry skiing, ice/mixed climbing, or mountaineering because you're unlikely to get too wet from precipitation, and getting sweaty on the approach results in the chills any time you stop. If you expect unpredictable and wet weather, then get a hardshell, but for the rest of us mountain adventurers, softshells are the way to go.

We like wearing softshells on early morning approaches to long climbing routes.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Softshells are our favorite layer for all manner of mountain activities, including backcountry and cross-country skiing, ice/mixed climbing, rock climbing (especially alpine and multi-pitch), mountaineering, fall and winter hiking, camping, and snowshoeing. They can also be fantastic for urban cycling and general commuting during the spring, fall, and even winter. A flattering, affordable, and comfortable softshell can also be the perfect jacket to wear for all your less extreme day-to-day outdoor activities such as walking the dog, gardening, shoveling the driveway, and running errands.

A softshell is a great option for winter hiking, when you don't want to change layers every time the sun moves behind a cloud.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Types of Softshell Jackets

It's important to remember that the more layers you wear under or over your softshell, the less breathable it becomes — so plan wisely when choosing the right softshell for you. This is why we've broken down softshells into four sub-categories, including technical, active, casual, and hybrid jackets, so you can more readily determine which jacket is ideal for your needs.

Technical

Technical softshells are best for technical pursuits like ice/mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, and backcountry skiing. These jackets aim to provide superior protection from the wind, moisture, and cold temps. They are often lined for extra warmth and are only able to offer ventilation through mesh-lined pockets or pit zips. Some are windproof, others have taped seams like a hardshell. Most technical softshells are pretty dang water-resistant (and some are almost waterproof). These softshells are often heavier and less breathable than active softshells. Instead, they aim to strike a balance between weather protection and mobility while still being breathable enough for cold-weather aerobic pursuits. This category includes jackets like the Arc'teryx Gamma MX.

While technical softshells may be heavier than their active cousins, we doubt you'll notice this when you need warmth and breathability during technical pursuits.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Active

Active softshells are much lighter-weight than technical softshells. These jackets are meant as wind layers with minimal water-resistance and they offer superior breathability for fair-weather aerobic endeavors. Active softshells are ideal for warm weather rock climbing, alpine climbing, trail-running, peak-bagging, and summer mountaineering. This category includes models as diverse as the Rab Borealis, Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody, or Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody. This jacket style is not intended to provide lots of warmth or weather protection. However, they're still a great layer for keeping you comfy in the wind or shade. The Arc'teryx Gamma LT proves the only noteworthy exception to this rule, as it just about splits the difference between a technical and an active softshell by having a thin lining while being very breathable. Thus it is warm enough for warmer winter activities but breathable enough for summer alpine rock climbing.

Like peanut butter and jelly, active softshells and evening sends are a perfect match.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Casual

By contrast, casual softshells are best for providing warmth in urban environments or while car camping. These jackets don't offer the premium mobility or breathability of active or technical softshells, but they make up for it by being warmer or more water resistant. As such, they are not really made for more technical activities like rock/ice climbing, mountaineering, or backcountry skiing. Jackets like The North Face Apex Bionic or the Athleta Rock Ridge fit this bill quite well. The Apex Bionic is surprisingly water-resistant while being somewhat stiff, and the Rock Ridge is incredibly warm and wind-resistant.

A casual hybrid can be great for providing extra warmth with style in the backcountry or on your way to yoga class.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Hybrid

Hybrid softshells have become all the rage. These jackets aim to be do-it-all shells that combine two types of materials with different properties, resulting in a piece that has qualities usually found in different jacket categories. Examples of this are jackets that use both hardshell and softshell materials or jackets that combine lightweight insulation with a windproof material. With strategically-placed fabrics, the resulting jacket can function well in very specialized applications, but they generally don't perform either function to perfection. For instance, a jacket that uses hardshell and softshell materials won't be as storm-proof as a hardshell, but will also be less breathable than a typical softshell. This category includes the almost waterproof Rab Kinetic 2.0, which is less breathable than other softshells and slightly less waterproof than a traditional hardshell. The soft fleece-insulted Arc'teryx Proton FL Hoody is a hybrid that combines the warmth of a light puffy with some of the added protection of a softshell.

A lightly insulated but highly water-resistant hybrid is a worthy companion while scrambling or hiking.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Other Considerations

Features

Most jackets on the market come with a standard set of features like hand pockets, an adjustable hem, and a hood. There are, however, a few features that don't come standard issue. Think about your favorite activities and whether or not you want a helmet-compatible hood, adjustable sleeve cuffs, gusseted underarms, and various extra pockets.

Harness and hip-belt compatible pockets are a well-loved feature for climbers, hikers, and backpackers alike.Not just for stashing snacks, the mesh ventilation in these pockets runs all the way up to the collar for extra breathability.A chest pocket can be ideal for storing your phone or a snack.

We always prefer hoods on jackets that provide weather protection, though many are available in non-hooded versions. Some hoods are roomy enough to accommodate going over a helmet, and some are streamlined and designed to fit underneath. If you are a runner or a nordic skier, having a smaller hood may be preferable, but for ice and rock climbing or other types of skiing, having a large hood that can fit over a helmet (or a trim hood that can fit under one) is mandatory.

Helmet-compatible hoods are ideal for climbers, because you can take them on and off while climbing to adjust your body temperature.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Many activities that demand a softshell also require wearing gloves, so it's important to think about cuffs and whether or not you want them to be adjustable. Adjustable cuffs make it easy to pull the sleeves over a pair of gloves and secure them with velcro to keep snow, wind, and wetness away from the wrists — keeping you warmer and dryer. But stretchy, non-adjustable cuffs are easy to fit underneath gauntlets and, depending on their construction can be easier to push up to your forearms and have them stay in place.

Velcro-adjustable cuffs make it easy to get a snug fit around your wrist, which makes the sleeves compatible with both gauntlet-style and over-the-cuff gloves.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

As a general rule of thumb, we think that if a softshell has pit zips (which most of them do not), it is not worth purchasing. A softshell is supposed to be breathable by nature, and that breathability should come from the material. Some hardshells or insulated ski jackets need the ventilation provided by pit zips to be comfortable, but a softshell shouldn't require this feature. The more important thing to look for is whether or not the pockets are mesh-lined — if they are, this is a great way to ventilate and heat dump when you're working hard and verging on overheating.

Mesh-lined pockets provide a great way to modulate the breathability of your jacket - if your core temp is up and you need more breathability, open up those pockets for a breath of fresh air.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website polo shirt manufacturers usa.

Credit: Penney Garrett

Other features worth considering include strategic gussets to improve movement and fit, a drop tail hem to ensure your backside stays covered while climbing or moving around, key clips or internal pockets for valuables, and a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack for stashing your jacket on your harness while climbing.

Fit

Lastly, we'll cover fit so you can see how several of the jackets in our review measured up in terms of hood fit, torso, and sleeve length. Recently, the gear industry has begun to finally expand the sizes offered for their products. Some of the softshells in our review include a size range from XXS-XXL. Offering a wider array of sizes seems like the least companies can do to make sure that the outdoors are accessible to everyone.

No matter how active a softshell might be, the fit of the body and hood can vary wildly.

Hood size, torso and sleeve length are not created equal. From left to right, we have the Sigma, Ferrosi, Kor Preshell, Bionic, and Proton

Credit: Scott Sinor

Showing the different cuts and fits of our lineup. From left to right, we have the Ultimate V, ROM, Gamma MX, Kinetic Plus, and the Apex Bionic.

Credit: Scott Sinor

Finding the correct fit in your jacket is vitally important for your overall experience while wearing it. It should be form-fitting but not too snug. You will want to make sure that you can wear a few layers underneath — at the very least a base layer and a fleece — ideally even a thin insulated jacket. You don't want it to be too loose because extra space lets in the cold. It's also smart to check that it does not ride up when you lift your arms and that the jacket stays in place during all kinds of movement.

Find a jacket that is a great companion to your favorite adventures so your clothing is the last thing on your mind.

Credit: Mary Witlacil

Are you in the market for a new jacket? If so, we should talk about the merits of adding a softshell to your wardrobe. These jackets are a fantastic blend of weather protection, breathability, and mobility. It's thanks to this that their use has grown so much in popularity over recent years — they have become one of the most versatile layers for a myriad of different conditions.

Why not just wear a regular rain shell, you might ask? Well, for starters, it seems like the price of the average waterproof jacket is just continuing to soar, and the price of softshells is much more affordable. Rain jackets, or hardshells, as we will refer to them, are fully waterproof and offer top-tier weather protection when it's wet out. But softshells are often just as good at protecting from the wind and snow. They do a far superior job of allowing you to sweat and not get cold and clammy inside, and they feel far more mobile with their stretchy fabric versus the less comfortable fabric usually found in the hardshell variety.

Man, I hope I brought the right jacket- those clouds look like they're coming our way!

Credit: Ryan Huetter

Softshell jackets may have been a niche item in the past, but the materials have gotten lighter and more effective at blocking wind and rain while continuing to improve on flexibility and mobility. It is hard to find a closet in a mountain town that doesn't have at least one, proving their usefulness in the conditions that most of us want to go out and recreate in. Without a doubt, you will still need a top-ranked rain jacket for when the skies really open up, and your favorite insulated jacket for when the temperatures drop and you need to trap some heat, but for most of us, a softshell jacket gives us all the weather protection that we need while still allowing moisture to wick through and keep our bodies warm and dry.

For more holistic advice about how to layer for outdoor activities, check out our How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm article.

Fleece-lined jackets can work well as both a mid layer and outer layer depending on conditions, and even underneath a second softshell it can breath quite well.

Credit: Ryan Huetter

Softshell Jackets vs. Other Outwear

Because these jackets come in a variety of styles and have multiple uses, they should be compared with several other types of outdoor clothing.

Hardshells & Rain Jackets

• Hardshells and rain jackets are waterproof. Softshells are not.

• Softshells are far more breathable and more comfortable than hard shell and rain jackets.

• Hardshells and rain jackets are almost always windproof; softshells are only sometimes windproof.

• Hardshells and rain jackets provide more weather protection for less weight.

Very few of the jackets we reviewed here can be called waterproof. Most softshell jackets are water-resistant thanks to their weave and treatments applied to the fabric.

With the prolonged exposure to the wet conditions found on Mount Baker, a hardshell is 100% favored over a softshell.

Credit: Ryan Huetter

Wind Jackets

• Both wind jackets and softshells range from wind-resistant to windproof.

• Wind jackets are usually a fraction of the weight of a typical softshell.

• Softshells are often more breathable, more comfortable, and more durable than wind jackets.

While most of the softshells we have reviewed are wind resistant, the best example of a wind jacket hybrid is the Black Diamond Alpine Start, an extremely lightweight shell that weighs a mere 7.4 ounces. Fully windproof softshells tend to weigh considerably more but lose breathability in the process.

Extremely breathable and lightweight, the Black Diamond Alpine Start is a great lightweight softshell crossover that's great for trail running.

Credit: Jen Reynolds

Fleeces

• Fleece material is not waterproof. It will get wet in poor weather, though it will still retain some insulating value, unlike cotton materials.

• Fleece jackets are not very wind resistant unless they are one of the hard-faced versions.

• On calm days, when wind protection is not required, fleece will provide more insulation than a softshell.

• Combining a fleece and a lighter weight wind shirt may be a substitute for a softshell depending on the situation, but will not be as breathable.

Many softshell jackets do have a light fleece backing, such as the Arc'teryx Gamma MX. This backing does add weight and bulk, making them less breathable, but the benefit is that they are warmer and more comfortable against the skin when worn without a base layer.

Patagonia's R1 hoody has long been popular with serious climbers. Now with the Capilene 4 Expedition Weight 1/4 Zip Hoody they have made the same beloved design features available in a lighter weight, more casual piece (that still climbs well).

Credit: Drew Smith

Insulated Jackets

• Insulated layers can be made with either synthetic fibers or down feathers.

• Both softshells and insulated jackets range from windproof to wind resistant.

• Both provide limited water resistance via a DWR water repellent treatment, though they will lose much of their insulating value when wet.

• Insulated jackets are warmer and typically lighter/more packable than a softshell.

• The most breathable insulated jackets breathe as well as a softshell.

• Insulated jackets aren't as durable and don't stretch as much.

Few softshell jackets include an insulated inner layer that is anything more than fleece. The goal of the softshell is to be more active and more breathable. Because of this, layering a separate down jacket on top of a softshell is more common.

Insulated down jackets like the Rab Neutrino Endurance are great for cold temps, but don't breathe well and are only mildly weather resistant.

Credit: Ryan Huetter

The Need for Softshell Jackets

The term "waterproof/breathable" gets thrown around a lot by outdoor apparel manufacturers and is ultimately trying to describe a product that can both repel water AND allow perspiration to pass through. This feat of engineering would be a whole lot more impressive if it were true. The unfortunate reality is that you have to make a choice between the two. Fully waterproof means diminished breathability, even in the most advanced fabrics available today. The wetter the exterior of the fabric, the more its "pores" become clogged, making it harder for perspiration to pass through. This is why softshell jackets have become so popular — they offer adequate protection from many weather elements while using a woven fabric that allows for much more airflow leading to enhanced breathability.

Moving in the mountains calls for a softshell jacket that can repel weather but breathe when you are working hard.

Credit: Ryan Huetter

Thanks to industry developments, waterproof/breathable technologies are becoming more breathable, lighter, and more durable. Most even provide stretch! The stifling and heavy hard shells of a decade ago have been replaced by eight-ounce hard shells that perform extremely well for a variety of activities in a variety of environments. That said, we still think that softshells meet a distinct need, and we recommend purchasing one if you find that your hardshell or rain jacket is continually leaving you swampy.

The Action Suit: How to Layer with a Softshell Jacket

A softshell jacket's usefulness diminishes as you attempt to stuff a lot of extra layers underneath it, as the more insulation you have, the more your body heat will be trapped by those layers. We find that wearing a softshell on top of a light or midweight base layer is the best combination during activity in cold weather. The less material you have under the softshell, the more capable it is of breathing. Once you stop, it is important to quickly put on an insulated jacket to trap your body heat as the need for breathability is no longer critical.

Softshells can also be paired with a hardshell or rain jacket in inclement weather. Different softshells offer differing levels of weather protection, and none are fully waterproof. If there's a chance of precipitation, be sure to bring an impermeable layer to wear over your softshell. Finally, remember that softshells function the best when they're relatively close to your skin. A lightweight fleece such as the Patagonia R1 Hoody is an ideal layer to wear under a softshell in cold (< 30F) conditions when you're moving quickly.

A perfect place for the Action Suit- climb in the softshell then quickly don a hardshell or insulated jacket when back on the ground

Credit: Ryan Huetter

What Defines a Softshell

Every year, garment manufacturers come out with new materials and market them with zippy new buzzwords, both of which can make it somewhat difficult to define what a softshell jacket is. For the most part, we define them as garments that are weather-resistant rather than weather-proof, highly breathable, mobile, and usually provide some stretch. In this section, we walk through the different types of softshells on the market. Keep in mind, however, that these categories are not mutually exclusive. For example, a jacket can be membrane lined and stretch woven. The type of material that the outer shell is comprised of will generally include a blend of nylon, polyester, and elastic fibers, and may be licensed from a third party such as Polartec or Gore, though increasingly clothing makers are developing their own proprietary fabrics such as Matrix, Wee Burly, Fortius 2.0 or TerraTex. Rest assured, we list a jacket's source fibers and their percentages in the material section of the chart on our main review page.

Stretch woven material makes highly mobile activities like climbing much easier.

Credit: Jen Reynolds

Stretch Woven

The term stretch woven refers to an outer layer that is a blend of more static fibers (typically nylon and polyester) that is then interwoven with between 5% and 15% stretchy elastic fibers. This allows the shell material to stretch in response to movement, with some providing up to 4-way stretch! This is in stark contrast to most rain jackets that have far less range of motion.

DWR Treatment and Water Resistance

In addition to being comprised of some blend of synthetic fibers with stretchy materials, manufacturers may choose to further enhance the weather-proofness of their product by coating the exterior of the shell fabric with a DWR (durable water resistance) treatment that helps to bead water off. DWR treatments have their limits even when brand new, and fall quite short of a true hardshell jacket when it comes to a heavy downpour. They also break down with time and washing and require the use of products like Nikwax to revive their effectiveness after seasons of use.

Membrane Lined

Many softshells on the market feature a membrane laminated to the inside of the nylon face fabric to provide wind resistance and some water protection after the DWR treatment fails. These garments do a great job of blocking the elements at the cost of reduced breathability (wind can't transport moisture away as easily as it does with more air-permeable, stretch-woven jackets). There are many different kinds of membranes, some of which are air-permeable (Polartec Power Shield Pro) and some of which are not (Gore Windstopper).

The less air-permeable the membrane is, the more the jacket relies on water vapor having to force its way through thanks to the humidity gradient between the inside and outside of the shell. This process of breathability is much less efficient than that found in air-permeable garments. If the face fabric wets out, it is significantly more difficult for the vapor to penetrate the soaked fabric, and the breathable characteristics of the membrane are substantially reduced.

Hybrid Softshells

Some jackets feature materials that blend the weather-proofness of a hardshell jacket with the stretch and mobility of a softshell. The Marmot ROM 2.0 is an example of this. Others place more water-resistant panels around the head, shoulders, and upper arms, where the jacket is most vulnerable to getting soaked through.

Under snowy skies, we felt warm and dry behind the enclosure of the waterproof Galvanized jacket.

Credit: Jen Reynolds

Fleece Insulated vs. Non-Insulated

Some of the jackets we tested feature a fleece backing behind the stretch woven outer material. This can aid in comfort against the skin and add some warmth, especially if the jacket is worn over a t-shirt. We tend to prefer an uninsulated model, as those do not trap perspiration within the fleece backing, breathe better, and give the user a bit more latitude in choosing what base layers to wear based on conditions and aerobic output.

This fuzzy inner insulation is warm with very little weight or bulk.

Credit: Ryan Huetter

Bottom Line:

Membrane or fleece-lined and insulated softshell jackets do a much better job at keeping you warm and dry when the weather really starts getting bad, but they do so at the cost of weight, mobility, and breathability. These jackets offer a more substantial barrier to the elements but become limited in their usefulness outside of cold and inhospitable conditions. Lighter weight models can still do a good job in this regard and have the added benefit of being able to be worn over thin baselayers in warmer weather, while the thicker models do not. We tend to recommend heavy-duty, lined jackets for more demanding weather conditions and lower-output activity.

Other Considerations

Features

The features we look for are good wrist closures, adjustable hems, well-designed pockets, a helmet-compatible hood, and a fit that allows for excellent mobility. For lightweight softshells, we like elastic wrist cuffs that are minimal and can be pulled up to our elbows if needed. If you plan on wearing gloves while skiing or climbing in cold weather, especially large gauntlet style gloves, then having large cuff openings with glove-friendly Velcro tabs will be more important. Hoods are an important consideration, too. Skiers and climbers will want a helmet-compatible hood, while those who don't practice those sports can forgo some weight and bulk by choosing a coat with a more fitted hood or no hood at all.

Features found on many technical jackets can make or break your day of climbing.

Credit: Ryan Huetter

Fit

The best jacket on the market won't do you much good if it fits poorly. Climbers, trail runners, and cyclists want a shell that is fitted, does not have too much extra material flapping around, and allows for a midweight base layer to be worn underneath but not much more. Skiers and backpackers may want a bit more room for layering underneath as well as to offer more protection past the waistline. Some models may not run true-to-size, so might require upsizing or downsizing to get that Goldilocks fit…just right.

Good softshells have a trim fit, adequate for layering underneath but not so baggy as to inhibit movement.

Credit: Ryan Huetter

Softshell jackets are perfect for many conditions and do a great job at repelling wind and light rain while allowing freedom of movement that most other shells do not. Be sure to read our full review to see how the jackets we tested fared against one another.

Conclusion

Softshell jackets are a beautiful combination of weather resistance, breathability, and mobility. Despite having all these attributes, there is still a huge spectrum out there for you to choose from. Whether you plan on using yours for trail running and mountain biking and favor a lightweight wind-resistant material, or you are more of a hardcore alpinist and want something to shed the snow while letting you work hard on the difficult pitches, there is a softshell out there for you. Many of us have a closet full of them for all the intended applications they might be useful for. We hope that this article has educated you on all the nuances of this unique piece of outdoor apparel and that it helps you choose the right jacket for the adventures you have planned.

Heading into the mountains where ounces matter and performance is critical? A softshell is a sure bet for climbing, hiking and skiing endeavors.

Credit: Ryan Huetter

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