When softshells first gained popularity over ten years ago, they struck a chord with those who work up a sweat in cold weather. The flexible, breathable material shelters you from mild water and wind all while breathing better than their closest competition: the hardshell. The fabric — which falls somewhere between a hard shell and a fleece — fills a large hole; it offers breathable weather protection for high-exertion activities in cold weather like alpine skiing, ice climbing and even, snowshoeing.
Today, softshells are starting to take a backseat as brands push to take waterproof membranes (the kind found in hardshells) to new levels of breathability. New technologies, like The North Face’s Futurelight, coming next fall, are promising advancements in breathable waterproof outerwear.
But, until then, we’re still batting for the softshell. Their tightly woven fabric is inherently stretchy and easier on the skin than the crunchy tinfoil-like hardshell material. They offer uninhibited movement and they manage temperature more effectively; ultimately, they’re better at allowing heat to escape while offering some level of warmth and protection. Insulation, such as fleece lining, beefs up warmth while a DWR (durable water repellant) coating, the water-resistance treatment found on most softshells, handles moisture. Plus, softshells tend to be easier on the wallet than Gore-Tex jackets, with most ranging from $150 to $200.
Unless you’re battling heavy precipitation, a softshell will get the job done. Here are our favorites.
Rab Integrity
UK-based brand Rab may not carry the same mainstream name recognition as other brands, but don’t let that deter you from thinking this burly softshell isn’t on par with the competition you see on outdoor gear shelves. This is one of the heavier weight softshells on the list, but the slim fitting Integrity jacket holds its own in frigid temps. Its warm and protective stretchy fabric, Matrix Integrity Weave, is tough yet breathable and it has an interior with an oh-so-comfortable fleece and pit zips — a rare offering for softshells — for quick venting when things heat up.
