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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 October 9, 2026
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 water resistance in a softshell, it can be enough to keep you dry during short spells of rain, and they're more comfortable than a hardshell once the sweat picks up.
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.
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 factors like weather protection, breathability, and mobility.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on October 9, 2026, after testing some new jackets and choosing new award winners.
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is for the all-arounder who 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, but if you want a softshell that'll be with you all year, this is a great jacket.
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 it's not in your budget, check out the mobile and comfortable Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie, which also earned top accolades in our review and is around half the price.
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. 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. Credit: Zach Lovell
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 cross over 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 fantastic choice for anyone looking for an affordable softshell and prioritizing breathability. This no-frills layer is great for sunny hikes and backpacking, especially if you need to keep weight down, and it offers great mobility for sports like rock climbing. As the seasons turn colder, the Borealis layers easily under insulation, so you can use it year-round for a bunch of different sports.
Why we love it: The Rab Borealis offers some of the best performance per dollar on the market, and we loved its ventilation. While some softshells required us to take them off in the middle of a long uphill slog, the Borealis was thin enough to shed heat and its two hand pockets have mesh backing for airflow. This is also a very packable layer, and the latest version of the Borealis even sheds a few ounces.
Should you buy it? It's hard to beat the price and weight of the Borealis. However, this is not a very protective or warm softshell, and we'd suggest looking elsewhere if you need a stand-alone layer with more water resistance. While our team appreciated the reduced weight of the updated Borealis, Rab moved the chest pockets down to act as standard hand pockets, making them harder to access with a backpack's hip belt or harness on. Ultimately, this remains a great buy for a wide variety of outdoor recreationists; just make sure this isn't your only layer for warmth or rain protection. Fortunately, the Borealis layers easily.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand | Measured Weight: 9.2 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 and 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. Credit: GearLab Staff
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 expect damp conditions but want more mobility than a traditional hardshell and more breathability than a true 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)
The Rab Kinetic 2.0 boasts exceptional mobility plus water resistance, making for a particularly handy garment in variable environments. Credit: GearLab Team
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 waterproof 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. Credit: GearLab Team
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. Credit: GearLab Team
Who this is best for: If you need a rugged softshell jacket that can handle abrasive rocks and rough storms, check out the Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded. This layer is much more capable on its own than most in its class, but it is substantially heavier as a result, making it most ideal for adventurers who aren't as weight-sensitive. Its thicker construction also makes it best for cooler temperatures, and it especially shines in the fall, winter, and spring.
Why we love it: This is a much burlier softshell that we didn't have to layer with other jackets as often. Whether temperatures were on the chillier side or we got hit with afternoon thunderstorms, the Ultimate VIII could be worn on its own, and its relaxed cut fit over our insulating layers much more easily. It also has generous pit zips and mesh pockets for decent airflow when your heart starts pumping and you need to cool down.
Should you buy it? If you want a softshell layer that puts protection and longevity first, put the Ultimate VIII on your radar. This is undeniably a heavy jacket, at 20.2 ounces in a men's medium, so make sure you're willing to lug a bulkier softshell around in your backpack. The Ultimate VIII is also a much less breathable softshell, even with its ventilation features, making it better for higher-elevation or cooler-weather recreation. Besides these considerations, the Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded is a great choice if you want a softshell that can handle tough environments, no matter how much it weighs.
Number of Pockets: 2 exterior hand, 1 exterior chest | Measured Weight: 20.2 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)
We greatly appreciated the freedom of movement afforded by the Gamma Lightweight Hoody, also offering exceptional breathability. Credit: GearLab Team
How We Tested
Softshell testing starts like every category at GearLab: we thoroughly evaluate what's on the market to curate the best possible lineup, and we dig into branding claims so we can verify them (or call them out) in our tests. Then we begin rigorous, detailed testing of each product. We took these jackets on activities ranging from early-spring crack climbing to chilly ice climbs and windy days on a paddleboard on a high alpine lake. We consider nitpicky details of comfort and usability while wearing each jacket so we can determine which one is 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 outdoor 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 heading out for adventures like climbing, ultralight backpacking, or scuba diving. She relies on softshell jackets daily, whether ascending a windy granite dome in Tuolumne or scrambling a high-alpine ridge.
Zach climbs, skis, and guides worldwide, from the arid deserts of the American West to the glaciated peaks of the European Alps. His favorite layer is the softshell jacket, which he packs for every climb, ski tour, or hike throughout the year. This versatile garment is essential for Zach, providing the right balance of protection and comfort in diverse conditions. Whether facing chilly winds or sudden weather changes, he relies on his softshell jacket to stay comfortable and agile in mountainous environments.
Our gear reviewers are experts in a variety of outdoor sports, allowing them to test softshell jackets in various settings.
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.
From lightweight softshells that prioritize breathability to heavyweight options that prioritize protection, softshells come in several sub-classes. Credit: Zach Lovell
Men's Softshell Jackets
Our men's reviewers conducted a thorough review of men's softshell jackets, and the chart below summarizes our overall findings and identifies 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
Softshells range from featherweight models that are incredibly thin to hefty reinforced jackets with multiple layers. If you have a minimalist layer, we suggest wearing it closer to your body to fully utilize its breathability. If you prefer a more robust jacket, wear it farther from your body to maximize its protective benefits. Mid-activity or mid-summer, we often only wear a base layer or a softshell jacket.
Most often, softshells work best underneath insulation or rain protection like this. Occasionally, burlier models can be worn as the outermost jacket. Credit: Zach Lovell
How you size the softshell also affects how you layer it. As is often the case, wear slimmer-fitting jackets close to your base layers to accommodate overlayers. Baggier cuts work better worn further from your body, since they can fit more jackets underneath.
Fleece layers can often fit underneath a softshell, but if you want more layers underneath, consider sizing up. Credit: Zach Lovell
Water Resistance, Warmth, and Breathability
As a general rule, the more breathable a garment is, the less weather-resistant or warm it is. No matter the marketing claims, this is almost invariably the case. Even on high-end garments with increased weather resistance, waterproofing, or insulation, we expect a corresponding reduction in breathability.
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, your jacket will let in moisture from precipitation, so you can still get wet. The danger, beyond simple discomfort, is that once you are wet, it's 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 consumers should also understand that no single garment can excel in all areas at once. 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 people. 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 substitute for genuine hardshell/rain gear in anything 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 you take 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, bring a bomber hardshell 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. In some scenarios, every ounce counts and packability is key; in those cases, the numbers speak for themselves. We measure each jacket ourselves to ensure you have accurate numbers to compare. However, not everyone needs ultralight everything. If you mostly stick to day hikes and car-camping activities, you probably won't notice the extra few ounces and may prefer 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 add weight, breathable softshells are relatively lightweight overall.
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 to your body for safekeeping, or can you trust you'll have a pocket to stash it in when needed? Some jackets are designed to stuff easily into their own pockets and may include an extra loop to make it easy to attach 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 pocket design to cuff adjustments to the drawstring shock cord of the hood, there are important things to look for if you have specific demands for 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. Jacket manufacturers can lay out pocket size, location, and build quality in many ways. The number of pockets a softshell has varies in importance depending on the person and activity. Ultralight models typically have only one or two pockets, since each pocket adds fabric and a zipper, which inevitably adds 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 pocket locations are the hand pockets near the waist and at least one pocket in the chest area. Our personal favorite is an external chest pocket, which is easier to access than an internal one, and many of our testers love putting their cell phones there. Internal chest pockets can be great for protecting whatever you put in them, but they're 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 jackets offer 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 works properly for 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 them, making them harder to access. Some manufacturers deliberately place these pockets high enough that you can access them while wearing a harness or hip belt.
Hand pockets like this are simply hard to access with a hip belt on. 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.
Hem adjustability is great for tuning the fit, but it's also helpful when you need to create a better jacket seal. Credit: Syd Knadler
Hood Designs
Some jackets have slimmer hoods meant to fit underneath a helmet, while others have larger hoods that fit over a helmet. Both hood styles work well over a beanie or baseball hat, though a hood with a drawstring cord is typically better in high winds.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi's hood is designed to fit over a helmet. Credit: Heath Nunnemacher
Drawstring adjustability can sometimes just include a single drawstring at the brim, but more feature-rich softshells also have a drawstring cord running along the back of the head. In addition to keeping a hat on your head, this also offers a tighter seal in the wind or rain.
Hoods like this have drawstring cords running along the brim of the hood and along the backside. Credit: Syd Knadler
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. We wouldn't steer you toward this type of layer in a downpour, but it'll still offer some resistance 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 layers easily with a variety of other jackets, from fleece to puffy coats.
—Zach Lovell, Kate Pitts, Mary Witlacil, and Ryan Huetter
