Softshell jackets combine the best features of a lightweight insulating jacket and a sturdy hardshell jacket that can stand up to rain. They breathe well, and they protect against weather. But what exactly is a softshell jacket? We’ll explain below.
Definition of Softshell Jacket
Softshell jackets provide an interesting combination of breathability and sturdiness. This combination is due to the woven materials used to manufacture the – materials that can stretch, breathe well, and reasonably resist weather, depending on how tight their weave is.
People use these jackets for hiking, climbing, cross-country skiing, biking, or even backcountry skiing. They provide an excellent outer layer of protection for cooler, damper weather when you need to regulate your body heat as you work hard. If you get too hot, they’ll absorb body moisture and offer better protection than a regular insulating mid-layer, such as a fleece or synthetic jacket.
Membrane vs. Stretch Woven
Choosing between a woven or membrane weave for your softshell jacket depends on the weather.
Membrane
A membrane softshell jacket has a waterproof membrane bonded between the two fabric layers.
It provides better protection against wind, rain, and colder weather and lets you regulate your body temperature. You can even wear it during heavy rainstorms or when there are cold winds. They are almost just like a hardshell jacket, but they have a slightly looser weave for more breathability.
Stretch-Woven
A stretch-woven softshell jacket, on the other hand, is for aerobic exercises. If you’re going to climb higher mountains or hike at a faster rate, you’ll have better comfort with such a weave. This type of weave is water-resistant because the weave is so tight and has a water-repellent coating.
The material is pretty good at wicking moisture from your hard-working body, so it won’t become uncomfortable to wear, even when you’re walking in moderate rain or snow.
What’s the Difference Between a Hardshell Jacket and a Softshell Jacket?
There are a few distinct differences between hardshell and softshell jackets, as you’ll see below.
Hardshell
Hardshell jackets tend to be more resilient against water and wind. On that note, they tend to have hoods more often than softshell jackets, making them better for year-round use, especially during winter.
That said, they tend to require more layers underneath them. While the outer layer does a good job keeping wind and rain off your skin, a hardshell can conduct cold to your skin. Wearing multiple layers can keep you warm, but eventually, they may cause you to start sweating. That’s why you’ll find some hardshell jackets with pit zippers and torso zippers to help better vent moisture.
Softshell
Softshells look pretty similar to fleece jackets, except they have better resistance against water and wind. While they are not waterproof, they won’t allow water to seep into your skin or clothes. Unlike hardshell jackets, they are warmer and stretchier and can wick sweat to the outside of the jacket, where it evaporates.
Softshells have more variety in fabric, and some are waterproof, but those features usually make them less breathable and lightweight.
Softshells are Warmer than a Rain Jacket or Hardshell
By themselves, hardshell jackets can be warm, but they only protect against wind and rain rather than cold. They don’t have their insulation, so more layers are needed for better protection.
Softshell jackets, as we’ve discussed, don’t require as many layers. That’s because they have their insulation, and they’re better at wicking moisture, so you don’t sweat. When sweat gets trapped inside your layers, it can cool you more, so softshell jackets keep you warm merely by not accumulating moisture.
A hardshell jacket may sometimes have pit zippers to vent more moisture, but that doesn’t lessen how many layers you need to stay warm beneath one.
How to Choose a Softshell Jacket
Though softshell jackets all serve to keep you warm and comfortable during aerobic exercises, you’ll have many options to choose from.
Consider when you’ll most likely use your softshell jacket. Will you use it in winter, spring, or fall? Different jacket brands will have varying insulations, and you’ll need to consider whether you’ll wear other layers beneath them.
For example, a jacket for colder climates will usually have a thin polyester fleece layer, though such a jacket may affect how well you can move.
Should I Wear a Softshell or Hardshell Jacket?
Answering this question once again depends on when you plan to use your jacket: what season is it and what is the current weather? While both jackets are comfortable and work to great effect, a softshell jacket has greater moisture-wicking abilities and requires fewer layers. To that effect, it’s better at regulating your body temperature.
A softshell jacket may not be waterproof as a hardshell jacket, but it keeps water off your inner layers.
Is a Softshell Jacket Waterproof?
Unfortunately, a softshell jacket is not waterproof, like a hardshell jacket. A softshell jacket may be water-resistant, however, which is enough in some situations. It might not be able to keep water completely off, but it certainly does not let water seep into your inner layers.
What is a Softshell Jacket Made Of?
A softshell jacket is made with a combination of nylon and polyester in varying weaves. The weave of the coat varies depending on what season and weather the jacket is meant for.
Rather than including a lining, a softshell jacket consists of two layers of fabric bonded together, creating better insulation and temperature regulation. They don’t have taped seams, however, which is what keeps them from being completely waterproof.
Which is Warmer, Fleece or Softshell?
For outdoor use, softshell is a better choice. Both fleece and softshell can keep you warm, but softshell jackets protect against water, wind, and other outdoor elements.
Fleece is better meant for indoor use since it does not work well against water. When fleece gets wet, the water seeps below the surface and takes longer to dry out. Softshell is not 100% waterproof, as mentioned, but it works infinitely better against inclement weather.
Are Softshell Jackets Good for Winter?
With the proper insulation, a softshell jacket can keep you warm in colder weather. By itself, an uninsulated softshell jacket can work for temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, add a little insulation, and a jacket can protect you at temperatures as low as 20 degrees below zero.
Conclusion
Softshell jackets may require a little figuring out, but they are well worth the investment. Their versatility in insulation and protection make them ideal picks for year-round weather, and their breathability and flexibility make them unbelievably comfortable on long hikes.
