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2021/05/21

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Combined with clean styling that doesnt scream technical, the Cirque fits the bill better for casual use too. Like the Apex Bionic and Marmot Gravity above, the Columbia Ascender is geared toward everyday use and not necessarily for summiting mountains. rab We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Wind & Weather resistant jackets for all outdoor activities. For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket.

Outdoor Research softshell jackets are also designed for high performance with incredible breathability. This can be a good thing or bad thing depending on your use, but the lining is quite comfortable and great on cold day. In general, softshell jackets are one of the heavier and least packable outer layer options, losing out to both hardshells and rain jackets in this regard. The fit is pretty generic, but you can squeeze a midlayer underneath or wear it over a dress shirt to and from the office. Weve been blown away by the performance chops of lightweight softshells like the Black Diamond Alpine Start above, and Rab offers up another quality option with the Borealis. And as weve come to expect from Patagonia, the R1 TechFace is a good-looking jacket too, proving its chops as a highly versatile jacket that you can wear both on the trail and around town. But for mixed hiking and everyday use, we think this jacket is a solid optionRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Gamma SL See the Women's Arc'teryx Gamma SL. And at lower elevations, if you need an emergency waterproof jacket, a light and packable rain shell serves as an excellent backup. The Sitemap offers a quick overview of all content on this website. This isnt a super warm softshell with a thick fleece lining, but its thin construction is what gives the jacket its versatility. And it doesnt hurt that the SL is also arguably the most appealing Gamma jacket for casual use, with a smaller, non-helmet-compatible hood, hand pockets that sit lower (just above the hip), and a less technical look than the MX in particular. Get an Outdoor Research Stuff Sack for Half Price! Rab says: The Women's Salvo Jacket is a midweight softshell jacket with a honeycomb fleece backer providing extra warmth and weather protection, ideal for active use in cold conditions. That said, the anorak wins out in terms of style, particularly in the available two-tone colorways. For everything from wet-weather commuting to short hikes, its one of our favorite casual softshells of 2022.See the Men's The North Face Apex BionicSee the Women's The North Face Apex Bionic. Snap! Category:PerformanceWeight: 1 lb. How well a softshell breathes does vary and is usually associated with a few common features. 7 oz.What we like: Works great for daily wear.What we dont: Generic fit; not a performance piece. We certainly wouldnt classify all windbreaker jackets as softshells. Relative to other performance outerwear, cost doesnt increase substantially between the casual and performance options, in part because the technology is largely the same across the board. We stock quality canvas hiking packs, bushwalking rucksacks, lightweight trekking packs and quality daypacks. And in practice it delivers: throughout an all-day drizzle on a recent trek in Patagonia, the Alpine Starts shell beaded water and kept us dry while our hiking partners were all forced to don their (less breathable) rain jackets.

Second, the Borealis is a full 3 ounces heavier than the Alpine Start without a noticeable upgrade in weather protection, durability, or breathability. If youll be using the softshell as a midlayer or around town, the standard jacket may be your better option. For one, it doesnt stuff into its chest pocket, which strikes us as a major omission for a climbing-focused softshell. Its no secret that Black Diamond makes some of our favorite softshell jackets, with pieces like the Dawn Patrol and Alpine Start topping this list. We do prefer the straightforward pocket arrangement of the Apexthe zippered sleeve pocket on the Gravity looks a little out of place around townbut the Marmot does have adjustable cuffs, which can be nice to cinch out the cold. Not to mention our range of trekking maps to Nepal, including the Everest base camp trek map, and backcountry ski gear, Ortlieb panniers, led headlamps, access equipment, tents one man and two man, and everything else you could need on your next adventure. Then you can get out and enjoy the fresh air. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. What we dont: Gore-Tex Infinium is patterned only in moisture-prone areas. In the end, it doesnt truly stand out in any specific category, but its a solid all-rounder for non-winter activities and a good deal at $185. If you are already an Alpinetrek customer, you can log in here, 2117 of Sweden (1), Black Diamond (2), Directalpine (2), Fjllrven (3), Jack Wolfskin (4), La Sportiva (1), Mountain Equipment (5), Protective (1), The North Face (3), Hillwalking (2), bluesign APPROVED (1). Softshell jackets are ideal for most winter pursuits, from cross-country skiing to bar hopping. Manufacturers have been toying with the hybrid hardshell/softshell concept for a while (the now-discontinued Patagonia Galvanized was one of our favorites), but the Kinetic 2.0 got our attention due to its impressively lightweight build. This versatile Matrix softshell jacket with reinforced hips, hood, and elbows offers excellent, mobility and breathability. Category: CasualWeight: 1 lb. The most breathable softshells are thinner designs without a tightly woven and super tough (and less air-permeable) outer layer. Click the Return icon above to undo your last step or try Type to Search again. Bogong has a wide range of hiking gear & mountain climbing equipment including womens and mens hiking boots, tents, climbing equipment, sleeping bags and much much more. At just $190, the Tabernash Anorak is really well-priced, especially considering that it uses high-end Gore-Tex wind blocking technology (for reference, the Procline below is $499). The North Faces Apex Bionic is a nice casual alternative to many of the more technical jackets here, with a clean appearance that includes just three external pockets (2 handwarmer and 1 chest) and a collar in lieu of a hood. But if you want a warmer and well-made design that crosses over nicely to daily use, the R1 TechFace deliversRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia R1 TechFace See the Women's Patagonia R1 TechFace. But Rabs Borealis is an interesting alternative for $50 less, or you can opt for the pullover version for just $95.See the Men's Rab BorealisSee the Women's Rab Borealis. Beyond that, weve begun to see a whole new style developing, merging the uberlight intentions of a windbreaker jacket with a softshells stretchy and breathable fabric (for more, see our section on Windbreaker Jackets below). Category: CasualWeight:1 lb. If you prefer to start over or you've arrived here by mistake, click the Home icon above. Something went wrong. Category: PerformanceWeight: 11.8 oz.What we like: A minimalist yet waterproof softshell.What we dont: Trim fitting; waterproof membrane impacts breathability. 2022 Ultralight Outdoor Gear. In a casually minded jacket, we look for two standard-height handwarmer pockets (just above the hip) and one to two chest pockets for storing valuable items.

Enter the ROM Hoody from Marmot, which has weather-resistant paneling that is great for keeping the elements at bay but is equally friendly around town. Dont expect any insulation from the Alpine Starts thin fabric though, and the stretch knit at the cuffs and hem will also limit how much you layer underneath. This results in a best-of-both-worlds hybrid layer thats light and packable, breathable and pliable, and still impressively weather resistant. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. In the end, we dont recommend a softshell for prolonged exposure to precipitationhardshell jackets still are the best in that type of weather. With reinforced Ripstop overlays, the Torque Jacket is built to withstand rock and ice. We have the best sleeping mats - the exped downmat and self inflating mats - and hiking sleeping bags as well as ultralight sleeping bags. On the topic of price, we often see the Ascender on a significant discount (sometimes half off or more), which makes it an even better value.See the Men's Columbia Ascender See the Women's Columbia Kruser Ridge II. Performance softshells are intended for activities like climbing, mountaineering, and ski touring, and leverage the two primary benefits of a softshell: breathability and mobility. The ROM uses Gore-Texs Infinium, which gives it a nice bump in weather resistance. Its priced right and matches up well with the Apex and Gravity in durability and warmth, with a sturdy shell and fleece-lined interior. Additionally, youll find two extra internal drop pockets (great for stashing skins) and a zippered chest pocket on the exterior. Softshells can vary dramatically in thickness and warmth, from thin shells offering no insulation to thick, fleece-lined jackets. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. As a hiking and everyday piece, theres not a lot to complain about with the Gamma SLexcept the price. That being said, its not quite as stretchy as a softshell and its fully waterproof design does result in slightly compromised breathability. The Black Diamond Alpine Start blurs the line between softshell and windbreaker jacket, a trend we expect to see more and more of as demand increases for lighter, more breathable, and more versatile layers. The weave of the stretchy fabric and fleece linings add both bulk and weight, so it follows that the worst offenders are the warmest and most feature-rich softshells (the heavyweight on this list is the Arc'teryx Procline at 1 lb.

With a nearly identical price and feature set as The North Face Apex Bionic, there isnt a lot separating the two softshell jackets. Don't miss out on the latest offers & products - plus 5 off your next order! Ideal for active use in cold conditions. And we appreciate the thoughtful feature set, which includes a face mask that hides inside the collar, stretchy fleece side panels for added mobility, and design that stuffs into its own rear pocket. pack down to the size of a piece of fruit and are excellent for weight-conscious activities (trail running and climbing, for example) when you need a jacket to protect against the elements while still dumping heat. Category: Casual/performanceWeight: 13.8 oz.What we like: Great-looking jacket and a stretchy combination of warmth and protection.What we dont: Youll get more versatility by layering a thin fleece with a lightweight softshell. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. It performs and is priced like a serious backcountry softshell: you get bomber outer fabric, tons of storage (five total exterior pockets), and that glorious Arcteryx tailored fit that guides and the hardcore crowd love. This lightweight and durable softshell jacket made with Matrix stretch fabric offers great mobility and superb breathability, with moderate weather protection. On the other hand, too much airflow compromises weather resistance and warmth. For an even deeper dive into this topic, weve written a dedicated article answering the question: What is a Softshell Jacket? Even when we're out and about, you can still have your questions answered online anytime! 9.4 oz.What we like: Ski jacket features wrapped up in a premium Gore-Tex Infinium softshell.What we dont: Expensive and niche. As with almost all Arcteryx products, the fit of the Gamma LT is athletic. Youll likely be able to slide a thin midlayer underneath (the Atom SL, for example), but it will feel too tight over most synthetic or down puffy jackets. We want you to be confident in making decisions on which Despite the performance attributes, many people wear softshells for daily use, so we love it when we find a jacket that offers a nice mix of both. On the other hand, the Kinetic 2.0 is a great jacket for those looking for something in between. This jacket is a marvel of design, with many attributes of a hardshell or ski jacketincluding a powder skirt, dump pockets, RECCO reflector, helmet-compatible StormHood, and long silhouettewrapped up in stretchy Gore-Tex Infinium fabric. Softshell jackets are extremely versatile because they are highly wind & water-resistant, making them perfect for when you need breathable protection from the elementswhen a Gore-Tex jacket is considered overkill. Category: PerformanceWeight: 1 lb. Sign up to receive the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. If you require high performance jackets that will offer you a fuller range of motion while keeping your body temperature at a comfortable level, Bogong has you covered. For maximum breathability, air permeability is your friend as it moves more air in and out of the shell. Rab says Breathable Marmot's Fusion Jacket offers a good level of protection yet remains quite lightweight despite having hand pockets and a small chest pocket. Similar to these jackets, the Dawn Patrol leaves the extra warmth of a fleece lining behind for a jacket thats made to move and breathe with you, which is a real boon on the skin track. 3.2 oz.What we like: Arcteryx fit, quality, and all-around performance.What we dont: Trim fit means you cant layer much underneath. Youll find a range of storage options among softshells, from the single chest pocket on a minimalist jacket like the Black Diamond Alpine Start to the seven-pocket design of the skiing-focused Arc'teryx Procline. View the product page to see the latest Click & Collect store availability. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a far cry from the bulky, boxy design that epitomizes softshell jackets of old. The jackets standard fit means its a little boxier (read: less mobile) than most performance-oriented softshells, and the bulky fabric wont pack away as well as the lightweight offerings on this list. And with pockets that can be accessed over a harness and a helmet-compatible hood, the Dawn Patrol is even more backcountry-ready than the OR Ferrosi. Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort (and fun). Some, like the Patagonia Houdini, do not stretch and are significantly lacking in breathability. Read more about us. RAB's Torque Softshell Jacket is made from Rab's own Matrix stretch fabric which we've used many times in other softshell garments - and we can report it really works, both in terms of the breathability and comfort experienced when wearing the garment but also in terms of keeping you dry during light showers and mizzle.

Bogong is Melbourne's best climbing store. Category: PerformanceWeight: 10.5 oz.What we like: A high-quality lightweight softshell at an affordable price.What we dont: Heavier than the BD Alpine Start above. True to its climbing intentions, it features two harness-compatible chest pockets and a sleek hood that fits under a helmet, keeping it in place in a squall. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? In many ways, the R1 TechFace is an all-in-one answer to a popular layering choice for backcountry skiing, hiking, and cold-weather climbing: a thick baselayer and light shell.

Both the Dawn Patrol and the Procline have ski-specific features like internal dump pockets and helmet-compatible hoods, but the BD manages to get the job done for less than half the cost. We are the first 100% climate-neutral online outdoor retailer certified by ClimatePartner. It still features two large external chest pockets which are set above where a rucksack hipbelt or climbing harness would sit, to make sure the pockets are easily accessible.

9.4 oz.). At $129 and only 13.9 ounces, its an affordably priced, thin, and lightweight shell that wont weigh you down and excels at nearly every high-output outdoor activity: hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, you name it. The most significant difference between the Cirque and the aforementioned Dawn Patrol is its softshell type, with the Cirque featuring a lighter and slightly less weather-resistant double weave design. Even the chart-topping Gamma LT Hoody (LT for lightweight) doesnt pass the fast-and-light test, at a substantial 1 pound 3.2 ounces. What are you giving up at the Ascender's budget-friendly price? But for runners, backcountry skiers, and climbers wanting a weather resistant, breathable softshell that packs down small (into its chest pocket) and weighs nothing, the Alpine Start is our favorite ultralight offeringRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Black Diamond Alpine Start See the Women's Black Diamond Alpine Start. With a slim fit, Rab jackets are excellent for lightweight layering use. 916065628, 20% VAT removed at checkout for non-UK orders, Cairngorm Treks Review - Rab Torque Jacket, Matrix stretch, double weave, softshell fabric, Ripstop Matrix stretch overlays on hood and elbows, Helmet compatible hood with concealed front cordlocks and stiffened peak, YKK Vislon front zip with internal storm flap, Matrix,DWR 80/20,3-5cfm,182g/m2,90d/90d+150d,88% nylon 6.6, 12% Elastane.

With features such as hand pockets that sit at a normal heightthis is a welcome change for those annoyed by high, harness-friendly pocketsa regular fit, and clean styling (even better in the most recent update), the ROM is a well-rounded and versatile softshell from a respected brand. Arcteryxs Gamma series is a clear leader when it comes to softshells, with three models in our top 10 for 2022. And unlike the Alpine Start, the SL doesnt pack into its own pocket, which is a bummer for climbers in particular. However, as weve come to expect with do-all jackets, the Rab makes compromises in both departmentswith a streamlined build it's overall less protectivethan most hardshells, and the thin fabric doesn't offer the same level of windproofing orinsulation as most of the softshell competition. Based on 4941 seller reviews at Trusted Shops, alpinetrek.co.uk has received an average 4.64 of 5 stars.

2022 Bogong Equipment Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia. With a 3-layer waterproof construction, seam taping, and water-tight front zip, the Kinetic fits the definition for a hardshell, but a stretchy face fabric adds the mobility and breathability of a softshell. Even through a Seattle winter, well still reach for our softshell jacket so long as there isnt heavy precipitation in the forecast. In comparing the Gamma MX to its sibling Gamma LT above, the MX is quite a bit warmer with an added fleece lining. In terms of softshell technology, it doesnt get much better than Gores Infinium, which is fully windproof, very breathable, and also does a decent job resisting rain and snow. Rab says: Email: customer.service@ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk. That said, well take the versatility of two layers over one, which is why the R1 TechFace is ranked here. Furthermore, these jackets have outdoor-specific features like helmet-compatible hoods, pockets that are set high to accommodate a hipbelt or harness, and a tailored fit. We also specialise in outdoor footwear: hiking shoes mens and womens, leather and gore-tex hiking boots. 3 oz.What we like: High-performance jacket, lots of pockets, classy looks.What we dont: Cuffs bunch up when cinched down. Earn Customer Reward Points as you shop for extra Discount | Free Delivery on UK Orders | Next Day Delivery | Free Click & Collect from our Hereford Shop. The good news is Hardshell vs. Softshell Jackets: How to Choose, See the Women's Black Diamond Alpine Start, See the Women's The North Face Apex Bionic, See the Men's Backcountry Tabernash Anorak, See the Women's Backcountry Tabernash Anorak, Back to Our Softshell Jacket Comparison Table. That said, the relaxed fit works well for layering and the jacket does deliver in terms of wind and water protection. This jacket inches closer to a hardshell than your standard softshell, combining a waterproof membrane with a stretchy knit face fabric. And for an extra dose of water protection, check out the Dawn Patrol Hybrid ($350), which features a mix of softshell and waterproof hardshell fabrics.See the Men's BD Dawn Patrol See the Women's BD Dawn Patrol. The Arcteryx Gamma MX has been on the market for years with plenty of summits and deep backcountry days to its name. Overall the new and improved Torque jacket offers great protection for a range of pursuits. Its always a balance, but most softshells offer very good breathability for an outer layer, with standouts including the Arcteryx Gamma LT, Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Marmot ROM, and Black Diamond Alpine Start. Mid-weight Matrix softshell jacket, combining wind resistance, high breathability and a fleece backer. Pockets are a great place to start if youre wondering about a jackets true intentions. Thats to take nothing away from the Gamma MXits popularity is reaching legendary status in the alpine communityRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Gamma MXSee the Women's Arc'teryx Gamma MX. Outdoor gear is becoming more and more streamlined by the year, and windbreaker jackets sit at the helm of this movement. The end result is the softness and mobility of a softshell along with the protection of a hardshell, which is a winning combination for working hard in winter conditions.

But unlike many performance pieces, the MXs clean styling means you can more easily get away with wearing it off the mountain. Comfort is another area of strength for softshells, particularly next-to-skin feel.

There are now are a number of lighter options that dip under 1 pound, including the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and 10-ounce Arcteryx Gamma SL. For recommendations on other insulated pieces, check out our articles on the best down jackets, synthetic jackets, and fleece jackets. As the name suggests, a softshell is a flexible outer layer that serves as an alternative to a traditional hardshell jacket. Performance-oriented softshells are more of a mixed bag depending on their end use, and youll have to decide whether you want to prioritize weight savings (less pockets) or convenience and organization (more pockets). In other words, despite the added tech, all-around protection is only moderately better compared to shells like the Gamma LT and Dawn Patrol above. The Rab Torque Jacket offers unrestricted movement, good levels of breathability and comfort which are all of great importance when you are heading into the hills and mountains for serious adventures. For a warmer softshell with the same general characteristics, check out the Gamma MX below.See the Men's Arc'teryx Gamma LT See the Women's Arc'teryx Gamma LT. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb.

Category: PerformanceWeight: 7.4 oz.What we like: Lightweight, packable, and versatile softshell.What we dont: Thin fabric offers little in the way of insulation. Backcountry also makes a full-zip jacket version, which is just $10 more and arguably more versatile.

In terms of warmth, the SL falls short of most jackets here, and its less protective overall in wind and snow than the burlier Gamma options. Finally, a simple hem adjustment rounds out this jackets minimalist build. Where softshells excel is breathability, range of motion, and comfort. Your filter choices don't match any of our products. The Gamma SL is the lightest of the bunch and best-tuned for mild conditions with a thin build, excellent breathability, and trim fit (the LT and MX above have regular fits for easier layering underneath). But range of motion nevertheless is fantastic, and the LTs long sleeves and helmet-compatible hood are great for activities like climbing, biking, and skiing (although we did find the wrist openings to be on the small side, which can create a bit of a challenge when paired with undercuff gloves). And a final note: at the time of writing, the Cirque is no longer available in a womens version.See the Men's Black Diamond Cirque. Marmot says: On the go in fickle conditions? The Gravity doesnt claim to be a technical, performance-oriented softshell, but that doesnt seem to hold it back: its a top seller for Marmot year after year. Last, we prefer the Black Diamonds helmet-compatible hood for its easy on/off design. If you are looking for a versatile jacket for all round winter outdoor use, Bogong has you covered with top quality softshell from Outdoor Research, Mount and Rab Rab clothing is renowned for its use of lightweight and breathable materials without compromising on features or breathability. Cost aside, its the most complete softshell design for backcountry skiers, and especially those who get out in dry regions like the Rockies.See the Men's Arc'teryx Procline See the Women's Arc'teryx Shashka.