When the weather gets cooler but not too cold, when it’s raining but not too much, when it’s windy but not stormy …. this is when we don’t know what to wear for hiking anymore. So, here is the good news: a softshell! Don’t know which one to choose? I’ve got you covered with a selection of the best softshell jackets and how to choose them.
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I tried it all before I was introduced to the softshell jacket by a friend of mine: heavy hardshell jacket where you are perspiring like crazy, light rain jacket not warm enough for the British climate, so-called “waterproof” warm hiking jacket leaving me soaked all the way to my underwears …
And then came softshells!
It is a good compromise between a hardshell and a windbreaker, perfect for autumn and spring seasons when the weather is not too cold but not too hot as well.
So which softshell jackets are the best and what do you need to look for?
At a Glance: Best Softshell Jackets
In a hurry? Check the table below. I go into more detail about each jacket in this article.
Best Softshell Jackets
Best of the Best
1 Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Hoody
Important features:
- Hood compatible with helmet
- Gusseted underarms
- Harness-friendly side pockets
- Inside pocket
- Waterproof front zipper
- 1.26 pounds (0.5 kg)
Strong and durable, the Arc’Teryx is the favourite softshell among hikers and climbers. Firstly, it is made in Wee Burly softshell material which consists of a nylon outer layer to protect from the wind and a polyester inside layer to keep you warm, this softshell is highly stretchable. This is good news if you were planning on mixing hiking with climbing! Then, the outer layer is abrasion resistant which means it won’t rip against rocks. Moreover, the hand pockets are placed slightly higher so that you can reach your phone or snacks without having to unclip your hip belt.
Finally, it is worth noting that its design makes it a versatile softshell that can be worn on the trails and in town.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible | Price |
| Durable | No adjustable cuffs |
| Stylish | Small inside pocket |
| Good weather protection | Too tight to layer up underneath |
The Best for Water Protection
2 The North Face Drizzle Futurelight
Important Features:
- FutureLight Waterproofing technology
- Adjustable Hood
- Hip Drawcord
- Storm flap to protect from strong gusts
- 2 hand-warmer pockets and 1 chest pocket
- 0.74 pounds (340 grams)
Gore-Tex, Gore-Tex, Gore-Tex… you might see it everywhere but let me introduce you to the FurtureLight technology which makes the jacket 100% waterproof but also breathable. What? Did you read this correctly? Yes. It is the new (2019) technology from The North Face. The downside: it is so breathable that you get no insulation, so think of layering up underneath should you go out in cold weather, you have enough room for it. With an adjustable hood and a storm flap, you are protected against the wind.
Stylish and well fitted with handwarmer pockets, you can also wear it around town without looking out of place.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | No helmet-friendly hood |
| Lightweight | Poor insulation |
| Versatile | Expensive |
| Flexible | No harness-friendly pockets |
Best For Budget
3 Outdoor Research Ferrosi
Important features:
- 3 pockets including an arm pocket
- Thumbholes
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Hip belt-friendly pockets
- Water repellent zipping
- 0.93 pounds (421 grams)
The thinnest model so far. The jacket is breathable and flexible making it the perfect companion for climbing and cycling as well as hiking. Don’t be fooled by the fact it is thin! This softshell is also resistant thanks to reinforcements that have been placed strategically throughout the jacket. The Ferrosi jacket has an adjustable hood with hem drawcords so that your hood stays in place when it gets windy. And the best of the best feature: because the jacket is thin, it can be folded in its own pocket! And all of that for a great price.
The downside of this softshell is the cut which is not flattering. Thanks to its ample cut you can layer up underneath when it gets cold but it won’t be a great look downtown.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | No adjustable cuffs |
| Flexible | Poor fit |
| Packable | Not great weather protection |
| Affordable | Less durable because made of lightweight fabric |
Best For The Weight
4 Back Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Important Features
- Lightweight, 210 grams (7.4 ounces)
- Flexible
- Breathable
- Gusseted underarms
- Hood compatible with helmet
- Adjustable hood with hem drawcord
Definitely, the lightest in this selection, only 210 grams (7.4 ounces), the Black Diamond Alpine is designed for climbing and long-distance hiking. Made in woven nylon which is tear-resistant and coated with Nanosphere technology to keep the water away, this model offers both flexibility and breathability. It can be worn all year long as an outer layer or a mid-layer depending on the weather.
Lightweight means packable, it can be folded into its own pocket. The jacket is composed of a spacious inside pocket to store your valuables, however, this is the only pocket on the jacket. It is worth mentioning that as it is an extremely thin jacket, it does not offer any insulation and because the cuffs are not stretched it is hard to layer up underneath.
Longer than usual softshell jackets, it fits quite well making it a versatile jacket for the trails and the street.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Little insulation |
| Breathable | Only one pocket |
| Packable | No adjustable cuffs |
| Versatile | Expensive |
Best for versatility
5 Marmot ROM 2.0 Hoody
Important Features:
- Gore-Tex Infinitum Windstopper technology
- Lots of pockets
- Adjustable cuffs and hood
- Elastic drawcord at the waist
- Harness friendly Napoleon style pocket
- 1.6 pounds (485 grams)
When it comes to finding a softshell jacket you can wear on the trails and on the street and still look great, the Marmot ROM 2.0 Hoody is definitely the winner. Designed to move with you, the jacket allows angle wings movement. Moreover, the jacket is coated with Gore-Tex Infinitum Windstopper to give it extra wind resistance without compromising on its breathability.
The Rom 2.0 fits perfectly and allows enough room to layer up underneath when it gets cold. The side pockets are situated at a normal height which is ideal if you also use them in the urban environment for easy access. Moreover, if you wanted to use it for climbing, there is an additional Napoleon-style pocket that is harness friendly. Finally, the cuff is adjustable and you would find an elastic drawcord at the waist level to adjust the jacket to your body’s shape.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Breathable | Hood too tight |
| Versatile | Narrow shoulders |
| Wind resistant | Gore-Tex layered only in moisture-prone areas |
| Flexible | Heavy |
Softshell Jackets Buyer’s Guide
Before choosing a softshell jacket, let’s look at the factors you need to consider.
Breathability
This is the HUGE benefit of a softshell: you can breathe! Softshell jackets have been designed with outdoor activities in mind. It means that their initial purpose is to allow freedom of movement and breathability. When you are working out, your body temperature rises and you start sweating. If the perspiration cannot evaporate, your clothes get damped and you start feeling cold, no matter how many layers you are wearing. This is why wearing breathable clothing when working out is so important.
Additionally, some designs come with pit zips for even more breathability.
Where you need to focus your attention is on the hybrid designs. Some of them come as 100% waterproof or with a fleece layer for extra warmth. All those features will compromise the breathability of the item. So, depending on whether you need a softshell for hiking, skiing, rock climbing or simply walking the dog around the neighbourhood, it would require a different level of breathability.
Weather Protection
Softshell are not the best when it comes to weather protection but they definitely find their purpose when the weather is that “in-between” hot and cold, drizzling and pouring, windy and stormy. You know what I mean. Yes, this is the perfect description of the British weather! This is why a softshell is a must-have in your hiking wardrobe.
A softshell is made of 2 or more layers bound together: the first one for flexibility and the second one for warmth. This is why manufacturers add a coating of DWR (Durable Water Resistant) to the fabric. Anyway, water repellent does not mean waterproof. It simply means that it will be more difficult for the water to penetrate the fabric but it still can. Softshell jackets are perfect for light rain but won’t last when the heavens open. However, you can still wear a softshell and carry with you a foldable rain jacket in case the weather takes a bad turn.
Softshell jackets are not windproof but wind resistant. It means that it will do a great job at protecting you from mild winds but won’t be of any help with strong gusts. This is because softshells are breathable. They let the air out, so it can also get in. Alternatively, you can carry a windbreaker with you.
However, it is worth noting that manufacturers are now creating hybrid softshell designs to combine as many properties as possible in one item such as:
- 100% waterproof
- Windproof
- Extra warm
And so on … This being said, all these features will compromise the breathability of the softshell.
Warmth
When you are hiking in the British climate, keeping warm on the trail is a must. The softshell is made of an inner layer designed to retain heat. The rule of thumb for warmth is the thicker the warmest. However, it will impact the weight of the item.
Some hybrid designs focus on warmth and come with a fleece layer inside to trap the heat. Notwithstanding, even if those designs are perfect for cold weather, they would be too warm to wear in the summertime, making them less versatile than the other models.
Related content: What to Wear on a Day Hike?
Weight
When hiking, every single pound counts. To be able to complete a hike, whether you are looking for ascent or long-distance, the lighter, the further and higher you can go. So, of course, you look at is your backpack and then your shoes (yes, the heaviness of your shoes matters). Nonetheless, it is easy to forget that the clothes that we are wearing can also play an important role.
Consequently, the weight of your jacket can slow you down. Windbreakers are definitely the lightest options and on the opposite side of the scale are the hardshells. As you might have guessed, softshells are in between both options. This is why a soft-shell jacket is a good option for hiking.
As mentioned above, the warmth of the softshell will impact the weight. For outdoor activities requiring a lot of movement, such as running or rock climbing, it is recommended to go for the lightest designs as opposed to hiking (as long as it is not ultralight hiking) or casual activities where you need something warmer and therefore a bit heavier.
My recommendation is to go for a not-too-heavy design so that you can wear it all year round. If the weather gets really cold, you can add a fleece layer underneath to keep you warm.
Related Content: Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners
Mobility
When looking for soft-shell jackets, mobility is another important factor to look at. You want to be free to move when exercising, whether is it hiking, running, climbing or scrambling. This is why the outer layer of the softshell is made of a flexible fabric.
Moreover, when looking for a softshell, remember to check the cuffs. Most designs come with velcro cuffs that be adjusted to the size of your wrist, but not all designs! When trying on the softshell jacket, adjust the cuff to your wrist and put your arms up. On a good softshell the sleeve should stay in place and not fall off on your elbow. This is an important factor to look at, especially if you are planning on using the softshell for climbing.
Versatility
Well, when we invest in some gear, we want to be able to make the most of it. The good news with a softshell is that you can not only use it for outdoor activities but for daily activities too.
As they offer warmth, flexibility and weather protection, they are ideal to be worn on weekends for a stroll in your local park, walking the dog around the neighbourhood or simply running an errand.
However, if you intend to use your softshell for daily activities, you would need to pay attention to the design. Softshells can be found in a variety of colours and patterns on the market, but some are more flattering than others. No one wants to look like a giant potato on the streets!
Look for a softshell jacket with a snug fit but enough room for you to add layers underneath when it gets really cold, handwarmer pockets and a colour that suits you well.
But what about fleece then? Find out more about the difference between fleece and softshell to determine which one is right for you.
Final Thoughts on the Best Softshell Jackets Review
Coming up to the end of the best softshell jackets review, the Arc’teryx Gamma LT Hoody is winning the gold medal but for how long will it be able to keep its place? With the growing FutureLight technology right behind trying to overtake the market of waterproof gear (they are now doing FutureLight tents, hats and gloves), The North Face is the player on the field to watch closely.
Tell me, do you have a softshell? Let me know in the comments below.
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