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. Your priorities should push you in one direction or the other and, realistically, those that spend a lot of time in the outdoors have at least one of each type. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Wind & Weather resistant jackets for all outdoor activities. 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.

This stretchiness is particularly helpful for demanding activities like climbing or fast paced aerobic activities such as hiking or cross-country skiing. To help, we've provided a detailed breakdown in our comparison table above. 9.4 oz.). Climbers will often bring a a windbreaker jacket in lieu of an insulating baselayer, as it easily attaches to their harness with a carabiner. In comparing the Gamma MX to its sibling Gamma LT above, the MX is quite a bit warmer with an added fleece lining. If youll be using the softshell as a midlayer or around town, the standard jacket may be your better option. 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. 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. 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. Even if youre working hard, youll need a good system of base and midlayers to stay comfortable. 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.

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. Outdoor gear is becoming more and more streamlined by the year, and windbreaker jackets sit at the helm of this movement. Straddling the softshell and Softshell jackets fill a much-needed void between lightweight insulating pieces and waterproof hardshells. 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. If you like the Dawn Patrol above but want something a bit less technical and more geared toward summer or shoulder-season use, the Cirque is certainly worth a look. This lightweight and durable softshell jacket made with Matrix stretch fabric offers great mobility and superb breathability, with moderate weather protection. We want you to be confident in making decisions on which Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. Don't miss out on the latest offers & products - plus 5 off your next order! 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. 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. Finally, a simple hem adjustment rounds out this jackets minimalist build. Finally, if youre using a helmet, make sure the softshell has a helmet-compatible hood. 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. 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. 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. 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. Softshells are a relatively young product, and early versions were simply fleece jackets with a tougher, more weather resistant face fabric. 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. 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.

There is some crossover between categories, including jackets like the Rab Kinetic 2.0, which includes mechanical stretch in its fully waterproof design. 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. Shop Mens & Womens Softshell Jackets from Rab, Arc'teryx, Mountain Equipment, Montane & Fjallraven. For $50 less, the Dawn Patrol is a viable alternative to our top-rated Gamma LT Hoody. 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. 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. What we like: Breathable, lightweight, and versatile. Category: PerformanceWeight: 1 lb. Among the more casual options on our list, it provides solid weather protection.

9.4 oz.What we like: Ski jacket features wrapped up in a premium Gore-Tex Infinium softshell.What we dont: Expensive and niche. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Looking to buy climbing shoes, a rock climbing harness or other rock climbing gear? Category: CasualWeight:1 lb. 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. All Rights Reserved.Company Registration Number 6315295 VAT no. There seems to be a problem completing the request at present. 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. These nitpicks aside, the Ferrosi undeniably is a superb value, extremely versatile for a range of activities, and a great crossover pick for both casual and performance use.See the Men's Outdoor Research FerrosiSee the Women's Outdoor Research Ferrosi. Category:PerformanceWeight: 1 lb. And rounding out BDs collection is the 3-season Cirque, their do-all softshell that gets the job done both in the mountains and in town. And at lower elevations, if you need an emergency waterproof jacket, a light and packable rain shell serves as an excellent backup. 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). We like the versatility that comes with the non-insulated LT, but the more significant reason for the difference in ranking is price. 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. Rab says: Email: customer.service@ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk. When choosing a bushwalking pack, a good quality harness is essential. Offers great fit, comfort and protection when you're on the move. Additionally, youll find two extra internal drop pockets (great for stashing skins) and a zippered chest pocket on the exterior. The Rab Borealis Jacket is a lightweight, wind resistant and packable jacket with excellent breathability. 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 fit of a softshell will most often correlate with its category, with casual jackets having a more generous, relaxed cut than tailored performance pieces. On the other hand, the Kinetic 2.0 is a great jacket for those looking for something in between. That being said, its not quite as stretchy as a softshell and its fully waterproof design does result in slightly compromised breathability. * The crossed-out prices represent our previous price. 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 extra give in the fabric also means you can be quite comfortable even with a trim, athletic fit, which makes them all the better for the activities mentioned above. 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. 3.2 oz.What we like: Arcteryx fit, quality, and all-around performance.What we dont: Trim fit means you cant layer much underneath. Plus, the Ferrosi is decently tough and abrasion-resistant, will block out a good amount of the elements, and has excellent stretch and breathability. Tack on the aforementioned smaller helmet and pocket placement, and the SL becomes less desirable for skiers and ice climbers.

Shop our selection of softshell jackets online or visit our Melbourne store. This isnt a super warm softshell with a thick fleece lining, but its thin construction is what gives the jacket its versatility. 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. While the hood isnt waterproof, it can provide sustained relief from light rain and wind, keep snow from entering your jacket at the neck, and offer additional warmth. I can find more detailed information in the, In order to be able to place an order with us, you must, Subscribe to the newsletter & receive 5. Rab rounds out the streamlined (11.8 oz.) Clocking in at just 10.5 ounces, the Borealis was designed to provide protection from the wind in a mobile and breathable package. Purpose-built for ski touring, Arcteryxs new Procline is as souped-up as a softshell gets. Accurate weights of items are vital to us here at Ultralight. For one, it doesnt stuff into its chest pocket, which strikes us as a major omission for a climbing-focused softshell. Sign up to receive the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. Registration only takes effect after receipt of my confirmation; it is possible to unsubscribe at any time. We brought the Gamma SL hiking in Canadas Yukon territory and found it to be a great match for the level of activity and conditions: this jacket Lets get right to the point: we love windbreaker jackets. Casual softshells have a generous fit and a basic feature set for use as an outer layer from fall through spring. Like the Apex Bionic and Marmot Gravity above, the Columbia Ascender is geared toward everyday use and not necessarily for summiting mountains. That said, well take the versatility of two layers over one, which is why the R1 TechFace is ranked here. 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 a few short years, Black Diamond has asserted itself as a major player in performance apparel. All that said, with minimalist gear growing in popularity, the softshell category is swiftly following suit. 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. Read more about us. Offers great fit, comfort and protection when you're on the move. One of the reasons that people hesitate in buying a softshell is that it lacks the security you get from a rain jacket or hardshell in terms of waterproofing. As the name suggests, a softshell is a flexible outer layer that serves as an alternative to a traditional hardshell jacket. However, we prefer the more adjustable StormHood on the Gamma, and Black Diamonds workmanship cannot yet match the quality construction of Arcteryx. 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. Then you can get out and enjoy the fresh air. View the product page to see the latest Click & Collect store availability. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Softshell jackets are ideal for most winter pursuits, from cross-country skiing to bar hopping. 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). 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. 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. 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 are the first 100% climate-neutral online outdoor retailer certified by ClimatePartner. Browse our range of Men's and Women's Softshell Jackets from Rab, Arc'teryx, Fjallraven, Montane & Mountain Equipment. We'll answer in the meantime! With reinforced Ripstop overlays, the Torque Jacket is built to withstand rock and ice. That said, Black Diamonds four-way stretch fabric is no match for the Proclines fully windproof Gore-Tex Infinium, and the Arcteryxs powder skirt is a nice bonusespecially for a jacket that you might consistently wear in lieu of a ski jacket. 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. 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. Softshell jackets are not designed to be impervious to the elements; instead, theyre meant to balance water and wind resistance with performance characteristics like breathability and mobility. Mont softshell jackets are designed for cold conditions and feature designs that are both weather resistant and comfortable. 2022 Bogong Equipment Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia. Along with stretchiness, the breathability of a softshell is one of the main reasons to purchase one. 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). In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. They excel as a daily piece because their stretchy fabrics are far more comfortable and breathe better than a rain jacket. Even when we're out and about, you can still have your questions answered online anytime! And dont expect it to keep up if youre working hard, but you probably already knew that by checking the price. But its an intriguing option on paper, and we look forward to getting it out and seeing how it fares over time.See the Men's Backcountry Tabernash Anorak See the Women's Backcountry Tabernash Anorak. Comfort is another area of strength for softshells, particularly next-to-skin feel. Throughout a season of A common debate amongst backcountry-goers is whether to wear a hardshell or softshell jacket as an outer layer. 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.

Using Gore-Texs premium Infinium membrane (also seen on the Marmot ROMabove and the Arcteryx Procline below) and C-Knit backer, it effectively blocks wind while releasing your bodys heat, and does a decent job resisting moisture too. Pockets are a great place to start if youre wondering about a jackets true intentions. For more background, see our softshell jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Free Worldwide delivery on orders over 15. The Rab Borealis Jacket is a lightweight, wind resistant and packable jacket with excellent breathability. Snap! This streamlined design makes for a very versatile piecewhile hiking in the Yukon this summer, the SL became our go-to layer for wind protection, pesky mosquitos, and even fending off light rain. Category: Performance/casualWeight: UnavailableWhat we like: Gore-Tex Infinium for a reasonable price.What we dont: Anorak style and built-in face mask wont be for everyone. We want to know what you think - We can't wait to hear your opinion! JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. This jacket inches closer to a hardshell than your standard softshell, combining a waterproof membrane with a stretchy knit face fabric. Some, like the Patagonia Houdini, do not stretch and are significantly lacking in breathability. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a far cry from the bulky, boxy design that epitomizes softshell jackets of old.

Technical features such as two YKK zipped napoleon chest pockets allow this jacket to go on at the start of the day, and stay on as long as you stay out. But keep in mind thatunlike many Gore-Tex productsInfinium is not fully waterproof, and on the ROM its only patterned over areas most prone to moisture (the hood, arms, and shoulders). For an even deeper dive into this topic, weve written a dedicated article answering the question: What is a Softshell Jacket? 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. 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. We specialise in mountaineering equipment with a large range of ice climbing gear, mountaineering boots and clothing. 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). Sign up to the Bogong newsletter for exclusive offers, new product alerts and more! 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). Weve found them to be the ideal choice in cool weather and when youre working hard. 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 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. These may be customized through analysis of email usage and my purchasing behaviour. Mid-weight Matrix softshell jacket, combining wind resistance, high breathability and a fleece backer. outdoor clothing insulation mens icebreaker, RAB DOWNPOUR PLUS PANT Short Leg Length Womens, RAB DOWNPOUR PLUS PANT Short Leg Length Mens. To improve your shopping experience today and in the future, this site uses cookies. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Click the Return icon above to undo your last step or try Type to Search again. From our experience, the more familiar weve become with our gear and the conditions well be heading out into, the more willing we are to reach for our softshell. Your results are currently sorted 'Name (A-Z)', Your results are currently sorted 'Name (Z-A)', Your results are currently sorted 'Price (Low to High)', Your results are currently sorted 'Price (High to Low)', Your results are currently sorted 'Discount', Read our full Privacy Policy & Cookie information here. And theyre small but mightymade with breathable and water/wind-resistant nylon, they provide valuable warmth and weather protection. Receive our latest updates about our products and promotions. The Arcteryx Gamma MX has been on the market for years with plenty of summits and deep backcountry days to its name. 2.1 oz.What we like: Quality one-quiver softshell for both urban and mountain environments.What we dont: Not a standout in any specific category. Bogong is Melbourne's best climbing store. Marmot says: On the go in fickle conditions? Theyve quickly grown in popularity and technology and are now a realistic competitor to a hardshell for a number of alpine sports. 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. If you need help with selecting the right jacket for your next outdoor adventure, our friendly staff is available to assist you. It all adds up to a ridiculously high-performance jacket that will get the job done on most days in the backcountry. 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. In fact, when it comes to a lightweight, breathable, and protective layer for high-output activities, the Dawn Patrol is competitive with class-leading softshells like the Gamma LT Hoody above and Ferrosi Hoody below. Softshells offer great water resistance and breathability for fall and winter outdoor activities, but their hardwearing nature holds up well to everyday use too. 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. For maximum breathability, air permeability is your friend as it moves more air in and out of the shell. Where softshells excel is breathability, range of motion, and comfort. 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. 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. 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. Even through a Seattle winter, well still reach for our softshell jacket so long as there isnt heavy precipitation in the forecast. 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. Two notable exceptions are the Arcteryx Gamma MX and Rab Kinetic 2.0, which offer excellent weather protection for serious outdoor pursuits. 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. design with an under-the-helmet hood, two harness or hipbelt-compatible handwarmer pockets, velcro cuff adjustments, and a single-end hem cinch.

The Black Diamond Alpine Start is one of the lightest softshells on our list and arguably the most versatile. Both jacket types are completely viable options for activities like mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and skiing, among others. When you are active outdoors, you need a softshell jacket that wont hinder your performance while also helping you to stay warm. 2022 Ultralight Outdoor Gear. The Sitemap offers a quick overview of all content on this website. The Gamma LT still gets our pick for the best all-around softshell, but if youre looking for a backcountry-specific option that also looks great for daily use, the Dawn Patrol is worth a look. Below we break down our favorite softshells for the 2022 season, ranging from casual jackets for daily use to performance pieces for backcountry skiing and ice climbing. Named after a little town in Colorado with a penchant for nordic skiing, the Backcountry Tabernash is a softshell jacket purpose-built for high-output activities in cold weather. As a hiking and everyday piece, theres not a lot to complain about with the Gamma SLexcept the price. 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. 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. Softshells can vary dramatically in thickness and warmth, from thin shells offering no insulation to thick, fleece-lined jackets. 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. Given that the Apex Bionic is offered in a wide range of colorways, it almost certainly pairs well with your favorite jeans or flannel. 3.6 oz.What we like: Tougher and warmer than the Gamma LT.What we dont: Quite a bit more expensive. vs. the Gamma LTs 30 in.). We are here for you Mon-Fri 8 am - 4 pm. 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. 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. And with a recent update, this time-tested classic got a little bit better, with an altered fabric that's warmer for the weight, retooled cuff and hood adjustments, and taped seams.

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