The Best 5 Softshell Jackets for Women of 2024

Best Overall Women's Softshell Jacket

Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody - Women's

Weight: 15.05 ounces (size XS) | Number of Pockets: 2 Exterior Hand Zip

We love the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody for its exceptional performance and for striking a good balance between stormworthiness, technical features, comfort, and breathability, earning it top accolades. It offers excellent wind protection and decent water resistance while remaining breathable during aerobic activities in cooler temperatures. The patented Wee Burley fabric is abrasion-resistant and durable, allowing for excellent mobility. It also boasts a flattering cut and includes features such as Napoleon-style harness-compatible pockets, mesh lining for extra ventilation, and a two-way cinched helmet-compatible hood to ensure a great fit during climbing, hiking, or ski touring.

Depending on how you plan to use the Gamma Hoody jacket, the biggest concern may be that it is one of our review's most expensive softshells. This jacket is best for cooler alpine temperatures because of its durable fabric, making it heavier than other active shells in this review. The cuffs are non-adjustable, which may or may not be helpful depending on whether you prefer gauntlet-style gloves or cuffs that cinch over your gloves. However, these drawbacks are minor compared to its premium balance of technical features. If you are looking for a durable, weather-resistant softshell for alpine climbing, peak-bagging, cool-weather hikes, or ski touring, the Gamma is unmatched. But, if you prefer a lighter-weight yet weather-ready jacket with adjustable cuffs, the Rab Kinetic 2.0 may be better suited. For a jacket that is more appropriate to warmer weather and ultralight adventures, the Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody trades a little weather resistance for more breathability and heightened mobility, making it ideal as a windbreak on summer adventures.

Read more: Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody review

Best Bang for the Buck

Rab Borealis - Women's

Weight: 7.75 ounces (size XS) | Number of Pockets: 2 Exterior Zip Chest

The Rab Borealis - Women's is ultralight, wind-resistant, breathable, and highly stretchy. It delivers some of the best airflow of any jacket in our lineup, doubling as a sun shirt or wind shirt for myriad weather conditions. It has excellent features for the price — including a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, so you can clip your jacket to your harness or keep it handy in your daypack. It is one of our favorites to move in owing to the ultra-stretchy fabric that felt weightless in trailside yoga and the entire span of our ape index in expansive climbing moves. Even though it isn't very water-resistant, it dries quickly. It also does a great job of protecting your skin from the sun since it is well-ventilated and equally comfortable to wear on hot days.

Though the Borealis is a great jacket, we have a few concerns. Its water resistance is below average compared to others in our test, and it wetted out entirely during our shower test. However, it dries quickly and offers lightweight, breathable wind and UV protection. If you want more severe rain protection, the Rab Kinetic 2.0 - Women's is equally mobile but more stormproof. Use it as a breathable shell in your layering system with our best rain jackets for an ultimate weather-ready kit for stormy days.

Read more: Rab Borealis

Best for Wet Weather

Rab Kinetic 2.0 - Women's

Weight: 9.3 ounces (size XS) | Number of Pockets: 2 Exterior Zip Hand

When the weather runs amok, you want a jacket you can trust. The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is your dryest softshell option when a little black rain cloud washes out your plans. This is a jack-of-all-trades hybrid for those who want the breathability of a softshell but need wet weather protection closer to a hardshell's performance. Whether you need a layer for alpine or multi-pitch climbing, alpineering, sea kayaking, or hiking, this ingenious mid-layer is a great one to add to your kit if you live in rainier climates or daily afternoon thunderstorms are your norm. The snug fit of the hood and its sharp cap offer some of the best protection for your face when strong winds blow rain from multiple directions. This exceptionally waterproof softshell may keep you from taking a raincheck when conditions appear uncertain, and we think it is an excellent investment for any outdoor adventure gear collection.

Although we love the Kinetic's impressive water and wind resistance, the jacket is less packable than we'd prefer for technical adventures where it is easy to drop or lose gear, like when rock climbing or paddling. Having a stow-away pocket with a loop to clip to your harness can be very helpful on long rock-climbing routes. The Kinetic doesn't have its own stash pocket, so if you need to clip-and-go your jacket mid-route, you'll have to plan ahead and get a stuff sack specific for the job. Or, if this is an important feature for you, check out the Black Diamond Alpine Start or Rab Borealis, which both pack into a pocket with a sturdy loop for attaching to your harness.

Read more: Rab Kinetic 2.0

 Our Favorite Lightweight

Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody - Women's

Weight: 8.6 ounces (size XS) | Number of Pockets: 2 Exterior Zip Hand

A half-pound of solid performance, the Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is a lithe softshell that offers premium wind and weather protection. Rain or shine, it blew every other lightweight softshell out of the water with slightly more weather resistance and a rain-blocking, helmet-compatible hood. It is even breathable enough to be a svelte sun shirt when fast packing. The Fortius™ 1.0 softshell fabric stretches, delivering UPF 40+ protection for sunny days and burly durability when you jam up a crag. It also does a great job of staving off the windchill when clouds form and the day turns cooler. The lightest jacket in the Gamma line, it is the first in our pack for warmer seasons or sunny ridges where weather may creep up beyond the ridge.

Although it offers excellent breathability and protection from wind and high UV, it is not as weather-resistant as the heavier-weight softshells in our lineup. It will repel water long enough to reach for your rain gear, but it is not going to save you from getting wet once the clouds truly break. If you like the athletic fit, consider the heavier Gamma for improved storm resistance or the Kinetic 2.0, which is also less prone to wetting out in a storm.

Read more: Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody review

Best for Cold Weather

Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody - Women's

Weight: 10.8 ounces (size XS) | Number of Pockets: 2 Exterior Hand, 1 Exterior Chest Zip, 1 Exterior Chest Snap

In the shadow of winter, a chill in the air sets our priorities when selecting gear as we focus on keeping our bodies cozy and dry. The Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody is a surprise on this front, an unprecedented technical layer that delivers an excellent balance of warmth, breathability, and comfort, all in an ultralight and packable fleece-lined softshell. An incredibly versatile piece perfect for mountain women, it breathes when you bag up the peaks and staves off the cold on windy days of paddling on alpine lakes. During aerobic activities on cooler days, regulating temperature can prove one of the biggest challenges. When pumping up your heart rate, your body also needs to shed the heat. However, colder temps or windy and even drizzly conditions may also require adding a layer of protection against the elements. The Patagonia R1 CrossStrata offers premium temperature regulation for just such days. Mountain weather can fluctuate from sunny, high-alpine UV heat to bone-chilling storms within minutes, and this layer can help you ride out any unexpected changes. An ultra-soft lightweight fleece lining is paired with a burly softshell on the outside, so you don't have to worry when you go from cozy coffee vibes at camp to scuffing your elbows at the local crag.

While the CrossStrata offers excellent wind resistance and holds some warmth on your skin, it shouldn't be your sole insulating layer when the weather could turn bone-chilling. Take a look at our advice on the best down jackets to round out your layering system. Or, if you want a more robust softshell with better storm protection, check out the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody. And, if the CrossStata's slim fit is not your style, the Marmot '96 Active Anorak offers excellent wind and rain resistance in a retro style that easily fits over insulating layers.

Read more: Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	86	Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody - Women's Best Overall Women's Softshell Jacket	$300
	85	Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody - Women's  Our Favorite Lightweight	$260
	83	Rab Borealis - Women's Best Bang for the Buck	$120
	82	Rab Kinetic 2.0 - Women's Best for Wet Weather	$260
	79	Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody - Women's	$185
	77	Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody - Women's Best for Cold Weather	$189
	75	Outdoor Research Ferrosi DuraPrint Hoodie - Women's	$155
	70	Marmot '96 Active Anorak - Women's	$125
	46	33,000ft Fleece Lined - Women's	$60

How We Test Women's Softshell Jackets

Our team tested these jackets side-by-side in various climes, from blustery days spent peak bagging in the Sierras to surprisingly frigid days sea kayaking along the Pacific Coast. In this testing round, we put nine softshell jackets to the test, shimmying up granite chimneys and jamming in Yosemite multi-pitch. We even wore these jackets in the shower to test how they performed under pressure (water pressure, that is). After more than 200 hours of rigorous testing, we've accumulated expert advice about the best softshell jackets to match your needs.

Our testing of women's softshell jackets is divided into five performance metrics:

• Weather Protection (30% of total score weighting)

• Breathability (30% weighting)

• Mobility (25% weighting)

• Weighting (10% weighting)

• Versatility (5% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

This review is brought to you by a team of amazing women headed up by Kate Pitts and Mary Witlacil. For over a decade, Kate was a National Park Service backcountry ranger, educator, and SAR professional at Rocky Mountain, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Haleakala. She is now a wilderness guide and yoga teacher in Yosemite. You will likely find her on her yoga mat in the mornings, followed by an adventure climbing, ultralight backpacking, or scuba exploration into the deep blue wilderness. She appreciates the softshells protecting her on high mountain passes, windy Yosemite multi-pitches, and granite domes, or when she's off on a blustery boat ride in a wetsuit. Her joy is deeply rooted in the natural world, come rain or shine, and she treasures the words of John Muir, who said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

Mary spends her summers alpine climbing in Colorado and California. When she can get away, she chases sunshine the rest of the year in Colorado and across the deserts of Utah, Arizona, and California. A true outdoor enthusiast, when she isn't rock climbing, this gal can be found swinging ice tools, climbing mountains, backpacking, riding bicycles, or sitting on a rock gazing at the clouds.

How to Choose the Best Women's Softshell Jacket for You

A softshell jacket is a versatile layer designed to provide the functions of multiple types of clothing simultaneously. They will resist wind, repel water, provide warmth, and facilitate wicking and airflow. For this reason, they are known as the “jack of all trades, master of none.” Such jackets are designed to help you comfortably confront various outdoor conditions without needing constant layer adjustments. But to do so, you typically have to sacrifice performance in some areas in order to accommodate other needs.

A high-performing softshell balances comfort, breathability, and weather protection without limiting movement. But, while it may offer bomb-proof weather protection, the design will differ from jackets engineered for that exclusive purpose alone. Unlike hardshells (waterproof layers) and insulative baselayers, designed for life-saving warmth and dryness, a softshell maximizes comfort in balance with these other important priorities. As a result, these jackets are ideal for many backcountry activities and mountain sports, providing weather protection while allowing mobility and breathability. The trade-off: they are not going to be as warm as puffy jackets or as waterproof as non-breathing rain jackets in severe storms. Before you purchase your softshell, consider the activities you love that a comfortable jacket supports, the level of protection that would best suit your climate, and the features that meet the needs of your activity.

What Type of Activity Will You Be Wearing the Jacket For?

We distilled the main softshell types into three broad categories: active, technical, and casual. Active softshells function as excellent wind layers during aerobic activities but are designed with more robust mobility, breathability, and durability. Softshells do not keep you ultra warm or provide premium weather protection, but they are excellent layers to keep you comfortable in wind, shade, and light rain.

Technical softshell jackets are ideal for specialized pursuits like ice/mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, backcountry skiing, etc. These jackets provide superior weather protection but are less lightweight than an active softshell and are often less breathable as a result of their enhanced protective features.

Casual softshells are ideal for winter and shoulder-season layering in urban environments. While most technical softshells have a streamlined fit, the looser or boxier fits of casual softshells can be excellent for outdoor activities like gardening, farm work, or boating, where a relaxed fit is more comfortable and more accessible to put over thick layers you would wear in town but might not carry into the remote wilderness. Many in this style have ample pockets for tools or a guidebook for naturalist hikes.

Hybrid softshells are relatively new on the scene, and they attempt to bridge the gap between different jacket types by providing extra insulation or water resistance. When hybrids are well executed, they tend to be the most versatile of the jackets in our lineup. But sometimes, adding functionality in one metric backfires and makes the jacket less comfortable for other activities.

How Does a Softshell Fit Into Your Layering System?

Softshells serve as both an outer and mid-layer in your clothing system. They come in different weights, and how you layer them depends on their breathability, insulation, and fit. Generally, trim fits are closer to the body, while you can wear looser fits over more insulating layers. When used as an outer layer, lightweight softshells can be worn as an ultralight option over breathable layers to provide protection from UV rays, wind, and light rain. A trim fit is particularly advantageous for activities like climbing, as the close fit doesn't bunch or snag. If your activity spans all four seasons and the weather is cold, consider a looser-fitting softshell that can be worn over a thicker base layer.

When you need clothing that can handle stormy weather, it's essential to layer softshells underneath appropriate rain gear. Generally, you wear breathable layers closer to the body because they can help insulate without making you wet from the inside. It's important to note that softshells are not waterproof and cannot replace technical rain gear. In severe weather conditions, it's best to wear softshells under a hardshell, rain jacket, or poncho. Softshells with fleece lining can provide extra warmth in cooler climates but are unlikely to be sufficient if the weather turns significantly cold.

Does Weight and Packability Matter?

Depending on your activity, you must consider how much weight you are willing to carry in exchange for a layer's protection. If you need a softshell for short nature walks or paddling, the weight might not be as crucial to you as it is for a long-distance hiker counting grams or a big wall climber feeling the effects of gravity with every move. In general, the lighter your pack, the happier your back.

Minimalist and ultralight softshells are usually more packable, while lined and insulated softshells often occupy more space. Softshells designed for casual use can take up prime real estate in your pack, and bulkiness can be annoying or even dangerous in activities like climbing or canyoneering. Some softshells offer technical performance yet can still be packed smaller than a Nalgene. Additionally, some have premium packability in their design and can be folded into pockets that serve as a stuff sack, which you can then clip to a harness to carry.

Analysis and Test Results

The primary purpose of a softshell jacket is to provide comfort through breathability and flexibility while still offering some degree of weather protection. Softshells are less stiff, noisy, and suffocating than hard shells, making them more comfortable to wear despite offering less overall weather protection. Softshells are great for cooler temperatures due to wind, dry snow, or intermittent rain. To help you make an informed decision, our team of women tests our softshells in varied conditions and diverse activities throughout the four seasons. We also run each jacket through a battery of objective tests to assess performance in each metric, compiling our field test experience with our test data so that we can offer side-by-side comparisons and present you with options that help you make the best choice for your needs and objectives.

What's the Best Value?

If you can afford a specialized item like a softshell, you still want to make the most of your money — who doesn't? We paid attention to how well each jacket performed relative to its retail price and considered the overall value it offers, including its features, available weather protection, and the niche it can serve in your backcountry kit.

We love the Rab Borealis for balancing excellent features and affordability. This active softshell moves lithely through your entire range of motion and is ridiculously comfy, all without breaking the bank.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi DuraPrint Hoodie is a great value and offers wind protection and reinforced durability, making it a perfect option for rock climbing, peak bagging, or backpacking. Both of these high-value layers are thin. For heavier models made for more inclement weather, you'll have to pay more. But even at those higher prices, there can be great value in the product. For example, the Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody impresses across all metrics and comes in at a reasonable mid-range price point. Meanwhile, the Arc'teryx hoody models, the Gamma and the Gamma Lightweight, both deliver exceptional performances with top-tier construction that implies a long lifespan, easily justifying the extra expense.

Weather Protection

A softshell jacket will never be as impenetrable to water and wind as a hardshell (aka a rain jacket) because hardshells are waterproof and windproof. Softshells are only water and wind resistant and are more breathable for long days of adventure. Softshell weather protection is excellent for warm spring skiing, climbing shady multi-pitch, and hiking in the fall when you're unlikely to encounter a heavy storm. When evaluating the weather protection of each jacket, we consider the garment's ability to fend off wind chill, resist water, retain warmth, and provide sun protection.

The Rab Kinetic 2.0 offers exceptional wind and water resistance. However, with extended exposure to moisture, it will eventually absorb water, proving to be more water-resistant than waterproof, just as the manufacturers claim.

Our testers loved the Gamma, noting this is the option they would choose whenever it is icy, wind-blasted, or cold out and their activities are going to make them sweat. With incredibly durable fabric, the Gamma offers almost complete wind protection yet still has an impressively high degree of breathability.

The lighter version in the Gamma series, the Gamma Lightweight, is even more breathable and is carried at only about half the weight, but it is slightly less impervious to water. However, it offers excellent wind protection and beads nicely after light or spotty rains.

For chillier seasons, the CrossStrata's ultra-light zig-zag fleece offers welcome insulation when the temperature drops suddenly during a storm.

The Marmot '96 Active Anorak has above-average waterproofing with a DWR coating and a relaxed boxy fit, making it ideal for water sports or layering over insulating layers.

The 33,000ft Fleece Lined is one of the most insulated jackets in our lineup. However, with its heavy weight and subpar weather resistance, it is best suited for wintry commutes in town or camp but isn't practical for remote wilderness adventures.

Breathability

One big reason people get a softshell jacket is 'cause it lets your skin breathe, ya know?' If you need serious weather protection, go with a waterproof hardshell. But if you're gonna be tearing it up in the backcountry on the weekend, a hardshell can make you feel all sweaty and suffocated. This is where the softshell shines. It hits the sweet spot between letting your upper body breathe and protecting you from the weather so you can move freely during your adventures without feeling swamped.

Throughout our rigorous review, we tested the softshell jackets thoroughly in a variety of challenging conditions, including sun and shade, rain, snow, wind, deserts, and mountains. By testing during different activities designed to elevate heart rate and induce sweating, we found that jackets constructed with a thinner material performed exceptionally well comparatively. Yet, we still need to acknowledge that thin fabric and breathability are not synonymous. It is undeniable that jackets with minimal material often exhibit superior breathability by default. The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoodyis a great example, featuring a lightweight and stretchy Schoeller fabric that ensures you can move well without being stifled by sweat. Thicker, more weather-resistant, or warmer options often have to sacrifice breathability to deliver the rest.

The top performers in this metric are the three ultra-stretchy and thin active softshells in our lineup: the Rab Borealis, the Black Diamond Alpine Start, and the Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight. If you're working hard and keeping your core temperature high, these are all perfect layers for cutting the wind on brisk mornings, windy summits, or high on a wall. Although most lightweight softshells sacrifice water resistance, our testers found that all three ultralight shells could double as sun hoodies in all but the hottest conditions. The Borealis provides a surprisingly excellent barrier to the wind and has one of the best on-the-move ventilation systems through wide mesh pockets.

The Gamma Lightweight also drops heat through mesh pockets, and with UPF 40+ sun protection, it functioned like a sun hoodie in high alpine UV.

The Gamma by Arc'teryx is a unique jacket that defies traditional categorization. It strikes a balance between a technical and an active softshell. With a thicker lining than most active softshells, it offers more insulation but doesn't provide the same level of warmth as most technical softshells. Its excellent ventilation in the pockets sets it apart, making it nearly as breathable as the thinnest jackets in our review. It's also durable enough for climbing scratchy granite cracks and long alpine routes while providing good wind and water protection without compromising breathability.

The Ferrosi has a thin, four-way, stretchy fabric. That lack of bulk means it's a fantastic option for layering over a thin fleece or under a big puffy.

Another great option, if you want a warmer jacket that still delivers on the breathability front, is the Patagonia CrossStrata. Its technical zig-zag fleece inner provides a moisture-wicking liner to ventilate body heat, manage sweat, and keep you warm in cooler weather.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi DuraPrint and Marmot '96 Active Anorak both have relaxed fits made of lightweight materials. Each jacket balances breathability with a comfortable fit for throwing over insulating layers.

Mobility

To fully enjoy activities such as climbing, skiing, and trail running, it's crucial to have a softshell jacket that allows free movement. A jacket that shackles your movement creates unnecessary tension when your body and mind want to enter the flow zone. We look for softshells that fit well and without bulk, are comfy, and have stretchy fabric that lets you move freely without sacrificing coverage.

Mobility is critical for a softshell; we reviewed several stellar options that exemplify unimpeded mobility. Spoiler alert: the top performers in this category were all active or hybrid/active softshells. Active softshells offer excellent mobility because they are typically made with 4-way stretchy fabric, allowing freedom of movement. The Borealis features 4-way stretchy fabric and a well-tailored design that enables unencumbered mobility while climbing — just what you need when you crave a little wind protection while high up on a wall or ridgeline.

The Black Diamond Alpine Start performed impressively well in this category. It has stretchy Schoeller fabric, comfortable cuffs, an “alpine” gusseted fit, and a helmet-compatible hood, which provides incredible mobility. It's so weightless we barely noticed its fit.

The Gamma Lightweight's tailored fit and second skin stretch stirred a brouhaha amongst our testers. It doesn't snag without excess fabric when you climb, and the stationary hem moves comfortably under a harness.

No softshell has a more plush fabric than the Kinetic 2.0. It feels buttery on the skin when you move. One tester guides yoga in the backcountry and feels it is an excellent windy-day choice for stretching on the trail or tackling multiple pitches of big climbing moves.

The Gamma has an impressive balance of easy movement and four-season support. The burly fabric has a four-way stretch that feels excellent in any range of motion. We appreciate how the longer and stationary backside covers women's hips. Fabric is slightly stiffer than other Gammas in the line for added oomph in severe weather.

It's clear why active softshells offer better movement compared to technical or casual softshells. Active jackets use stretchier materials, while most casual softshells are thicker and lined with fleece, making them a bit stiffer. While this is relatively easy for casual wear, it's essential to consider if you need a softshell for highly mobile activities like canyoneering, climbing, or skiing. Luckily, the CrossStrata is an excellent mix of a technical fleece covered by a protective shell that has excellent four-way stretch, making it a great option when you need something that can do it all.

We were impressed with how well the Outdoor Research Ferrosi DuraPrint's stretchy fabric and looser fit allow unrestrained mobility for trail running, summer mountaineering, and rock climbing.

The Marmot '96 Active Anorak has a boxier fit that can ride up when you raise your arms. However, the retro style offers substantial layering capabilities and a relaxed fit for paddling or windy days at the beach.

Weight

Our body wisdom tells us that the “lighter our pack, the happier our back.” Our team's experience supports that saying, finding it's best to carry at most 25 percent of your body weight when out on the trail. Of course, this can be difficult to follow when carrying heavy equipment such as ropes, trad racks, or pack rafts. Using ultralight gear helps protect your body from stress injuries and reduces the risk of acute injuries from slipping due to an oversized pack. The jackets in this review ranged from 6.1 ounces at the lightest to 21.05 ounces at the heaviest. Most were tested in size extra small. Whether you're meticulous about weighing all your gear or new to planning with ultralight gear, our lineup includes several with excellent performance-to-weight ratios.

The Alpine Start Hoody is the lightest-weight softshell in our review, weighing a scant 6.1 ounces. This jacket is so lightweight that you'll almost forget you have it with you, and it can be stuffed into its chest pocket for clipping it on your harness or stowing it in the bottom of your pack when not in use.

We often associate ultralight gear with wearing out ultra-fast, but not so with the Alpine Start, Borealis, and Gamma Lightweight — they buck the trend by being ultralight and ultra durable. The Borealis is a breathable and wind-resistant option for alpine rock climbing, peak-bagging, and backpacking, where weight and packability are significant considerations.

The Gamma Lightweight is incredibly lightweight, and yet the fabric and design of the jacket lend to durability. For a mere 8.6 ounces, it offers compact, easy-to-carry UV protection and an adjustable and protective hood.

The Kinetic 2.0 offers unmatched weather protection and is the most water-resistant jacket in our review for a mere 9.3 ounces.

If you want a softshell that can double as a cozy mid-layer, we were impressed with the warmth-to-weight ratio of the fleece-lined CrossStrata.

The Marmot '96 Active Anorak is slightly heavier, but the half-zip pullovers are an ideal weight for windy days on the water or at the beach.

The jackets that weigh in the 20-ounce range are the less technical offerings in our review. The 33,000ft Fleece Lined works for casual, around-town use where you're not working up a sweat, but we wish it were less bulky for wrangling into your pack.

Versatility

We assess versatility by considering features, durability, style, and ease of use across various activities and climates. Many of the softshells in this review come with excellent features that we thoroughly enjoy and regularly use. The jackets that ranked highest in this category were ideal for a wide range of activities and could handle different weather conditions. They proved durable, could withstand the abrasion of granite walls and sandstone cracks, and wouldn't disintegrate when used with crampons and ice tools. We also considered style. While style is subjective, it is important -— no one wants to pay top dollar for an ill-fitting or unattractive article of clothing. Some of our favorite pieces in this review could seamlessly transition from the trail or crag to dinner with friends (as long as you don't mind rocking brightly colored gear at the pub), a clear bonus in our book.

Looking sharp, the Gamma Lightweight is ultralight and nimble, making it a packable dream for three seasons of use. We love the protective bill on the hood, which fits well over a helmet. The stable hem made it one of the most comfortable jackets underneath a harness. With exceptional breathability and durability, it doubled as a sunshirt and windshirt tough enough to rub elbows with rocky substrate.

The heavier model in the Arcteryx lineup, the Gamma, offers more heat retention than your average active softshell but is still lighter than your typical technical jacket. The Gamma can move between warmer days of snow sports and cooler days of alpine rock climbing. We love it for shady mornings in the desert and windy summits in the summer. Features that give it award-winner versatility are harness-compatible pockets and a two-way adjustable, helmet-compatible hood.

The Kinetic 2.0 earns top marks in this category for being a silky-smooth, highly water-resistant jacket ideal for summer mountain adventures or traveling. Rab claims this jacket is waterproof, but our test team found it wetted out in severe monsoon storms and isn't waterproof enough to trust it in an all-out rainstorm. That said, it is soft, stylish, well-constructed, and very water-resistant.

The Black Diamond Alpine Start, Rab Borealis, and Marmot '96 Active Anorak offer great wind and sun protection while rock climbing, summer mountaineering, trail running, and cycling. Each of these jackets also has a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, a feature we like.

The Marmot '96 Active Anorak is a half-zip pullover with a kanga pouch perfect for a guidebook, journal, snack, or clandestine note to a special someone.

Conclusion

Softshell jackets are versatile, but each style has its strength. Active softshells are just the thing for wind protection or alpine climbing, trail running, or hiking during summer. But you'll want to turn to those technical softshells when it comes to ice and mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, snowshoeing, and skiing. If you're off on urban adventures, casual softshells can keep you warm, and many feature handy pockets for travel. In the backcountry, hybrids try to cover all bases and can traverse between seasons with ease. There are so many different types of shells and layers that it can take time and effort to determine which ones will fit your needs. To pick the perfect softshell, we suggest asking yourself, “Where will my adventure take me?” From there, you should find many valuable insights, tips, and options in this review to help you narrow it down to a great match. May you find a calm center in any weather you face!

Related: How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm