3 oz.What we like: High-performance jacket, lots of pockets, classy looks.What we dont: Cuffs bunch up when cinched down. ", Yes, I agree to receive newsletters from Bergfreunde GmbH by email comprising the Alpinetrek Newsletter (product information, promotions) and Alpinetrek Deals (special offers) for outdoor products as well as occasional surveys about my interests and information relating to Bergfreunde GmbH. Rab says Breathable Marmot's Fusion Jacket offers a good level of protection yet remains quite lightweight despite having hand pockets and a small chest pocket. They excel as a daily piece because their stretchy fabrics are far more comfortable and breathe better than a rain jacket. Click the Return icon above to undo your last step or try Type to Search again. Softshells are a relatively young product, and early versions were simply fleece jackets with a tougher, more weather resistant face fabric. Even if youre working hard, youll need a good system of base and midlayers to stay comfortable. Marmot says: On the go in fickle conditions? 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. If you are looking for a versatile jacket for all round winter outdoor use, Bogong has you covered with top quality softshell from Outdoor Research, Mount and Rab Rab clothing is renowned for its use of lightweight and breathable materials without compromising on features or breathability. 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. The upside of this construction is that you get improved breathability and less warmth for moderate weather days. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Ideal for active use in cold conditions. 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. The Arcteryx Gamma MX has been on the market for years with plenty of summits and deep backcountry days to its name. rab Rab says: The Women's Salvo Jacket is a midweight softshell jacket with a honeycomb fleece backer providing extra warmth and weather protection, ideal for active use in cold conditions. And in practice it delivers: throughout an all-day drizzle on a recent trek in Patagonia, the Alpine Starts shell beaded water and kept us dry while our hiking partners were all forced to don their (less breathable) rain jackets. Last, we prefer the Black Diamonds helmet-compatible hood for its easy on/off design. Backcountry also makes a full-zip jacket version, which is just $10 more and arguably more versatile. The Black Diamond Alpine Start is one of the lightest softshells on our list and arguably the most versatile. If you require high performance jackets that will offer you a fuller range of motion while keeping your body temperature at a comfortable level, Bogong has you covered. The soft-touch fleece liners on many of these jackets make them quite comfortable even when worn over a short-sleeved shirt. Offer valid with every order. And it doesnt hurt that the SL is also arguably the most appealing Gamma jacket for casual use, with a smaller, non-helmet-compatible hood, hand pockets that sit lower (just above the hip), and a less technical look than the MX in particular. Youll find a range of storage options among softshells, from the single chest pocket on a minimalist jacket like the Black Diamond Alpine Start to the seven-pocket design of the skiing-focused Arc'teryx Procline. Two notable exceptions are the Arcteryx Gamma MX and Rab Kinetic 2.0, which offer excellent weather protection for serious outdoor pursuits. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a far cry from the bulky, boxy design that epitomizes softshell jackets of old. There are now are a number of lighter options that dip under 1 pound, including the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and 10-ounce Arcteryx Gamma SL. Category: PerformanceWeight: 10.5 oz.What we like: A high-quality lightweight softshell at an affordable price.What we dont: Heavier than the BD Alpine Start above. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile shell for a wide range of outdoor activities. And as weve come to expect from Patagonia, the R1 TechFace is a good-looking jacket too, proving its chops as a highly versatile jacket that you can wear both on the trail and around town. Even through a Seattle winter, well still reach for our softshell jacket so long as there isnt heavy precipitation in the forecast. Much like rain jackets, the softshell market is large (and growing), but it can be broken into two general categories: casual and performance.

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. Recently weve seen an increase in hybrid hardshell/softshell designs, with jackets like the Rab Kinetic 2.0leading the charge. This isnt a super warm softshell with a thick fleece lining, but its thin construction is what gives the jacket its versatility. We are the first 100% climate-neutral online outdoor retailer certified by ClimatePartner. Your filter choices don't match any of our products. Bogong is Melbourne's best climbing store. Weve found them to be the ideal choice in cool weather and when youre working hard. It all adds up to a ridiculously high-performance jacket that will get the job done on most days in the backcountry. For a bump up in warmth and performance, check out Rabs Kinetic 2.0 Alpine ($280), which adds a liner and a more robust feature set, including a 2-way front zip and over-the-helmet hood.See the Men's Rab Kinetic 2.0 See the Women's Rab Kinetic 2.0. 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. 3.7 oz.What we like: A good-looking softshell with everyday appeal.What we dont: Not our first choice for activities like skiing or snowshoeing. As with almost all Arcteryx products, the fit of the Gamma LT is athletic. What we like: Breathable, lightweight, and versatile. Perfect for summer Alpine climbs, hiking, and scrambling. And for an extra dose of water protection, check out the Dawn Patrol Hybrid ($350), which features a mix of softshell and waterproof hardshell fabrics.See the Men's BD Dawn Patrol See the Women's BD Dawn Patrol. Softshell jackets are ideal for most winter pursuits, from cross-country skiing to bar hopping. We haven't got any brands on offer matching your search, "We'll do our best to ensure that you get your order quickly. Browse our range of Men's and Women's Softshell Jackets from Rab, Arc'teryx, Fjallraven, Montane & Mountain Equipment.

The extra give in the fabric also means you can be quite comfortable even with a trim, athletic fit, which makes them all the better for the activities mentioned above. At other times you'll find us in the mountains! 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. As the name suggests, a softshell is a flexible outer layer that serves as an alternative to a traditional hardshell jacket. What we dont: Gore-Tex Infinium is patterned only in moisture-prone areas. Beyond that, weve begun to see a whole new style developing, merging the uberlight intentions of a windbreaker jacket with a softshells stretchy and breathable fabric (for more, see our section on Windbreaker Jackets below). With a nearly identical price and feature set as The North Face Apex Bionic, there isnt a lot separating the two softshell jackets. 7 oz.What we like: Works great for daily wear.What we dont: Generic fit; not a performance piece. Category: PerformanceWeight: 11.8 oz.What we like: A minimalist yet waterproof softshell.What we dont: Trim fitting; waterproof membrane impacts breathability. The fact that these jackets have extra stretch means that in most circumstances its still easy to slip a puffy underneath. Casual softshells have a generous fit and a basic feature set for use as an outer layer from fall through spring.

Outdoor gear is becoming more and more streamlined by the year, and windbreaker jackets sit at the helm of this movement. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. Among the more casual options on our list, it provides solid weather protection. vs. the Gamma LTs 30 in.). For recommendations on other insulated pieces, check out our articles on the best down jackets, synthetic jackets, and fleece jackets. 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. We stock quality canvas hiking packs, bushwalking rucksacks, lightweight trekking packs and quality daypacks. All in all, its a really versatile piece: you can wear this jacket over a T-shirt in mild weather and over a puffy in the winter. And dont expect it to keep up if youre working hard, but you probably already knew that by checking the price. Finally, a simple hem adjustment rounds out this jackets minimalist build. gear to buy if youre a gram-counter like us. 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. And rounding out BDs collection is the 3-season Cirque, their do-all softshell that gets the job done both in the mountains and in town. Comfort is another area of strength for softshells, particularly next-to-skin feel. 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. 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. For a warmer softshell with the same general characteristics, check out the Gamma MX below.See the Men's Arc'teryx Gamma LT See the Women's Arc'teryx Gamma LT. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. In comparing the Gamma MX to its sibling Gamma LT above, the MX is quite a bit warmer with an added fleece lining. Dont expect any insulation from the Alpine Starts thin fabric though, and the stretch knit at the cuffs and hem will also limit how much you layer underneath. The North Faces Apex Bionic is a nice casual alternative to many of the more technical jackets here, with a clean appearance that includes just three external pockets (2 handwarmer and 1 chest) and a collar in lieu of a hood. 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. Rab says: Email: customer.service@ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk. A Rab Men's Softshell Jacket offers complete protection from the elements, thanks to Rab's unique 2-layer system, Vapour-rise. 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. For a deeper dive into the topic, see our article on Hardshell vs. Softshell Jackets.Back to Our Top Softshell Jacket Picks Back to Our Softshell Jacket Comparison Table. Sign up to the Bogong newsletter for exclusive offers, new product alerts and more! The ROM uses Gore-Texs Infinium, which gives it a nice bump in weather resistance. Category: PerformanceWeight: 13.9 oz.What we like: Thin, light, breathable, and a great price.What we dont: Lightweight build means compromised durability and weather resistance. Snap! Tack on the aforementioned smaller helmet and pocket placement, and the SL becomes less desirable for skiers and ice climbers.

We'll answer in the meantime! 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. Purpose-built for ski touring, Arcteryxs new Procline is as souped-up as a softshell gets. This lightweight and durable softshell jacket made with Matrix stretch fabric offers great mobility and superb breathability, with moderate weather protection.

Fit may be the deciding factor: the Gravity is a little tighter in the arms and can be more difficult to layer underneath, with the upside being a sleeker and more athletic look.See the Men's Marmot Gravity See the Women's Marmot Gravity. 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. Perfect for the lik, Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications. 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. Mid-weight Matrix softshell jacket, combining wind resistance, high breathability and a fleece backer. We do prefer the straightforward pocket arrangement of the Apexthe zippered sleeve pocket on the Gravity looks a little out of place around townbut the Marmot does have adjustable cuffs, which can be nice to cinch out the cold. 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). design with an under-the-helmet hood, two harness or hipbelt-compatible handwarmer pockets, velcro cuff adjustments, and a single-end hem cinch. And with clean looks that are completely passable around town, its a great all-rounder. However, we prefer the more adjustable StormHood on the Gamma, and Black Diamonds workmanship cannot yet match the quality construction of Arcteryx. On the other hand, too much airflow compromises weather resistance and warmth. This stretchiness is particularly helpful for demanding activities like climbing or fast paced aerobic activities such as hiking or cross-country skiing. The face fabric is smooth and quite durable, while the interior is usually some form of brushed polyester or fleece grid that provides varying levels of warmth. Combined with clean styling that doesnt scream technical, the Cirque fits the bill better for casual use too. 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. The Ferrosi was lightly updated for the spring of 2022, with notable changes including improved durability, stretchier fabric, and a larger, climbing-helmet-compatible hood. At just $190, the Tabernash Anorak is really well-priced, especially considering that it uses high-end Gore-Tex wind blocking technology (for reference, the Procline below is $499). The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Highly stretchy, it's really comfortable to wear and in the scheme of things pretty lightweight. View basket for details. 3.2 oz.What we like: Arcteryx fit, quality, and all-around performance.What we dont: Trim fit means you cant layer much underneath. U.K.-based Rab specializes in technical outerwear for alpine endeavors, and their Kinetic 2.0 is a high-performance softshell built for backcountry skiing, climbing, and other high-output activities in cold weather. That said, Black Diamonds four-way stretch fabric is no match for the Proclines fully windproof Gore-Tex Infinium, and the Arcteryxs powder skirt is a nice bonusespecially for a jacket that you might consistently wear in lieu of a ski jacket. That said, we see a trend towards wind layers becoming more and more stretchy and breathablein other words, taking on the properties of a softshell. 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. The durable outer fabric can withstand a day of backcountry skiing, but the Gamma LT also breathes really well and allows enough air in and out to keep you cool while on the go. Perfect for the likes of Cosmiques Arete, Rab's Torque jacket is designed for summer alpine climbing and active mountain use, offering complete freedom of movement and breathability. The Gravity doesnt claim to be a technical, performance-oriented softshell, but that doesnt seem to hold it back: its a top seller for Marmot year after year.

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. 3.6 oz.What we like: Tougher and warmer than the Gamma LT.What we dont: Quite a bit more expensive. Registration only takes effect after receipt of my confirmation; it is possible to unsubscribe at any time. But Rabs Borealis is an interesting alternative for $50 less, or you can opt for the pullover version for just $95.See the Men's Rab BorealisSee the Women's Rab Borealis. Like the Apex Bionic and Marmot Gravity above, the Columbia Ascender is geared toward everyday use and not necessarily for summiting mountains.

For an even deeper dive into this topic, weve written a dedicated article answering the question: What is a Softshell Jacket? And with a recent update, this time-tested classic got a little bit better, with an altered fabric that's warmer for the weight, retooled cuff and hood adjustments, and taped seams. The Sitemap offers a quick overview of all content on this website. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. And at lower elevations, if you need an emergency waterproof jacket, a light and packable rain shell serves as an excellent backup. For 7 ounces less than the Gamma LT above, the Rab will keep you drier when the skies unleash. This versatile Matrix softshell jacket with reinforced hips, hood, and elbows offers excellent, mobility and breathability. Both types have their prioritieshardshells excel in extreme Arcteryxs Gamma softshell line ranges from the warm, alpine-ready MX to the superlight SL tested here. Accurate weights of items are vital to us here at Ultralight. These small but mighty outerlayers pack a punch Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: theyre highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. And a final note: at the time of writing, the Cirque is no longer available in a womens version.See the Men's Black Diamond Cirque. 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. These may be customized through analysis of email usage and my purchasing behaviour. 2022 Ultralight Outdoor Gear. 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). Softshells offer great water resistance and breathability for fall and winter outdoor activities, but their hardwearing nature holds up well to everyday use too. But with a durable water repellent coating (DWR) to bead up and shed water and a tough outer fabric, most softshells can handle light rain showers or wind gusts just fine. The most breathable softshells are thinner designs without a tightly woven and super tough (and less air-permeable) outer layer. Similar to The North Face Apex Bionic above and Columbia Ascender below, the Gravity is ideal for braving weather around town and the occasional dip into the mountains. 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. For $50 less, the Dawn Patrol is a viable alternative to our top-rated Gamma LT Hoody. To help, we've provided a detailed breakdown in our comparison table above. Cost aside, its the most complete softshell design for backcountry skiers, and especially those who get out in dry regions like the Rockies.See the Men's Arc'teryx Procline See the Women's Arc'teryx Shashka. 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. Free Worldwide delivery on orders over 15. Pockets are a great place to start if youre wondering about a jackets true intentions. Our ideal softshell has an athletic cut to fully enjoy the stretchy and very mobile characteristics of this jacket type. There is some crossover between categories, including jackets like the Rab Kinetic 2.0, which includes mechanical stretch in its fully waterproof design. We want to know what you think - We can't wait to hear your opinion! Bogong Equipment 374 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia. Jackets like the Black Diamond Alpine Start (7.4 oz.) Your results are currently sorted 'Name (A-Z)', Your results are currently sorted 'Name (Z-A)', Your results are currently sorted 'Price (Low to High)', Your results are currently sorted 'Price (High to Low)', Your results are currently sorted 'Discount', Read our full Privacy Policy & Cookie information here. Category: Performance/casualWeight: 1 lb. Category: CasualWeight: 1 lb. Finally, if youre using a helmet, make sure the softshell has a helmet-compatible hood. All Rights Reserved.Company Registration Number 6315295 VAT no. View the product page to see the latest Click & Collect store availability. Category: Casual/performanceWeight: 10.2 oz.What we like: A good-looking option for mild conditions; impressive weather protection for the weight.What we dont: Offers very little warmth and not designed to wear with a harness or helmet.

Not to mention our range of trekking maps to Nepal, including the Everest base camp trek map, and backcountry ski gear, Ortlieb panniers, led headlamps, access equipment, tents one man and two man, and everything else you could need on your next adventure. Overall the new and improved Torque jacket offers great protection for a range of pursuits. 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. All that said, with minimalist gear growing in popularity, the softshell category is swiftly following suit. 9.4 oz.What we like: Ski jacket features wrapped up in a premium Gore-Tex Infinium softshell.What we dont: Expensive and niche. 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.



Sitemap 13