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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.
For over a decade, our gear experts have tested over 80 unique men's softshell jackets. We've worn the 13 in this review 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. We've collectively spent thousands of hours objectively testing softshell jackets, purchasing each garment ourselves to keep our reviews as bias-free as possible.
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.
Anyone seeking a softshell on a budget should check out the breathable and comfortable Rab Borealis or even the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant. Though it scored lower comparatively, it will do the trick for fair-weather and occasional adventurers.
Editor's Note: Our men's softshell jacket review was updated on November 4, 2025, to include some new layers from The North Face and Cotopaxi and to retest updated Arc'teryx models.
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's not as high scoring in 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.
Weight: 9.7 ounces | Number of pockets: 2 Exterior Chest Zip
PROS
Top-notch breathability
Excellent fit
Friendly weight
Fast drying
CONS
Poor water resistance
Minimal adjustability
The Rab Borealis is a high-performing, lightweight softshell jacket at a more approachable price point than other top-tier options. This was a favorite among our testers largely due to its excellent breathability, with Rab's Matrix fabric keeping us comfy on the move. For warmer days or for higher output missions, the mesh-backed chest pockets could be unzipped for effective ventilation, allowing us to leave this layer on all day. The fit of the Borealis struck an excellent balance between maintaining range of motion and reduced bunching, whether wearing a harness or a backpack, making this model appropriate for a wide array of activities. This minimalist design also offers a clean aesthetic for around-town hangs, so you can seamlessly go from the trail to grabbing dinner in town. Simply put, this bargain-priced garment belongs in your shopping cart if you're hunting for a breathable, lightweight softshell.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fabric Weight Class
Lightweight
Material
Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch (85% nylon 6, 15% elastane) with DWR
Measured Weight (Size)
9.7 oz (medium)
Number of Pockets
2 exterior chest zip
Insulated
No
The Rab Borealis isn't great for water resistance and left our testers soaked during our field and shower tests. Given its nature as a softshell and single-weave fabric construction, we weren't entirely surprised by those results. Fortunately, we also found it delivered fast drying times both in the lab and in the field, meaning if you do get wet, there's likely to be a quick recovery. Fit-wise, the Borealis is only adjustable around the hem; the hood and cuffs are both elastic, with no adjustability features. If you're demanding more water resistance and features from your next softshell, take a look at the Rab Kinetic 2.0, which performs well across the board but lacks the ventilation of the Borealis. If breathability is a top priority, the Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is another excellent alternative, with added adjustability in the hood. Besides a few setbacks, the Rab Borealis boasts exceptional value in a lightweight package and is a garment you can wear all day long.
Rab updated the Borealis in 2025 using recycled materials. They've also moved the pockets lower, so they are now hand pockets. This may affect your activities if you frequently wear a harness or a pack with a hip belt.
The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is one of the best weather-resistant softshells available on the market. Rab has poured a great deal of effort into the Kinetic, and this 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 the cut of this option, with a slightly looser design offering an excellent 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
Material
Proflex: recycled polyester knit face 3L with PU membrane and recycled polyester backer
Measured Weight (Size)
11.6 oz (medium)
Number of Pockets
2 exterior hand zip
Insulated
No
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.
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 with its decent heat retention scores, but we were pleasantly surprised with 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 also boasts some of the best next-to-skin comfort we've seen in this class of jacket, inviting us to choose this layer again and again for a myriad of activities. For the 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 of the garment may offer a great fit for some, but if this doesn't quite fit your body's needs well, we'd recommend the Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody, which will allow you to 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.
The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is an incredibly lightweight option that's easy to justify bringing on most outdoor outings. As one of the lightest softshells we've ever seen, the Alpine Start feels like you're hardly wearing a jacket, and it's unnoticeable when being stowed on a harness or in a backpack. While this layer is certainly not meant to handle big rainstorms, it outperforms its weight in water resistance and is quite protective from wind. In virtually any activity, we greatly appreciated the mobility of this garment and could contort ourselves in any position the sport needed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fabric Weight Class
Lightweight
Material
Schoeller w/Eco-Repel Bio (93% nylon, 7% elastane)
Measured Weight (Size)
6.9 oz (medium)
Number of Pockets
1 exterior chest zip
Insulated
No
The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody doesn't offer much warmth, which is to be expected with such a minimalist piece. On alpine ridges or above treeline hikes, this jacket helped break the wind, but we needed to add another layer when things got chilly. With a baggier fit, we also had a bit of fabric bunching around the wrists and abdomen, so if you're looking for a more athletic cut, check out the Rab Borealis. Just know it won't be so dramatically light in your pack. At the end of the day, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is a phenomenal option in the featherweight category and belongs in your adventure kit if weight is a priority.
While many outdoors enthusiasts demand a hood with their softshell layer, there are some who 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 due to its soft fleece-lined inner. “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 the lack of a hood means you will be getting 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 dive. If you require more warmth from your softshell, consider the Patagonia R2 Tech Face Hoody, which has a similar fleece inner but was substantially warmer. Besides a few considerations, our softshell jacket lead summarized it best, “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.
The Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant is one of the least expensive options on the market today, offering decent performance in a few key areas. We tested every product's heat retention, and this jacket beat out others that were as much as 10 times more expensive. In field testing, we found this softshell to be great for chilly hikes and around-town hangouts, with a fleece inner that also delivers a comfy next-to-skin feel. As long as the output wasn't too high, this jacket was good for activities such as climbing or biking, though one's range of motion is a bit encumbered, so it's certainly not going to fill the hole in your wardrobe of a true performance piece.
SPECIFICATIONS
Fabric Weight Class
Heavyweight
Material
92% polyester, 8% spandex
Measured Weight (Size)
24.1 oz (medium)
Number of Pockets
1 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip
Insulated
Yes
The Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant has minimal water resistance in any precipitation scenario beyond a brief, light drizzle. During the shower test, we got absolutely soaked, and unfortunately, it also took a very long time to dry after the fact. We also had a tough time keeping this jacket on for uphill hikes. With poor breathability, we were wetting our upper bodies from the inside out. If you're hunting for budget-minded softshells specifically, take a look at the TACVASEN Special Ops as well. It offers excellent weather resistance and has pit zips that improve breathability. However, if you're shopping on a particularly tight budget, the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant is hard to beat. It's a decent basic softshell, particularly well-suited to climates that are not especially wet or warm.
The Amazon Essentials is an excellent garment for around-town hangs and neighborhood walks, especially in cooler weather.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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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 via extensive field testing and supplement that real-world experience with objective, measurable lab tests as well. Here at GearLab, we also make a point of buying 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 type that he always brings with him, year-round, across 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 that are a part of 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 throughout the year. 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 and the Tacvasen Special Ops are worth checking out. We also think the Columbia Ascender is worth a look for those needing a casual but well-built jacket, and it's often found on sale.
The Tacvasen offers a bunch of features at a palatable price point.
Credit: Syd Knadler
If you are demanding more from your softshell, it might be more economical in the long run to “buy right once rather than buy cheap twice.” Also consider versatility: Models like the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody boast incredible year-round performance. Yes, it's expensive, but you could argue that its higher price point is worth paying since it's a quality piece offering far more weather resistance, and it's equally as useful in summer as it is in winter.
The Gamma may be pricey, but it's effective year-round, offering decent value.
Credit: Zach Lovell
In the vein of versatility, The North Face Tek Approach is also versatile but in different ways than the Gamma. This layer lacks a hood, creating a more around-town look that allows one to stroll right from the trail to the dinner engagement.
Midweight softshells are frequently on the pricier side, but the Cotopaxi Yermo Hooded is a well-made layer that won't cost you a fortune. The Yermo offers great scores across the board and was a surprise favorite for our testing team.
The Tek Approach and the Yermo are versatile lifestyle fleeces with the mid-range price tags.
Weather Protection
Weather protection is a crucial part of any shell jacket, so we gave this metric heavy weighting of the total score of each softshell layer. We spent weeks in the field with each jacket and then dove into more objective lab testing to size up 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 are made from a fully waterproof membrane, nor do they promise a water-tight experience. If there is rain falling, it's only a matter of time before any of these jackets go from being 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, which is prepared 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 largest setback with the R2 was its drying times; if it gets soaked, its fleece inner takes a very long time to dry.
The Patagonia R2 TechFace surprised us with its water resistance, both in shower and field testing.
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. The North Face Apex Bionic 3 didn't top the charts for water protection, but it did offer excellent wind protection and next-to-skin feel. Its robust construction also made it a noticeably durable garment.
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
In this category, we included 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 from some of the competition. 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.
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. This metric was tested in the field for weeks on end while hiking, climbing, biking, backpacking, and even fishing. We even performed more objective testing by taking each layer on similar cardio circuits before measuring the total surface area of the underlayer sweat spots.
The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody and Rab Borealis were some of our favorites for their ventilating capabilites, keeping us cooler for longer, even on warm days. In alpine environments, the sun can be a powerful heater even with chilly temperatures. 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 in breathability, given its high scores in weather resistance.
The Rab Kinetic 2.0 breathes very well when considering its scores in weather resistance.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Models like the Arc'teryx Gamma MX and Patagonia R2 Techface feature an additional fleece backing that improves the inherent warmth when sedentary in cooler temperatures — but it doesn't generally improve ventilation. The R2 does offer an innovative fleece grid pattern where moisture can escape the fleece lining, surprising us with its impressive warmth and breathability. The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody also boasted excellent scores in this metric, with a lightweight construction that gifts great breathability to its wearer.
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
Price-friendly options like the Tacvasen Special Ops offered pit zips for added ventilation, which was much needed in testing, given its thicker and heavier construction. Hoodless jackets like The North Face Tek Approach achieved breathability with a grid-pattern in the fleece lining and by having less fabric around the neck. We were surprised by the Tek Approach's ventilation despite such a durable face fabric.
The hoodless Tek Approach was comfy to hike uphill with, thanks in part to its gridded liner.
Credit: Natalie Bennett
Mobility
Mobility is an invaluable metric within softshell jackets. This class of layer is typically assumed to be stretchy. But we uncovered a variety of scores across the lineup, taking careful note of any range of motion issues as well as any excess fabric bunching that might get in the way of movement.
Mobility and Product Fit
Often, product manufacturers will describe the intended fit of a garment with descriptors such as “standard,” "trim," or “athletic”. Such labeling can help you in selecting the right product since an athletic-fitting jacket will likely be more form-fitting and will not allow for as much layering underneath.
We were big fans of the Rab Borealis in this metric, striking a great balance between range of motion and reduced bunching. Other jackets like the Rab Kinetic 2.0 had a more relaxed design, but adjustability allows you to 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 new Gamma has a more relaxed fit, which offered better mobility for our whole review team.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The Cotopaxi Yermo Hooded has a relaxed fit that allowed wonderfully unencumbered movements, and bunching wasn't a particularly big concern. We were easily able to enjoy a day of rock climbing in the Yermo, and the hood itself didn't restrict any body positions, whether it was 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 carries varying importance depending on the person. Niche models such as the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody astonished reviewers by weighing 6.9 ounces, though that weight saving comes at a price with significantly reduced weather resistance.
For an extra 5 ounces, you can gain quite a bit of weatherproofing in the Rab Kinetic 2.0. The Rab Borealis landed at a respectable 9.7 ounces, keeping it as a top–scoring option at 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 Lightweight, but for 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
Heavier models such as the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant and The North Face Apex Bionic 3 were all a bit more bulky, but they also offered excellent durability.
The North Face Apex Bionic 3 isn't the lightest or most packable, but some may find it to be worth the weight when considering its durability.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Middle-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, even though it was quite durable, and was impressively packable. We were easily able to fit it into a commuter bag or climbing backpack, and hardly ever noticed its weight.
While not the absolute lightest jacket, the Tek Approach is a great softshell if packability is a priority.
Credit: Mark Lovell
Versatility
One final metric for consideration was versatility. We tested this by examining each jacket's potential uses and how well it can serve as an under or over layer. We also investigated each option's features.
Jackets like the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody are true all-around highly functional softshells with midweight construction that offer year-round use, from summer hiking to winter skiing. And the Gamma specifically 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 improved mobility and 2 new 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 during chilly mornings and nights, especially enjoying it in the cooler environments and seasons. The Rab Borealis also did well in this metric, easily fitting layers under and over it, further encouraging us to bring this with us 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 allows it to be used easily as a mid-layer in colder months, but we wouldn't recommend it when the forecast looks rainy, as it's not as ideal in such environments. We were able to layer the Tek Approach quite well, fitting some slimmer garments underneath, and could add rain or cold-weather protection easily 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 Cotopaxi Yermo Hooded was another well-scoring softshell in versatility, doubling as a summer or winter layer, though in cold conditions, more jackets are likely to be needed. Its relaxed fit made it easy to fit more layers underneath compared to the slim fit competition.
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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Softshell jackets get layered 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, whereas looser fitting options will be worn further from the skin. When thinking about ventilation, more breathable options are best worn closer to the body, while less breathable options are likely best towards 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 worn on the outermost layer, with the significant asterisk that any softshell jacket has weatherproofing limitations when compared to a hardshell jacket, which should always be worn over a softshell when experiencing inclement weather.
Generally speaking, the more breathable a layer is, the less weather resistance or warmth it offers its wearer. Despite advertisements and promotions, any top-tier weather-resistant/waterproof garment with insulation will have some reduction in 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 anticipating more than a brief afternoon thunderstorm, and no softshell should replace your insulation layering if anticipating particularly cold temperatures. At the end of the day, the breathability of a softshell 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 be needing 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.
Other Softshells to Consider
Mammut Ultimate VIII SO Hooded - We previously tested the Ultimate VII SO version. This is a popular softshell, and for a good reason. It's got great breathability coupled with exceptional wind protection, a combo that can be hard to find. It uses a 3-layer GoreTex Windstopper material and has a DWR coating for shedding water, and it's easy to dump heat with the pit zips. It's stretchy and offers great mobility. Many of our testers who climb favor this model. We plan to test the updated version during a future update.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie - OR's Ferrosi line is a longstanding staple of the brand. We've been fans of the Ferrosi pants for years, and the Ferrosi jacket is made of that same material. It's a stretchy and comfortable jacket offering an incredible range of motion, designed to withstand the abrasion of outdoor sports during three seasons (we'd pick something warmer for winter adventures). It's not the most water-resistant, but it's great as a breathable windshell and sun protective layer. We also appreciate its packability; it stuffs into its hand pocket. It's also not wildly expensive, which we always appreciate.
Stretchy is good! Highly mobile fabrics often incorporate elastane or spandex to allow them to move with you, as seen in the Ferrosi Hoodie.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
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.
