JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. If you need help with selecting the right jacket for your next outdoor adventure, our friendly staff is available to assist you. But its an intriguing option on paper, and we look forward to getting it out and seeing how it fares over time.See the Men's Backcountry Tabernash Anorak See the Women's Backcountry Tabernash Anorak. Finally, a simple hem adjustment rounds out this jackets minimalist build. Mid-weight Matrix softshell jacket, combining wind resistance, high breathability and a fleece backer. Bogong has a wide range of hiking gear & mountain climbing equipment including womens and mens hiking boots, tents, climbing equipment, sleeping bags and much much more. 2.1 oz.What we like: Quality one-quiver softshell for both urban and mountain environments.What we dont: Not a standout in any specific category. 
That said, the anorak wins out in terms of style, particularly in the available two-tone colorways. Given that the Apex Bionic is offered in a wide range of colorways, it almost certainly pairs well with your favorite jeans or flannel. The Arcteryx Gamma MX has been on the market for years with plenty of summits and deep backcountry days to its name. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? If you are already an Alpinetrek customer, you can log in here, 2117 of Sweden (1), Black Diamond (2), Directalpine (2), Fjllrven (3), Jack Wolfskin (4), La Sportiva (1), Mountain Equipment (5), Protective (1), The North Face (3), Hillwalking (2), bluesign APPROVED (1).
You get a stretchy woven face fabric (the common denominator among softshells) with the addition of a soft fleece backer (in the form of Patagonias ever-popular R1). Both the Dawn Patrol and the Procline have ski-specific features like internal dump pockets and helmet-compatible hoods, but the BD manages to get the job done for less than half the cost. The result is the warmth and breathability of a fleece with the durability and weather protection of a softshell, all wrapped up into one, 13.8-ounce package.
What we like: Breathable, lightweight, and versatile. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a far cry from the bulky, boxy design that epitomizes softshell jackets of old. backcountry softshell rab 
Whether youre tackling long alpine ridges or enjoying a day on the sea cliffs, this dynamic softshell moves with you to keep you comfortable at all times.
rab softshell salvo jacket mens features The end result is the softness and mobility of a softshell along with the protection of a hardshell, which is a winning combination for working hard in winter conditions. For everything from walking the dog in chilly or wet weather to light adventuring in the cold, its a good-looking softshell option. To improve your shopping experience today and in the future, this site uses cookies. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
For everything from wet-weather commuting to short hikes, its one of our favorite casual softshells of 2022.See the Men's The North Face Apex BionicSee the Women's The North Face Apex Bionic. The ROM uses Gore-Texs Infinium, which gives it a nice bump in weather resistance. The Gamma SL is the lightest of the bunch and best-tuned for mild conditions with a thin build, excellent breathability, and trim fit (the LT and MX above have regular fits for easier layering underneath). It all adds up to a ridiculously high-performance jacket that will get the job done on most days in the backcountry. While the hood isnt waterproof, it can provide sustained relief from light rain and wind, keep snow from entering your jacket at the neck, and offer additional warmth. Category: Performance/casualWeight: UnavailableWhat we like: Gore-Tex Infinium for a reasonable price.What we dont: Anorak style and built-in face mask wont be for everyone. 9.4 oz.What we like: Ski jacket features wrapped up in a premium Gore-Tex Infinium softshell.What we dont: Expensive and niche. This results in a best-of-both-worlds hybrid layer thats light and packable, breathable and pliable, and still impressively weather resistant. rab hoody softshell thermic fleece rrp jacket mens On the topic of price, we often see the Ascender on a significant discount (sometimes half off or more), which makes it an even better value.See the Men's Columbia Ascender See the Women's Columbia Kruser Ridge II. As the name suggests, a softshell is a flexible outer layer that serves as an alternative to a traditional hardshell jacket. In general, those that choose a performance softshell will opt for the hooded version for better protection from the elements. The R1 cant wick moisture like a true baselayer, and its cut too large to wear on its own, plus the added warmth limits it to truly cold days. gear to buy if youre a gram-counter like us. Performance-oriented softshells are more of a mixed bag depending on their end use, and youll have to decide whether you want to prioritize weight savings (less pockets) or convenience and organization (more pockets). Category: CasualWeight:1 lb. If you prefer to start over or you've arrived here by mistake, click the Home icon above. RAB's Torque Softshell Jacket is made from Rab's own Matrix stretch fabric which we've used many times in other softshell garments - and we can report it really works, both in terms of the breathability and comfort experienced when wearing the garment but also in terms of keeping you dry during light showers and mizzle. And theyre small but mightymade with breathable and water/wind-resistant nylon, they provide valuable warmth and weather protection. From our experience, the more familiar weve become with our gear and the conditions well be heading out into, the more willing we are to reach for our softshell. If you want a softshell for daily wear from fall through spring or quick jaunts in the snow, the Ascender is just about ideal. Its priced right and matches up well with the Apex and Gravity in durability and warmth, with a sturdy shell and fleece-lined interior. For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. Technical features such as two YKK zipped napoleon chest pockets allow this jacket to go on at the start of the day, and stay on as long as you stay out. I can find more detailed information in the, In order to be able to place an order with us, you must, Subscribe to the newsletter & receive 5.
As with almost all Arcteryx products, the fit of the Gamma LT is athletic.
pack down to the size of a piece of fruit and are excellent for weight-conscious activities (trail running and climbing, for example) when you need a jacket to protect against the elements while still dumping heat. Furthermore, these jackets have outdoor-specific features like helmet-compatible hoods, pockets that are set high to accommodate a hipbelt or harness, and a tailored fit. It is worth noting that weve found Backcountrys fit and finish to be somewhat inconsistent, and we havent had a chance to test the Tabernash just yet. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled.
For use in the dead of winter, activities like ice climbing, or even over a puffy around town, thick softshells like the Arc'teryx Gamma MX or the Marmot Gravity are great options. 
softshell rab On the other hand, the Kinetic 2.0 is a great jacket for those looking for something in between. 
We want you to be confident in making decisions on which
Combined with clean styling that doesnt scream technical, the Cirque fits the bill better for casual use too. It still features two large external chest pockets which are set above where a rucksack hipbelt or climbing harness would sit, to make sure the pockets are easily accessible. Mont softshell jackets are designed for cold conditions and feature designs that are both weather resistant and comfortable. Marmot says: On the go in fickle conditions? If youll be taking the jackets into high elevations or need the added warmth of a winter-weight insulated jacket, you may need a more generous fit (or size up). In general, softshell jackets are one of the heavier and least packable outer layer options, losing out to both hardshells and rain jackets in this regard. It may not have that extra security blanket that comes with all the proofing of a hardshell, but its breathable and very comfortable nature make it a lot more enjoyable to wear the entire day.
And unlike the Alpine Start, the SL doesnt pack into its own pocket, which is a bummer for climbers in particular. alpine polartec rab jacket baltoro softshell shield extreme mens power 
That said, the relaxed fit works well for layering and the jacket does deliver in terms of wind and water protection. Manufacturers have been toying with the hybrid hardshell/softshell concept for a while (the now-discontinued Patagonia Galvanized was one of our favorites), but the Kinetic 2.0 got our attention due to its impressively lightweight build. Casual softshells have a generous fit and a basic feature set for use as an outer layer from fall through spring. In comparing the Gamma MX to its sibling Gamma LT above, the MX is quite a bit warmer with an added fleece lining. The Black Diamond Alpine Start is one of the lightest softshells on our list and arguably the most versatile. In a casually minded jacket, we look for two standard-height handwarmer pockets (just above the hip) and one to two chest pockets for storing valuable items. Our ideal softshell has an athletic cut to fully enjoy the stretchy and very mobile characteristics of this jacket type. In the end, we dont recommend a softshell for prolonged exposure to precipitationhardshell jackets still are the best in that type of weather. rab But keep in mind thatunlike many Gore-Tex productsInfinium is not fully waterproof, and on the ROM its only patterned over areas most prone to moisture (the hood, arms, and shoulders). * The crossed-out prices represent our previous price. 
Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort (and fun). On the other hand, too much airflow compromises weather resistance and warmth. On the plus side, the Marmots fit nicely accommodates a midlayer, and the stretchy fabric around the core allows for good breathability and range of motion (hence the R-O-M). In contrast to a rigid and sometimes confining hardshell or rain jacket, a softshell jacket flexes and moves with you. In what region Slotting in as the warmest and most weather-ready softshell in Arcteryxs Gamma family, the Gamma MX Hoody is built for serious backcountry pursuits like skiing and ice climbing. The Sitemap offers a quick overview of all content on this website. 
All told, the ROM Hoody is a good-looking piece that can transition between urban and mountain environments better than most.See the Men's Marmot ROM HoodySee the Women's Marmot ROM Hoody. The Rab Torque Jacket offers unrestricted movement, good levels of breathability and comfort which are all of great importance when you are heading into the hills and mountains for serious adventures. rab Even the chart-topping Gamma LT Hoody (LT for lightweight) doesnt pass the fast-and-light test, at a substantial 1 pound 3.2 ounces. Also referred to as windshirts, these jackets are exceptionally lightweightgenerally between 2 and 7 ouncesand commonly stuff down to about the size of a coffee mug. Even when we're out and about, you can still have your questions answered online anytime! Highly stretchy, it's really comfortable to wear and in the scheme of things pretty lightweight. This streamlined design makes for a very versatile piecewhile hiking in the Yukon this summer, the SL became our go-to layer for wind protection, pesky mosquitos, and even fending off light rain. These nitpicks aside, the Ferrosi undeniably is a superb value, extremely versatile for a range of activities, and a great crossover pick for both casual and performance use.See the Men's Outdoor Research FerrosiSee the Women's Outdoor Research Ferrosi. Two notable exceptions are the Arcteryx Gamma MX and Rab Kinetic 2.0, which offer excellent weather protection for serious outdoor pursuits. In many ways, the R1 TechFace is an all-in-one answer to a popular layering choice for backcountry skiing, hiking, and cold-weather climbing: a thick baselayer and light shell. 
The Rab Borealis Jacket is a lightweight, wind resistant and packable jacket with excellent breathability. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. Its also important to note that uninsulated softshell jackets will not be warm enough on their own in subfreezing temperatures. With a 3-layer waterproof construction, seam taping, and water-tight front zip, the Kinetic fits the definition for a hardshell, but a stretchy face fabric adds the mobility and breathability of a softshell. That being said, its not quite as stretchy as a softshell and its fully waterproof design does result in slightly compromised breathability.
Additionally, youll find two extra internal drop pockets (great for stashing skins) and a zippered chest pocket on the exterior. Below we break down our favorite softshells for the 2022 season, ranging from casual jackets for daily use to performance pieces for backcountry skiing and ice climbing. A good number of softshells are sold in both hooded and non-hooded styles, including our top-rated Arc'teryx Gamma LT. 3.6 oz.What we like: Tougher and warmer than the Gamma LT.What we dont: Quite a bit more expensive. When choosing a bushwalking pack, a good quality harness is essential. The Rab Torque Jacket offers unrestricted movement, good levels of breathability and comfort which are all of great importance when you are heading into the hills and mountains for serious adventures. If you like the Dawn Patrol above but want something a bit less technical and more geared toward summer or shoulder-season use, the Cirque is certainly worth a look. With features such as hand pockets that sit at a normal heightthis is a welcome change for those annoyed by high, harness-friendly pocketsa regular fit, and clean styling (even better in the most recent update), the ROM is a well-rounded and versatile softshell from a respected brand. However, we prefer the more adjustable StormHood on the Gamma, and Black Diamonds workmanship cannot yet match the quality construction of Arcteryx. Earn Customer Reward Points as you shop for extra Discount | Free Delivery on UK Orders | Next Day Delivery | Free Click & Collect from our Hereford Shop. Made with thin stretch-woven nylon coated with BDs proprietary NanoSphere water repellant, the Alpine Start is designed to keep out wind and rain without compromising ventilation.
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Receive our latest updates about our products and promotions. Its easy to wear over anything from a t-shirt to a lightweight down jacket, depending on conditions. For $50 less, the Dawn Patrol is a viable alternative to our top-rated Gamma LT Hoody. This versatile Matrix softshell jacket with reinforced hips, hood, and elbows offers excellent, mobility and breathability. rab kinetic beluga vests addnature rab Weve been blown away by the performance chops of lightweight softshells like the Black Diamond Alpine Start above, and Rab offers up another quality option with the Borealis. Straddling the softshell and Softshell jackets fill a much-needed void between lightweight insulating pieces and waterproof hardshells. Softshell jackets are extremely versatile because they are highly wind & water-resistant, making them perfect for when you need breathable protection from the elementswhen a Gore-Tex jacket is considered overkill. Ideal for active use in cold conditions. Your priorities should push you in one direction or the other and, realistically, those that spend a lot of time in the outdoors have at least one of each type. 
Purpose-built for ski touring, Arcteryxs new Procline is as souped-up as a softshell gets. Get an Outdoor Research Stuff Sack for Half Price! The good news is Hardshell vs. Softshell Jackets: How to Choose, See the Women's Black Diamond Alpine Start, See the Women's The North Face Apex Bionic, See the Men's Backcountry Tabernash Anorak, See the Women's Backcountry Tabernash Anorak, Back to Our Softshell Jacket Comparison Table. For recommendations on other insulated pieces, check out our articles on the best down jackets, synthetic jackets, and fleece jackets. And with pockets that can be accessed over a harness and a helmet-compatible hood, the Dawn Patrol is even more backcountry-ready than the OR Ferrosi. How well a softshell breathes does vary and is usually associated with a few common features. The Gamma LT still gets our pick for the best all-around softshell, but if youre looking for a backcountry-specific option that also looks great for daily use, the Dawn Patrol is worth a look.
softshell rab upslope jacket Category: PerformanceWeight: 7.4 oz.What we like: Lightweight, packable, and versatile softshell.What we dont: Thin fabric offers little in the way of insulation. 
Clocking in at just 10.5 ounces, the Borealis was designed to provide protection from the wind in a mobile and breathable package. The jackets standard fit means its a little boxier (read: less mobile) than most performance-oriented softshells, and the bulky fabric wont pack away as well as the lightweight offerings on this list. rab jacket jackets The Black Diamond Alpine Start blurs the line between softshell and windbreaker jacket, a trend we expect to see more and more of as demand increases for lighter, more breathable, and more versatile layers. Wind & Weather resistant jackets for all outdoor activities. sawtooth rab shell jacket soft womens Tack on the aforementioned smaller helmet and pocket placement, and the SL becomes less desirable for skiers and ice climbers. 
They far outperform waterproof hardshells in high-exertion activities like climbing or backcountry skiing. When it comes to softshells in our performance category, look for torso-height handwarmer pockets (for easy access when wearing a harness or hipbelt), interior dump pockets for storing goggles or skins, or streamlined pockets that double as an integrated stuff sack for the jacket. It comes with adjustable cuffs, which make it more accommodating when wearing ski gloves (unfortunately those cuffs are less comfortable if youre not wearing gloves). And dont expect it to keep up if youre working hard, but you probably already knew that by checking the price. At $129 and only 13.9 ounces, its an affordably priced, thin, and lightweight shell that wont weigh you down and excels at nearly every high-output outdoor activity: hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, you name it. The Black Diamond Alpine Start and Rab Borealis go head-to-head in most departments, but we rank the Rab lower for a few reasons. 
A fairly wide range of products fall under this jacket type, but all softshells are made with a woven nylon or polyester that gives them their signature stretchy feel. We specialise in mountaineering equipment with a large range of ice climbing gear, mountaineering boots and clothing. rab Despite the performance attributes, many people wear softshells for daily use, so we love it when we find a jacket that offers a nice mix of both. In addition, the Cirques hood is only intended to fit a climbing helmet, while the Dawn Patrol can accommodate a larger ski lid. But for runners, backcountry skiers, and climbers wanting a weather resistant, breathable softshell that packs down small (into its chest pocket) and weighs nothing, the Alpine Start is our favorite ultralight offeringRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Black Diamond Alpine Start See the Women's Black Diamond Alpine Start. Category: CasualWeight: 1 lb. The Rab Borealis Jacket is a lightweight, wind resistant and packable jacket with excellent breathability. 
But for mixed hiking and everyday use, we think this jacket is a solid optionRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Gamma SL See the Women's Arc'teryx Gamma SL. We want to know what you think - We can't wait to hear your opinion! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Softshells can vary dramatically in thickness and warmth, from thin shells offering no insulation to thick, fleece-lined jackets. Jackets like the Arcteryx Gamma LT and Black Diamond Dawn Patrol are just as ready for a backcountry ski trip as they are for a spring hike. Some, like the Patagonia Houdini, do not stretch and are significantly lacking in breathability.