The softshell jacket

Softshell jackets are the perfect go-to for chilly adventures. Designed as an outer-shell layer, they offer moderate rain resistance, solid wind protection, and a touch of warmth—while remaining far more breathable and comfortable than hard-shell options. Their versatility makes them a favorite for everyday wear, doubling as a reliable car jacket. Ideal for solo use in fall and spring, a softshell jacket is a must-have in your adventure kit.

jump to section

Brand: Trusted names vs. ones to avoid
Material: Different fabric materials explained
Shell Coatings: Rain/wind protections of an outer-shell
Inner-Lining: Different inner-layers available
Fit: Different fit options depending on its use
Hood: Softshells with or without a hood
The Hazel Storm Picks: Top premium, standard, and budget soft shell options

Brand

Understanding brands can be challenging. Some people swear by certain brands, while others argue that you're just paying for a name and the quality is the same across the board. However, it's important to recognize that brands carefully guard their reputations.

For example, Great Value represents cost-effectiveness, while Black Diamond symbolizes quality climbing gear. Longstanding premium brands can generally be trusted to deliver a certain level of quality. In contrast, no-name budget brands might offer similar performance but are more likely to have hidden quality issues.

differences between brands

Premium brands are known for top-quality materials and superior construction. Heavy-duty softshell jackets are typically made from high-grade polyester fabrics, while lightweight softshells often use premium nylon and elastane for added stretch and reduced weight. Differentiating between cheap and premium fabrics can be difficult without feeling them in person, but trusted brands consistently deliver higher-quality materials. Additionally, premium brands often offer warranties and guarantees, making the higher price a more justifiable investment. Their commitment to durability and performance ensures reliable quality that they confidently stand behind.

Standard brands can match premium ones in quality, they don’t always have the same established reputation. To cut costs, they may skip certain high-end features in favor of more economical options. Even so, midrange jackets still offer solid performance, making them a smart choice for many buyers.

Budget brands, on the other hand, are a bare-bones alternative that "gets the job done." They lack premium features and use lower-quality materials and construction. However, for most uses, high-end features are often overkill. Optimal jacket performance—maximizing rain and wind protection while minimizing weight—is crucial for high-adventure activities like mountain climbing or Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. These features are less critical for a jacket you wear to the office or for casual outings.

brands to avoid

Be cautious of brands with no track record. Many cheaply made manufacturers produce subpar jackets, branding them with the logos of fly-by-night companies. These low-quality jackets are often mass-sold online, where their quality cannot be easily inspected. While both a reputable brand and an unreliable company might advertise softshell jackets made from polyester, the difference in quality is significant and immediately apparent upon closer examination.

Material

Since a softshell jacket is primarily a outer-shell wind/rain protection piece, the type of material is the most important factor. Price alone doesn’t always indicate quality—higher cost doesn’t necessarily mean better performance, and a budget option isn’t always inferior.

The key is understanding your specific needs. Are you looking for a casual jacket for around-town wear? Do you need a lightweight option for trail-running? Are you looking for a heavy-duty jacket for the frigid cold? Your intended use will determine which softshell material consturction best suit you.

When to buy a polyester softshell?

The polyester softshell jacket is the traditional and most popular choice, offering excellent all-around performance. It is made from tightly woven polyester, creating a thick, durable fabric layer that provides strong wind and light rain protection. Ideal for light rain, snow, and windy conditions, it remains highly breathable due to its lack of full waterproofing. This makes it a great option for activities where you’ll work up a sweat in cold conditions.

when to buy a softshell with elastane?

Softshell jackets with elastane are a modern evolution designed for high-intensity adventure sports where the added protection of a traditional softshell isn’t necessary. These jackets are significantly lighter and stretchier, making them ideal for activities like trail running, jogging, cycling, spring skiing and snowboarding, climbing, and spring or fall backpacking. They provide just enough warmth for cool conditions while maintaining excellent breathability, making them perfect for high-exertion activities where you expect to sweat.

Shell coatings

While a softshell jacket is, by definition, an outer "shell" layer, many are now designed with additional coatings to improve resistance to heavy rain and wet snow. However, these treatments vary across brands, often using proprietary names like “HypoGel Barrier” or similar, making comparisons difficult. We’ll break through the marketing jargon to give you a clear understanding of what these coatings actually do.

the bottom line

Opt for a softshell jacket with or without a DWR coating—it won’t make a major difference. Softshells are designed for light wind, rain, and cold protection, so a slight boost in water repellency won’t drastically improve performance. In heavy rain, you’ll need a dedicated rain jacket regardless. If you prefer to err on the side of caution, choose one without a DWR finish or at least without added PFAS.

What are pfas?

PFAS are chemicals commonly used in water- and grease-resistant products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and especially water-resistant clothing. Often called "forever chemicals," they persist in the environment and the human body without breaking down easily. Research suggests potential links to cancer, reproductive harm, and hormone disruption.

inner-Lining

Softshell jackets were originally designed to be worn over separate insulation layers for an effective winter setup. However, in recent years, many have opted to wear them as standalone outer layers. In response, companies now offer softshells with various inner linings to enhance warmth and comfort. Below, we break down the different inner-lining options available.

Bottom line

If you plan to use your softshell jacket as your primary cold-weather layer, choose one with an added inner lining for extra warmth and versatility. It will be needed for the winter months. However, if you intend to layer underneath or switch to a heavier coat like a parka in winter, a softshell without a lining is the better option.

Why is layering important?

Layering is often underrated and misunderstood in cold-weather adventure wear. Outdoor conditions are unpredictable—temperatures fluctuate, rain turns to snow, mud gives way to ice, and calm winds can suddenly intensify. Your layering needs also depend on activity level—if you're working up a sweat, you'll need fewer layers and breathable fabrics to manage moisture. A well-planned layering system allows you to adjust on the go, ensuring comfort and protection in any environment.

Fit

The fit of a softshell jacket is hard to gauge without trying it on. While we provide general guidance and recommendations, it's essential to test different jackets in person. Fit varies between brands, and your body shape may not align with a particular brand’s sizing or cut. Trying on multiple options ensures the best comfort and performance.

try on softshell with inner-layers

When visiting REI Co-op, Cabela’s, or Scheels, try on your softshell with the layers you plan to wear underneath. If you intend to pair it with a puffer jacket, wear the puffer while testing the fit. More commonly, if you'll be layering with fleece or thermal tops, wear those to ensure the softshell fits comfortably over them. This helps you find the right size for your intended use.

Hood

Should you choose a puffer with a hood? Given the investment in a quality jacket, it’s worth considering early on. The decision largely depends on its intended use. Casual users may prefer a hoodless design—an everyday jacket for commuting or running errands rarely requires one, and you might never use it, especially if you rely on a beanie in cold weather. However, for outdoor activities like thru-hiking, skiing, hiking, or climbing, a hooded option is often the better choice, providing extra warmth and protection in harsh conditions.

the bottom line

For everyday wear—commuting, office, or city use—a hoodless jacket is the better choice. You can always pair it with a beanie for warmth without the bulk. The extra insulation from a hood isn’t as crucial in these settings.

For outdoor adventures like hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, or camping, a hood is essential. Even for ultralight hikers, the slight weight increase is outweighed by the added warmth. Anyone who has spent time in the cold knows how vital it is to keep their head insulated.

The Hazel Storm Picks

The Hazel Storm’s softshell jacket picks include top choices for every budget, featuring jackets that real outdoorsmen wear daily. While this list isn’t exhaustive, these are the go-to selections for experienced adventurers.

Budget and mid-range options will get the job done, though they may lack some premium features. However, for serious outdoorsmen, investing in a high-quality premium jacket is the best choice—it’s a long-term piece of gear that can serve you for years. In our experience, it’s better to own a couple of well-made jackets than to frequently replace cheap ones.

traditional softshell

ultra-premium

$330

Patagonia

Down Sweater™ Hoody

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
800-Fill Down
14.8 oz | 420 g

premium

$299

KÜHL

Spyfire® Hoody

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
800-Fill Down
16 oz | 454 g

standard

$400

Arc'teryx

Cerium Hoody

Recycled Shell
Synthetic/Down Insulation
850-Fill Down
11.9 oz | 338 g

budget

$409

Feathered Friends

Eos Down Jacket

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
4.0 oz | 112.5 g Fill Down
900-Fill Down
11.8 oz | 336 g

lined softshell

premium

$275

Marmot

Hype Down Jacket

Reinforced Nylon Shell
800-Fill Down
9.52 oz | 270 g

budget

$149

Decathlon

Forclaz MT500 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket

Nylon Shell
RDS Certified Down
800-FIll Down
15.50 oz | 439 g

lightweight softshell

premium

$129

REI Co-Op

650 Down Jacket

Recycled Shell
650-Fill Down
10.90 oz | 309 g

budget

$40

32 Degrees

Ultra-Light Down Packable Jacket

Nylon Shell
580-Fill Down
10.58 oz | 300 g