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Emerging in the 1980s, softshells bridged the gap between waterproof hardshell jackets and highly breathable fleece mid-layers.

Outdoor activities involving sustained, aerobic output and often in challenging and changeable environments bore out a very real need for a protective yet breathable outer layer.  As the early softshell garments began to hit the market, users such as mountaineers, skiers and climbers adopted them as a means to stay warm, dry and on the move.

Since those early days, the evolution of softshells has been rapid, with countless variations on the theme hitting the market. It’s the breadth and diversity of softshell products that makes them so hard to define and often overlooked in favour of less versatile waterproof or down pieces.

We've split this guide into three easy to understand sections to give you the information and confidence you need to find the right piece for you.

What This Guide Covers 

Construction


We look at one and two layer construction and how they can be used to tailor performance and application.

Wind Resistance, Water Resistance and Breathability


Understanding the interplay between these three factors will be key in identifying your perfect softshell.

Stretch & Freedom of Movement


The ability to move dynamically, in comfort and with little restriction is one of Softshell's key advantages.

1. Construction

Single Layer Softshells

Single layer softshells are constructed with one fabric. Each side is woven with a different size yarn. The back of the fabric or the side that comes into contact with the body will typically use a larger yarn which, through “capillary action” or “wicking” transports the moisture to the outer face of the fabric.

Although single layer softshells are often lighter and more breathable than two layer softshells their primary advantage is as a layering piece which, through combining with different sub-layers, can perform in a wide range of conditions.

Examples within our range include the Borealis and Torque Jackets.

Two Layer Softshells

Two layer softshells use two fabrics that are bonded together. Generally speaking, the outer layer is there to keep the elements out, whilst the inner layer is used to move moisture away from the body and provide varying amounts of insulation. By specifying the bonding process, our designers can further control the garment’s performance, namely its resistance to wind and water.

Within our range, the Vapour-Rise range is a good example of a two layer softshell. Designed in the 90s by Rab Carrington to be the ultimate all-in-one mountain system, Vapour-Rise excels across the mountain, offering all-in-one temperature regulation, exemplary moisture management, and increased protection from the elements. Its ability to maintain comfort over a wide range of conditions, allows you to put a layer on and keep it on all day – whatever the weather, activity, or intensity.

You may notice that we don't talk about waterproof membranes much.

Well, that’s because we don't use waterproof membranes in our softshell jackets. Whilst they are fantastic at keeping you dry, waterproof membranes actually inhibit breathability and wicking. The primary purpose of a softshell is to provide protection from the wind whilst allowing excess moisture vapour to escape while taking part in high-output exercise. Not to be used as a waterproof outer layer. The absence of membranes is the reason why we coat our softshells with a Durable Water Repellent finish (DWR), in order to give the user a moderate level of water-resistance from the very occasional shower.

2. Weather Resistance And Breathability

A good softshell should provide a comfortable microclimate in which to operate. The balance between the garment’s wind-resistance, water-resistance and breathability is key and can vary greatly between products. In general, the more breathable a product is, the less weather resistant it tends to be.

We tune the wind and water resistance of our softshells by varying how tightly the outer fabric of the garment is woven. In two layer garments, we can also adjust the bonding process.

Wind Resistance
Wind resistance is an important factor in maintaining the user’s core temperature.  Managing the effects of wind-chill will be a higher priority for some users than others, so it is worth taking it into account.

In the technical specifications of some of our softshell garments, you will notice a value expressed as CC or CFM this relates to how wind resistant the garment is, with a higher number denoting less resistance to wind. It is typical for such a measurement to indicate that the garment is more breathable, but the nature of softshells means that there will always be exceptions to the rule – so if you are not sure, ask us.


Water Resistance

Softshells will offer some protection against rain, but our softshells are not waterproof, rather water-resistant.

The nature of softshell fabrics means that ingress will eventually occur, but it’s level of ingress relative to the overall comfort of the jacket that makes them so good for general or everyday wear, as well as many outdoor activities where very wet weather is not likely.

As an extra measure, we treat all of our softshells with DWR (Durable Water Repellency). Often confused for waterproofing, DWR coatings are a chemical treatment that is applied to the outer face of the garment, causing water to bead so that instead of soaking into the garment’s outer, the rain simply rolls off.

After prolonged use you will find that the DWR’s performance begins to diminish. This can be refreshed by applying a DWR treatment after washing.  For full instructions see our care section.

Breathability

When we talk about Softshells being ‘breathable’, we are referring to the extent to which the garment allows moisture vapour to escape.

Breathability is synonymous with softshells but is a difficult thing to quantify.  The many blends of fabrics, adhesives and in some cases membranes that are used in the construction of softshells means that using a standard unit of measurement such as MVTR (Moisture vapour transmission rate) is difficult to achieve and often misleading.

When considering the breathability of a softshell, you need to employ a holistic view, accounting for the interplay between each of the softshell’s elements.  You can assume that in most cases more resistance to weather, either through a more tightly woven outer fabric, use of a membrane or even the adhesive used to bond two layer fabrics will ultimately affect the garment’s breathability. And very simply put, the lighter a jacket is, the more breathable it will likely be.

 

DWR & Breathability

By reducing the amount of standing water on the face of the fabric, DWR will help maintain the breathability of the garment.

 

Wicking & Breathability

Many of our softshells will feature a high-wicking inner layer.  Sitting against the skin or baselayer, it will typically consist of a polyester fleece or high gauge knit that, through capillary action transmits liquid moisture to the garment’s outer.  Although not the same as breathability, wicking can significantly improve the process by removing moisture and promoting the flow of air.

3. Stretch & Freedom Of Movement

Maintaining temperature and managing moisture are vital in creating a good softshell but so too is how the garment fits and moves with your body.

 
A key advantage of softshells is their stretch.  Through using technologies such as our exclusive Matrix fabrics, our softshells provide a level of stretch and comfort more akin to a mid-layer fleece.

This freedom of movement is especially important to you if you're prone to lots of dynamic movement and cannot afford to be restricted or inhibited by your clothing.  It just so happens that it also produces a garment that is comfortable and practical to wear on a day-to-day basis.

Features To Look Out For

When you're choosing a softshell jacket there are a number of features that need consideration.

Fit

Softshells are generally designed to fit more closely to the body than hardshell waterproof jackets.

Insulation

A number of our softshells feature high wicking fleece inner fabrics, insulating the user and wicking moisture away from the body. Fleece comes in different varieties to compliment the intended use of the softshell. Grid-back fleece provides ample insulation, whilst a jersey-back fleece affords less insulation but is lighter and manages moisture more efficiently.

Internal & External Pockets

External pockets feature on all Rab softshell garments. ‘A-line’ pockets are the traditional type located just above the hip, whilst chest pockets are used in instances where active use is a key focus. Some of our range also feature fleece lined pockets where insulation is a primary concern.


Stretchy Fabric

As has been mentioned above, the flexibility afforded by softshells is one of their key attributes. Depending on the amount of active use you intend to use your softshell for, you may wish to prioritise a softshell with higher levels of in-built flexibility.

Hood

Getting a hood that fits is important, it affects how much body heat you’ll lose through your head as well as how good your field of vision is in poor conditions. It’s worth considering the level of adjustment available on a jacket’s hood. All Rab softshells feature helmet compatible hoods, either designed to be used over or under a helmet.

The Fabrics We Use

We use a number of different fabrics in our softshells to cover the broad range of activities and conditions our users have to deal with.

Developed by Rab, Matrix fabrics are used in a vast array of our softshell garments. They have high degrees of stretch for freedom of movement and are all designed for durability, comfort and weather protection. They provide wind resistance, air permeability for breathability, and they move moisture when active. Not only that, but they're fast drying too. Depending on the intended end use, we specify a range of different weights of fabric. Matrix fabrics are used for both single layer and double layer softshells, the latter being bonded to knit or fleece liners for enhanced performance in cooler conditions.

Explore Our Range

Singer Layer

Lightweight, highly packable and excellent at wicking away moisture. Single-layer softshells are ideal for warmer conditions where the weather can be changeable.

Two Layer

Durable, insulated and offer excellent wind protection. Two layer softshells are ideal for active use in colder, inclement conditions for activities such as ski touring or ice climbing.

Single Layer

The Torque jacket is one of our best-selling softshells. It is a versatile, lightweight and durable Matrix fabric softshell designed for technical mountain use in variable conditions.

Inspired by the demands of big wall climbing, the Borealis Jacket is our lightest softshell, combining wind resistance, high breathability and a small packsize.

For those looking to do more and take less, the lightest windshells in our range are the Vital Windshell Hoody and Jacket, offering instant protection from the wind when the weather turns.

What to Look For:

  • Weight
  • Packability
  • Fit

Two Layer

Available in both men’s and women’s versions, the Vapour-Rise and Salvo jackets are Rab’s 2 layer softshell offerings.

The new Vapour-Rise™ system excels across the mountain, offering all-in-one temperature regulation, exemplary moisture management, and increased protection from the elements. Its ability to maintain comfort over a wide range of conditions, allows you to put a layer on and keep it on all day – whatever the weather, activity, or intensity.

The Salvo jacket is designed for changeable conditions in cold weather mountain environments, featuring a grid fleece back, a stretchy Matrix nylon face and an adjustable hood with a wired peak. To aid versatility, the Salvo also features both A-line and chest pockets.

What to Look For:

  • Intended use
  • Weight
  • Helmet compatible hoods

Now you know what you're looking for, why not take a look at our full range of softshell clothing?