The Best Softshell Jacket | Buyer's Guide

We all know and love our hardshell jackets. In fact, we make some pretty great Gore-Tex hardshells. From weathering thunderstorms to deep snow, every outdoorsy person needs a good hardshell jacket. That’s a fact. But it’s not the end of the conversation. In mild or variable weather conditions, hard shells can be overkill. Enter the breathable softshell jacket.

Softshell jackets are a versatile choice for all kinds of outdoor activities, ranging from cross-country skiing to alpine hiking to ice climbing to backcountry splitboarding. Because they tend to be less bulky and more breathable than their hardshell siblings, softshell jackets are great for high-output activities when you need to balance weather protection with lightweight breathability. The best softshell jackets are flexible, stretchy, and comfortable while still being durable and protecting you from mountain weather.

While Arc’teryx may be renowned for our waterproof GORE-TEX jackets, we also lead the outdoor gear industry when it comes to the hardshell’s more casual counterpart. For decades, adventurers in every season have looked to Arc’teryx for versatile and reliable mountain equipment and gear, and our softshell jackets are no exception.

In this guide, we dive into what a softshell jacket is and why and when you want one. We also differentiate between softshell and hardshell layers and their specific functionalities, since there’s a time and a place for both of them. Read on for key features, top use cases, distinguishing factors, and our best recommendations for our favorite comfortable, durable Arc’teryx softshell jackets.

What is a Softshell Jacket & Why Choose One?

Before we dive into the key features of the best softshell jackets and when they come in handy, let’s start with the basics. What is a softshell jacket, and why (and when) do you want one?

At Arc’teryx, when we talk about a softshell jacket, we’re talking about a lightweight, breathable outer layer designed for wind resistance and moderate weather protection. Typically, softshell jackets offer more flexibility and breathability than waterproof jackets like raincoats or hardshells. It’s not that our GORE-TEX hardshells aren’t breathable, but it’s hard to beat the stretchy breathability of a dedicated softshell jacket.

While hardshell jackets like GORE-TEX rain jackets are designed for heavy rain and full waterproofing, softshell jackets are weather-resistant without being fully weatherproof, striking that sweet spot between weather protection and airy breathability. Best for wind resistance and light precipitation, softshell jackets make a great mid or outer layer and add versatility to your layering system. When it’s bitterly cold, you’ll still want to reach for your insulated jacket, but if you know you’ll be working up a sweat, you might reach for your favorite softshell jacket instead.

Who are softshell jackets made for? More people than you might think, including you. For sport climbers and multi-pitch trad climbers alike, softshell jackets provide the necessary flexibility and freedom of movement to climb hard and send their project. Backcountry skiers and ice climbers both love softshell jackets for their wind resistance and layering capabilities. In the winter, especially, it’s crucial to be able to add more layers underneath your outer layer jacket on bitterly cold days, or strip down to your shell and a light base layer on warm bluebird days. In all seasons, softshell jackets make great hiking companions, offering comfortable breathability with light rain protection if you get caught in a mild summer storm on the trail. They’re also great for bike commuters and urban dwellers who want breathable weather protection as well.

Key Features to Look for in the Best Softshell Jacket

Now that you know when you might need one, what should you look for in your softshell jacket? What makes a softshell jacket great? Here are some key features and functionality to look out for when searching for the best soft-shell jacket. Different jackets will strike different balances here, so it can be helpful to identify your priorities first to narrow down your search. Are you always on the go, or does your activity of choice involve lots of stopping and starting? Do you tend to run hot or cold? What are the other layers you want to wear in tandem with your softshell? These questions can be a helpful starting place as you begin your search.

Wind & Water Resistance: How Much Protection Do You Need?

While they’re not fully waterproof like Arc’teryx GORE-TEX rain jackets, softshells are still weather resistant, meaning they provide protection from light rain and wind. In a heavy downpour or wet snow, you still want your hardshell jacket with its fully sealed seams and hardcore waterproofing. However, if it’s windy and even a little drizzly on the mountain, something more similar to a rain jacket, like a soft shell jacket, will get the job done while likely being lighter and more packable, too.

Softshell jackets have different levels of water resistance. At Arc’teryx, all of our softshell jackets come with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating to repel light rain. Some GORE-TEX Infinium jackets offer near-total windproofing too, in addition to some moderate water resistance.

Breathability & Comfort: Finding the Right Balance

Whether you’re a backcountry skier skinning up steep snow or an ice climber swinging tools into a fresh flow, we all know what it’s like to overheat. And we all know it’s not fun. Even with the correct moisture-wicking layers, it can be hard to stay dry once you start sweating, and once your sweat cools, it can feel nearly impossible to warm up again. The stretch-woven fabrics in the best softshell jackets offer ample breathability while still providing basic weather protection, so sweat vapor can escape. On extra chilly days, fleece-lined softshells can add warmth, but be aware that the fleece lining will likely reduce some airflow.

Layering with a Softshell Jacket

Depending on the weather, a good softshell jacket works best as a mid-layer or outer layer. Pair it with a warm, moisture-wicking base layer and any of our premium, insulated jackets in colder climates, or wear it as your outer layer over a light base layer on warm, sunny alpine days. Good layering also enables your clothing layers to move freely over each other to prevent chafing or restricted mobility. For more layering tips, check out our layering guide.

Best Softshell Jackets from Arc'teryx

The best softshell jacket is breathable and flexible while still providing some wind and weather protection. From late-season cross-country skiing to all-season hiking or mountain biking, here are some of Arc’teryx’s best softshell jackets for men and women. If you’re looking for something more fit for the concrete jungle than the actual jungle, we’ve also got you covered with our Veilance line.

Best Men's Softshell Jackets

The Serratus Hoody wants to help you send your next project. It’s light and breathable but still wind-resistant, so it doesn’t sacrifice warmth. In fact, we even designed it with lighter-weight, ultra-breathable fabrics on the back and under the arms to increase ventilation where you need it while cutting down on weight. But don’t worry—the durable softshell fabric won’t snag or tear if it rubs against the rock. It’s our favorite soft-shell jacket for alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, and versatile winter layering.

For more everyday wear, meet the Field Softshell Jacket. A favorite from our Veilance line, which builds high-quality and minimalist technical apparel for more urban environments, the Field soft shell jacket is ideal for city wear or hitting the trails after work. Made from a durable, breathable softshell fabric, this jacket resists wind and repels water, but the clean-lined and articulated patterning elevates it above your average layer. It has hidden zippered pockets for your small essential items, hidden snap closures to prevent snags, and an adjustable hood for added weather protection.

Best Women’s Softshell Jackets

The Gamma MX Hoody has become a legend among Arc’teryx softshells, and with good reason. It’s warm, weather-resistant, durable, and comfortably stretchy, encouraging you to move freely. It’s more breathable than a hardshell, giving you enough weather resistance for mixed conditions and colder days in the mountains. The refined Fortius™ 2.0 fabric makes for a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and durability you can count on, and the Stormhood™ is helmet-compatible without compromising your visibility. Built for backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, and high-output outdoor activities, the Gamma is ready for whatever adventure you have in mind.

For more mild weather protection and urban wear, check out the Limina Softshell Jacket. From Arc’teryx’s urban-focused but still technical Veilance line, the Limina has a sleek, minimalist design that offers warmth and water resistance while still being breathable and stretchy for maximal comfort. It’s great for urban wear when you need mild weather protection, too.

Softshell vs. Waterproof Jackets: When to Choose Each

Even when you know the difference between softshell jackets and hardshell jackets, it can still be confusing and nuanced to decide between the two. As a general rule, you want to use a softshell jacket in conditions that involve wind, light rain, or mild weather instead of full-blown storms. A softshell jacket offers great breathability and mobility for high-output days while still keeping you dry and warm.

A waterproof hardshell jacket will still be your best bet in heavy rain or snow. When you need full waterproof coverage, hard shells like GORE-TEX rain jackets have fully sealed seams, ensuring no pesky precipitation sneaks through (unlike your average rain jacket). However, if you’re caught in light rain on a trail or blustery wind on a summit, a good softshell jacket will give you all the protection you need.

Care & Maintenance: Making Your Softshell Jacket Last

When you invest in high-quality items and take good care of them, your gear can be with you for a long time. In addition to carrying you through many seasons of adventures, well-cared-for gear is better for the planet, staying out of landfills and reducing carbon emissions. Here are a few tips for how to clean and care for your softshell jacket to make it last.

When cleaning your softshell jacket, use a gentle, non-powder detergent and wash it in cool water. Power detergents can get stuck in crevices or get clumpy, and we want to preserve the DWR coating as best we can.

After washing your softshell jacket, put it in the dryer on low heat. Many people are afraid of using the dryer for their technical gear, but heat can actually help reactivate the DWR coating and ensure its longevity. When possible, hang jackets to store them instead of folding them, or roll them loosely to avoid compression damage or tears. Before storing it, you’ll want to make sure the jacket is completely dry to avoid potential damage or weird smells!

How can you tell when the DWR is losing its efficacy? If your garment is no longer beading water, it is time to reapply DWR. A spray-on DWR treatment like Nu Durable Water Repellent will offer superior performance and the ability to target high-wear areas. To apply it, wash your garment, close all zippers, and spray DWR on the face fabric, concentrating on high-wear areas like the arms and shoulders. Afterward, turn the jacket inside out and place it in the dryer on medium heat for 40 to 50 minutes.

Finding the Best Softshell Jacket for You

A good softshell jacket is flexible and lightweight while still offering durable and reliable protection against wet and cold weather. While there are a lot of factors to consider when searching for a new jacket, we recommend selecting your best softshell jacket based on your activity or activities of choice, your weather protection needs, and your ideal layering system. Ready to see what all the hype is about? From our more technical alpine offerings to best sellers like the Veilance line for urban and outdoor versatility, Arc’teryx makes the best softshell jackets for urban commuters and mountain adventurers alike. Check out Arc’teryx’s collection of great softshell jackets today.