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. 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. 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. Given that the Kinetic 2.0 attempts to triangulate between a shoftshell and a hardshell, there are some minor things lost in translation. The stretchy Schoeller fabric is abrasion-resistant, highly breathable, and moves well regardless of your activity. This jacket also surprised our reviewers with above average breathability (water-resistant jackets are notorious for their lack of breathability). Each of our highest-ranked active softshells also earned favorable marks in this category. 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. You wouldn't even know the Borealis was on your harness except for how pink this one is! Another great option, if you want a warmer jacket that still delivers on the breathability front, is the Arc'teryx Proton FL. The primary objective of a softshell jacket is to increase comfort through breathability and supple flexibility while offering some degree of weather protection. All these concerns aside, the Ferrosi is a great breathable, wind-resistant option at a fantastic price for hiking, climbing, and cycling. We're here to help! 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. When it is fully zipped, the collar is too snug and stiff to be comfortable, and it poked us in the neck. Got feedback? rab insulated nimbus australia hoody synthetic jacket Sandstone splitters, steep ice and mixed crags, windy coastlines, alpine wonderlands, granite domes, and technical trails made up just a portion of our testing playground. Add to this a flattering fit and attractive color options, and you can move easily from the backcountry to the bar without feeling like you look too sporty. It is comparatively lightweight and enables unimpeded movement, owing to Rab's ultra-plush and stretchy ProFlex fabric. The only jacket that bucks convention in this category is the Gamma LT. The Proton has a soft fleece lining for added warmth, while the Ferrosi boasts unbeatable mobility.
We loved the Arc'teryx Gamma LT for its high performance across the board and for striking the proper balance between opposing metrics, which is why it earns top honors. softshell We were especially impressed by the plush and warm Arc'teryx Proton FL and the PrimaLoft insulated Athleta Rock Ridge. Unlike potentially life-saving layers such as waterproof hardshells and insulative baselayers, a softshell is great to have but won't keep you as warm as an insulation layer (like a puffy jacket) or as dry as a hardshell if you get caught in a serious storm. This is because it splits the difference between a technical and an active softshell. Mobility is one of the most important elements of a softshell jacket. but also shockingly breathable.
Breathability is one of the top reasons people buy a softshell jacket. 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. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. 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. GearLab is reader-supported. They're also perfect for days when your heavy ski jacket or hardshell are overkill. (mens medium) Like the two before it, this metric tends to favor active softshells and active/hybrids, with the Proton FL and the Ferrosi being the next lightest softshells weighing 11 ounces and 12.5 ounces, respectively. rab.uk.com. The heavier weight owes to it being part softshell, part synthetic puffy, with fleece side panels and PrimaLoft insulation. The Borealis provides a surprisingly excellent barrier to the wind but doesn't provide the weather protection of less breathable options. The jackets that ranked highest in this category were ideal for myriad activity types and could handle well in diverse weather. The fit is a little on the boxy side, so if you're between sizes, you might consider sizing down.
Each of these jackets also has a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, a feature we really like. It is a feature-rich active softshell that offers great wind protection, making it a perfect option for rock climbing, peak bagging, or backpacking. 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. Of the technical softshells, we found that the Arc'teryx Gamma MX boasted a stellar mobility to warmth ratio. The Alpine Start also performed impressively well in this category.
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.
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. Related: How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women. A few models constructed with very thin material scored well in this category. We love hanging out in the Proton FL because it manages to be wonderfully warm (and soft!) Finally, it does not come with its own stuff sack, as previous generations did. It ticks nearly every box that a durable wind layer for climbing or hiking should. Our reviews wouldn't be objective if we ignored a product's flaws, and the Ferrosi is not without its minor caveats. Technical softshell jackets are ideal for surprise technical pursuits like ice/mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, backcountry skiing, etc. The Kinetic offers more weather protection and is the most water-resistant jacket 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.
This means it can move between warmer days of ice climbing and cooler days of alpine rock climbing. With almost as many jackets to choose from as there are stars in the sky, it can seem overwhelming to find the right one for you. 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. Read review: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody.
The impressively constructed Arc'teryx Gamma MX earns top marks in this category. Jackets in this review ranged from 6.5 ounces at the lightest to 22.5 ounces at the heaviest. Minds blown. Softshell jackets are designed for backcountry adventures like climbing, skiing, and trail running all activities that demand unhindered movement. That said, it is soft, stylish, well-constructed, and very water-resistant. The Ferrosi is so stretchy, it will have you jumping for joy!
A good active softshell should be thin enough to wear on breezy but warm days to take the edge off the wind. You can unzip these during strenuous activity to help dump heat. 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. This review is brought to you by a team of amazing women, headed up by Mary Witlacil.
We also wish that the hand pockets were accessible while wearing a harness or the hip belt of a backpack. 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. For this reason, softshells can be great jackets for alpine climbing, ice/mixed climbing, ski-touring, or even around town on a chilly evening. Related: How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm.
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. 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. 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. It is lightweight, wind-resistant, breathable, abrasion-resistant, and highly stretchy. The Alpine Start Hoody proved to be the lightest-weight softshell in our review, weighing a scant 6.5 ounces. We've tested 45 unique jackets in the last 8 years, with the best 11 in our current review. Stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness. 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. We have tried to distill the main types of softshells into three broad categories: active, technical, and casual. Namely, it is neither fully waterproof nor the most breathable jacket in our review. When it was paired with another softshell, it proved ideal for ice/mixed climbing and for approaches to ice climbs on warmer days. Next up, we have the Borealisand the Kinetic 2.0, which all weigh around 9-9.5 ounces. $75, 9 oz. In terms of mobility, it even outperformed some of the active jackets.
We loved the Arc'teryx Gamma LT for its high performance across the board and for striking the proper balance between opposing metrics, which is why it earns top honors. softshell We were especially impressed by the plush and warm Arc'teryx Proton FL and the PrimaLoft insulated Athleta Rock Ridge. Unlike potentially life-saving layers such as waterproof hardshells and insulative baselayers, a softshell is great to have but won't keep you as warm as an insulation layer (like a puffy jacket) or as dry as a hardshell if you get caught in a serious storm. This is because it splits the difference between a technical and an active softshell. Mobility is one of the most important elements of a softshell jacket. but also shockingly breathable.
Breathability is one of the top reasons people buy a softshell jacket. 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. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. 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. GearLab is reader-supported. They're also perfect for days when your heavy ski jacket or hardshell are overkill. (mens medium) Like the two before it, this metric tends to favor active softshells and active/hybrids, with the Proton FL and the Ferrosi being the next lightest softshells weighing 11 ounces and 12.5 ounces, respectively. rab.uk.com. The heavier weight owes to it being part softshell, part synthetic puffy, with fleece side panels and PrimaLoft insulation. The Borealis provides a surprisingly excellent barrier to the wind but doesn't provide the weather protection of less breathable options. The jackets that ranked highest in this category were ideal for myriad activity types and could handle well in diverse weather. The fit is a little on the boxy side, so if you're between sizes, you might consider sizing down.
Each of these jackets also has a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, a feature we really like. It is a feature-rich active softshell that offers great wind protection, making it a perfect option for rock climbing, peak bagging, or backpacking. 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. Of the technical softshells, we found that the Arc'teryx Gamma MX boasted a stellar mobility to warmth ratio. The Alpine Start also performed impressively well in this category.
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.
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. Related: How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women. A few models constructed with very thin material scored well in this category. We love hanging out in the Proton FL because it manages to be wonderfully warm (and soft!) Finally, it does not come with its own stuff sack, as previous generations did. It ticks nearly every box that a durable wind layer for climbing or hiking should. Our reviews wouldn't be objective if we ignored a product's flaws, and the Ferrosi is not without its minor caveats. Technical softshell jackets are ideal for surprise technical pursuits like ice/mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, backcountry skiing, etc. The Kinetic offers more weather protection and is the most water-resistant jacket 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. This means it can move between warmer days of ice climbing and cooler days of alpine rock climbing. With almost as many jackets to choose from as there are stars in the sky, it can seem overwhelming to find the right one for you. 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. Read review: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody.
The impressively constructed Arc'teryx Gamma MX earns top marks in this category. Jackets in this review ranged from 6.5 ounces at the lightest to 22.5 ounces at the heaviest. Minds blown. Softshell jackets are designed for backcountry adventures like climbing, skiing, and trail running all activities that demand unhindered movement. That said, it is soft, stylish, well-constructed, and very water-resistant. The Ferrosi is so stretchy, it will have you jumping for joy! A good active softshell should be thin enough to wear on breezy but warm days to take the edge off the wind. You can unzip these during strenuous activity to help dump heat. 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. This review is brought to you by a team of amazing women, headed up by Mary Witlacil.
We also wish that the hand pockets were accessible while wearing a harness or the hip belt of a backpack. 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. For this reason, softshells can be great jackets for alpine climbing, ice/mixed climbing, ski-touring, or even around town on a chilly evening. Related: How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm.
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. 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. 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. It is lightweight, wind-resistant, breathable, abrasion-resistant, and highly stretchy. The Alpine Start Hoody proved to be the lightest-weight softshell in our review, weighing a scant 6.5 ounces. We've tested 45 unique jackets in the last 8 years, with the best 11 in our current review. Stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness. 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. We have tried to distill the main types of softshells into three broad categories: active, technical, and casual. Namely, it is neither fully waterproof nor the most breathable jacket in our review. When it was paired with another softshell, it proved ideal for ice/mixed climbing and for approaches to ice climbs on warmer days. Next up, we have the Borealisand the Kinetic 2.0, which all weigh around 9-9.5 ounces. $75, 9 oz. In terms of mobility, it even outperformed some of the active jackets.