Every time you are adventuring around the outdoors, you need the right gear to keep you warm, and dry, and ensure you enjoy the magical times the wild has to offer. For the weather that ranges from sunny to rainy, Softshell Jacket is designed to keep you quite dry, while providing breathability and flexibility.
Whether running, hiking, mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, or paddling, the softshell jacket will serve you well. Actually, this is a versatile garment to keep in your wardrobe.
Key features of a softshell jacket
- Water-repellent and Wind-resistant
- Great at keeping you warm
- Extremely freedom of movement
- Higher breathability (no additional membrane or coating)
- High level of comfort
- Stretchy
- Highly durable
What is a softshell jacket?
A softshell jacket is made from woven fabric which makes it a warm layer that offers the highest level of comfort. This is a breathable and lightweight jacket made from a stretchy, woven material that gives some protection from wind, cold, and rain. The best part of it is that it doesn’t inhibit your movement when you are adventuring compared to a hardshell jacket.
A softshell jacket does not have a lining found in normal jackets but instead is made by bonding two layers of fabric together for flexibility and warmth. The jackets feature an active cut for hill walking and climbing in less extreme conditions. It is also good because of its minimal insulation and good breathability. Not forgetting the highest level of wind and shower protection too.
Do softshell jackets keep you warm?
The material used in making softshell jackets is great at keeping you warm and should be your go-to for wearing under a hardshell or raincoat jacket. Made with top-quality material, softshell jackets can offer as much warmth as a fleece.
The inner lining of the softshell jackets is mostly made of fleece, polyester, or nylon. This is enough to keep you warm. The in-built elasticity offers enough room to wear more warm layers under it. In addition to that, some jacket comes with a hood, which gives you additional warmth and protection by ensuring that your neck and head is well covered. Therefore, we can confirm that softshell jackets can offer you the warmth you need while adventuring around.
What is the difference between a hardshell and a softshell jacket?
There is no much difference between the two. However, the difference we noticed is that hardshell jackets offer the best waterproof protection and durability you need especially for backpacking trips and rainy weather. Hardshell jackets are normally made using a woven outer fabric that makes them less stretchy than softshells. Actually, it is made from a piece of knitted fabric.
But when it comes to comfort, a softshell jacket is the best. For sure, there is nothing to complain about this stretchy and soft fabric. Moreover, many softshells come with fleece liners to offer additional next-to-skin coziness. On the other hand, hardshells are normally more rigid, with crinkly fabrics and less mobility overall.
Softshells occupy the middle ground between hardshells and fleece. They are able to give you the best in terms of warmth and comfort with high protection from rain and wind.
However, both softshell and hardshell jackets have the membrane layer inserted inside the jacket to provide rain resistance while letting water vapor out. This allows you not to get too clammy when you sweat.
Are softshell jackets good for winter?
Yes. But it will depend on the situation. For instance, if you are going where the temperature is likely to change, then a softshell jacket will help you in a bigger way. Remember that it can be worn together with other layers such as a hardshell to offer protection and insulation from snow and rain.
If you’re not going to be more active or the temperature will be fairly stable, you can wear this jacket together with an insulated jacket or a jumper.
Is softshell good for summer?
As we mentioned earlier, softshells are great for a variety of outdoor activities where you are likely to work up, enough to sweat. Their breathability, stretchiness, and good weather resistance work well in anything from a spring hike to mountain climbing in the summer months.
How often should I wash my softshell jacket?
If the softshell jacket is subjected to severe use, then the membrane becomes clogged up over time by things like sweat, make-up, or suntan lotion. Of course, how often the softshell is worn dictates how often it should be washed. If you wear it on longer trips, it is good to wash it on a regular basis.
Like any other clothing, you need a clean softshell jacket. If you find that the collar appears soiled, then it is time to clean it up. But you need to clean your softshell jacket with a lot of care considering that it can serve you for a long time.
Are softshell jackets worth it?
Yes. Softshell jackets are definitely worth the money. One of the main reasons is that they are highly versatile. Not only that they are the best jacket for wearing around town in the spring or the fall but they also serve as either an outer layer or a mid-layer when you are bagging peaks. As we mentioned above, softshell jackets are durable and can serve you for a relatively long time.
The reason to wear a jacket in the winter is to protect yourself from the elements. Wind and snow can both cause a chill, and softshells can help to keep you dry and protected from the wind. Therefore, these jackets are worth it.
How long does softshell last?
Softshell jackets provide better durability and have a long lifespan. With good care, softshells can last for a couple of months or years. However, there are many factors that determine the lifespan of softshell jackets. One of them is the quality of the material used to make it. Also, note that with regular continuous use, friction and heat can make the jacket break down more quickly.
Is softshell warmer than fleece?
Since softshells are very breathable, they don’t retain much heat as fleeces. And that is why you will find that most softshells have an inside layer made of fleece. There isn’t a big difference between the two as far as warmth and insulation are concerned. Despite softshells being made of an outer lining, the inner lining is made using fleece.
The good thing about a fleece jacket is to offer warmth and is able to retain that warmth, by being exceedingly insulated. Generally speaking, fleece jackets are warmer than softshell jackets.
When should I wear a softshell jacket?
Of course. There are many benefits of a softshell jacket. Actually, this is a lightweight and breathable alternative to your waterproof jacket. The jacket is good for a number of reasons which include:
- Can be worn over the base layer when climbing or cycling
- Daily wear when there is little chance of rain in good to moderate weather conditions
- Can be worn as an insulating mid-layer in bad weather conditions
How useful is a softshell jacket?
There are many advantages of this jacket. Generally speaking, the jacket will keep you dry under most conditions. However, it won't deal with heavy rain or prolonged showers. Therefore, you may need to carry your hardshell though.
On the other hand, softshells will keep you so much more comfortable and drier under certain conditions. To be sincere, most softshells don’t have fully waterproof membranes like that found in hardshells. Normally softshell jackets emphasize breathability and offer wind and water resistance. They tend to be softer, stretcher, and more comfortable than their counterpart, hardshell jackets.
Why choose soft shell jackets?
We recommend you use a softshell jacket for a number of reasons. These jackets are highly windproof, the surface material is breathable and is able to repel both dirt and water.
While the inside is lined with fleece, which is light and warm. These softshell jackets have a waterproof and breathable membrane between the outer and the inner layers. Moreover, softshell products have a non-toxic, fluorocarbon-free durable dirt and water-repellent finish. This is important to cut down on washing and keep it clean for longer.
Factors to consider when choosing a softshell jacket
Currently, there are a wide variety of softshell jackets in the market that are available to suit a broad range of conditions and purposes. Though the materials differ, any type of jacket you choose could be of huge help provided they are made from high-quality material. Below are the important factors to consider when selecting the right softshell jacket.
- Activities Suitable For
The type of softshell you select will depend on the activity you intend to use it for. For example, for activities like fair-weather hiking, climbing, and cycling where you need a lightweight outer layer, a stretch-woven softshell jacket is perfect.
You will find that some softshell jackets are fleece lined to increase warmth. These are better if the activity is not very strenuous, but want a lightweight jacket to wear on a daily basis.
- The warmth of softshell jackets?
You need to check how warm the softshell jacket is. The purpose of softshell jackets is to help maintain your body heat. Their wind resistance means that wind won’t enter the jacket and make you feel the cold breeze. You will find that some softshell jackets are designed with a fleecy back, which can help in trapping the warmth and stop the effects of wind chill in the event your back gets sweaty.
- Pockets
Another thing to check is the pockets. Ensure you check where these pockets are placed. If you will be wearing the backpack, check and see if there are openings in the hip belt. Are they good enough to fit things like maps? Other things too are the cords and cuffs that pull the hems in. Ensure that all are comfortable. Does everything fit well?
You don’t need to buy a jacket that cannot satisfy all your needs. Remember to check for the height of handwarmer pockets, and interior pockets for keeping things like goggles. Or the streamlined pockets depending on what you want to store in.
- Price
Softshells are slightly more expensive than fleece depending on the quality. You may spend at least £50 on a normal design. But the best quality softshells and even the more advanced designs can easily go up to £100. The reason for this is that softshells are more durable than fleeces. Therefore, depending on the quality you need and the activity you are going to partake in will greatly determine the amount you will spend.
- Weather conditions
Softshell jackets vary in their stretch, wind resistance, and insulation, so it’s important to know which will be best for you. If you plan to use your softshell in cold climates, it is good to go with a jacket that features a layer of fleece. But remember that the added layer might affect your mobility. Softshell jackets come in different thicknesses. In most cases, softshells are designed for summer, spring, and fall activities providing less insulation than winter-weather jackets.
Conclusion
We can proudly recommend the softshell jacket as the most breathable outfit and the best waterproof jacket. For outdoor activities in springtime and summer, this is the best alternative to hardshell jackets. They are worth buying for and keep you fit and stylish. Having a softshell jacket in the wardrobe is the best idea for you while enjoying time outside.
No matter if you are on a bike, skiing, or climbing the mountains – due to their great and wide-ranging properties, it would be hard to imagine going out without them. Have your best softshell jacket today and experience the best adventure.
