WHAT IS THE BEST SOFTSHELL JACKET?

Arc’teryx is famous for its GORE-TEX waterproof jackets, but to legions of followers who adore the North Vancouver, B.C. brand, Arc’teryx is more well known for its best water-resistant softshell jackets. Softshell jackets are a more casual approach to outdoor apparel, both in construction and usage.

No one is scaling Everest in a softshell. But in contrast, no one wants to wear a three-layer Gore-Tex jacket or a thick down parka all day long either. The best lightweight shell jackets are celebrated for their versatility in life and in adventure, and these less expensive but still technical offerings have their fans.

Softer, more stretchy materials make for a quieter, more comfortable jacket. The best men's softshell jackets are still breathable and can stave off rainstorms long enough to keep most users happy. They can handle high-output winter activities like backcountry skiing or snowboarding as long as the weather isn’t brutal or the skies are clear. Winter trail running or XC skiing are both well suited to softshells, as is everyday life.

One of the big advantages to the warmest softshell jackets is that they pack up small so they can come with you anywhere. Some of Arc’teryx best selling pieces ever, like the Squamish Hoody, are softshell.

THE BEST HYBRID ULTRALIGHT SOFTSHELL JACKET

Arc’teryx Women’s Norvan Shell Jacket

There’s something about trail running that facilitates the flow state. You’re moving through the landscape as smoothly and quickly as possible, but grace is always in pursuit. It can be social, but it’s often all about looking inward, finding your pace, tapping into a cadence, and channeling rhythm. One of the bonuses is that there’s very little gear needed, too. The Norvan is the best ultralight softshell jacket out of the gear you need.

This trail running jacket combines stretch, airflow, and weather protection in all conditions. Created to manage the kind of unpredictable weather that happens in the mountains and in the wilder seasons, the Norvan is the best breathable softshell jacket on the planet for running.

A breathable recycled polyester fabric stretches so you can too. It provides light warmth for those crisp morning runs. It allows cooling airflow for when the sun is high and warm.

This all-weather breathable softshell jacket is the best running partner. It stays windproof, water repellent, and highly breathable thanks to the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ panels at the shoulders and chest. The minimalist design results in one of our best lightweight shell jackets. The patterns are also articulated for freedom of movement so you can tap into that flow state easier than ever.

This softshell jacket is crafted at a Fair Trade Certified facility as part of our commitment to transition 80% of Arc’teryx products to fair trade certification by 2025.

IS THIS THE BEST SOFTSHELL JACKET FOR MOUNTAINEERING?

Arc’teryx Proton Hoody

Mountaineering is serious business and alpine mountaineers are meticulous about their gear. A few key features keep them ticking: lightweight materials, packability, and tough-as-nails durability.

While staying warm is critical, these high-minded athletes generally run hot, work hard all day long, and prefer precise technicality to big puffy warm jackets. That’s why the Proton might be one of the best windproof softshell jackets for climbing.

The Proton Hoody is extremely durable and breathable. It’s synthetically insulated, which means it can get wet and still stay toasty while managing the constantly changing needs of mountain adventurers.

As a self-regulating mid-layer, the Proton can work in a variety of high-output activities as an ultralight softshell jacket. Breathable insulation means excess heat and moisture disappear through the fabric and into the rarified mountain air.

In addition to being so air permeable it may as well be mesh, the Fortius™ Air 20 face fabric has unrivaled weather protection and hard-wearing durability—60+ times more durable than the industry standard.

Coreloft™ Compact 80 synthetic insulation in the body maintains excellent stretch recovery. The No Slip Zip™ keeps the main zipper from self-opening and the helmet-compatible insulated hood gives additional warmth.

Put it on, leave it on, and stay focused on climbing that mountain, whether real or metaphorical.

THE BEST WATER-RESISTANT SOFTSHELL JACKET OF ALL TIME? MAYBE.

Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody

Have you been to Squamish, B.C.? It’s heaven on earth for rock climbers. It’s 45 minutes from the skiing and snowboarding utopia of Whistler. It’s 45 minutes from the infamous North Shore mountain biking trails, and Squamish itself has some of the most amazing ridings on the planet. The hiking is legendary. The kiteboarding is incredible. It’s located in the Pacific Ocean. There are a ton of brew pubs. There is simply no place on the planet like Squamish.

The legendary Arc’teryx wind shell named after Squamish is built for the mild but constantly changing conditions that happen when a town lives where mountains meet the coast. This hoody has proven itself time and time again to be an essential, packable piece of wind protection for people who get after it.

Made with an advanced, highly wind-resistant fabric called Tyono™ 30 nylon, the Squamish Hoody shows surprising strength for its weight, thanks to an ultralight minimalist construction.

Add in an adjustable Stormhood™ for even more mountain pedigree, No Slip Zip™, dual hem adjustments, and stows in its chest pocket, and you have a climbing partner that can still hold its own on mountain biking, kiteboarding, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking missions.

MOVE FORWARD WITH PURPOSE IN THIS LIGHTWEIGHT SOFTSHELL JACKET

Arc’teryx Isogon MX Jacket

An isogon is a “line of equal or constant wind direction on a graph or chart, such as a weather map.” Use this “mixed weather” softshell shell jacket for when the weather can’t make up its mind. As one of the best lightweight shell jackets available on the market, the artful design delivers superior technical results to the competition.

The Isogon MX is a streamlined hooded jacket for transitional weather. What’s transitional weather, you ask? On the evening news, they call it a “mixed bag.” At the restaurant they call it a smorgasbord. Whatever you call it, it means a little bit of everything all of the time. How does Isogon handle it? Burly double-wave softshell material resists wind and light moisture, breathes, and stretches for freedom. All that adds up to supreme versatility.

An adjustable StormHood™ provides coverage without impacting vision. Our designers articulate the sleeves and stretch panels to define the fit and allow the jacket to move with you, not against you. Finally, two hand pockets with hidden zippers for storage stay under the radar and don’t disrupt the clean lines we worked so hard to make, just like you do in the mountains. Go get some.

THE MOST FAMOUS SOFTSHELL LINE FROM THE MOST FAMOUS SOFTSHELL JACKET BRAND

Arc’teryx Women’s Gamma Hoody

Gamma is Arc’teryx’s legendary softshell line, and for good reason. Warm, weather resistant, exceptionally durable, and stretchy enough to stay comfortable even in the most uncomfortable alpine situations, Gamma does it all. The Gamma Hoody is a crowd favourite.

Climbing, ski touring, winter hikes, XC skiing, a run to the craft brewery...as your output and Mother Nature’s conditions shift gears, the women's softshell jacket you choose becomes more important. It must work hard in every alpine pursuit.

The Gamma Hoody gives light weather protection, breathable warmth, and freedom of movement that encourages playful exploration.

The refined Fortius™ 2.0 fabric makes for a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and durability you can count on. The front liner makes for a warm core in a cold wind, and the Stormhood™ is helmet compatible and protects the head while still letting you see throughout the full range of vision.

WHAT THE HECK IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOFTSHELL AND HARDSHELL JACKETS?

The best softshell jackets can do more than most people think, but for others, the weather protection of a softshell pales in comparison to a hardshell’s superior technicality. It’s not that clear, though. So what is the difference between these two jackets? Let’s dig in.

HARDSHELL JACKET

The most distinguishing feature of hardshell jackets is that they are undeniably waterproof, at least when Arc’teryx makes them. This is what makes climbers, skiers, and snowboarders from the Pacific Northwest such huge fans of Arc’teryx jackets. Indeed, it’s why we were proudly founded and are still based in the rainy, snowy, windy environs of the North Shore Mountains outside Vancouver, B.C., Canada. It doesn’t get much wetter than here.

Other bonuses to modern hardshell jackets are their breathability and durability. It’s easy to think about the waterproof nature of hardshells first, but then we remember the rest: the inevitable sweat of the uphill climb, the branches slapping us while skiing deep powder in the trees, the wind cutting through us on the chairlift. A jacket does more than keep water out. It helps us regulate temperatures and shrugs off those cedar boughs when we don’t quite make the sweet turn we thought we would. It fights the wind off. It does a lot.

Every outdoors person needs a hardshell. That’s a fact. But it’s not the end of the conversation.

Hardshells can be overkill when the sun is out, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are high. Enter the breathable softshell jacket.

SOFTSHELL JACKETS

Don’t bring a softshell to a Whistler powder day. You’ll be miserable. But a high-country Colorado bluebird groomer day? Maybe.

It’s relatively simple. If your day looks sopping wet and blowing sideways, put on the 3L GORE-TEX. Otherwise, you can probably get away with a lightweight softshell or alpine softshell jacket. They’re generally not windproof, but they stop most of the wind. The outer layer is generally not waterproof qualifying as a torrential rain jacket, but they stop water. Think gentle rain or wispy snow, not 30 centimetres of Coast Range elephant snot snow.

Here's another bonus: the softshell is more breathable than the hardshell, so when you are ski touring, XC skiing, splitboarding, or doing any other high-output activity, you might want to stash that oh-so-robust hardshell and rely on the much more comfortable, much stretchier softshell.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED TO MAKE SOFTSHELL JACKETS?

Let’s be honest, the way companies name their products can be so confusing. We promise there’s a reason for it. When you build the best men's softshell jackets on the planet, each and every model requires nuanced differences from the next model. It may seem like overkill, but an alpine climbing mid-layer is going to need a slightly different fabric than a skiing mid-layer, even if activities have similar users and similar environments. We don’t make catch-alls or do-anything products. We make the best lightweight shell jackets in existence. They require detailed work.

GORE-TEX INFINIUM™

This is the main material. So what’s the difference between P50p GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ 2L and N70s 3L GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ with PFC-free DWR? Well, the 2L and 3L designate how many layers it has: two layers versus three in this case.

PFCEC-FREE DWR

This means the durable water repellent (DWR) has no PFCec in it. What does PFCec stand for? That’s easy. It means “Per and Poly-Fluorinated Chemical of Environmental Concern.”

The team that makes GORE-TEX guarantees the fluoropolymers that harm the environment have been removed. What’s a fluoropolymer? It’s a fluorocarbon-based polymer with multiple carbon-fluorine bonds, like Dupont’s Teflon material.

20D/30D/40D NYLON

The big D, or Denier, is a unit of density based on the length and weight of yarn or fibre. One single strand of silk is one (1) denier.

The fibres in a 40-denier nylon fabric have over 6.5X the diameter of that 1-denier silk strand, and almost 1.5 times the diameter of fibres in a 20-denier or “20D” nylon fabric. Make sense? Not really, but the simplest explanation is that the higher the Denier rating, the tougher the fabric. This is often used for face fabrics for softshells to cut wind.

FORTIUS™

Highly breathable and stretchy material. Superior warmth-to-weight ratio and exceptional durability. Comes in several different weights designated by 1.0, 2.0 etc.

TYONO™

Highly breathable 100% nylon stretch fabric which is durable, compact, and air permeable with DWR.

TERRATEX™

Softshell with 95% recycled content is wind and weather repellent, highly air permeable, and planet conscious. CFC-free FC0 DWR finish.

WHERE CAN I BUY THE BEST WATER-RESISTANT SOFTSHELL JACKETS?

Finding a windproof softshell jacket is as easy as finding an Arc’teryx dealer, either online or “in real life.” First, though, you should find the right jacket for your needs. There’s a wide spectrum of softshells available, and there’s an even wider spectrum of people using them for every activity under the sun.

How much money do you want to spend? How severe of weather do you plan to play in? Do you want versatility first or to have a specific product aimed at a very specific activity? Take your time to choose what you need most, or consult an Arc’teryx professional to help walk you through the different lines of available breathable softshell jackets. Arc’teryx has more than enough different lightweight softshell jackets to suit your needs and can be found in over 2,400 retail outlets around the world. Here are a few:

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER

Every ski town or city near the mountains has a few solid shops full of knowledgeable people to help you choose the correct Arc’teryx outdoor softshell jacket for you. Friendly locals may understand your needs more than online advice givers. They know where you play outdoors and the weather that will dictate what kind of softshell insulated jacket you need. Plus, you’ll be supporting locals and that’s always nice.

There’s nothing that makes you feel more local and plugged in than walking into your shop and having people call you by name. They put you to the front of the line, do special favours, often give rebates on services and even products, and just generally treat you better the more you build those relationships.

The second reason to go local when picking the best softshell jacket for hiking or skiing or climbing is simply how it fits. The way a softshell jacket fits makes all the difference when you are out in the field. You will feel more confident, comfortable, and ready to send if the jacket fits well. We are only as good as our gear lets us be.

Fit will affect function too. Use a local shop to get dialed and you will probably never worry about performance compared to the guesswork that goes into buying online.

Warranty is one last reason to stay local in buying new gear. In the unlikely event that there is an issue with your gear, the people who you bought all your gear from locally have a vested interest in keeping you happy.

AN AWESOMELY AFFORDABLE ARC'TERYX OUTLET STORE

Putting together the ultimate adventure kit anchored by the best lightweight shell jacket is no easy task, and it’s also expensive. Did you know there are discounts at the Arc’teryx Outlet Stores? From breathable softshell jackets to climbing harnesses to all the rad gloves, toques, and clothing that Arc’teryx makes, the outlets are a good option for people who want the best gear but can’t spend the rent money.

Another reason to go outlet shopping is the flexibility. Arc’teryx offers deep discounts on both online and brick-and-mortar gear sales. If you live near an outlet, you’re lucky enough to try gear on in person. If not, we ship Arc’teryx from the outlets to towns globally. Either way, the Arc’teryx Outlets cycle through gear on a regular basis, so visit often for discounts on winter softshell jackets and more. And yes, we offer free shipping to your tiny little ski town.

THE OH-SO-SWEET ARC'TERYX RETAIL STORES

Not only do Arc’teryx stores stock our full line of products, but they are also simply the most beautiful, inspiring, fun environments to see what Arc’teryx is all about. Plus, they do community events where you can meet Arc’teryx ambassadors, learn about the gear, or watch films with other community members.

Make no mistake... Arc’teryx retail stores are the absolute best place to talk to knowledgeable, friendly staff about outdoor softshell jackets. The people on the floor are as trained in Arc’teryx as anyone on the planet and they’ll know what you need with very few questions.

ARCTERYX ONLINE STORE

We get it...not everyone has a sweet, sweet store full of Arc’teryx goodies next door. Some people live in tiny towns. Others live in countries far away. But the outdoor community is global and we love to get our products out to everyone who loves peaks, forests, and oceans. That’s where the Arc’teryx online store comes in.

We know what you are thinking and, yes, we offer free shipping. And not just in Canada. We ship within Canada, as well as to the USA, Germany, UK, Japan, etc. If you have mountains, we probably service you.

Now, let’s talk free returns. Between free shipping, free returns, and a bit of patience, getting the perfect fit on an Arc’teryx product is easy. Read the reviews. Check out the site. Peruse the super detailed sizing guide. Order with confidence.

Another reason to order online? It’s where we keep everything. The Arc’teryx online store is where you’ll find the full spectrum of our products, including our elevated Veilance line, ReGear™ pre-loved equipment, and all the lightweight soft shells you can dream of.

ARE SOFTSHELL JACKETS WATERPROOF?

In one word, no. But you need to ask yourself if you need a water-resistant softshell. If you can get by with a softshell, you’ll save money and probably be more comfortable in the long run. The flip side is, if you truly need robust, real-weather protection, a softshell will make you miserable.

While shopping for water-resistant softshell jackets, you will most likely see “waterproof”, “water-resistant”, and “water-repellant” in the descriptions. What’s the difference?

  • Water-resistant: “able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely”
  • Water-repellent: “not easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating”
  • Waterproof: “impervious to water"

But those are just words, right? Let’s go deeper.

WHAT DOES WATER-RESISTANT MEAN?

This is the lowest level of water protection. The windproof softshell jacket construction might make it more difficult for water to get inside, but it won’t hold it back for long. Think light rain, mist, fog, and gentle snowflakes...the kind where you can see the crystals. Anything more and you’ll be getting wet.

WHAT DOES WATER-REPELLENT MEAN?

Water-repellent coatings are the next step up from water-resistant coatings. They use fabrics with properties that repel water, which makes them “hydrophobic”....afraid of water. Aack!

Water-repellent lightweight softshell jackets are a step above. They can handle some actual rain or heavier snowfall. Imagine rain without wind (imagine!) or the kind of heavier coastal snowfall that Rockies skiers make fun of. A water-repellent jacket can stave off soak-through status in these conditions for a short while. As usual, if you intend to be out in weather like this for a while, bring a hardshell.

WHAT DOES WATERPROOF MEAN?

There’s a reason Bruce Lee said “Be Like Water.” It’s because water finds a way, always. It adapts to the situation, grows, and evolves, and it will wear down anything, even stone. But our namesake Archaeopteryxis 150 million years old and tougher than stone, so an Arc’teryx waterproof jacket that is cared for and treated with DWR will keep water out better than any jacket on the market.

THE HISTORY OF GORE-TEX AND WINDSTOPPER

While seeking the best Windstopper jacket, whether a lightweight softshell jacket, water-resistant softshell jacket or the warmest softshell jacket is best for you, one name will rise to the top: GORE. It’s no mistake. Arc’teryx has been using W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) products for years, and that storied relationship is the reason behind the success of our products.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS OF A SUPERIOR PRODUCT

The flagship offering from W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) is undeniably GORE-TEX. This wonder material has been around for over sixty years since Bill Gore decided to leave his full-time job after discovering the vast latitude and numerous benefits of synthetic polymer PTFE (polymer polytetrafluoroethylene). Following in his dad’s footsteps, son Bob Gore expanded on the program and invented PTFE (ePTFE). They named it GORE-TEX.

It's the singular reason most skiers and snowboarders can confidently tackle the mountains in the most adverse conditions without fear. GORE-TEX has ultra-strong, waterproof, and windproof properties, and it allows Arc’teryx to create the most exciting clothing for mountain sports.

Modern-day Gore has $4.5 billion in annual revenue, is still privately owned, and is recognized by Forbes as one of the 200 largest privately held U.S. companies. While they now have 3,500 inventions worldwide across a spectrum of fields including electronics, medical devices, and polymer processing, we love them most for GORE-TEX...and Windstopper.

THE INTRODUCTION OF WINDSTOPPER AND THE ELEVATION OF BREATHABLE SOFTSHELL JACKETS

In 2015, Gore announced GORE® WINDSTOPPER®, a super versatile, totally windproof, and extremely breathable fabric, one they had previously called everything from “Active Shell” to “Technical Fleece.” Either way, with GORE® WINDSTOPPER®, the advent of the modern softshell evolved rapidly.

The focus of GORE® WINDSTOPPER® was total windproofing and maximum breathability, and product designers at Arc’teryx soon saw it as a suitable—perhaps superior—option for base layers and mid layers: lightweight softshell jackets; softshell jackets for high-output outdoor pursuits, and even casual and business wear like Arc’teryx Veilance.

HOW PRODUCT DESIGNERS USE OBSESSIVE DESIGN TO CREATE THE BEST SOFTSHELL JACKETS

Since our inception, Arc’teryx has been a driving force of innovation in creating the best water-resistant softshell jackets, but it’s no accident. Every zipper. Every seam. Every stitch is methodically conceived, planned, and executed with an eye focused on quality. We love what we do and are proud to be the first choice for mountain adventurers who need breathable softshell jackets. Every detail matters in extreme conditions, and we’re a brand built for the mountains.

ARTICULATION AND THE ART OF MOVING IN AN ULTRALIGHT SOFTSHELL JACKET

Every Arc’teryx product is designed to move naturally by mimicking the shape of the human body, but as versatile apparel, our windproof softshell jackets are even more so.

The way your clothing moves, while you are out there, has a major impact on comfort, safety, and performance. Any tension from a lack of articulation in any area of your alpine softshell jacket could interfere with the function of a climbing harness or transceiver. It could limit your reach. Lack of range of motion could expose you to the cold. Articulation matters, and it matters more than most people realize.

MICRO SEAMS AND THE DESIGNERS WHO LOVE THEM

Where fabric comes together is where water gets through. That’s why the seams we use are critical for water and windproofing. When you reduce the width of a seam it translates to less weight, bulk, and material usage, while increasing the breathable surface area of your lightweight soft shell.

MOBILITY MATTERS

Wide seams stiffen the overall fit of a product, which can do all sorts of bad things—from restricting how you move to block your line of sight.

ROBUST BORDERS

Micro seams increase flexibility, which makes your breathable softshell jacket less bulky and stiff, which reduces fabric wear, snags, and abrasions.

INVENTING WATERTIGHT

Did you know Arc’teryx created the first WaterTight™ zipper? We wanted to stay dry and warm, and we saw zippers as an obvious weak point in need of improvement. Our product designers obsessed over it for a few years, and we made it happen. That’s what we do here.

TURNED INSIDE OUT

The big breakthrough began by flipping the zipper inside out. The product designers called it reverse coil design, and it reoriented the more tightly spaced inner surface of the zipper to instead face out. Now we needed to make sure it worked.

NEVER RESTING

Once the zipper was flipped, the next step was to create a weather barrier that eliminated the need for flaps, tabs, and snaps. We laminated the actual teeth and slider of the zipper with a urethane coating. Bottom line? It makes all the zippers on all the best water-resistant softshell jackets watertight and ready for action.

SEE YOU IN THE STORMHOOD™

One of the most important and difficult-to-achieve features of the best softshell jackets for mountaineering or skiing/splitboarding is a hood you can still see out of on the peripheral. This is where the unyielding genius of our product designers comes through.

SHAPE IS KEY

The laminated brim holds it all together—all those perfect patterns and multi-layer construction need something to give the ultralight softshell jacket shape. The laminated brim stays intact and doesn’t collapse, crush, or crease under pressure, just like you in the mountains. It bounces back after being in a tight spot, just like you in the mountains. Seems like you two are pretty great adventure partners.

A DEEP, DEEP COMPRESSION

The StormHood™ compression system works alongside a stovepipe shape so it can first lock the hood into position, and then allow your head to twist and turn without obstructing your view. Compression is the key to unrestricted vision while laying out a big ol’ powder slash or spinning off a cornice. You look really, really good. Go get it.

INSIDE THE URBAN SPHERE

Four softshell Veilance jackets for the city

LOOKING GOOD. FEELING GOOD. A WARDROBE ESSENTIAL.

Arc’teryx Men's Spere LT Blazer

This lightweight TerraTex™ blazer is an ultralight softshell jacket in disguise. A relaxed fit and boxy silhouette make for a good-looking but technical piece.

TerraTex™ softshell with 95% recycled content is wind and weather-repellent, highly air permeable, and planet conscious. CFC-free FC0 DWR finish helps repel moisture.

The Spere LT Blazer is a light, breathable blazer with enough stretch and articulated patterning to move with you throughout your workday, from the morning commute to after-work socializing.

Three-snap front creates a high break at the lapels. Taped seams create a clean, finished look and improve comfort. This blazer also features on-seam hand pockets and interior chest pockets.

THERE’S NO EDGE TO THIS SPHERE

Arc’teryx Spere Jacket

With clean lines and a cleaner style, this stretchy warm softshell jacket offers light warmth and transitional weather protection. This jacket looks good in an urban environment but has enough technicality to carry you through the nastiest weather of fall and winter.

Fortius™ 2.0 nylon plain weave fabric delivers thermal comfort, air permeability, wind resistance, and water repellency. A cozy, comfy fleece backer adds warmth, stretch, and articulation for full and comfortable freedom of movement.

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF URBAN

Arc’teryx Spere LT Jacket

Lightweight softshell breathable TerraTex™ jacket. Think weather protection through recycled materials.

Go forth confident with the relaxed silhouette of the Spere LT Jacket, with its clean structure, and freedom of movement through articulated patterning.

This TerraTex™ warm softshell jacket with 95% recycled content is wind resistant, air permeable, and planet conscious. FC0 DWR finish helps repel moisture. Hand pockets with concealed zippers, dual drop pockets with flap closure. Taped seams create a clean, finished look, and improve comfort.