We also wish that the hand pockets were accessible while wearing a harness or the hip belt of a backpack. The Fjallraven Bertagen Stretch Half-Zip is another lightweight active softshell, weighing only 13 ounces. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The Kinetic offers more weather protection and is the most water-resistant jacket in our review. $75, 9 oz. Active softshells are great as wind layers during aerobic activities. Some of our favorite pieces in this review could move seamlessly 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. Notably, this jacket can withstand dryer moisture like snow but has below-average water protection, especially when compared with the technical softshells and hybrids in our review. The Borealis is Rab's lightest weight softshell and it certainly provides in terms of premium breathability and mobility, all while being incredibly affordable. We tend to associate ultralight gear with wearing out ultra-fast, but not so with the Alpine Start it bucks the trend by being ultra-light and ultra-durable. The Arc'teryx Proton FL Hoody is a jack-of-all-trades hybrid for those who want something extra from their softshell. Hybrid softshells are relatively new on the scene, and they attempt to bridge the gap between different jacket types be it by providing extra insulation or water resistance. This jacket was designed with alpine climbing and cool-weather mountain activities in mind, but it would be well-equipped as a light jacket for travel, hiking, or any activity where you move from warm to cool temps. Armed with the Gamma MX, we hiked into frigid temps and blowing snow and climbed ice for hours, staying sufficiently warm and moving without feeling stifled. It even has UPF-50 fabric to protect your skin from the sun.
The close cut of the hood permits wearing it under a helmet; while the hood isnt adjustable, it stays put on your head in wind. Related: How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women. It is durable enough to climb scratchy granite cracks and long alpine routes while providing sufficient protection from wind and water without sacrificing any breathability. That said, these drawbacks are minor, and for someone seeking a durable, weather-resistant softshell for alpine climbing, peak-bagging, cool-weather hikes, or ski touring, the Gamma LT might just be the one for you. Hikes and trail runs on crappy fall and spring days, fast-changing mountain weather in summer, highly aerobic activities in winterfor all of these things, nothing beats a highly breathable, lightweight pullover or jacket. No sponsored content. They proved durable and, could withstand the abrasion of granite walls and sandstone cracks and wouldn't disintegrate at the mention of crampons and ice tools. rab.uk.com.
When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Number of Pockets (zippered unless otherwise noted), How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women. This is because it splits the difference between a technical and an active softshell. This fleece-insulated but breathable hybrid features a moisture-wicking liner to manage sweat and keep you sufficiently warm in cooler weather. That said, given their mobility, breathability, and weather protection, softshell jackets are an ideal layer for many backcountry activities and mountain athletes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to Backpack the Teton Crest Trail Without a Permit, The First 5 Things I Do in Camp When Backpacking. Overall, softshells are ideal for mild weather when you need some coverage from wind, snow, or light rain, but you're unlikely to need full-on storm protection. How can we improve GearLab? Breathability is one of the top reasons people buy a softshell jacket. For long rock climbing routes, it can be helpful to have a stow-away pocket with a loop to clip to your harness. The jackets that weigh in the 20-ounce range are the less technical offerings in our review. We were especially impressed with how well the ever-affordable Outdoor Research Ferrosi performed in this category. The Ferrosi is so stretchy, it will have you jumping for joy! Active softshells are ideal as wind layers while summer or alpine climbing, trail running, or hiking, while technical softshells are best for ice and mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, snowshoeing, and backcountry and/or cross-country skiing. After more than 100 hours of rigorously testing these jackets, we've got some expert advice to offer about the best softshell jacket to match your needs. The Borealis is a perfect option for alpine rock climbing, peak-bagging, and backpacking, where weight and packability are major considerations. While it is a little heavier than our favorite trail running jackets, the Gamma LT provides excellent breathability and warmth for cool weather trail runs. The Fjallraven Bergen pull-over is among the lightest jackets in our review. The Borealis is breathable enough that you won't turn into a swampy mess, even after climbing a fist crack in the sun! Another great option, if you want a warmer jacket that still delivers on the breathability front, is the Arc'teryx Proton FL. The Alpine Start, Borealis, and the Ferrosi each offer great wind and sun protection while rock climbing, summer mountaineering, trail running, and cycling. If you can afford a specialized item like a softshell, you probably still want to make the most of your money who doesn't? We love the versatility and style of this jacket for cruising around town or on the trail, and we never felt weighed down by it. When it was paired with another softshell, it proved ideal for ice/mixed climbing and for approaches to ice climbs on warmer days. Given that mobility is critical for a softshell, we reviewed several stellar options that exemplify unimpeded mobility. Each of our highest-ranked active softshells also earned favorable marks in this category.
And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. When hybrids are well executed, they tend to be the most versatile of the jackets in our review, but sometimes adding bonus functionality backfires and makes them uncomfortable or less useful than the jackets they're trying to mimic. Each year, the technology continues to get more innovative and the designs more varied, so our review features a diverse array of jackets, including active, technical, and casual softshells, as well as a few hybrids, to offer a multitude of options for your favorite outdoor pursuits. 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 Hoody, and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. That said, it is soft, stylish, well-constructed, and very water-resistant. We love the top-shelf features on this jacket, including pockets that are accessible when you're wearing a harness or the hip-belt of a backpack and an innovative hood with an inner gasket to keep your face dry. With the many different types of shells and layers on the market, it can be hard to know which pieces will work best for your individual needs. Mary spends her summers alpine climbing in Colorado and California. If you're looking for a lightweight jacket that is ideal for long granite routes, then an active softshell like the Gamma LT, Borealis, First Ascent, or Ferrosi are the ones for you! Softshell jackets are an interesting gear category because they strive to do the job of multiple layers at once resist wind, repel water, provide warmth, and breathe well. Which is great for taking the edge off the wind on an otherwise lovely day while hiking.
In our review, we do have one jacket that nearly proves the exception to this rule: the Rab Kinetic 2.0. Many of the technical and casual softshells make up for their heft by providing extra warmth, something that is critical when you're miles into a backcountry winter adventure.
The patented Wee Burley fabric is abrasion-resistant and durable while still providing excellent mobility. This jacket also surprised our reviewers with above average breathability (water-resistant jackets are notorious for their lack of breathability). The Alpine Start Hoody proved to be the lightest-weight softshell in our review, weighing a scant 6.5 ounces.
Both are great options for moving quick and fairly light. It is also pretty pricey. Whether you need a layer for alpine or multi-pitch climbing, insulation for ice climbing, or a breathable but decently warm layer for backcountry or cross-country skiing, mountain climbing, or hiking, this ingenious mid-layer is a great one to add to your kit. Even though it provides great wind protection and decent water resistance, it manages to be breathable when doing aerobic activities in cooler temps. Our review team noted very few drawbacks to this otherwise feature-rich jacket. We were especially impressed by the plush and warm Arc'teryx Proton FL and the PrimaLoft insulated Athleta Rock Ridge. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is both a great value and a top-performing jacket, a match made in outdoor gear heaven. The stretchy Schoeller fabric allows for unhindered mobility on or off the rock. Some of the models we tested are more water-resistant than others, but these pieces are not as dependably waterproof as rain jackets in a severe storm. It is also the most subjective of our review criteria. The only jacket that bucks convention in this category is the Gamma LT. That being said, the downsides may be irrelevant, depending on the jacket niche you seek to fill.
Our team tested each of these jackets side-by-side in various climes, from blustery days climbing ice in the Rocky Mountains to surprisingly frigid desert climbing days in Indian Creek, Joshua Tree, the Black Canyon, and Red Rock. Read review: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody. Jackets in this review ranged from 6.5 ounces at the lightest to 22.5 ounces at the heaviest. That being said, none of the jackets we reviewed are so heavy to raise red flags.
It is lightweight, wind-resistant, breathable, abrasion-resistant, and highly stretchy.
You wouldn't even know the Borealis was on your harness except for how pink this one is! Compared to other softshells, it has below-average water resistance, but it does dry quickly and offers great 3-season protection. 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. It has more insulation than your average active softshell but is lighter than your typical technical jacket. We love the Rab Borealis for striking a similar balance between excellent features and affordability. They can leave you feeling swampy, suffocated, and stuffy. We also appreciate the harness-compatible pockets and two-way adjustable, helmet-compatible hood.
Softshell jackets are designed for backcountry adventures like climbing, skiing, and trail running all activities that demand unhindered movement. Casual softshells offer great features for urban adventures but are durable enough to use in the backcountry, while hybrids attempt to triangulate between sub-categories and move between seasons. All these concerns aside, the Ferrosi is a great breathable, wind-resistant option at a fantastic price for hiking, climbing, and cycling. If you're looking for a casual hybrid that offers insulating warmth and breathability, without weighing you down, then the Rock Ridge is a good option to consider. Unfortunately, technical and casual softshells don't earn the highest marks in this category.
The fit is a little on the boxy side, so if you're between sizes, you might consider sizing down. One of the only reasons it did not garner higher marks in this category is that it lacks a hood, so if you're caught in the rain with this jacket, you better hope you have your umbrella to keep your noggin dry. Looking for the best women's softshell? The exceptionally water-resistant Apex Bionic is one of the warmer softshells in our review, and it did well in our water-resistance test making it a great option for a winter jacket in an urban environment. For this reason, softshells can be great jackets for alpine climbing, ice/mixed climbing, ski-touring, or even around town on a chilly evening. It has a thicker lining than most active softshells but is nowhere near as warm as most technical softshells. Even some of the burlier active softshells, like the Gamma LT, have a fairly average weight relative to the other jackets in our review. Featherweight and it packs down to the size of your fist, you'll hardly notice the Alpine Start in your pack or on your harness. By and large, softshells are only water and wind resistant. The cuffs are non-adjustable which could be a feature or a deficit, depending on whether you prefer gauntlet-style gloves or cuffs that cinch over your gloves.
This is less of a problem for the casual softshells, as those are meant to be worn around town, but this is a big deal if you're looking for a technical softshell for ice climbing or backcountry skiing. The Alpine Start features a lightweight and stretchy Schoeller fabric that ensures you can move well without being stifled by sweat. With stretchy Schoeller fabric, comfortable cuffs, an "alpine" gusseted fit, and a helmet-compatible hood, it provided incredible mobility so that we barely noticed we were wearing it. We're here to help! Depending on how you intend to use the Gamma LT, this jacket's downsides may be inconsequential. The Alpine Start also performed impressively well in this category. but also shockingly breathable. While there are some windproof softshells available (we have a few in this review), the designation of waterproof is mostly reserved for hardshells. However, it does come close to accomplishing both. It is also not the most versatile jacket, mostly because it is not as warm as some of the other technical softshells. A garment that aims to strike the perfect balance between breathability and weather protection so you can move unencumbered on your outdoor adventures. It ticks nearly every box that a durable wind layer for climbing or hiking should. Active softshells offer great mobility because they are typically made with 4-way stretchy fabric and are designed to allow freedom of movement.
There are definitely plenty of jackets geared toward casual urban outings, but regardless of your chosen activity, a restrictive jacket will not allow you to move freely enough to enjoy yourself. This active softshell moves incredibly well and is ridiculously comfy, all without breaking the bank. We also considered style. Hopefully our review will help guide you to the best softshell for your next adventure. Spoiler alert: the top-performing jackets in this category were all active or hybrid/active softshells. Sadly, the Proton FL does not have this feature, so if you need to stash your jacket mid-route, you'll have to get a stuff sack specific for the job. We looked for softshells that layered and fit well, were comfortable, and those that had stretchy fabric or other features to enable movement. All trademarks property of their respective owners Our lead tester used this jacket all over the mountains and the desert, taking it up long alpine rock routes, desert towers, and sandstone fist cracks. Not only do active jackets have the stretchiest materials, but most technical and casual softshells are thicker and have a fleece lining that typically makes them a little stiffer. Then, it will be much easier to decide whether you need an active, technical, casual, or hybrid jacket. All of our hybrid and casual jackets earned competitive marks in this category. Rab Boreas/Aurora Pull-On It's also a great companion on alpine rock climbs, shoulder-season multi-pitches, sun-rise trail runs, and aerobic activities of any kind where temps are cool, wind is likely, and you plan to work up a sweat. We paid attention to how well each jacket performed relative to its retail price and considered their value in terms of jacket features, weather protection, and the niche they fill in your backcountry kit. Next up, we have the Borealisand the Kinetic 2.0, which all weigh around 9-9.5 ounces. The zippered chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack when you want to stash your jacket on the back of your harness or in your backpack.
That said, the stretchy Black Diamond Dawn Patrol is great for some applications like downhill skiing (when paired with extra insulation) and casual snowshoeing on a packed trail. Finally, it is rather spendy. Versatile enough to be used as an insulating layer while climbing long granite routes or as a mid-layer while ice climbing. Add to all of this the fact that it is a very affordable jacket, and it is no wonder why this jacket is the staple softshell for most outdoor adventure nerds. Let us know! This jacket offers exceptional wind and water resistance.
Of the technical softshells, we found that the Arc'teryx Gamma MX boasted a stellar mobility to warmth ratio. We even wore these jackets in the shower to test how they performed under pressure (water pressure, that is). After looking On the hunt for a new women's ski jacket? Namely, it is neither fully waterproof nor the most breathable jacket in our review. The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is an incredibly lightweight jacket that bridges the gap between softshell and windbreaker. It is everything a hybrid should strive to be. To be honest, there is very little this jacket can't do: it is lightweight, has great mobility, and with an ultra-soft fleece lining, it is super cozy, even next to bare skin. On the flip side, if a jacket says that it's fully windproof (as opposed to just wind resistant), it's a safe bet that it won't be super breathable. Early morning approaches to long routes are an ideal match for a softshell. We have tried to distill the main types of softshells into three broad categories: active, technical, and casual. The Proton FL has the best weight to warmth ratio of any jacket in our review, making it an easy choice for cool hikes and long climbing routes. We hope this review has answered some of your softshell questions and helped guide you toward the right model for your next outdoor adventure. High up on an ice route is not when you want to be worried about the mobility of your softshell, which is why we love the mobility offered by the Gamma MX. The revised version of the jacket has some sleeve slippage between the fleece lining and the shell fabric when you pull it over long-sleeved shirts (especially fleeces). We love the barely-there feel of the Alpine Start. Our reviews wouldn't be objective if we ignored a product's flaws, and the Ferrosi is not without its minor caveats. You can unzip these during strenuous activity to help dump heat.
This means it can move between warmer days of ice climbing and cooler days of alpine rock climbing. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Many of the softshells in this review come with excellent features that we thoroughly enjoy and regularly use. It is a feature-rich active softshell that offers great wind protection, making it a perfect option for rock climbing, peak bagging, or backpacking.
A softshell is a great way to stay warm on sunny winter days while multi-pitch climbing in Eldorado Canyon, CO, or wherever you may roam. The plush fleece-lined Proton FL strikes a balance between a warm insulating layer and a breathable softshell. And the Ferrosi has 4-way stretchy fabric, and the lack of bulk means that it's a fantastic option for layering over a thin fleece or under a big puffy. Perfect for blocking the wind on top of long multi-pitch routes. Enter the softshell. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is a fantastic value. In this testing round, jackets were put to the test shimmying up granite chimneys and jamming in Indian Creek splitters. Need an insulated jacket? The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is an upgrade to the previous generation of the Kinetic jacket. 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. Wearing the Boreas in chilly wind while hiking across snow on the Ptarmigan Traverse in the North Cascades, dayhiking in the Columbia Gorge, and on cool-weather trail runs, I found it delivers a perfect blend of super breathability to prevent my shirt from getting soaked and cuts the wind just enough to keep me from feeling cold. 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.
The heavier weight owes to it being part softshell, part synthetic puffy, with fleece side panels and PrimaLoft insulation.
This includes activities such as climbing (rock, ice, mixed, or alpine), skiing (backcountry or cross-country, although for alpine/downhill, you'll want something warmer), snowshoeing, mountaineering, trail-running, peak-bagging, or hiking. Pick the Ultimate V and you're sure to be psyched, even ice climbing on cold days in the alpine. We have worn, torn, used, and abused hundreds of jackets to help you find the best layers for whatever adventures you're planning to do. They work well for casual, around-town use where you're not working up a sweat but aren't ideal for wrangling into your pack when you're headed into the backcountry for more technical pursuits. The Gamma MX is an awesome layer for cold and blustery winter days. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products.
Check out our other reviews for a deep dive into the best rain jackets, hardshells, windbreakers, running jackets, and down jackets. They aim to split the difference between comfort and weather protection, all without hindering movement. Meanwhile, it has fantastic ventilation in the pockets, making it almost as breathable as the thinnest jackets in our review.
Related: How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm.
Technical softshell jackets are ideal for surprise technical pursuits like ice/mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, backcountry skiing, etc. It has a flattering cut while not skimping on the features you want out of a softshell, including Napoleon-style harness-compatible pockets that are mesh-lined for extra ventilation and a two-way cinched helmet-compatible hood for an excellent fit while climbing, hiking, or ski touring. This jacket is a perfect companion on windy days, multi-pitch rock climbs, or high on alpine walls in the summer. They're incredible layers for warm skiing in the spring or cool climbing and hiking in the fall when you're unlikely to encounter an all-out torrential storm. Stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness.
We assess versatility by considering features, durability, style, and ease of use between various activities and climates. It is breathable and weather resistant, but warm; durable without sacrificing mobility; and all with a flattering fit! The jacket that earned the highest marks in this category was the Gamma LT. Read review: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody. While we recognize that thin fabric and breathability are not the same things, we couldn't ignore the fact that jackets with minimal material often breathe well by default.
The stretchy Schoeller fabric is abrasion-resistant, highly breathable, and moves well regardless of your activity. Short wonder the Gamma LT steals the show. Each of these jackets also has a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, a feature we really like. A few models constructed with very thin material scored well in this category. Rab claims this jacket is waterproof, but it wetted out in monsoon storms and isn't waterproof enough to trust it in an all-out rainstorm. Finally, it does not come with its own stuff sack, as previous generations did. It still features unbeatable water and wind resistance for a softshell with unbelievably soft fabric. Each of these jackets provided more warmth than all but the best technical softshells without sacrificing too much in terms of breathability or mobility.
Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We played in all manner of terrain and weather in women's softshell jackets from Arc'teryx, Rab, Black Diamond, The North Face, and more. Thanks for hanging on with us. They are also ideal for activities where you need wind or weather protection but are likely to build up a sweat, so breathability is a must. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. The Alpine Start offers great wind protection and breathability so you can climb comfortably without getting sweaty as you move up the wall. Despite being very feature-rich, it does not offer UPF-rated sun protection, and it isn't among the warmest jackets in our review. Many of the other active softshells and active hybrids performed well in this category as well, including the Gamma LT, Proton FL, and the Kinetic 2.0. Each of these stretch easily and move more like a shirt than a jacket. Our review team maintains that while versatility is important, it is the least important metric we consider. Given that the Kinetic 2.0 attempts to triangulate between a shoftshell and a hardshell, there are some minor things lost in translation.
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