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We put top softshell jackets from brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Outdoor Research, Rab, and others to the test in different types of terrain and through all possible weather conditions.
Credit: Kate Pitts
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 5, 2025
Fans of year-round adventure activities like hiking, climbing, running, or skiing are always on the hunt for the unicorn of all layers: breathable weather protection. Enter the softshell jacket. Although you won't find the highest level of weather resistance in a softshell, it can be enough to keep you dry during short spells of rain, and they're more comfortable than a hard shell once the sweat picks up.
We've been testing softshell jackets since 2011; in that time, we've collectively worn over 150 different models, going from backcountry trails and snowy peaks of Colorado to remote crags and glacial valleys of the Sierra Nevada to assess weather protection, breathability, mobility, and versatility.
The best softshell is the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody. Our women's test team loves the women's version of the Gamma, too. Testers love this jacket for its incredible breathability, weather protection, and mobility.
However, we know not everyone can afford to splurge on Arc'teryx. Test teams also loved the men's Rab Borealis and the women's Rab Borealis, which is a fraction of the price of the Gamma. Although it's not as weather-resistant, it is still very breathable, and its cut offers a great range of motion.
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is for the all-arounder that needs a softshell that can adapt to nearly any activity. From fall backpacking in the Cascades Range of Washington State to summer alpine climbing in Alaska, this is a trustworthy softshell that strikes a balance between breathability, moisture repellency, and heat retention. For the high-output cardio enthusiast or ounce-counter, this might not be the best choice if needing something ultralight, but if you want a softshell that'll be with you all year, this should be put on your contenders list.
Why we love it: This latest update of the Gamma addressed our chief complaints with the old version, offering improved mobility and including two large chest pockets that easily fit a cell phone or other essentials. This version is also 1.9 ounces lighter, making it easier to carry and slightly more packable. While it isn't the lightest model we tested, it was far more durable than some of its minimalist competition, so we think its weight is justifiable. We also loved the easy-to-adjust hood, which effortlessly fits over a climbing helmet or hat and can be cinched down with one hand.
Should you buy it? This is a pricey jacket, no doubt about it. However, we feel the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody still offers great value, with better longevity than many of the budget softshells we tested. As a midweight layer, this is a jacket you can wear 12 months out of the year, potentially allowing you to replace two jackets with one, though it'll likely need to be shed if huffing uphill in warm temperatures. If this is in your budget, learn more about this do-anything softshell and how it performed throughout our exhaustive testing process.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand, 2 exterior chest | Measured Weight: 15.4 ounces (Size S)
Gamma Variations
Arc'teryx also makes the Gamma Lightweight and the Gamma MX, which are lighter and heavier than the mightweight Gamma, respectively. The Lightweight breathes well but has less weather protection, while the MX is more robust and warmer. We find the Gamma Hoody to be the most versatile of these.
We love the Gamma's new slightly larger cut and the addition of two external chest pockets.
Who this is best for: If you need a jacket that can handle a wide range of conditions and activities, the Women's Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is one of the best options you'll find. Whether you're hiking, climbing, ski touring, or just heading into town, this softshell offers the right blend of technical performance and everyday wearability. “The Goldilocks combination of breathability, wind resistance, and freedom of movement makes the Gamma one of my favorite jackets,” our tester said. We love it for cooler alpine conditions where it's common to encounter wind and light moisture, whether in the form of precipitation or sweat.
Why we love it: Our whole testing team was impressed by the Gamma's outstanding balance of comfort, technical features, and weather protection. The abrasion-resistant material is both durable and mobile, and the breathable mesh lining and adjustable, helmet-compatible hood ensure temperature regulation and coverage that works over (or under) almost any additional layers, making it a key piece to use in varied environments, especially in cooler alpine settings. Thoughtful touches like the flattering silhouette and harness-compatible pockets are the cherry on top of this softshell.
Should you buy it? The Gamma Hoody comes with a higher price tag and is relatively heavier than some other options. The fixed cuffs may also be a deterrent, as they cannot be adjusted to cinch down around your glove. We'll also note that the men's version was recently updated to include two exterior chest pockets, while the women's still only has the two zippered hand pockets. But overall, this jacket's ventilation, comfort, and fit are incredible, and our test team reached for the Gamma on a near-daily basis. If you're looking for a dependable softshell that performs well across multiple activities and seasons, and can even crossover into casual-wear, the Gamma Hoody stands out as a highly capable and stylish choice.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand | Measured Weight: 15.05 oz (XS)
Who this is best for: The Rab Borealis is a relatively lightweight softshell with thoughtful ventilation features that offer great breathability. This is a great choice for those seeking a layer that prioritizes moisture management over weather protection. It is offered at a more accessible price than many premium options, but we were still impressed with its overall performance and find it to be a good option for active users on a budget. The minimalist design works well, and the comfortable fit makes it ideal for a wide range of activities, from high-output climbs to day hikes, and it even works well in casual urban outings. Because it's a much lighter, thinner fabric, it's better suited for those who prioritize comfort and breathability on warmer days or during intense efforts.
Why we love it: We were impressed with the Rab Borealis for its exceptional breathability. It manages to almost never feel stuffy, and the chest pockets feature a mesh backing that provides additional ventilation when unzipped, if needed. The jacket allows for full freedom of movement without bunching, whether worn with a harness or under a backpack. Testers also appreciated its sleek look that transitions seamlessly from trail to town. Overall, it's a lightweight, versatile layer that delivers strong performance without breaking the bank.
Should you buy it? Despite the many advantages of the Borealis, there are a few key points to consider before making a purchase. By nature, such a breathable fabric offers less water resistance, and the lack of adjustability in the hood and sleeves may be limiting for those seeking more storm protection. That said, its quick-drying fabric helps mitigate the downside of getting wet, and the lightweight build makes it easy to carry as part of a layering system. Just make sure to bring extra layers if you're expecting heavy rain or wind.
The Borealis was updated since our test period. It now features two zippered hand pockets instead of chest pockets, and a large percentage of its fabrics are recycled. It also now uses a PFC-free DWR coating.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior chest | Measured Weight: 9.7 oz (M)
Who this is best for: The Rab Borealis jacket is ideal for active women seeking a lightweight, highly breathable softshell. Our test team loved it for both sun and wind protection. It's perfect for climbing, hiking, especially in variable (but dry) conditions where freedom of movement and breathability are key. Its packability and built-in stuff sack make it easy to keep close at hand on fast-paced or minimalist outings. It doesn't offer the greatest protection against precipitation, so it's not a great fit if you live in an area with a rainy climate.
Why we love it: This softshell stands out for its remarkable ventilation and movement. Our testers used it for everything from rock climbing to outdoor yoga. Our entire test team was impressed by the ultra-stretchy, featherweight fabric that provided a barely-there feel during activity and exceptional freedom of movement for climbing. Its ability to function effectively as both a sun and wind shirt makes it incredibly versatile, and small touches like the jacket-packing pocket for harness attachment are much-appreciated bonus features at this price point.
Should you buy it? Wet weather performance isn't a strong point for the Borealis; its water resistance is limited, and it saturated quickly in our shower test. Still, it dries almost as fast and offers excellent wind and UV protection, making it a reliable layer for dry but breezy days. While there are some other models in this review that might provide better all-around protection, the Rab Borealis stands out for delivering above-average performance and exceptional freedom of movement at a price that is accessible for most people.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand | Measured Weight: 7.75 oz (XS)
No matter where and when we used it, our testers loved the freedom of movement the Rab Borealis offered, even if there weren't extraordinary amounts of warmth or weather protection to pair with it.
Decent breathability relative to weather protection
Wide range of motion
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks a chest pocket
Hood on the smaller side
Potential for fabric bunching
Who this is best for: The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is a softshell that can handle wet weather without breaking a sweat. As always, there is a tradeoff between breathability and weather protection, and the Kinetic errs on the side of protection. It's ideal for hikers, climbers, or multi-day trekkers who anticipate damp conditions but want more mobility than a traditional hardshell, and more breathability than a truly waterproof rain jacket. On our tester, it has a slightly looser cut that was quite comfortable and offered freedom of movement. It also leaves room to add layers underneath, which is great if you are active in cooler environments.
Why we love it: The Kinetic 2.0 ranks among the most weather-resistant softshells we've tested, showing minimal water penetration during real-world use in short rainstorms and in a controlled “rain” test in the shower. Rab has put a lot of effort into the Kinetic, tweaking and improving the design with each iteration, and it shows. The updated version offers better breathability, helping this jacket strike an impressive balance between storm protection and active performance. The wide range of motion afforded by the looser cut design can be a plus, and adjustable hems and arms allow you to dial in the fit when you need to seal out the weather. After repeated use, this jacket proved dependable and confidence-inspiring on back-to-back trips.
Should you buy it? If avoiding moisture (whether from rain or sweat) is your main concern, the Kinetic 2.0 will keep you dry in most scenarios and deserves serious consideration. However, there are a few convenience points that could be better. We wish Rab had included a chest pocket, since harnesses or packs with hip belts render the hand pockets less accessible. The hood can only be worn under a helmet, not over. The loose cut means there is excess fabric, which has the potential to bunch up around the abdomen and wrists. However, these are minor complaints and don't impact the real draw of this jacket: weather protection.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand | Measured Weight: 11.6 oz (M)
Who this is best for: The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is the best jacket for women who frequently venture into unpredictable (or predictably rainy) climates. Whether you're alpine climbing, sea kayaking, or hiking in areas known for sudden storms, this jacket is built to keep you dry and comfortable without the clammy feeling that can come with stiffer rain jackets or hardshells. It strikes a great balance of weather protection while still being impressively breathable. However, it is always a tradeoff between the two features, and the Kinetic is best used when you're more worried about moisture from outside rather than inside.
Why we love it: The women's Kinetic 2.0 offers standout wet-weather performance, but we used it in many types of weather conditions and were happy with the overall performance. With a breathable yet waterproofed fabric, taped seams, and impressive wind resistance that holds up in harsh conditions, it's ideal for carrying you through surprise summer storms and windy summits. We love that its stretchy construction supports full mobility, even for high-reach activities like climbing, and several testers praised the plush, breathable interior, which feels great against the skin. The snug-fitting hood can be a pro or a con depending on your preferences, but we found it adds another layer of protection, and the small opening effectively shields the face from wind and rain when storms roll in.
Should you buy it? While the Kinetic performs exceptionally in bad weather, but on par with its weather resistance, it isn't the most lightweight, compact, or easy to stow. It lacks a built-in stow-away pocket and doesn't include a clipping feature for harnesses or packs; details that might matter if you're into more technical sports with tight storage options, like rock climbing or paddling. Still, if you want a jacket that offers wet-weather protection closer to what you'd expect to see from a hardshell, but more comfortable, the Kinetic 2.0 remains a standout choice.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand | Measured Weight: 9.30 oz (XS)
Who this is best for: The Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody is warm, water-resistant, and impressively breathable. With more insulation than what is found in some other models, this is a great softshell to wear in cooler temperatures and transitional seasons. It's particularly well-suited for backpackers, climbers, or even just everyday users who want a cozy sweater-like jacket that brings together comfort and protection. Whether you're out on a hike or simply around town, this jacket delivers dependable performance when temps drop.
Why we love it: Surprisingly, the TechFace Hoody earned one of the best weather protection scores in our testing. It offers top-tier water resistance and excellent breathability-to-warmth ratio. The grid-patterned fleece-lined interior effectively channels moisture away from the body while offering great comfort next to the skin, and the DWR-treated nylon shell kept our tester almost completely dry even directly under the showerhead in our controlled test, but it's worth noting that the parts that did get wet took a long time to dry. Lastly, its heat retention makes it a standout for chilly conditions. “It's my go-to piece to throw on for all-day comfort and protection, whether I'm on the move or chilling around town,” said tester Zach Lovell.
Should you buy it?The R2 TechFace Hoody excels in warmth and comfort, and has an abundance of pockets, including two interior and two exterior chest pockets, so you don't run out of storage options even when wearing a climbing harness or a backpack with a hip strap. However, it has limited adjustability compared to some other softshells, which may be a drawback for those needing more adjustability for climbing or skiing, who may want a waist cinch and adjustable cuffs. If adjustability isn't a deal breaker, the Patagonia R2 remains our favorite jacket to wear in wet, chilly weather.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior chest, 2 exterior hand, 2 interior | Measured Weight: 17.5 oz (M)
We loved the breathability of the Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody, with a grid-patterned fleece guiding moisture away from the body. The mobility was also particularly freeing.
Who this is best for: The Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody is an excellent option for women who enjoy active mountain pursuits in shoulder season conditions when the days are a bit cooler. Its lightweight and versatile design makes it perfect for high-output activities like climbing, hiking, or paddling, and the extra insulation makes it warmer than many other softshell options. If you're seeking a breathable yet warm layer that's easy to pack and transition with you from alpine mornings to windy lakeside afternoons, this one's for you.
Why we love it: The CrossStrata Hoody delivers outstanding temperature regulation, thanks to its breathable insulation and cozy fleece lining. The cut is quite comfortable from the start, and the stretchy construction allows for a full range of arm/shoulder mobility (enough for some lakeside yoga). The combination of these two features means that you can wear this jacket when working hard on an ascent or relaxing at the campfire. And the convenience features are nothing to sniff at either. The pockets are great, with two at the chest and two at hip level, that keeps storage options open even when worn in combination with a harness. The hood doesn't fit well over a helmet, but testers appreciated the close-fitting face opening, which was comfortable and provided protection from the wind.
Should you buy it? The CrossStrata is great as a lightly insulated layer, but it's not designed to be used in extreme cold; for that, you may want to check out an insulated jacket. We'll also note that its slim fit may not work for everyone, and it lacks the full cuff and waistband adjustability found in more technical outer layers. That said, if the fit works for you, and you're looking for breathable comfort and reliable weather resistance in a sleek, packable form, the CrossStrata Hoody is a stellar choice.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand, 2 exterior chest | Measured Weight: 10.80 oz (XS)
The Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody offers weather protection and an excellent range of motion, plus far better warmth retention than most in its class.
Who this is best for: The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is ideal for anyone prioritizing minimal weight and maximum packability. Whether you're climbing, hiking, or backcountry skiing, this layer is so lightweight that it's hard to find a reason not to toss it in your pack, just in case. It makes it easy to stay prepared without feeling weighed down, and it's especially well-suited for days when wind and light weather threats loom but full-on insulation or rain gear would be overkill.
Why we love it: The Alpine Start stands out for its nearly weightless feel, breathable construction, and impressive freedom of movement. It easily packs into its own pocket, and on climbing days, testers would readily clip it to their harnesses without even feeling the added weight or bulk. While it won't keep you dry in a storm, it provides excellent wind protection and outperforms similarly light jackets when skies turn slightly wet. It's a just-right barrier that keeps you moving comfortably without overheating or restricting motion.
Should you buy it? The Alpine Start Hoody has a looser cut that allows for a full range of motion, but may cause bunching in key areas, and the single chest pocket may not be enough for gear-heavy users. This isn't the softshell for those who need ultimate warmth or weatherproofing, but that's not what it's designed for. It's meant to be a barely-there layer, and if that's what you need, this jacket rocks. For how insubstantial it feels, it exceeded expectations in terms of water resistance and effectively blocked out the breeze in windy conditions. If you're looking for the lightest, most breathable softshell for high-output days in shifting conditions, the Alpine Start Hoody is tough to beat.
Number of Pockets: 1 exterior chest | Measured Weight: 6.9 oz (M)
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is ideal for women who want a technical softshell for fast-and-light adventures in mild to moderate conditions. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or simply trying to travel light without sacrificing weather protection, this piece shines. “I love to use it for high-output activities in warmer to transitional seasons, when I know I'll work up a sweat,” our tester remarked. If you need a light-duty combination of breathability, sun protection, and mobility, this is a great choice.
Why we love it: The Gamma Lightweight Hoody delivers an impressive mix of comfort, flexibility, and a surprising amount of abrasion resistance for how insubstantial it feels. The compact package provides decent wind and weather protection relative to its weight, and it provides sun protection, great stretch, and maintains a breathable and quick-drying feel. Its helmet-compatible hood and streamlined, athletic cut make it a versatile option that transitions well from trail to crag. It's the lightest jacket in the Gamma series, and one of the pricier options in this list, but it manages to hold its own in terms of durability and performance. All told, it lives up to our expectations for an investment like this.
Should you buy it? This hoody offers fantastic mobility and comfort, and, weighing in at just half a pound, the Gamma Lightweight is great for anyone looking for an ultralight jacket to fill that niche. However, it's not the best option for extended rain or severe weather. Moisture will soak through the fabric after an extended time, and if you need to prepare for heavier precipitation, you'll want to reach for your real rain gear. On the other hand, if every ounce counts and wind/sun protection matters most, the Gamma Lightweight should be on your list.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand | Measured Weight: 8.60 oz (XS)
Who this is best for: If you're looking for a hoodless softshell as part of your layering system, check out The North Face Tek Approach. This eye-catching softshell has a clean aesthetic that effortlessly looks great in multiple scenarios, and you can wear it fishing or hiking and head straight to casual dinner engagements without a wardrobe change. The Tek Approach is also a breathable layer, thanks to its inner grid-patterned fleece that ushers sweat away from the body. It won't keep you very dry in a sustained rainstorm, but if wearing a hat and walking through a brief drizzle, the Tek Approach has a nice DWR treatment that'll help repel some light precip.
Why we love it: In addition to its clean looks and versatility, the fleece liner of the Tek Approach was particularly comfortable, and we loved its all-day comfort, even if only wearing a t-shirt underneath. Despite having some insulation, we were also very impressed with its weight, at 11.3 ounces, and it is easy to fit in a daypack or overnight bag. This was also a fairly mobile garment, and we were easily able to wear it for overhead activities like fly-fishing without straining any fabric.
Should you buy it? While many shoppers are hunting for a hooded softshell, a hood isn't necessarily for everyone. If that's you, The North Face Tek Approach is a phenomenal choice thanks to its ventilation, durability, and versatility. While it shouldn't be worn in sustained rains or snowstorms, it has enough weather resistance for moderate temperatures and friendly precipitation. If you're weight-conscious with your gear, this is a fairly light layer that's easy to justify fitting into your bag, whether heading to work or heading to the mountains.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand, 1 upper sleeve | Measured Weight: 11.3 oz (S)
The North Face Tek Approach is an excellent hoodless option that offers great looks and performance, just don't use it for rainy days.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How We Tested
Softshell testing starts just like every category at GearLab, with a thorough evaluation of what's on the market to curate the best possible lineup, seeking to understand all the various branding claims so we can verify them (or call them out) in our tests. Then the rigorous and detailed testing of each product begins. We took these jackets along for activities ranging from early spring crack climbing, chilly ice climbs, and windy days on the paddleboard on a high alpine lake. We consider nitpicky details of comfort and usability while wearing each jacket, so we can truly determine which one is the best. Next, we do some more objective testing in a controlled setting to augment our findings with measurable data. We then synthesize and analyze the information to deliver the well-rounded appraisals of the pros and cons of each jacket that you find here.
We assessed the performance of these softshell jackets in 5 key metrics:
Weather Protection
Breathability
Mobility
Weighting
Versatility
We tested every softshell jacket in our review in real world environments, ensuring our testing process was as thorough as possible.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Why Trust GearLab
Our outdoors gear experts are led by wilderness guide Kate Pitts and IFMGA Mountain Guide Zach Lovell. For over a decade, Kate served as a backcountry ranger, educator, and search and rescue professional with the National Park Service in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Haleakala. Now a wilderness guide and yoga instructor in Yosemite, she starts her mornings on the mat before embarking on adventures like climbing, ultralight backpacking, or scuba diving. She relies on softshell jackets on a daily basis, whether ascending a windy granite dome in Tuolumne or scrambling a high-alpine ridge.
Our gear reviewers are experts in a variety of outdoor sports, allowing them to test softshell jackets in various settings.
Zach climbs, skis, and guides all over the world, from the arid deserts of the American West to the glaciated peaks of the European Alps. Undoubtedly, his favorite layer is the softshell jacket, which he consistently packs for every climb, ski tour, or hike throughout the year. This versatile garment is essential for Zach, as it provides the right balance of protection and comfort in diverse conditions. Whether facing chilly winds or unexpected weather changes, he relies on his softshell jacket to keep him comfortable and agile in mountainous environments.
Our GearLab team has taken softshell jackets all over the world, from the Himalayas to Patagonia.
The softshell review team also includes Mary Witlacil and Ryan Huetter. Mary is a passionate outdoors enthusiast who particularly enjoys alpine climbing in California and Colorado. When she's not rock climbing, you can find her swinging ice tools, scaling mountains, backpacking, cycling, or simply enjoying the views. After college, Ryan moved from the Pacific Northwest to California's Sierra Nevada and has since climbed globally, including over 20 big wall routes in Yosemite and Fitz Roy in Patagonia. Softshell jackets are an essential part of every tester's gear, a reliable accessory no matter what adventure lies ahead.
What it looks like when a group of detail-oriented people turns their keen eyes to softshell jackets for several weeks of intense testing aimed at delivering comprehensive, comparative insights and useful results.
How to Choose the Best Softshell Jacket
Today, the softshell jacket category is pretty loosely defined, including everything from minimalist windbreakers to insulated options that feel like two jackets combined into one. So, the first step in your shopping journey is to determine which type of softshell best suits your needs. We'll discuss layering considerations and explore the design trade-offs you should keep in mind before making a purchase.
There are many types of softshell jackets available today, but rest easy knowing there's the right option for you and your needs.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Men's Softshell Jackets
Our men's reviewers conducted a thorough and exhaustive review of men's softshell jackets, and the following chart summarizes our overall findings, identifying the best softshell options for men.
Women's Softshell Jackets
Our women's review team took on the challenge of honing in on the best softshell jackets for women. The chart below shows the final scores, summarizing which models are considered the top performers among softshell options for women.
How to Layer a Softshell
Softshell jackets are versatile, and we value them especially for their layering applications. Generally, layering decisions are influenced by four key factors: breathability, weather protection, warmth, and fit or cut. Slimmer-fitting jackets are typically worn closer to base layers, while looser options are often used as outer layers and leave more room for insulating layers in between. More breathable softshells are best worn near the skin, with options that ventilate less best serving as outer layers.
Warmth, usually provided by fleece insulation, is generally maximized when worn close to the body, though some may prefer a different approach. Weather protection is ideally placed on the outermost layer, but it's important to note that softshells are limited in their protection compared to hardshells in severe weather conditions. In inclement weather, a hardshell should always be worn over a softshell for optimal protection.
There are a variety of ways to layer a softshell jacket, some options like the Arcteryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody are slimmer fitting and best worn closer to the base layers.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Water Resistance, Warmth, and Breathability
As a general rule, when a garment is more breathable, it is also less weather-resistant or warm. No matter the marketing claims tossed about, this is almost invariably the case. Even on high-end garments with increased weather resistance, waterproofing, or insulation features, we expect to see some reduction in breathability to match.
If you're wanting a highly breathable layer, be prepared to get wet if precipitation is anything more than a brief drizzle.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Imagine wearing a trash bag as a jacket. It will probably keep moisture off your inner layers like a champ, which is great and exactly what you want. But if you start moving in that trash bag and begin to sweat, you will soon find this moisture has nowhere to exit and it ends up sitting against your skin, creating a clammy feeling and wetting any absorbent layers from the inside out. It quickly becomes apparent why so many outdoor athletes seek garments with high-performance breathability; without it, things can get hot and sticky really fast. However, too breathable, and your jacket will let in moisture from precipitation, allowing you to get wet anyway. The danger of this, beyond simple discomfort, is that once you are wet, it's very easy to get chilled in alpine conditions, and damp layers should be avoided as much as possible.
Options without insulation are likely to dry more quickly than jackets that do offer insulation, which is commonly fleece in the world of softshells.
Credit: Zach Lovell
This trade-off between breathability and weather protection is a fundamental challenge in outdoor apparel design. Manufacturers strive to balance these competing properties, but it's just as important for consumers to understand that no single garment can excel in all areas simultaneously. For this reason, we recommend taking the time to realistically evaluate your range of activities; the right softshell may mean something very different for different shoppers. Beyond this, before heading out for your next hike/climb/paddle day, assess your specific plans, try to anticipate effort levels, and check the weather.
While it is unlikely to find a waterproof jacket that also boasts incredible breathability, many options find a happy medium between weather resistance and ventilation.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Softshell jackets shouldn't be considered a substitute for genuine hardshell/rain gear when facing more than a brief thunderstorm, nor should they replace proper insulating layers in extremely cold conditions. See our favorite rain jackets and insulated jackets for more severe conditions.
All of our jackets were put through various water resistance testing, and while several offer great protection for shorter periods, a softshell shouldn't replace a true hardshell/rain jacket.
Credit: Zach Lovell
One of the softshell's primary strengths is its breathability. This is ideal for times when you plan to be sweaty in mildly wet or cold environments, where it can provide some warmth and weather protection without feeling like that trash bag we mentioned earlier. When choosing a softshell, consider two key questions: What activities will you be doing, and in what climates? Then, determine which layers you plan to use alongside your new softshell. If you have a fleece layer that you take with you everywhere, or live in a warmer climate, you probably don't need an insulated softshell. Alternatively, if you know you will run into some wind or light rain, but nothing worse, you can go with a softshell that prioritizes ventilation and breathability. Otherwise, you'll want to bring a bomber hardshell that you can throw on top of everything if the weather gets nasty.
Do you need a softshell that prioritizes breathability? Or are you recreating in stormier areas and need something with a bit more water resistance?
Credit: Kate Pitts
Packability and Weight in a Softshell Jacket
Finally, it's essential to evaluate weight. There are some scenarios where every ounce counts, and packability is key, and in these cases, the numbers speak for themselves. We measure the weight of each jacket ourselves to make sure you have accurate numbers to compare. However, not everyone needs ultralight everything. If you mostly stick to day hikes and car-camping type activities, you probably won't notice the extra few ounces and may prefer to gain a bit more warmth and weather protection.
No surprise, the bulkiest layers were also typically the heaviest.
Credit: Zach Lovell
We recommend first considering your planned activities and the climates you'll be in, then assessing how much weight matters to you. While warmth and premium weather protection often come with added weight, breathable softshells are relatively lightweight as a whole.
Lightweight and breathable layers like the Rab Borealis pack down very small, comparable to a 1-liter water bottle.
Credit: Zach Lovell
It is also important to think through how you will carry extra items. Will you have a pack? Will you be clipping items to a harness? Do you need a way to attach the jacket for safekeeping to your body, or can you trust you'll have a pocket to stash it into when needed? Some jackets are designed to stuff easily into their own pockets and may come with an additional loop to make it easy to attach them to a belt or the outside of a pack. This can be very useful, depending on your adventure plans for the day.
Layers that packed down the smallest also typically offered less in the ways of features or weather protection performance.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Features of a Softshell Jacket
Keep an eye on the features your prospective jacket offers. While any jacket is far less complex than electronics or a bicycle, manufacturers have been upping the technology found in a layer like this. From the pocket design to cuff adjustments to the drawstring shock cord of the hood, there are some important things to look out for if you have more specific demands of your softshell jacket.
There are several great features that can improve the fit and performance of a softshell
Credit: Japhy Dhungana
Pockets
A pocket is just a pocket, right? Think again. There are many ways softshell manufacturers lay out the pocket size, location, and build quality of any given layer. The number of pockets a softshell has has a varying degree of importance depending on the person and activity. Ultralight models typically only have one or two pockets, as any pocket means extra fabric and a zipper, which inevitably equals more weight. So, we advise you to look for a layer with fewer pockets if you are counting every gram you wear or carry.
For some, just a few pockets are all that's needed to keep weight down yet still offer some utility.
Credit: Syd Knadler
You may want several pockets if you prefer to carry a variety of items on your person rather than in your backpack. The most common locations for pockets are the hand pockets near the waist and at least one pocket in the chest area. Our personal favorite is to have an external chest pocket, which is easier to access than an internal one, and many of our testers love to put their cell phones in there. Internal chest pockets can be great for protecting whatever you put in there, but it makes it slower to access. Some jackets offer pockets in other areas, like the sleeve. While most of our testers don't use these pockets as much, some love having extra on-person storage.
Some models offer jacket pockets in unique places.
If you're recreating in cold weather, we strongly encourage you to keep your cell phone in a layer like a softshell or fleece, and put it in your chest pocket, if your jacket has one. This helps keep your cell phone warm so it can function properly for phone calls, photos, mapping, or contacting emergency services.
One common pitfall we see in a softshell jacket is the height of the hand pockets. Without a backpack, the location of these hand pockets isn't particularly crucial, but if you're wearing a backpack, the hip belt is likely covering up these hand pockets, making them harder to access. Some manufacturers deliberately put these pockets high enough that they can be accessed while wearing a harness or a hip belt.
Even in high end models, the hand pockets are often blocked by a hip belt.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Jacket Adjustments
There are some incredible advances in jacket adjustability in recent years that allow one to really get the fit of a softshell jacket just right for a variety of layering systems and activities. We most commonly see adjustability in the cuffs, hem, and hood. The most common method of adjustment, and our personal favorite, is a shock cord with some sort of tension keeper for tightening or loosening the opening of a jacket. For cuffs, Velcro allows for more adjustment than elastic.
We love having adjustability in the hem, among other areas, to perfect the fit and better protect ourselves from the elements.
Credit: Syd Knadler
Hood Designs
In softshell jackets, we typically see two distinct hood styles: slim fit and over-helmet fit. Slimmer fit options fit closer to the head, and commonly just fit over a ballcap or beanie. We find these to be far less versatile, but they can still work well and are nice for heat retention. Over-helmet options are typically much bigger (and heavier), but they boast excellent weather sealing and often have shock cord running throughout the hood for cinching down. Some models even offer adjustability in the back of the hood to tighten circumference and front adjustments to seal the opening.
If you want a more spacious hood, consider a model that can fit over a helmet, which commonly also has great adjustability.
Conclusion
While a jacket class that has “shell” in its name implies reduced breathability, softshell layers strike a unique balance between ventilation and protection from the elements. While we wouldn't steer you towards this type of coat if heading into a downpour, it'll at least offer some resilience to wind, rain, snow, or cold, and you can still wear it during higher output activities. Our research and selection process ensured we were testing a variety of models from several manufacturers, from obscure softshells to crowd favorites. Our testers firmly believe this class of jacket is a must-have, and can easily be layered with a variety of other jackets, from fleece to puffy coats. While there are many models to choose from, this review has distilled it down to a more manageable number of the best of the best.
—Zach Lovell, Kate Pitts, Mary Witlacil, and Ryan Huetter
