Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant Review

The Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant is one of the least expensive softshells available today. While it's not ideal for longer trips in the mountains, it is an excellent layer for more relaxed adventures closer to the trailhead.

Weather Protection

This metric was weighted at 30% of the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant's total score. We spent weeks with each layer, putting their weather protection features to the test across a myriad of outdoor activities, from hikes to climbs to fly fishing trips. Our shower test involved hopping into the full-force spray for one minute and then measuring any wetness that may have appeared as a result on the layer underneath. A second test involved soaking a one-foot square piece of the jacket's fabric and then comparing how long it took for it to dry time with the use of a hair dryer (on the no-heat setting) vs other jackets faced with the same scenario. Lastly, we took a bottle of boiling water and put it inside the Amazon Essentials. We then monitored how long before it dropped below 170 degrees Fahrenheit and recorded that measurement to compare against the rest. This option came in towards the back of the pack in this metric.

The Amazon Essentials got our testers very wet during rain storms and the shower test. This is partly due to the lack of a hood and partly due to the water-permeable fabric.

This option produced a total of 332 square inches of wet spots on the underlayer in our shower test, predominantly around the head and zipper area. In a light drizzle, this jacket worked very well for water resistance, so keep an eye on the weather forecast — you might want a rain shell in addition to the Amazon Essentials if anticipating heavier precipitation.

If this option does get wet, it is also very slow to dry, with the fleece inner holding water like a sponge. Fortunately, this jacket was one of our top-scoring options in heat retention, scoring nearly 44 minutes in the water bottle test, which was twice as long as lighter-weight softshells. At the end of the day, this layer is great for warmth and wind protection but not what you should rely on to keep water at bay.

Breathability

Since this metric is typically one of the strongest aspects of a softshell, we gave it 30% of the total score of the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant. We tested this metric in the field, spending weeks in each layer performing a variety of activities and output levels. Then, we carried out a 45-minute cardio program with each, after which we measured the number of sweat spots on our underlayer. This wasn't the strongest metric for the Amazon Essentials.

As a warm, fleece-lined softshell, it didn't surprise us when this layer didn't breathe well. When our heart rate increased, so did our sweat, especially when wearing a backpack. However, in cooler environments and on slower-paced hikes, this option performed well, keeping us cozy and with minimal sweat. Once again, this option is great for casual use and for shorter adventures.

Mobility

We gave mobility 25% of the total score of the Amazon Essentialssince freedom of movement is a crucial consideration for any garment. We approached this assessment from different angles. First, we examined the range of motion across various activities during our weeks of field testing. Then, we performed the same set of motions in each layer, noting any specific restrictions and measuring waistline lift. This option performed modestly in mobility.

The Amazon Essentials produces some restrictions on the shoulders when holding one's arms overhead. For some shoppers, this may not impact a purchasing decision, as the jacket was comfortable if one's hands stayed head-height or lower. We greatly appreciated the velcro-adjusted cuffs, helping dial in the fit around the wrists, though there is excess fabric bunching around the abdomen. Climbers might notice the restriction in overhead movement, but casual hikers may not. For anyone prioritizing mobility above other design features, we'd recommend looking elsewhere.

Weight

Ten percent of the total score of the Amazon Essentials was based on its weight. This metric was easily tested by weighing each jacket and examining the final results. This option is somewhat on the heavier side.

As previously mentioned, the Amazon Essentials option is warm and wind-resistant. It also makes for a heavier garment that is less packable.

We suspect many prospective buyers of a layer like the Amazon Essentials won't be turned away by its weight. If the goal is a softshell for more casual use, it will do the trick. It is also more durable than others, which we largely credit to its heftier construction.

Versatility

We gave versatility 5% of the total score of the Amazon Essentials. We examined the prospective uses of each layer, examining how well each can be worn over or under other garments. The Amazon Essentials option works best for more specific uses.

This jacket is great for hikes and other casual adventures, including fishing or outdoor dinner hangs. It's less than ideal for longer outings and has some overhead restrictions that make it not a great choice for activities like climbing.

This jacket works well as an overlayer, but to fit a puffy or hardshell over it, you'll want a larger size up top to reduce the bunching of the Amazon Essentials inside.

Should You Buy the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant?

This is an excellent option for casual outdoors people who prioritize price above all else. This softshell is several times cheaper than the competition and is very comfortable to hang out in. If your outdoor ambitions are larger than shorter hikes, dinner hangs, or fishing trips, we encourage you to spend more on a softshell that will deliver the right combination of performance features for your needs.

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