When I’m hiking or climbing in cold weather my level of enjoyment is directly linked to how warm and dry I am. Buying one of the best softshell jackets that my budget allowed for was one of the best hiking gear investments I’ve made.
It wasn’t a simple choice though. The more I looked at different options the more I realized that there are way more factors to consider than I first thought. See Buying Advice for features to look for in a warm softshell jacket.
Table of contents
At a Glance: Top Recommended Soft Shell Jackets
- Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody
- Black Diamond Dawn Patrol LT Shell Jacket
- Patagonia Silent Down jacket
- RAB Vital Windshell Jacket – Men’s
- The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket
- Mountain Hardwear Fairing Jacket – Men’s
Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon
What are soft shell jackets?
It’s the ultimate hybrid outerwear, combining the warmth of a fleece with the water and wind resistance of a hard shell. Unlike traditional hard shells, soft shell jackets offer superior flexibility and breathability, making them the perfect choice for a wide range of activities, from hiking to climbing. They strike a remarkable balance between protecting you from the elements and ensuring ease of movement, often featuring stretchable fabrics and a less bulky design.
If you’re gearing up for your next outdoor adventure, understanding the unique advantages of a softshell jacket can be a game-changer. Dive into our detailed guide to discover the top-rated soft shell jackets on the market and find the ideal one that aligns with your adventurous spirit
Best Softshell Jackets Reviewed:
After checking out a number of great soft shell jackets we narrowed it down to these top 6:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody
See Women’s Version at Amazon | REI
If you regularly climb in cool to cold conditions then this might just end up being your favorite jacket. I really liked how this jacket felt light enough to allow for good movement but it did a great job of keeping me warm once the sun disappeared.
The wind resistance wasn’t the best though but the fit allows for comfortable layering. While not waterproof, the DWR coating made drops bead off nicely in some light rain and the fabric dried really quickly.
While the fabric felt light it displayed good abrasion resistance. When it gets too warm to wear this jacket stuffs into its left-hand pocket and the built-in loop lets you clip it into a harness on your pack.
- Fabric: 86% Nylon, 14% Spandex
What We Like
- Shoulders are abrasion-resistant to prevent back strap wear
- Internal chin-guard
- Adjustable hood for wetter conditions
- Highly breathable so you don’t overheat
- 2 hand pockets for storing small items, zippered chest pocket doubles as stuff sack
- Carabiner loop for clipping it onto your daypack when not in use
What We Don’t Like
- Wind resistance wasn’t quite up to what we expected
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol LT Shell Jacket
See Women’s Version: Amazon | Black Diamond
This is a great choice for fast and light climbing in cold weather.
The fabric has good stretch, allowing for a high degree of mobility, and has a good balance between water resistance and remaining breathable.
The great water resistance performance is down to the NanoSphere textile finish. A Swiss textile company called Schoeller (1) created this finish using nanotechnology.
It makes the fabric water, oil, and dirt repellant as well as highly abrasion resistant.
DWR coatings eventually come off in the wash but the NanoSphere finish is permanently bonded to the fabric surface.
The climbing-helmet compatible hoody provides excellent coverage and adds to the excellent cold-temperature performance of this jacket.
The low hand pocket location meant they were a little in the way of my harness at times but otherwise there’s really nothing to complain about.
- Fabric: 95% Nylon, 5% Elastane
What We Like
- Adjustable, helmet-compatible hood
- Custom-molded adjustable velcro cuff tabs
- 2 hand pockets, 2 internal drop pockets, 1 internal chest pocket – all zippered
- Additional media pocket with port for earphone cord
- Good balance between water resistance and breathability
What We Don’t Like
- Would have preferred the hand pockets to be a little higher to get out of the way of my harness.
Patagonia Silent Down Jacket
This 700-fill-power recycled down jacket is proof that staying warm doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice mobility.
The grid fleece lining and layered shell do a great job of keeping body warmth in and the wind out.
The side panels on the inside of the waist and arms are unlined to provide extra mobility while also serving as vents to prevent overheating.
The shell is made from Patagonia’s Polartec Windbloc (2). This 3 layer arrangement uses a breathable layer sandwiched between the durable outer layer and the inner layer of lofted fibers.
We loved the high degree of wind resistance this resulted in and how breathable it still felt. This fabric has a great soft feel to it and resists pilling even after multiple washes.
- Fabric shell and lining: polyester (70% recycled) taffeta
What We Like
- Fleece grid backer lining provides good insulation and moisture-wicking
- 2 hand warmer pockets, 1 exterior chest pocket, one interior chest pocket – all zippered
- Hand warmer pockets are above the harness / pack strap height
- Hem cinches without bunching
- Stretchy, breathable side panels prevent overheating
- Helmet compatible hood
What We Don’t Like
- Internal layer does a good job of wicking moisture but takes a long time to dry.
RAB Borealis Softshell Jacket – Men’s
This lightweight softshell jacket is the ideal choice for climbing in the summer months.
Rab Ultralight windshell jacket designed to provide complete weather protection with an adjustable hood and a DWR coated windproof shell.
While it performs well in cooler weather, it’s when you start to work up a sweat that this jacket comes into its own.
The 2-layer Vapour-rise design uses a durable Pertex Equilibrium fabric on the outside and a micro-fleece liner on the inside.
The micro-pile inner layer wicks moisture away from the skin and then the outer layer pulls this moisture to the surface where it quickly dries.
To get the most from this jacket it should be worn next to your skin or over a wicking base layer.
- Fabric: 100% Polyamide
What We Like
- 2 external chest pockets, 1 internal pocket – all zippered
- Adjustable velcro cuffs
- Internal storm flap, chin guard
- Lightweight (4 oz) and very breathable
What We Don’t Like
- No side hand pockets
- No women’s version
The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket
See the Women’s Version here.
If you’re heading out into wind and temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees this is a great choice.
This jacket only has a thin fleece lining but it still felt really warm and the shell has some serious wind resistance. Any lower than 30 degrees and you’d have to add layers or wear a different jacket.
They’ve obviously done a good job with the DWR coating because water beaded right off in light drizzle.
The fabric has good stretch so it’s a good choice for high-activity hiking or climbing. The fabric on the inside has got a nice soft feel to it and felt really comfortable through a full range of motion.
The outer shell is abrasion-resistant and very durable which makes sense seeing as they offer a lifetime guarantee on the jacket.
- Fabric: 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex
What We Like
- Adjustable velcro cuffs
- Good water and wind resistance
- Very stretchy material provides excellent mobility
- Durable construction
What We Don’t Like
- No inner pocket
- No hood
Mountain Hardwear Men’s Kor Preshell Hoody
A lot of soft-shell jackets are all about function without paying too much attention to how they look.
This versatile jacket will not only keep cold winds at bay, but you’ll look good while wearing it too. Also, even though it feels quite thin, it has held up well to branches in the woods and rock faces at the crag – no signs of wear at all
The fabric is the AirShield Core layering system that Mountain Hardwear uses to provide excellent wind resistance while retaining good breathability. One thing that is great about this jacket is that it has a wind flap behind the zipper (the Squamish does not), which really helps block the wind/cold.
The collar comes up just high enough to protect your neck from the wind without getting in the way of your chin and the elasticated cuffs provide a comfortable wrist seal.
While the fabric does have some water-resistant properties they’ve designed it more for wind resistance and breathability.
If you’re expecting a lot of rain then this may not be the best option. It’s more water resistant than waterproof. That said, this light jacket that is excellent at keeping the wind out then it’s perfect.
We really liked how the tricot lining on the inside gives it a nice soft and warm feel. Overall, this is a great little jacket, and seeing that it’s , I think it was an absolute steal!
- Fabric: 100% Nylon
What We Like
- 2 zippered hand pockets, 1 zippered chest pocket
- Zippered hand packets
- Comfortable collar height gives good neck protection from wind
- Elasticated cuffs seal nicely around wrists without being tight
- Very warm and wind-resistant
- Cheaper than a lot of other similar jackets
What We Don’t Like
- Sleeves run a bit long
- No women’s version
Shop More Colors and SIzes – Mountain Hardwear Men’s Kor Preshell Hoody
Buyer’s Guide:
Softshell vs Hardshell Jackets
If you’re looking for a good hiking or climbing jacket then you probably thought to yourself: Do I go hard shell or soft shell??
The main difference between these types comes down to water and wind resistance.
When layering clothes correctly, the main purpose of the outer layer is to keep the elements “outside”.
Hard shell jackets will be completely waterproof and windproof but may not be very breathable and feel hot when the sun comes out.
The best softshell jackets will have a measure of water and wind resistance but won’t block these elements completely.
They will, however, be breathable and will offer better mobility.
Best SoftShell Jacket Fabrics
The shells of these jackets are generally made from a blend of synthetic fabrics. These materials will have different properties so it’s important to understand the conditions that you expect before making your choice.
Weight
Very lightweight fabrics will be extremely comfortable to wear but may not be very wind-resistant. Heavier fabrics will be warmer but more restrictive.’
Durability
There’s always a compromise between weight and durability so you’ll need to decide which is more important.
A thicker fabric with good abrasion resistance will look good for longer and is less likely to pill after the first few hikes or washes.
Some jackets will have reinforced abrasion-resistant shoulders which is a great feature if you plan on carrying a hiking backpack for a long time.
Breathability
Although you’ll be wearing your softshell jacket to keep warm, it’s inevitable that you’ll work up a sweat.
When you do, you want to be sure that your jacket fabric is breathable and that the lining wicks away the perspiration.
Weather Resistance
For your jacket to keep you happy in winter conditions, it’s going to need to be able to deal with water, wind and cold.
While no soft shell jacket will ever be properly waterproof it should have a high degree of water resistance while remaining breathable.
Make sure that the fabric of the jacket has been treated with a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating.
If it has, then light rain and snow will bead off rather than being absorbed.
In heavier rain, regardless of what the manufacturer says, you can expect that the soft shell fabric will get pretty soaked. Choosing a quick-dry fabric will mean that you’re less likely to stay wet.
Wind Resistance
There’s nothing quite as sharp as a cold alpine wind. Making a fabric that is wind-resistant is pretty easy. Making one that is wind-resistant and breathes well, that’s a lot harder.
Look for a jacket that has multiple layers in the shell. This is usually a good sign that they’ve made the outside wind-resistant while the inner layers are for wicking perspiration and breathability.
Jacket Insulation
A really light jacket will be fine on most days but when it gets really cold it’s not going to have the insulation to get the job done. If the fit is loose enough then you may just need to add an extra layer or two under the jacket.
If you want guaranteed warmth then make sure that your jacket has an insulation layer and fleece lining. A good seal around the hem, cuffs, and neck is also essential.
If you are expecting freezing temperatures, you will want to check out the temperature ratings for down jackets to get the ultimate warmth.
Best Softshell Jacket Features
Not all jackets are created equal. While some extras can seem a little gimmicky there are some good reasons why you should consider getting a jacket with these helpful extras.’
Chin Guard
Cold wind has a knack for finding its way in through even the slightest opening. A good chin guard will block the wind and allow you to keep your neck area warm.
Some jackets just have a flap on the outside but for maximum protection look for a jacket that also has an internal chin guard.
You want it to come up high enough for good protection but not so high that it’s uncomfortable to wear.
Hood
A hood will add weight but when it starts to get really cold and the wind comes up you’ll be so glad you’ve got one.
If you climb with a helmet (and you should) then make sure that the hood is helmet-compatible.
You want to be able to get the hood over your helmet but you also want it to be able to cinch down around your head without looking huge when you’re not wearing a helmet.
Velcro Cuff Tabs
Some jackets rely on elasticated cuffs to seal around your wrists. These can be ok but some feel either too tight or too loose.
Cuffs with adjustable velcro tabs will allow you to get a good, comfortable seal. Just make sure that are wide enough to go over your gloves if you wear them.
Carabiner Loop & Stuff Sack
This is more of a “nice to have” than essential but it’s a feature I really like. Some of the lighter jackets will fold up and stuff into one of their zip pockets.
Once folded, the exposed carabiner loop means you can simply clip it onto the outside of your daypack instead of having to find storage space for the jacket inside.
Pockets
Secure, large pockets are essential if you want to avoid having to rummage in your pack every few minutes. Make sure the pockets are properly zippered.
You’re looking for a secure seal but with a zipper that is easy to operate while wearing gloves. Some good jackets will have an internal pocket which is great for keeping a cell phone out of the elements.
The positioning of the handwarmer pockets is important. Make sure that they’re high enough so that they don’t get obstructed by your pack harness.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Softshell jackets offer moderate rain protection but are not designed for heavy rain. They’re ideal for light showers and mist, but in a downpour, a waterproof hard shell is more suitable.
Yes, soft shell jackets are great for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, thanks to their breathability and flexibility. However, in extremely cold conditions, layering with an insulated jacket is recommended.
Most soft shell jackets are designed to be wind-resistant and can effectively protect against mild to moderate winds. For high wind conditions, a jacket with a windproof membrane is advisable.
Softshell jackets can replace fleeces in many scenarios, offering similar warmth but with added benefits like wind and water resistance. They are less insulating but more versatile
For optimal layering, wear a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by a soft shell jacket. In colder conditions, add an insulated mid-layer between the base layer and the soft shell.
Wash your soft shell jacket with a mild detergent and cold water. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach. Tumble dry on low or air dry. Regular maintenance can extend the jacket’s life and performance
Yes, many brands now offer made from recycled materials and sustainable practices, catering to environmentally conscious consumers. Check out brands like Cotopaxi.
Conclusion:
While all of the jackets above are great options, you should take into account the level of activity you’ll be engaging in and the weather conditions you expect.
Fast climbing in cold, dry conditions will call for a windproof jacket while hiking in snow or a bit of rain will require better water resistance.
Your best option is to get one of the softshell jackets above, wear a thermal layer underneath and keep a lightweight rain shield in your pack just in case.
Pack Like a Pro: The Ultimate Checklist for Outdoor Adventures
Never forget essentials again – get the ultimate packing checklist for your adventures here:
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- Stay Warm and Comfortable: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Men’s Winter Hiking Pants
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Last update on 2025-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API