Softshell Jacket Buying Guide
Softshell Jacket Buying Guide
What is a softshell jacket? It’s your go-to adaptable mountain layer, sitting between your baselayer and waterproof shell. A good quality softshell is a staple for outdoor enthusiasts.
A softshell jacket is windproof and water resistant which provides weather protection and works as hard as you do when you’re doing the activities you love.
In this guide, we explore the Rab range of softshell layers from jackets to pants, and deep dive into the activities our softshell layers are designed for.
Which softshell is right for me?
When choosing a softshell, it makes sense to look at the demands of your chosen activity to help pick the right garment for you.
Are you a weekend hiker or a mountaineer? Do you enjoy after-work climbing or are you a seasoned alpinist? Lightweight layers keep you warm and prepared for the elements, no matter what adventure you're on. Let's explore the different types of softshell.
Whatever your activity, we have a layer for you.
Everyday general use
It’s always surprising how day-to-day use places the highest demands on our kit. From rough concrete edges to hastily thrown on garments during a post-work microadventure. All our gear is designed for durability and longevity, but here you need a jacket that’s designed to survive the bumps and scrapes of day-to-day living.
What makes a great everyday softshell jacket?
- Durable double weave outer fabric designed to hold up against prolonged wear and tear.
- Comfortable fleece backing designed to be soft against the skin and add an additional layer of warmth for bracing winter temperatures.
- Deep, comfortable hand pockets for stashing essentials or keeping your hands warm on cold commutes.
Hillwalking, hiking, and trekking
Whether it's ticking off Wainwrights at the weekend or taking on a multi day trek, hiking demands adaptable kit you can rely on. Summer hikes require lightweight layers that keep the wind off your back when the weather changes while winter gear needs to keep you warm in changeable conditions.
What to look out for in a softshell jacket for hiking?
- Fabrics designed for the demands of each season, from lightweight fabrics for summer or winter layering, to heavyweight fabrics giving you confidence in winter conditions.
- Full length zips for quick and efficient layering in changeable conditions.
Mountain trail running
You need ultralight kit that packs down small but packs a punch in cold conditions for those moments on the trail when you need to stop and warm up.
What makes a great softshell jacket for mountain running?
- Compressible jackets made from lightweight wind stopper fabrics designed for storing in your pack on summer runs.
- Fleece backed windshell layers for moving fast when the mercury drops.
- Considered features such as part elasticated cuffs for easy access to a sports watch, and strategically placed stretch panels.
Climbing, alpinism, and mountaineering
The demands of moving over steep rock are varied. Long days out in the mountains demand layers that move moisture while continuing to keep you warm. Alpinism and ice climbing call for gear that places no limits on your movement on steep perilous climbs.
What features do you need for rock climbing?
- Layers that move moisture away from your body, while simultaneously deflecting wind, and resisting weather.
- Stretchy fabrics designed to move as you move.
- Climbing related features such as peaked hoods, longer arms and pockets designed to sit above a harness.
Ski touring
Ski touring often demands hours of activity as you work your way through frozen landscapes to reach the next hut. A range of adaptable yet lightweight layers designed to work together and keep you warm are essential for ski touring success and comfort.
Your softshell is a key part of your layering system and should strike a perfect balance between low weight and high performance.
What should I look for in a softshell jacket for ski touring?
- Constructed with lightweight stretchy fabrics designed to move with you.
- Clever storage solutions such as integrated stuff sacks, reducing unnecessary extras in your pack.
- Hood-free design to avoid having too many hoods, which can limit vision and movement of your head in the backcountry.
Expedition and high altitude use
Your expedition and high altitude packing list needs adaptable and heat-conserving layers that sit comfortably under your down outer layers. High loft fabrics and wind-resistant layers are key here, giving you gear that can be worn at night, or around camp.
What should I look for in an expedition and high altitude softshell?
- High pile interior fabrics help to increase the warmth and comfort of your garment.
- Adjustable cuffs keep the wind and snow from working their way down your arms, keeping you warmer for longer and locking the heat into your gloves.
- A breathable design stopping you from overheating as you push your way up the summit.
- A helmet-compatible hood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a shell and a softshell?
A shell, often known as a waterproof, is constructed with a laminated, or backed, fabric. The face fabric is usually made of a lightweight and strong polyester or nylon weave and is made waterproof using a breathable but waterproof membrane adhered to the rear.
A softshell, on the other hand, is a non-waterproof garment made from a variety of fabrics. From traditional double or single weave nylon fabrics to wind-stopper fabrics, either with or without a soft fleece backer. The purpose of a softshell is to keep you comfortable and to be the layer you wear most frequently, except for your baselayer. Until of course the rain comes, then it’s time to use your hard shell.
Are softshell jackets warm?
Softshell jackets are not typically designed to be warm, but you will find that due to their softer, breathable fabric they have a cosiness to them, and also don’t overheat or cause a build-up of moisture under the layer. This in turn keeps you warm. However if you are looking for a layer specifically designed to keep you warm, we recommend looking at our down range.
Know your MVTR, from your hydrostatic head? Your boxwall baffle, from your stitch-through?