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Softshells are great when you need a breathable layer that will help keep some inclement weather at bay. Although these layers won't protect you from the harshest weather, they can provide moderate protection from wind and light drizzle, allowing moisture from sweat to escape during high-output adventures like running, climbing, hiking, or backcountry skiing.
The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is the best softshell we tested. It offers an incredible balance of weather protection, breathability, and mobility. If you want something that offers a bit of warmth, we recommend the fleece-lined Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody, though it's twice as heavy as some of the lighter-weight layers.
Our favorite lower-cost softshell is the Rab Borealis, which is breathable, comfortable, and half the price of some of the premium layers we tested.
For over a decade, our gear experts have tested more than 80 unique men's softshell jackets. We've worn them on the glaciers of the Pacific Northwest and the granite walls of the Sierra, relentlessly pushing these breathable layers in a variety of activities and weather, taking extensive notes along the way.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on October 9, 2026 to test softshells from Mammut and Outdoor Research, and to retest the updated Rab Borealis.
The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody offers phenomenal all-around performance for any outdoor activity, whether you're headed out for your next hike or ski tour. In the latest update of the famed Gamma, Arc'teryx has addressed the majority of our qualms with past versions, making a great jacket even better. The previous version had a slimmer cut, while this update offers a more relaxed fit with improved range of motion. We also love the addition of two external chest pockets, which are much more useful than the single internal chest pocket of the last edition of the Gamma. “While it's on the pricier side, the latest and greatest version of this softshell had me really digging to find something to complain about,” our head softshell tester commented. This jacket does well with heat retention, but it scores lower on breathability, so check out its lightweight brother, the Gamma Lightweight Hoody, if you're prioritizing ventilation.
As a premium year-round jacket, the Gamma Hoody is certainly on the more expensive side, costing two or three times more than some of the competition. Depending on your intended uses, a jacket like the Rab Borealis is a much less expensive alternative, and was one of our favorites for a lightweight softshell, though it isn't as weather-resistant. Arc'teryx managed to shave almost 2 ounces off this new version of the Gamma, making it friendlier to carry on high mountain excursions. “Simply put, this is a do-anything softshell, and I loved its aesthetics,” tester Zach Lovell concluded.
Which Gamma Model Should You Choose?
Arc'teryx has three different options in the Gamma line. This one, the Gamma Hoody, is their midweight option, blending weather resistance and breathability for all-around high performance in a variety of conditions. The lightest option, the Gamma Lightweight Hoody, is the best for breathability but lacks weather protection. The heaviest option is the Gamma MX, which offers the best warmth and water protection but has reduced breathability.
While softshells are already a versatile jacket class, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is a layer you can use all 12 months a year for a wide variety of adventures. The Ferrosi finds a great balance between weight, mobility, and weather protection for summer backpacking, day hiking, or winter skiing. The single-layer nylon has tons of stretch and became one of our mobility favorites, further reinforcing it as a do-anything softshell. “One of the best parts of the Ferrosi, for me, was its affordability,” our lead softshell jacket tester added, “it rose to the top in our tests without the ultra-premium price tag.”
The Ferrosi Hoodie lands in the midweight jacket category at 13.8 ounces in a medium, which might be less ideal for those ultralight folks looking to trim their backpack as much as possible. Check out the sub-7-ounce Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody if you're willing to sacrifice some warmth and durability in the name of going ultralight. The Ferrosi also has a shorter hem length, and many of our underlayers poked out underneath the hem. It might not be a deal breaker, but it can let in unwanted cold air. Aside from a couple of considerations, this is a great versatile jacket on a budget and easy to justify bringing on any trip.
The Rab Borealis is easy on the wallet and breathes better than most softshells, whether you love summit hikes or fall mountain bike rides. Some version of the Borealis has been a favorite layer for several years, and the latest version is even lighter, coming in at 9.2 ounces in a men's medium. This is also a very stretchy softshell that, paired with a semi-relaxed cut, creates a highly mobile layer that won't restrict your upper body whether you're rock climbing or fishing. “The Borealis's blend of low weight, breathability, and range of motion makes it a go-anywhere jacket for me, and it won't break the bank,” one of our head testers concluded.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fabric Weight Class
Lightweight
Insulated
No
Number of Pockets
2 exterior hand zip
Material
Matrix single weave stretch nylon with fluorocarbon-free DWR
Measured Weight
9.2 oz (medium)
While we appreciated the weight savings in the newest version of the Borealis, Rab also moved the chest pockets to the waist, making them harder to access when wearing a hip belt. The Borealis offers little adjustability beyond a drawstring at the hem, and it also doesn't provide much protection from precip. We think it offers the best performance for the price, but if you don't want to pay this much, you can get fairly decent performance from the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant or the TACVASEN Special Ops Tactical, which are a fraction of the price.
The Rab Kinetic 2.0 wears like a softshell but protects like a rain shell. Rab has poured a great deal of effort into the Kinetic, and their latest version is the best yet, with improved breathability from past iterations. This jacket held up very well in both our real-world testing and in our more objective shower test, letting in minimal amounts of moisture for shorter storms. We also appreciated its looser cut that grants great range of motion and adjustability in the hem and arms for a more dialed-in fit. Our testers got braver throughout testing and used the Kinetic 2.0 as the primary exterior shell for a few multi-day trips, though notably, it was always when the forecast didn't call for too much precipitation. This option belongs at the top of your list if weather resistance is a priority for your softshell shopping.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fabric Weight Class
Midweight
Insulated
No
Number of Pockets
2 exterior hand zip
Material
Proflex: recycled polyester knit face 3L with PU membrane and recycled polyester backer
Measured Weight
11.6 oz (medium)
The Kinetic 2.0 has decent, usable features, but we wish Rab had included a chest pocket. “Stashing my phone or random items in the hand pockets could be annoying when I was wearing a harness or a backpack with a hip strap, because it was harder to access the pockets,” our head tester lamented. We also found the Kinetic to have a bit of extra fabric around the abdomen and wrists, causing unwanted bunching. Lastly, we wish a water-resistant shell like this had an over-helmet hood, given that its current under-helmet design offers less effective weather protection. Besides these few considerations, the Kinetic 2.0 is a top-tier softshell worthy of your hard-earned cash, especially if you recreate in damp climates.
For a more weather-resistant layer, the Kinetic 2.0 offers decent breathability, making it a great option for variable conditions and activities. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody offers excellent performance in warmth and water resistance, making it ideal for cooler temperatures or seasons. As a heavier-weight softshell, we weren't surprised by its decent heat retention scores, but we were pleasantly surprised by its breathability. The fleece-lined inner offers a grid pattern that ushers interior moisture to the nylon outer, allowing our testers to keep this layer on far longer than expected, whether backpacking or climbing. The fleece lining feels great next to bare skin, inviting us to choose this layer again and again. In our shower test, we were blown away by the effectiveness of the DWR-treated nylon shell, keeping us almost completely dry for an entire minute with the shower on full blast. From town hangs to the mountains, the R2 should be kept on your consideration list if you're seeking a warmer class of softshell.
The Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody doesn't have Velcro or a drawstring in the hem, hood, or cuffs, giving it zero adjustability. The elastic bindings in those areas may offer a great fit for some, but if they don't quite meet your needs, we'd recommend the Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody, which lets you dial in the fit. The Gamma MX also offers a slimmer cut than the R2, which arguably makes it a better option for technical use, such as climbing or skiing. If the adjustability asterisks and relaxed fit aren't deal breakers, the Patagonia R2 is a phenomenal option for chillier conditions, especially if you might experience some rain or snow.
If you want a dependable softshell that can handle a rough life, take a closer look at the Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded. This model offers a 3-layer polyester construction that's substantially thicker than most softshells on the market today, and it offers decent protection from the rain or cold. While the Ultimate VIII shouldn't replace your hardshell or rain layer, it can handle inclement weather as a stand-alone jacket, as long as the storm isn't relentless. We love its great pit zips and mesh-backed pockets for airflow, which is especially helpful given its thick build. As one of our field testers concluded, “I wore the Ultimate VIII for several days across both sunny and moody forecasts. This was one of the few softshells that I didn't need to add as much layering to for warmth or water resistance.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Fabric Weight Class
Heavyweight
Insulated
No
Number of Pockets
1 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip
Material
100% recycled polyester
Measured Weight
20.2 oz (medium)
The unavoidable trade-off with durability is weight and packability. The Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded is 20.2 ounces in a men's medium, making it close to a pound heavier than the lightest softshell we tested, the featherweight Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody. It also doesn't breathe particularly well, even with its ventilation features. Fortunately, we could keep the Ultimate VIII on in cooler seasons, but we didn't wear it as often in the summer. If you like the sound of a durable softshell but want to shed some ounces, check out the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody, which breathes a bit better than the Ultimate VIII and has a bit more stretch. Ultimately, the Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded is an incredibly capable softshell and shouldn't be overlooked if you want a rugged softshell that's more protective than most in its jacket class.
While many outdoor enthusiasts want a hood with their softshell layer, some may prefer a hoodless model. In such instances, we recommend The North Face Tek Approach. This well-made garment is durable, and our entire test team found it comfortable to wear, largely thanks to its soft, fleece-lined interior. “In chillier months, I simply didn't want or need to take this layer off,” one of our testers shared, “I put it on first thing in the morning when the house was cold, and I kept it on throughout a day of grocery runs and dog walks.” The DWR treatment was effective, but without a hood, you'll get wetter than you might like if you get caught in the rain. If you're realizing a hoodless model isn't the right fit, consider something like the Cotopaxi Yermo Hooded, which is in the same price ballpark but offers a hood and more moisture repellency.
While not every softshell jacket is particularly stylish, the Tek Approach has become a fan-favorite for looking equally good on a rock climb and at a casual dinner gathering. We attribute this in part to the hoodless design creating a sort of collar, making it look at least slightly more formal for social gatherings (if your friends are the outdoorsy type). The Tek Approach offers enough heat retention for friendlier seasons or climates, but it's best used as a mid-layer when temperatures drop. If you require more warmth from your softshell, consider the Patagonia R2 Tech Face Hoody, which has a similar fleece inner but is substantially warmer. In the niche of hoodless softshells, the Tek Approach is relatively affordable and can be worn in many settings, whether in the mountains, in the city, or commuting to the office.
This hoodless layer is great for anything from rock climbing to a coffee shop hangout. Credit: Zach Lovell
Product Comparison Table
Look at all these happy faces wearing their softshells! With a brisk wind at our backs, we were happy to have wind protection as well as breathability for the big climb. Credit: Ryan Huetter
How We Tested
Every round of softshell testing begins with extensive market research to select the most in-demand products out there for comparative analysis. After completing the selection process, we begin our rigorous and comprehensive testing for every single product. We evaluate all aspects of these jackets through extensive field testing and supplement that real-world experience with objective, measurable lab tests. Here at GearLab, we also buy every product ourselves to reduce bias and outside influence as much as possible. Our goal is to provide you with the most thorough and honest reviews you can trust.
Men's softshell jackets were tested across 5 performance metrics:
Weather Protection (30% of total weighted score)
Breathability (30% weighting)
Mobility (25% weighting)
Weight (10% weighting)
Versatility (5% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Full-time IFMGA Mountain Guides Zach Lovell and Ryan Huetter are at the helm of this review, both spending countless hours in the great outdoors across many different climates for all 4 seasons. Zach both works and plays across several states and countries, from the arid deserts of the American West to the glaciated peaks of the European Alps. Irrefutably, Zach's favorite layer is the softshell jacket, and it's the garment he always brings with him year-round, on any climb, ski tour, or hike. Ryan relocated from the Pacific Northwest to California's Sierra Nevada after College and has climbed all over the world, completing more than 20 big wall routes in Yosemite and on Patagonia's Fitz Roy. Softshell jackets are one of many pieces of gear in Ryan's daily life, whether he's spring skiing or needs a versatile layer for a climb.
Our testers doing what they do best: testing the limits of comfort and functionality among softshell jackets.
Analysis and Test Results
Our testers wear these softshell jackets in almost every conceivable weather condition year-round. We then correlate our real-world results with a set of predetermined metrics to analyze each jacket's performance. We compile this data to compare one model to another and help you hone in on the best choice for your specific needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Each softshell jacket's functionality falls somewhere between the extremes of a waterproof/windproof layer and a fully breathable layer. You'll likely pay more for a model closer to the waterproof end of the spectrum than the breathable end.
Rather than looking exclusively at price points, it's best to look at what you're getting for your money. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Rab Borealis stood out for its value, with top-tier performance at half the cost of some of the competition. For those on tighter budgets, where low price is the true priority, the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant or the TACVASEN Special Ops Tactical are worth checking out. We also think the Columbia Ascender is worth a look for those who want a casual but well-built jacket, and it's often on sale.
The Tacvasen offers a bunch of features at a palatable price point. Credit: Syd Knadler
All-arounder performance typically strains the wallet, but the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is one of our most versatile softshells, and comes in at a fairly palatable price point. It isn't the lightest or the most protective, but it kept our testers happy across all 4 seasons, making it a high-value softshell.
The Ferrosi Hoodie carries your dollar very far as a well-priced softshell that can handle lots of conditions. Credit: Heath Nunnemacher
Weather Protection
Weather protection is a crucial part of any shell jacket, so we weighted this metric heavily in each softshell layer's total score. We spent weeks in the field with each jacket, then dove into more objective lab testing to assess heat retention, water/wind resistance, and drying times.
Weather Resistant, Not Waterproof
We tested all softshell jackets in adverse conditions, engaging in activities in mixed and even harsh weather, with an emphasis on tracking how well each performed when in wet conditions. However, softshell jackets have limits when it comes to water resistance. None use a fully waterproof membrane, and none promise a watertight experience. If it starts raining, it's only a matter of time before these jackets go from comfy and cozy to heavy, waterlogged messes that are neither warm nor comfortable. The weather resistance of the softshells we tested varies. Some models are dependably water-resistant (not waterproof), while others are barely wind-resistant.
One of the most weatherproof models is the Rab Kinetic 2.0, built for nasty alpine conditions at a reasonable weight. We also found this option to offer decent drying times. In our shower test, the Patagonia R2 Techface was the surprise winner, allowing minimal water permeation. The biggest setback with the R2 was its drying time; if it gets soaked, its fleece inner takes a long time to dry.
The Patagonia R2 TechFace surprised us with its water resistance, both in shower and field testing. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded is another top performer, with a three-layer construction boasting great heat retention, at least for a soft shell, and repels rain better than most softshells. In high winds, the Ultimate VIII kept our testing team well-protected, and the drawstring systems at the hood and hem provided an excellent seal.
The Ultimate VIII is incredibly protective for a softshell, and offers both weather resistance and warmth. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Arc'teryx Gamma MX was highly competitive in this metric as well, delivering trustworthy protection in more scrappy alpine weather. For something less water-impervious but still impressively protective, the top-scoring Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is an excellent option, with well-rounded scores across all aspects of this metric.
Options like the Arc'teryx Gamma MX are built for variable alpine conditions, where it can go from a bluebird day to a hail storm in minutes. Credit: Zach Lovell
We performed a heat retention test by putting boiled water into a water bottle and placing it inside each layer, ultimately measuring how long it took for the water bottle to dip below 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The surprise winner in heat retention was the inexpensive Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant, doubling the test times of some competitors. The same jacket, unfortunately, didn't do well in the shower testing, so we'd only recommend this layer to budget-minded shoppers in drier climates. Another option that scored nearly as well in heat retention was the Columbia Ascender, though its hoodless design made it less ideal for precipitation. Thinner models like the Rab Borealis and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie are best paired with other insulation in chillier seasons, and they layer easily.
The Rab Borealis isn't very warm as a standalone softshell, but it fits other layers under or over it easily. Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
Many would argue breathability is the most important metric for a softshell. Our testers admit they choose these layers specifically because they breathe better than their hardshell counterparts. We tested this metric in the field for weeks on end while hiking, climbing, biking, backpacking, and even fishing. We also did more objective testing by running each layer on similar cardio circuits, then measuring the total surface area of sweat spots on the underlayer.
The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody and Rab Borealis were some of our favorites for their ventilating capabilities, keeping us cooler for longer, even on warm days. In alpine environments, the sun can be a powerful heater even when temperatures are chilly. But these layers stayed on our testers, even in such dynamic environments. Notably, they also didn't score as well in weather resistance, reconfirming a general pattern seen in this type of apparel: the more breathable a layer is, the less weather protection it offers. The Rab Kinetic 2.0 pleasantly surprised us with its breathability, given its high weather-resistance scores.
The Rab Kinetic 2.0 breathes very well when considering its scores in weather resistance. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie lands more in the midweight category, but its single-layer nylon construction sheds body heat effectively. Models like the Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded don't have very breathable fabric designs, but Mammut did include mesh-backed pockets and long pit zips to reduce the chances of overheating.
If you get toasty in the Ultimate VIII, simply open the pit zips and pockets for more airflow. Credit: Syd Knadler
The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody also scored well in this metric, with a lightweight construction that delivers great breathability. It doesn't have many ventilation features, but with such a thin build, body heat naturally escapes from the Alpine Start.
The Alpine Start is a great crossover model. It offers some of the protection of a softshell while retaining breathability and remaining light on the scale like a wind jacket. Credit: Jill Rice
Mobility
Mobility is an invaluable metric within softshell jackets. This class of layer is typically assumed to be stretchy, but we experienced different ranges of motion across our tested lineup. We took note of any mobility issues issues or excess fabric bunching that might get in the way of movement.
Mobility and Product Fit
Often, product manufacturers describe a garment's intended fit with descriptors such as “standard,” "trim," or “athletic.” This labeling can help you choose the right product, since an athletic-fitting jacket will likely be more form-fitting and will not allow as much layering underneath.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie has a somewhat casual cut and very stretchy nylon fabric, which felt great for rock climbing and fishing. The hem length is a bit shorter, but it never impacted its range of motion. Other jackets like the Rab Kinetic 2.0 have a baggier cut, but adjustability lets you dial in the fit. The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody was previously among the most restrictive models in the Gamma line, but the latest update features a more relaxed fit that our entire testing team absolutely loved. The Gamma was previously harder to size but is now built for a wider array of shapes and sizes.
The Ferrosi has great mobility thanks to its stretchy construction and semi-relaxed fit. Credit: Heath Nunnemacher
Models like the Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded don't have much stretch, but the looser fit gives you all the mobility you need. While this softshell has some excess fabric, it also fits over more layers than most softshell jackets.
Mammut made the Ultimate VIII mobile by utilizing a baggier fit rather than using stretchy fabrics. Credit: Syd Knadler
The Cotopaxi Yermo Hooded has a relaxed fit that allows wonderfully unencumbered movement, and bunching wasn't much of a concern. We easily enjoyed a day of rock climbing in the Yermo, and the hood didn't restrict any body position, whether up or down.
The Cotopaxi Yermo runs on the baggier side, making for an excellent jacket in the realm of mobility. Credit: Phil Simonet
Weight
Weight is one of those metrics that matters differently for each person, so feel free to take this section with a grain of salt. You may not care about the difference between a one pound jacket and a 7 ounce jacket. But if your ears (or eyeballs, rather) perked up at the mention of a 7 ounce jacket, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is just that. We were astonished by its 6.9 ounce weight, though that weight saving comes at a price with significantly reduced weather resistance.
For an extra 5 ounces, you can gain more weatherproofing in the Rab Kinetic 2.0. The Rab Borealis landed at a respectable 9.2 ounces, and we find it to be a high performing, low weight layer with a friendly price. The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight is one of the lightest models tested. The Gamma Hoody is a bit more robust and weighs around 5 ounces more than the Gamma Lightweight. With that extra weight, you get some added weather protection.
After subtracting the .05 oz from the holding strap, the Black Diamond Alpine Start weighs an impressive 6.9 ounces. Credit: Zach Lovell
Mid-priced options like the Cotopaxi Yermo Hooded and The North Face Tek Approach were reasonably light. The midweight Yermo came in at 14.9 ounces in a size medium. The Tek Approach weighs a modest 11.3 ounces, and while it was quite durable, it was also impressively packable. We easily fit it into a commuter bag or climbing backpack and hardly noticed its weight.
While not the absolute lightest jacket, the Tek Approach is a great softshell if packability is a priority. Credit: Mark Lovell
Durability and weight often come at a trade-off, and the Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded is a prime example. This rugged softshell comes in at 20.2 ounces in a medium, but has three layers of fabric and more features.
There's no getting around the weight and bulk of the Mammut Ultimate VIII, but it is much more abrasion resistant than the featherweight competition. Credit: Syd Knadler
Versatility
One final metric for consideration was versatility. We tested this by examining each jacket's potential uses and how well it serves as an under- or overlayer. We also investigated each option's features.
Jackets like the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie are true all-around, highly functional softshells with midweight construction that work year-round, from summer hiking to winter skiing. The Gamma, in particular, has a nice, eye-catching look that easily transitions to hanging around town. This one works best for folks who plan to layer other clothing over it, given its more athletic cut.
With great mobility and two chest pockets, the Gamma Hoody is at home at the cliff or the coffee shop. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Tacvasen Special Ops has a unique aesthetic and design prioritizing tactical use, yet it isn't out of place on a trail or in town. The Patagonia R2 Techface isn't the lightest option, but even in the heat of summer, we used this jacket on chilly mornings and nights, especially in cooler environments and seasons. The Rab Borealis also did well in this metric, easily layering under and over it, which encouraged us to take it wherever we went.
The Rab Borealis is at home in most outdoors settings and is easy to layer as the temperatures get more chilly. Credit: Zach Lovell
If you're a fan of hoodless models, consider The North Face Tek Approach, which has a nice look for social hangs but is capable enough to go straight to the trail. Its breathability makes it easy to use as a mid-layer in colder months, but we wouldn't recommend it when the forecast looks rainy, as it's not ideal in those conditions. We layered the Tek Approach quite well, fitting slimmer garments underneath, and could easily add rain or cold-weather protection over it.
The Tek Approach is a versatile softshell, though it's best to keep the underlayers thin. However, we were able to fit a variety of jackets over it. Credit: Mark Lovell
The Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded is less ideal for summertime recreation because of its warmer construction, but it's great for fall, winter, and spring. It also is one of the few softshells that fits over insulating jackets.
The Ultimate VIII has a loose enough cut to go over your puffies and fleece layers. Credit: Syd Knadler
How to Pick the Best Softshell Jacket for You
There are many different types of softshell jackets available today, from minimalist options that are graduated windbreakers to insulated softshells that feel like two jackets sewn together. You'll need to determine which type is best for your adventure style. First, we'll share layering considerations before diving into design tradeoffs you should be aware of before making a purchase.
Softshells aim to marry some of the best attributes of a jacket into one layer, but they don't always fit the bill for more inclement weather. If you know precipitation and high winds are on the horizon, a more protective hardshell jacket or windbreaker may be a better choice.
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People layer softshell jackets in different ways depending on the person and intended use. As a general rule, one will typically make layering decisions based on four elements of a softshell: fit/cut, breathability, warmth, and weather protection.
Slimmer-fitting jackets are likely to be worn closer to the base layers, while looser-fitting options are worn further from the skin. For ventilation, more breathable options are best worn closer to the body, while less breathable options are likely best as the outermost layer. For warmth, softshell insulation is commonly fleece and is typically best maximized by wearing it closer to the body, though some individuals may prefer the opposite layering system. Lastly, weather protection is best on the outermost layer, with the important caveat that any softshell jacket has weatherproofing limitations compared with a hardshell jacket, which should always be worn over a softshell in inclement weather.
Generally, the more breathable a layer is, the less weather resistance or warmth it offers. Despite advertisements and promotions, any top-tier weather-resistant/waterproof garment with insulation will reduce breathability. Picture a trash bag as a jacket; it doesn't let moisture in, but it doesn't let moisture out, either. Now, picture that waterproof trash bag with added insulation; it's likely to have even less breathability.
No softshell jacket should replace a true hardshell/rain layer if you anticipate more than a brief afternoon thunderstorm, and no softshell should replace your insulation layer if you anticipate particularly cold temperatures. At the end of the day, a softshell's breathability is one of its strongest attributes as a layer class, and in mildly wet or cold climates, it can offer some warmth and/or weather protection. The key questions to ask yourself are: what activities will I be doing, and in what climates? Then ask yourself, what layers do I intend to use with my new softshell?
It's important to consider how crucial weight is to you. You'll likely find a correlation between weight and packability; the lighter a layer is, the smaller it will pack down. We encourage you to consider your intended activities in your intended climates first and then determine how much of a priority weight is (or isn't) for you and your needs. Warmth and/or top-tier weather protection typically means more weight, but breathable softshells can be on the lighter side.
As you're browsing for a softshell jacket, you might notice there are some that look or perform at least partially like a hardshell. These are becoming increasingly popular amongst manufacturers, as new fabric technology and treatment become available. We've got one or two of these mutant softshells in our review and have grown to love them. While they are unlikely to win any big awards for breathability, they can be more ventilated than you think, and offer better wet-weather protection than a more classic design.
Last but not least, you might be wondering what pockets you'll need in a softshell jacket. Every model in this review has been carefully analyzed for a variety of features, including pockets, and we've made a point of listing every single pocket each jacket has. We encourage you to think hard about where you like to keep your cell phone, snacks, and even a lightweight battery bank. Some of our favorite jackets have a chest pocket that allows us to keep a cell phone warmer in cold or stormy weather, and while hand pockets are nice, they are often covered up by a backpack's hip belt or a climbing harness. Some models also include pockets in more interesting locations on the arm or in the hip area, though these can be more sport-specific for activities like bike riding.
From arm to chest pockets, it's important to investigate what your prospective softshell jacket offers. Credit: Mark Lovell
We were absolutely thrilled Arc'teryx put exterior chest pockets on the Gamma, making for a more useful jacket in a variety of scenarios. Credit: Zach Lovell
Conclusion
Some styles of jacket are hard to wear during high-output activities, but softshell jackets uniquely offer breathability while still providing at least some weather protection, so you can keep moving without having to shed layers. We've intentionally tested a wide array of softshells, from minimalist models to heavyweight insulating garments, to help you find just what you're looking for. Whether you're shopping on a tighter budget or are prioritizing performance, we're in a golden era of jacket design at all price points.
Here's a perfect day for a softshell: cold temps, a cool breeze, and lots of activity. Credit: Ryan Huetter
