Softshell jackets are designed for backcountry adventures like climbing, skiing, and trail running all activities that demand unhindered movement. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Both of these layers are quite thin though for thicker liners made for more inclement weather, you'll have to pay more. The thinner Gamma LT also scores well in this category despite not being nearly as warm because it fends off light moisture and wind admirably. Each of our highest-ranked active softshells also earned favorable marks in this category. It is breathable and weather resistant, but warm; durable without sacrificing mobility; and all with a flattering fit! Mary spends her summers alpine climbing in Colorado and California. This jacket is so lightweight that you'll almost forget you have it with you, and it can be stuffed into its chest pocket for clipping it on your harness or stowing it in the bottom of your pack when not in use. These drawbacks aside, this hoody is a great lightweight wind layer that moves and breathes well for all manner of alpine activities. Its not coated for water resistance, so expect it to wet out in anything more than a light rain or snowfall. The four-way stretch fabric allows an athletic fit without inhibiting range of motion. All these concerns aside, the Ferrosi is a great breathable, wind-resistant option at a fantastic price for hiking, climbing, and cycling. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The Fjallraven Bergen pull-over is among the lightest jackets in our review. This jacket also surprised our reviewers with above average breathability (water-resistant jackets are notorious for their lack of breathability). 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. We were especially impressed by the plush and warm Arc'teryx Proton FL and the PrimaLoft insulated Athleta Rock Ridge. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. 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. Breathability is one of the top reasons people buy a softshell jacket. The jacket that earned the highest marks in this category was the Gamma LT. This is because it splits the difference between a technical and an active softshell. The Borealis is Rab's lightest weight softshell and it certainly provides in terms of premium breathability and mobility, all while being incredibly affordable. All of our hybrid and casual jackets earned competitive marks in this category. Next up, we have the Borealisand the Kinetic 2.0, which all weigh around 9-9.5 ounces. Perfect for blocking the wind on top of long multi-pitch routes. Another unstoppable contender in this category is the Proton FL. The Fjallraven Bertagen Stretch Half-Zip is another lightweight active softshell, weighing only 13 ounces. Versatile enough to be used as an insulating layer while climbing long granite routes or as a mid-layer while ice climbing. It is everything a hybrid should strive to be. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie - Women's, Fjallraven Bertagen Stretch Half-Zip - Women's, Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Shell - Women's, impressively constructed Arc'teryx Gamma MX, exceptionally water-resistant Apex Bionic, stretchy Black Diamond Dawn Patrol is great, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Excellent mobility, great weather resistance, breathable, durable, harness-compatible hand pockets, Lightweight, durable, breathable, affordable, premium features, quick drying, Very flexible, flattering fit, long torso, comfortable cuff, Inexpensive, stellar mobility and breathability, stow-away pocket, harness-friendly pockets, excellent fit, Insulated, highly breathable, moisture-wicking, comfortable, warm, wind resistant, Below average water resistance, baggy fit, hand pockets inaccessible with harness, Gets wet very easily, thicker fabric is heavier, Not very warm, below average water resistance, Spendy, no pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, some sleeve slippage between fleece and shell, A feature-rich, aesthetically pleasing technical softshell with great mobility, breathability, and excellent weather resistance, This lightweight and breathable jacket has an arsenal of premium features for an affordable price, This comfortable jacket will keep you protected and stylish, from climbing with friends to hanging at the coffee shop, This wicked light softshell has great mobility, is highly breathable and well-tailored - a perfect layer for fair-weather climbing or hiking, A fantastic fleece-lined hybrid that is great as an outer softshell or insulating layer, Wee Burly Double Weave (56% nylon, 34% polyester, 10% elastane), DWR finish, Body/hood: 86% nylon 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop, Schoeller w/Eco-Repel Bio (93% nylon, 7% elastane), Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch and DWR, Fortius Air 20 (84% nylon, 16% elastane) Octa Loft knit insulation (100% polyester), Whether alpine climbing, mountaineering, or hiking, this layer is breathable, moves well, and effectively protects from the elements in style, This versatile jacket is a well-priced layer for many mild weather applications, This versatile jacket can take you on grand outdoor adventures or just around the town, This jacket is lightweight, breathable, easy to move in, and affordable - a great combination for the active outdoorswoman, A nimble, lightweight, breathable softshell that is fleece-lined and features great mobility, A breathable but water resistant hybrid with adjustable cuffs, soft fabric, and harness compatible pockets, A fairly lightweight and water resistant active softshell anorak that features quick-drying four-way stretch fabric but is abrasive against bare skin, Whether ice climbing, mountaineering, or heading to dinner with friends, this layer effectively protects from the elements in style, With incredible four-way stretch material and a generous fit, this jacket is one of the most comfortable pieces in our softshell review, An urban-styled, casual hybrid softshell that pairs synthetic insulation with plush fleece panels, though is not the most breathable or mobile, A weather-resistant casual softshell for urban adventures or staying warm around the campfire. Our reviews wouldn't be objective if we ignored a product's flaws, and the Ferrosi is not without its minor caveats. For this reason, softshells can be great jackets for alpine climbing, ice/mixed climbing, ski-touring, or even around town on a chilly evening. The Alpine Start also performed impressively well in this category. This jacket offers exceptional wind and water resistance. Each of these jackets also has a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, a feature we really like. The Ferrosi performed well across nearly all our metrics, and does so at a completely reasonable price. 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. While style is subjective, it is important no one wants to pay top dollar for an ill-fitting or unattractive article of clothing. A good active softshell should be thin enough to wear on breezy but warm days to take the edge off the wind. The primary objective of a softshell jacket is to increase comfort through breathability and supple flexibility while offering some degree of weather protection. After looking On the hunt for a new women's ski jacket? How can we improve GearLab? The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is an incredibly lightweight jacket that bridges the gap between softshell and windbreaker. It has a thicker lining than most active softshells but is nowhere near as warm as most technical softshells. A softshell is a great layer for colder temps where you're likely to encounter wind, dry snow, or intermittent rain but not an all-out deluge. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All that aside, if you need a cozy mid-layer with breathable insulation, the Proton is an excellent choice. Looking for the best women's softshell? The only jacket that bucks convention in this category is the Gamma LT. We were especially impressed with how well the ever-affordable Outdoor Research Ferrosi performed in this category. We love hanging out in the Proton FL because it manages to be wonderfully warm (and soft!) By and large, softshells are only water and wind resistant. It still features unbeatable water and wind resistance for a softshell with unbelievably soft fabric. The Proton has a soft fleece lining for added warmth, while the Ferrosi boasts unbeatable mobility. The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is an upgrade to the previous generation of the Kinetic jacket. The Alpine Start Hoody proved to be the lightest-weight softshell in our review, weighing a scant 6.5 ounces. 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. The Kinetic 2.0 has soft, supple, and supremely water resistant fabric, making it hard to beat on long days in the backcountry. The reason the Proton FL doesn't earn higher marks is that while it is warm and highly wind-resistant, it is among the least water-resistant of the jackets in our review. Read review: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody. They can leave you feeling swampy, suffocated, and stuffy. These layers are less stiff, noisy, and suffocating than hardshells, making them more pleasant to wear, despite not offering the same level of weather protection. This means it can move between warmer days of ice climbing and cooler days of alpine rock climbing. Got feedback? Some sleeve slippage between fleece and shell, No stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness. The Borealis is another of our top performers in this category as it features 4-way stretchy fabric and a well-tailored design that enables unencumbered mobility while climbing just what you need when you crave a little wind protection while high up on a wall or ridgeline. 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. Mobility is one of the most important elements of a softshell jacket. Truth be told, even though softshells claim to do everything, there are specialized niches for each style of jacket. 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. The Borealis provides a surprisingly excellent barrier to the wind but doesn't provide the weather protection of less breathable options. Being made out of a more durable fabric and being well-suited for cooler alpine temps, it is on the heavier end of active softshells in our review. 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. Related: How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. 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. The impressively constructed Arc'teryx Gamma MX earns top marks in this category. However, with extended exposure to moisture, the Kinetic 2.0 will eventually absorb water like other softshells in our review, proving to be more water-resistant than waterproof, as the manufacturers claim. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is both a great value and a top-performing jacket, a match made in outdoor gear heaven. Active softshells offer great mobility because they are typically made with 4-way stretchy fabric and are designed to allow freedom of movement. In terms of mobility, it even outperformed some of the active jackets. They aim to split the difference between comfort and weather protection, all without hindering movement. Of the technical softshells, we found that the Arc'teryx Gamma MX boasted a stellar mobility to warmth ratio. (mens medium) Finally, it does not come with its own stuff sack, as previous generations did. As a breathable but weather resistant and highly mobile softshell, the Gamma LT strikes a balance between an active and technical softshell. The fit is a little on the boxy side, so if you're between sizes, you might consider sizing down. These softshells are not designed to keep you ultra warm or to provide premium weather protection, but they are great layers to keep you comfortable in wind or shade in otherwise warm weather. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. It has great features for the price including a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, so you can clip your jacket to your harness when not in use. We're here to help! Most of the jackets were tested in size small. Then, it will be much easier to decide whether you need an active, technical, casual, or hybrid jacket. The Kinetic offers more weather protection and is the most water-resistant jacket in our review. Minds blown. To decide what type of softshell is ideal for you, We recommend considering the primary activities you plan to do while using your new softshell. It has comfortable cuffs, a two-way adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, and a flattering alpine-style fit that is equally at home in the alpine or at a brewery. Stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness. The plush fleece-lined Proton FL strikes a balance between a warm insulating layer and a breathable softshell. Our review team noted very few drawbacks to this otherwise feature-rich jacket. Each of these stretch easily and move more like a shirt than a jacket. 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! Early morning approaches to long routes are an ideal match for a softshell. However, it does come close to accomplishing both. $75, 9 oz. When it was paired with another softshell, it proved ideal for ice/mixed climbing and for approaches to ice climbs on warmer days. 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. While the Proton is not made to be an ideal layer for activities like ice climbing, it is among the most versatile because it can be worn as an outer layer on warmer days or as an insulating layer on colder ones. The Black Diamond Alpine Start is a lightweight and supremely breathable active softshell. It ticks nearly every box that a durable wind layer for climbing or hiking should. Despite being very feature-rich, it does not offer UPF-rated sun protection, and it isn't among the warmest jackets in our review. Americas Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures, Lightweight Soft Shell 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. 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. No matter what your needs are, our review has some fantastic options. 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. The ideal softshell should triangulate between weather protection, breathability, and mobility all without weighing down your pack. You can unzip these during strenuous activity to help dump heat. Jackets in this review ranged from 6.5 ounces at the lightest to 22.5 ounces at the heaviest. The Athleta Rock Ridge weighs 17 ounces and is our only casual hybrid jacket; we maintain that it is reasonably lightweight for what it offers in terms of function. 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. A garment that aims to strike the perfect balance between breathability and weather protection so you can move unencumbered on your outdoor adventures. 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. Short wonder the Gamma LT steals the show. That being said, the downsides may be irrelevant, depending on the jacket niche you seek to fill. The Borealis is a perfect option for alpine rock climbing, peak-bagging, and backpacking, where weight and packability are major considerations. Rab Boreas/Aurora Pull-On Let us know! 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. 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. We also wish that the hand pockets were accessible while wearing a harness or the hip belt of a backpack. 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. Depending on how you intend to use the Gamma LT, this jacket's downsides may be inconsequential. The Alpine Start features a lightweight and stretchy Schoeller fabric that ensures you can move well without being stifled by sweat. Active softshells are great as wind layers during aerobic activities. 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. When evaluating each jacket's weather protection, we consider wind and water resistance, as well as warmth and sun protection. Enter the softshell. 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. Finally, it is rather spendy. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Another great option, if you want a warmer jacket that still delivers on the breathability front, is the Arc'teryx Proton FL. 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 Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is a fantastic value. If your primary need is weather protection, then you will want a fully waterproof hardshell, but when your weekend adventure plans include getting rowdy in the backcountry, a hardshell will never do. By contrast, casual softshells are more ideal for winter and shoulder-season layering in urban environments. Technical softshell jackets are ideal for surprise technical pursuits like ice/mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, backcountry skiing, etc. We hope this review has answered some of your softshell questions and helped guide you toward the right model for your next outdoor adventure. If you're checking out a softshell at your local gear shop and you're not sure how breathable it will be, look for mesh-lined pockets. Lightweight and stretchy, the Borealis is an ideal layer for climbing or running. We looked for softshells that layered and fit well, were comfortable, and those that had stretchy fabric or other features to enable movement. The stretchy Schoeller fabric is abrasion-resistant, highly breathable, and moves well regardless of your activity. 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. A softshell jacket will never be as impenetrable to water and wind as a hardshell (aka a rain jacket) because hardshells are waterproof and windproof. The stretchy Schoeller fabric allows for unhindered mobility on or off the rock. The mens Boreas and womens Aurora are ideal for all of those pursuits. This review is brought to you by a team of amazing women, headed up by Mary Witlacil. While there are some windproof softshells available (we have a few in this review), the designation of waterproof is mostly reserved for hardshells. It is comparatively lightweight and enables unimpeded movement, owing to Rab's ultra-plush and stretchy ProFlex fabric. We love the barely-there feel of the Alpine Start. We perused over 80 of the best Seeking a deliciously warm fleece jacket? If you can afford a specialized item like a softshell, you probably still want to make the most of your money who doesn't? GearLab is reader-supported. 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. Namely, it is neither fully waterproof nor the most breathable jacket 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! Many of the softshells in this review come with excellent features that we thoroughly enjoy and regularly use. Related: How We Tested Softshell Jacket for Women. 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. Each of these jackets provided more warmth than all but the best technical softshells without sacrificing too much in terms of breathability or mobility. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Given that the Kinetic 2.0 attempts to triangulate between a shoftshell and a hardshell, there are some minor things lost in translation. It is lightweight, wind-resistant, breathable, abrasion-resistant, and highly stretchy. A few models constructed with very thin material scored well in this category. In this testing round, jackets were put to the test shimmying up granite chimneys and jamming in Indian Creek splitters. Need an insulated jacket? Related: How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women. They're also perfect for days when your heavy ski jacket or hardshell are overkill. When it is fully zipped, the collar is too snug and stiff to be comfortable, and it poked us in the neck. Part of why this jacket is so light is that it is a half-zip pullover, a feature we love for when you don't want to deal with a zipper underneath your harness. 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. I found the sleeves a little long but easily rolled up. 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. 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. No ads. 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. It has more insulation than your average active softshell but is lighter than your typical technical jacket. We love it for shady mornings in the desert and windy summits in the summer. When she can get away, she chases sun the rest of the year in Colorado and the deserts of Utah, Arizona, and California. In our review, we do have one jacket that nearly proves the exception to this rule: the Rab Kinetic 2.0. 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. Hopefully our review will help guide you to the best softshell for your next adventure. Our review team maintains that while versatility is important, it is the least important metric we consider. You wouldn't even know the Borealis was on your harness except for how pink this one is! The Arc'teryx Proton FL Hoody is a jack-of-all-trades hybrid for those who want something extra from their softshell. 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. It is also the most subjective of our review criteria. Truth be told, these drawbacks are minor, and this plush hybrid, water-resistant, softshell is an impressive and lightweight jacket to add to your mountain repertoire. No sponsored content. Even though it provides great wind protection and decent water resistance, it manages to be breathable when doing aerobic activities in cooler temps. Both are great options for moving quick and fairly light. While the Apex Bionic is too heavy to be ideal for technical outings, it is durable and warm, making it a great jacket for car-camping. Given that mobility is critical for a softshell, we reviewed several stellar options that exemplify unimpeded mobility.

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