A softshell jacket will never be as impenetrable to water and wind as a hardshell (aka a rain jacket) because hardshells are waterproof and windproof. It's also a great companion on alpine rock climbs, shoulder-season multi-pitches, sun-rise trail runs, and aerobic activities of any kind where temps are cool, wind is likely, and you plan to work up a sweat. rab.uk.com. Depending on how you intend to use the Gamma LT, this jacket's downsides may be inconsequential. While there are some windproof softshells available (we have a few in this review), the designation of waterproof is mostly reserved for hardshells. To decide what type of softshell is ideal for you, We recommend considering the primary activities you plan to do while using your new softshell. Whether you need a layer for alpine or multi-pitch climbing, insulation for ice climbing, or a breathable but decently warm layer for backcountry or cross-country skiing, mountain climbing, or hiking, this ingenious mid-layer is a great one to add to your kit. It moves incredibly well, owing to the ultra-stretchy fabric, and even though it isn't very water-resistant, it is among the fastest drying active softshells in our review. We hope this review has answered some of your softshell questions and helped guide you toward the right model for your next outdoor adventure. (mens medium) This fleece-lined jacket is an ideal option for mixed conditions and cold days while ice climbing or mountaineering. Armed with the Gamma MX, we hiked into frigid temps and blowing snow and climbed ice for hours, staying sufficiently warm and moving without feeling stifled. The heavier weight owes to it being part softshell, part synthetic puffy, with fleece side panels and PrimaLoft insulation. This fleece-insulated but breathable hybrid features a moisture-wicking liner to manage sweat and keep you sufficiently warm in cooler weather. Our lead tester used this jacket all over the mountains and the desert, taking it up long alpine rock routes, desert towers, and sandstone fist cracks. Overall, softshells are ideal for mild weather when you need some coverage from wind, snow, or light rain, but you're unlikely to need full-on storm protection. Both are great options for moving quick and fairly light. Finally, it is rather spendy. We paid attention to how well each jacket performed relative to its retail price and considered their value in terms of jacket features, weather protection, and the niche they fill in your backcountry kit. It has more insulation than your average active softshell but is lighter than your typical technical jacket. Meanwhile, it has fantastic ventilation in the pockets, making it almost as breathable as the thinnest jackets in our review. A garment that aims to strike the perfect balance between breathability and weather protection so you can move unencumbered on your outdoor adventures. Active softshells are great as wind layers during aerobic activities. When evaluating each jacket's weather protection, we consider wind and water resistance, as well as warmth and sun protection. The Proton has a soft fleece lining for added warmth, while the Ferrosi boasts unbeatable mobility. These jackets provide superior weather protection but aren't as lightweight as an active softshell. That being said, the downsides may be irrelevant, depending on the jacket niche you seek to fill. Another unstoppable contender in this category is the Proton FL. rab And the Ferrosi has 4-way stretchy fabric, and the lack of bulk means that it's a fantastic option for layering over a thin fleece or under a big puffy. While the Apex Bionic is too heavy to be ideal for technical outings, it is durable and warm, making it a great jacket for car-camping. Some of the models we tested are more water-resistant than others, but these pieces are not as dependably waterproof as rain jackets in a severe storm. Each of our highest-ranked active softshells also earned favorable marks in this category. The impressively constructed Arc'teryx Gamma MX earns top marks in this category. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The Proton FL has the best weight to warmth ratio of any jacket in our review, making it an easy choice for cool hikes and long climbing routes. This jacket is so lightweight that you'll almost forget you have it with you, and it can be stuffed into its chest pocket for clipping it on your harness or stowing it in the bottom of your pack when not in use. Unlike potentially life-saving layers such as waterproof hardshells and insulative baselayers, a softshell is great to have but won't keep you as warm as an insulation layer (like a puffy jacket) or as dry as a hardshell if you get caught in a serious storm. We still haven't found that perfect unicorn jacket free from drawbacks, and the Alpine Start is no exception. Which is great for taking the edge off the wind on an otherwise lovely day while hiking. By and large, softshells are only water and wind resistant. That said, these drawbacks are minor, and for someone seeking a durable, weather-resistant softshell for alpine climbing, peak-bagging, cool-weather hikes, or ski touring, the Gamma LT might just be the one for you. The Ferrosi performed well across nearly all our metrics, and does so at a completely reasonable price. The zippered chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack when you want to stash your jacket on the back of your harness or in your backpack. The Fjallraven Bertagen Stretch Half-Zip is another lightweight active softshell, weighing only 13 ounces. These drawbacks aside, this hoody is a great lightweight wind layer that moves and breathes well for all manner of alpine activities.

Namely, it is neither fully waterproof nor the most breathable jacket in our review. It still features unbeatable water and wind resistance for a softshell with unbelievably soft fabric. Hikes and trail runs on crappy fall and spring days, fast-changing mountain weather in summer, highly aerobic activities in winterfor all of these things, nothing beats a highly breathable, lightweight pullover or jacket. Its not coated for water resistance, so expect it to wet out in anything more than a light rain or snowfall. Each of these jackets also has a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, a feature we really like. However, it does come close to accomplishing both.

We ended up with a diverse set of contenders whose performance spread all over the board. This is less of a problem for the casual softshells, as those are meant to be worn around town, but this is a big deal if you're looking for a technical softshell for ice climbing or backcountry skiing. How can we improve GearLab? Americas Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures, Lightweight Soft Shell Despite being very feature-rich, it does not offer UPF-rated sun protection, and it isn't among the warmest jackets in our review. That being said, none of the jackets we reviewed are so heavy to raise red flags. Some of our favorite pieces in this review could move seamlessly from the trail or crag to dinner with friends (as long as you don't mind rocking brightly colored gear at the pub), a clear bonus in our book. That said, the stretchy Black Diamond Dawn Patrol is great for some applications like downhill skiing (when paired with extra insulation) and casual snowshoeing on a packed trail. The thinner Gamma LT also scores well in this category despite not being nearly as warm because it fends off light moisture and wind admirably. The ideal softshell should triangulate between weather protection, breathability, and mobility all without weighing down your pack. On the flip side, if a jacket says that it's fully windproof (as opposed to just wind resistant), it's a safe bet that it won't be super breathable. These softshells are not designed to keep you ultra warm or to provide premium weather protection, but they are great layers to keep you comfortable in wind or shade in otherwise warm weather. The four-way stretch fabric allows an athletic fit without inhibiting range of motion. Lightweight and stretchy, the Borealis is an ideal layer for climbing or running. It is also not the most versatile jacket, mostly because it is not as warm as some of the other technical softshells. The top performers in this metric are the three ultra-stretchy and thin active softshells in our lineup: the Rab Borealis, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody, and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. The Alpine Start features a lightweight and stretchy Schoeller fabric that ensures you can move well without being stifled by sweat. This is because it splits the difference between a technical and an active softshell. The jackets that ranked highest in this category were ideal for myriad activity types and could handle well in diverse weather. The Alpine Start offers great wind protection and breathability so you can climb comfortably without getting sweaty as you move up the wall. While style is subjective, it is important no one wants to pay top dollar for an ill-fitting or unattractive article of clothing. Across the desert southwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierras, our testers climbed, scratched, scrambled, hiked, ran, and cycled, to put every aspect and feature of these softshells to the test.

A few models constructed with very thin material scored well in this category. rab muztag Truth be told, even though softshells claim to do everything, there are specialized niches for each style of jacket. They are also ideal for activities where you need wind or weather protection but are likely to build up a sweat, so breathability is a must. Being made out of a more durable fabric and being well-suited for cooler alpine temps, it is on the heavier end of active softshells in our review. It ticks nearly every box that a durable wind layer for climbing or hiking should. This jacket offers exceptional wind and water resistance. It is durable enough to climb scratchy granite cracks and long alpine routes while providing sufficient protection from wind and water without sacrificing any breathability. Our reviews wouldn't be objective if we ignored a product's flaws, and the Ferrosi is not without its minor caveats. They're incredible layers for warm skiing in the spring or cool climbing and hiking in the fall when you're unlikely to encounter an all-out torrential storm. The deep partial front zipper offers good venting.

GearLab is reader-supported. Our review team noted very few drawbacks to this otherwise feature-rich jacket. After looking On the hunt for a new women's ski jacket? Softshell jackets are designed for backcountry adventures like climbing, skiing, and trail running all activities that demand unhindered movement. A softshell is a great way to stay warm on sunny winter days while multi-pitch climbing in Eldorado Canyon, CO, or wherever you may roam. We're here to help! Short wonder the Gamma LT steals the show. Jackets in this review ranged from 6.5 ounces at the lightest to 22.5 ounces at the heaviest.

That said, given their mobility, breathability, and weather protection, softshell jackets are an ideal layer for many backcountry activities and mountain athletes. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is a fantastic value. This jacket was designed with alpine climbing and cool-weather mountain activities in mind, but it would be well-equipped as a light jacket for travel, hiking, or any activity where you move from warm to cool temps. Mobility is one of the most important elements of a softshell jacket. If ice climbing is in your future, then you will want to seek out a technical softshell, as these provide the best warmth to mobility and breathability ratio. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is an upgrade to the previous generation of the Kinetic jacket. Unfortunately, technical and casual softshells don't earn the highest marks in this category. All that aside, if you need a cozy mid-layer with breathable insulation, the Proton is an excellent choice. That said, it is soft, stylish, well-constructed, and very water-resistant. We also wish that the hand pockets were accessible while wearing a harness or the hip belt of a backpack. Of the technical softshells, we found that the Arc'teryx Gamma MX boasted a stellar mobility to warmth ratio. Even though it provides great wind protection and decent water resistance, it manages to be breathable when doing aerobic activities in cooler temps. When hybrids are well executed, they tend to be the most versatile of the jackets in our review, but sometimes adding bonus functionality backfires and makes them uncomfortable or less useful than the jackets they're trying to mimic.

Then, it will be much easier to decide whether you need an active, technical, casual, or hybrid jacket. The revised version of the jacket has some sleeve slippage between the fleece lining and the shell fabric when you pull it over long-sleeved shirts (especially fleeces). We love it for shady mornings in the desert and windy summits in the summer. If you're looking for a lightweight jacket that is ideal for long granite routes, then an active softshell like the Gamma LT, Borealis, First Ascent, or Ferrosi are the ones for you! If you can afford a specialized item like a softshell, you probably still want to make the most of your money who doesn't? In this testing round, jackets were put to the test shimmying up granite chimneys and jamming in Indian Creek splitters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to Backpack the Teton Crest Trail Without a Permit, The First 5 Things I Do in Camp When Backpacking. To be honest, there is very little this jacket can't do: it is lightweight, has great mobility, and with an ultra-soft fleece lining, it is super cozy, even next to bare skin. They're also perfect for days when your heavy ski jacket or hardshell are overkill. The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is an incredibly lightweight jacket that bridges the gap between softshell and windbreaker. Even some of the burlier active softshells, like the Gamma LT, have a fairly average weight relative to the other jackets in our review. Sandstone splitters, steep ice and mixed crags, windy coastlines, alpine wonderlands, granite domes, and technical trails made up just a portion of our testing playground. If you're looking for a casual hybrid that offers insulating warmth and breathability, without weighing you down, then the Rock Ridge is a good option to consider. Not only do active jackets have the stretchiest materials, but most technical and casual softshells are thicker and have a fleece lining that typically makes them a little stiffer. We even wore these jackets in the shower to test how they performed under pressure (water pressure, that is). This jacket is a perfect companion on windy days, multi-pitch rock climbs, or high on alpine walls in the summer. The Borealis moves so well that you barely notice it while climbing or hanging out at the belay. All these concerns aside, the Ferrosi is a great breathable, wind-resistant option at a fantastic price for hiking, climbing, and cycling.

The Alpine Start also performed impressively well in this category. Our review team maintains that while versatility is important, it is the least important metric we consider. We were especially impressed with how well the ever-affordable Outdoor Research Ferrosi performed in this category. Looking for the best women's softshell? A good active softshell should be thin enough to wear on breezy but warm days to take the edge off the wind. Active softshells offer great mobility because they are typically made with 4-way stretchy fabric and are designed to allow freedom of movement. We were especially impressed by the plush and warm Arc'teryx Proton FL and the PrimaLoft insulated Athleta Rock Ridge. It even has UPF-50 fabric to protect your skin from the sun. Let us know! The fit is a little on the boxy side, so if you're between sizes, you might consider sizing down. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Got feedback? When it was paired with another softshell, it proved ideal for ice/mixed climbing and for approaches to ice climbs on warmer days. The close cut of the hood permits wearing it under a helmet; while the hood isnt adjustable, it stays put on your head in wind. Add to this a flattering fit and attractive color options, and you can move easily from the backcountry to the bar without feeling like you look too sporty. Many of the other active softshells and active hybrids performed well in this category as well, including the Gamma LT, Proton FL, and the Kinetic 2.0.

With the many different types of shells and layers on the market, it can be hard to know which pieces will work best for your individual needs. A softshell is a great layer for colder temps where you're likely to encounter wind, dry snow, or intermittent rain but not an all-out deluge. This review is brought to you by a team of amazing women, headed up by Mary Witlacil. Casual softshells offer great features for urban adventures but are durable enough to use in the backcountry, while hybrids attempt to triangulate between sub-categories and move between seasons. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. The plush fleece-lined Proton FL strikes a balance between a warm insulating layer and a breathable softshell. Finally, it does not come with its own stuff sack, as previous generations did. Thanks for hanging on with us. Softshells are ideal during the shoulder season when temperatures vacillate wildly or for aerobic backcountry activities in the winter when you need premium breathability to avoid getting chilled by your sweat. $75, 9 oz. They aim to split the difference between comfort and weather protection, all without hindering movement. While the Proton is not made to be an ideal layer for activities like ice climbing, it is among the most versatile because it can be worn as an outer layer on warmer days or as an insulating layer on colder ones. These layers are less stiff, noisy, and suffocating than hardshells, making them more pleasant to wear, despite not offering the same level of weather protection. We tested the softshells in our review in the sun and shade, rain, snow, wind, deserts, and mountains, doing various activities designed to get the blood moving and the sweat flowing. After more than 100 hours of rigorously testing these jackets, we've got some expert advice to offer about the best softshell jacket to match your needs. No matter what your needs are, our review has some fantastic options.

When she can get away, she chases sun the rest of the year in Colorado and the deserts of Utah, Arizona, and California. Part of why this jacket is so light is that it is a half-zip pullover, a feature we love for when you don't want to deal with a zipper underneath your harness. Check out our other reviews for a deep dive into the best rain jackets, hardshells, windbreakers, running jackets, and down jackets. Read review: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody. When it is fully zipped, the collar is too snug and stiff to be comfortable, and it poked us in the neck. It has comfortable cuffs, a two-way adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, and a flattering alpine-style fit that is equally at home in the alpine or at a brewery. One of the only reasons it did not garner higher marks in this category is that it lacks a hood, so if you're caught in the rain with this jacket, you better hope you have your umbrella to keep your noggin dry. It is also pretty pricey. Many of the technical and casual softshells make up for their heft by providing extra warmth, something that is critical when you're miles into a backcountry winter adventure. In terms of mobility, it even outperformed some of the active jackets. Active softshells are ideal as wind layers while summer or alpine climbing, trail running, or hiking, while technical softshells are best for ice and mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, snowshoeing, and backcountry and/or cross-country skiing. If your primary need is weather protection, then you will want a fully waterproof hardshell, but when your weekend adventure plans include getting rowdy in the backcountry, a hardshell will never do. Notably, this jacket can withstand dryer moisture like snow but has below-average water protection, especially when compared with the technical softshells and hybrids in our review. Mary spends her summers alpine climbing in Colorado and California. Sizes: mens S-XXL, womens XS-XL A true outdoor enthusiast, when she isn't rock climbing, this gal can be found swinging ice tools, climbing mountains, backpacking, riding bicycles, or sitting on a rock gazing at the clouds. Softshell jackets are an interesting gear category because they strive to do the job of multiple layers at once resist wind, repel water, provide warmth, and breathe well. Minds blown.

It is comparatively lightweight and enables unimpeded movement, owing to Rab's ultra-plush and stretchy ProFlex fabric. Hybrid softshells are relatively new on the scene, and they attempt to bridge the gap between different jacket types be it by providing extra insulation or water resistance. The mens Boreas and womens Aurora are ideal for all of those pursuits. The new hood is fully fleece lined and more spacious than previous iterations. For this reason, softshells can be great jackets for alpine climbing, ice/mixed climbing, ski-touring, or even around town on a chilly evening. The cuffs are non-adjustable which could be a feature or a deficit, depending on whether you prefer gauntlet-style gloves or cuffs that cinch over your gloves. Pick the Ultimate V and you're sure to be psyched, even ice climbing on cold days in the alpine. It has a thicker lining than most active softshells but is nowhere near as warm as most technical softshells. We perused over 80 of the best Seeking a deliciously warm fleece jacket? While we recognize that thin fabric and breathability are not the same things, we couldn't ignore the fact that jackets with minimal material often breathe well by default. We looked for softshells that layered and fit well, were comfortable, and those that had stretchy fabric or other features to enable movement. Need an insulated jacket? The Borealis provides a surprisingly excellent barrier to the wind but doesn't provide the weather protection of less breathable options. The Borealis is Rab's lightest weight softshell and it certainly provides in terms of premium breathability and mobility, all while being incredibly affordable. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. When you're miles deep in the backcountry, you don't want a heavy softshell weighing down your pack. We love the Rab Borealis for striking a similar balance between excellent features and affordability. The patented Wee Burley fabric is abrasion-resistant and durable while still providing excellent mobility. Given that mobility is critical for a softshell, we reviewed several stellar options that exemplify unimpeded mobility.

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