We like the versatility that comes with the non-insulated LT, but the more significant reason for the difference in ranking is price. They far outperform waterproof hardshells in high-exertion activities like climbing or backcountry skiing.
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. For use in the dead of winter, activities like ice climbing, or even over a puffy around town, thick softshells like the Arc'teryx Gamma MX or the Marmot Gravity are great options. Perfect for the likes of Cosmiques Arete, Rab's Torque jacket is designed for summer alpine climbing and active mountain use, offering complete freedom of movement and breathability. View basket for details. $225 is steep for such a thin jacket, especially when you can get much of the same performance with a windbreaker like the Black Diamond Alpine Start ($165) above. On the other hand, too much airflow compromises weather resistance and warmth. 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). Where softshells excel is breathability, range of motion, and comfort. You do give up some breathability with the waterproof membrane, and the Kinetics decidedly trim fit doesnt allow much room for layering (it offers less coverage too, with a center back length of 28 in. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. Softshells can vary dramatically in thickness and warmth, from thin shells offering no insulation to thick, fleece-lined jackets. Outdoor gear is becoming more and more streamlined by the year, and windbreaker jackets sit at the helm of this movement. Fit may be the deciding factor: the Gravity is a little tighter in the arms and can be more difficult to layer underneath, with the upside being a sleeker and more athletic look.See the Men's Marmot Gravity See the Women's Marmot Gravity. Offers great fit, comfort and protection when you're on the move. 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. We want to know what you think - We can't wait to hear your opinion! Category: PerformanceWeight: 11.8 oz.What we like: A minimalist yet waterproof softshell.What we dont: Trim fitting; waterproof membrane impacts breathability. And dont expect it to keep up if youre working hard, but you probably already knew that by checking the price. The R1 cant wick moisture like a true baselayer, and its cut too large to wear on its own, plus the added warmth limits it to truly cold days. Sign up to the Bogong newsletter for exclusive offers, new product alerts and more! The durable outer fabric can withstand a day of backcountry skiing, but the Gamma LT also breathes really well and allows enough air in and out to keep you cool while on the go. 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. 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). Theyre are also popular with weight-conscious bikers, runners, backcountry skiers, and thru-hikers. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Both types have their prioritieshardshells excel in extreme Arcteryxs Gamma softshell line ranges from the warm, alpine-ready MX to the superlight SL tested here. 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. Along with stretchiness, the breathability of a softshell is one of the main reasons to purchase one. Weve included a few windbreakers in this years articleincluding the Black Diamond Alpine Start and Rab Borealisbut expect to see more and more of these hybrids pop up on our list as we continue testing them. 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. Combined with clean styling that doesnt scream technical, the Cirque fits the bill better for casual use too. 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. Mid-weight Matrix softshell jacket, combining wind resistance, high breathability and a fleece backer. This can be a good thing or bad thing depending on your use, but the lining is quite comfortable and great on cold day. 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. The Torque jacket has been updated and now features reinforced hips as well as on the hood and elbows, to protect against rucksack abrasion. 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. 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. With a nearly identical price and feature set as The North Face Apex Bionic, there isnt a lot separating the two softshell jackets. 3.6 oz.What we like: Tougher and warmer than the Gamma LT.What we dont: Quite a bit more expensive. 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. Among the more casual options on our list, it provides solid weather protection. Outdoor Research softshell jackets are also designed for high performance with incredible breathability. Theyve quickly grown in popularity and technology and are now a realistic competitor to a hardshell for a number of alpine sports. For 7 ounces less than the Gamma LT above, the Rab will keep you drier when the skies unleash. Ideal for active use in cold conditions. What we dont: Gore-Tex Infinium is patterned only in moisture-prone areas. Because helmet sizes can differ (ski helmets are generally quite a bit bulkier than climbing helmets), you'll want to pay attention to what sort of helmet the hood is sized for. If youll be taking the jackets into high elevations or need the added warmth of a winter-weight insulated jacket, you may need a more generous fit (or size up). Also referred to as windshirts, these jackets are exceptionally lightweightgenerally between 2 and 7 ouncesand commonly stuff down to about the size of a coffee mug. When choosing a bushwalking pack, a good quality harness is essential. Category: PerformanceWeight: 13.9 oz.What we like: Thin, light, breathable, and a great price.What we dont: Lightweight build means compromised durability and weather resistance. What we like: Breathable, lightweight, and versatile. The upside of this construction is that you get improved breathability and less warmth for moderate weather days. The front cordlocks are now concealed inside the jacket which is ideal is great if you get sick of being hit in the face with them when the wind starts to pick up. For a deeper dive into the topic, see our article on Hardshell vs. Softshell Jackets.Back to Our Top Softshell Jacket Picks Back to Our Softshell Jacket Comparison Table. All in all, its a really versatile piece: you can wear this jacket over a T-shirt in mild weather and over a puffy in the winter. 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. Additionally, youll find two extra internal drop pockets (great for stashing skins) and a zippered chest pocket on the exterior. Receive our latest updates about our products and promotions. If you need help with selecting the right jacket for your next outdoor adventure, our friendly staff is available to assist you.
We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. It comes with adjustable cuffs, which make it more accommodating when wearing ski gloves (unfortunately those cuffs are less comfortable if youre not wearing gloves). Pockets are a great place to start if youre wondering about a jackets true intentions. Our ideal softshell has an athletic cut to fully enjoy the stretchy and very mobile characteristics of this jacket type. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? 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. For an even deeper dive into this topic, weve written a dedicated article answering the question: What is a Softshell Jacket? That said, well take the versatility of two layers over one, which is why the R1 TechFace is ranked here. 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. Weve found them to be the ideal choice in cool weather and when youre working hard. 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. In what region Slotting in as the warmest and most weather-ready softshell in Arcteryxs Gamma family, the Gamma MX Hoody is built for serious backcountry pursuits like skiing and ice climbing. 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. While there arent exact parameters stating what is or isnt a softshell jacket, one defining feature is the stretchiness of the shell fabric. And at lower elevations, if you need an emergency waterproof jacket, a light and packable rain shell serves as an excellent backup. We have the best sleeping mats - the exped downmat and self inflating mats - and hiking sleeping bags as well as ultralight sleeping bags. Highly stretchy, it's really comfortable to wear and in the scheme of things pretty lightweight. And as with fit, their stretchy nature is a boon for daylong enjoyment. Its also important to note that uninsulated softshell jackets will not be warm enough on their own in subfreezing temperatures. 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.
Backcountry also makes a full-zip jacket version, which is just $10 more and arguably more versatile. Overall the new and improved Torque jacket offers great protection for a range of pursuits. All told, the ROM Hoody is a good-looking piece that can transition between urban and mountain environments better than most.See the Men's Marmot ROM HoodySee the Women's Marmot ROM Hoody. 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. gear to buy if youre a gram-counter like us. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. In addition, the Cirques hood is only intended to fit a climbing helmet, while the Dawn Patrol can accommodate a larger ski lid. 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. Straddling the softshell and Softshell jackets fill a much-needed void between lightweight insulating pieces and waterproof hardshells. 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. Then you can get out and enjoy the fresh air. Its easy to wear over anything from a t-shirt to a lightweight down jacket, depending on conditions. Don't miss out on the latest offers & products - plus 5 off your next order! 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). Jackets like the Black Diamond Alpine Start (7.4 oz.) Offer valid with every order. A lot of other softshells are backcountry skiing-ready, including Black Diamonds Dawn Patrol above. For one, it doesnt stuff into its chest pocket, which strikes us as a major omission for a climbing-focused softshell. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a far cry from the bulky, boxy design that epitomizes softshell jackets of old. We certainly wouldnt classify all windbreaker jackets as softshells. 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. Much like rain jackets, the softshell market is large (and growing), but it can be broken into two general categories: casual and performance. And the cherry on top: the Ferrosi packs down really small for a softshell, stuffing into its own hand pocket (to streamline your kit even more, its also available in an anorak version). Additionally, the hand pockets are not set high enough to be compatible with a harness or hipbelt, but that does make them more convenient for day-to-day use. For a bump up in warmth and performance, check out Rabs Kinetic 2.0 Alpine ($280), which adds a liner and a more robust feature set, including a 2-way front zip and over-the-helmet hood.See the Men's Rab Kinetic 2.0 See the Women's Rab Kinetic 2.0. Category: CasualWeight: 1 lb. Perfect for summer Alpine climbs, hiking, and scrambling. Men's Camping & Hiking Jackets & Waterproofs, 1 product ratings - Rab Firewall Size L Mens Waterproof Jacket (Black). Similar to The North Face Apex Bionic above and Columbia Ascender below, the Gravity is ideal for braving weather around town and the occasional dip into the mountains. 9.4 oz.). 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. Both jacket types are completely viable options for activities like mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and skiing, among others. But while the hood adjusts and cinches nicely, its still too small to fit over a ski helmet, which will be a downside for some (that said, many backcountry skiers wear climbing helmets like the Petzl Meteor). U.K.-based Rab specializes in technical outerwear for alpine endeavors, and their Kinetic 2.0 is a high-performance softshell built for backcountry skiing, climbing, and other high-output activities in cold weather. 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. The ROM uses Gore-Texs Infinium, which gives it a nice bump in weather resistance. Category: CasualWeight: 1 lb. As a hiking and everyday piece, theres not a lot to complain about with the Gamma SLexcept the price. 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. 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. We haven't got any brands on offer matching your search, "We'll do our best to ensure that you get your order quickly. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 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. Free Worldwide delivery on orders over 15. To improve your shopping experience today and in the future, this site uses cookies. In contrast to a rigid and sometimes confining hardshell or rain jacket, a softshell jacket flexes and moves with you. Shop our selection of softshell jackets online or visit our Melbourne store. Sign up to receive the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The Rab Borealis Jacket is a lightweight, wind resistant and packable jacket with excellent breathability.
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