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Soft Shell Jackets

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The best soft shell jackets, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on February 15, 2024. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.

user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Mountain Equipment Echo Hooded Jacket
$79
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie
$19 - $149
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (12)
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody
$400
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (8)
Marmot ROM Hoody
$149 - $215
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3)
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Jacket
$24 - $164
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (18)
The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket
$111 - $150
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Jacket
$68
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Montane Extreme Smock
$72 - $88
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Hooded Jacket
$395 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (7)
Buffalo Special 6 Shirt
$222 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (8)
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Jacket
$299 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Canada Goose Trenton Jacket
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Bergans Torfinnstind Jacket
$169 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (3)
Mountain Hardwear Brono Jacket
$225 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (9)
Marmot Sharp Point Jacket
$250 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (5)
Outdoor Research Mithril Jacket
$215 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (4)
Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Jacket
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Arc'teryx Gamma Jacket
$225 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (6)
Marmot Gravity Jacket
$150 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (5)
Marmot Zion Jacket
$375 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (6)
Cloudveil Serendipity Jacket
$210 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (5)
Mountain Hardwear G50 Jacket
$175 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Outdoor Research Alibi Jacket
$260 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Outdoor Research Prologue Field Jacket
$179 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3)
Arc'teryx Gamma AR Jacket
$259 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (6)
TAD Stealth Hoodie LT
$475 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (4)
Marmot Leadville Jacket
$150 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket Snowsport Jacket / Soft Shell
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Montane Mountain Star
$84 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Outdoor Research Whirlwind Hoody
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Rab Vapour-Rise Guide Jacket
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Jack Wolfskin Traverse Jacket
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Empire Wool and Canvas Company Arctic Anorak
$230 MSRP
 
user rating: 5 of 5 (3)
TAD Stealth Hoodie
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Craghoppers Roag Softshell Jacket
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Loki Lore Jacket
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (2)
Outdoor Research Motto Jacket
$275 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (2)
Mammut Ultimate Hoody
$279 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (4)
Arc'teryx Epsilon AR Jacket
$199 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Beyond Clothing Cold Play X Jacket
$219 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (14)
Mountain Hardwear Synchro Jacket
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3)
Patagonia Slingshot Jacket
$180 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (4)
Mountain Hardwear Dragon Hooded Jacket
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Backcountry.com Shift Softshell Jacket
$199 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (2)
Marmot Super Hero Jacket
$285 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (2)
Arc'teryx Epsilon LT Hoody
user rating: 4 of 5 (2)
Marmot Vapor Trail Hoody
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket
$299 MSRP
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Recent Soft Shell Jacket Reviews

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie

A very useful "on the move" piece that layers well, cuts some wind while still being breathable, doesn't restrict movement and has a very durable, stretchy face. I've had the OR Ferrosi Hoody for about four years and it's typically in my pack from Spring to late Fall. It's sort of a hard one to put in to a specific box as far as performance. I think it's jacket that you need to play with a bit, with different layering and conditions, until you find the lane where it works best. There's no additional… Full review

rated 4 of 5 stars
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody

A near perfect softshell that does everything, but doesn't do anything particularly well. The Gamma LT hoody was on my list for about half year before I finally made the decision. For softshells I already had the Marmot ROM2.0 and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody so this was not necessarily the jacket I "need" but the jacket that I really "want". I'll be comparing this jacket to both the ROM2 and the Ferrosi which I have used both casually and in outdoor. Personally I feel that the ROM2 is the… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Buffalo Special 6 Shirt

Keeping warm and dry when hiking. Got mine recently and tested it winter walking. Firstly, trust their advice and wear this as a shirt next to your skin. Believe me, it works brilliantly even if it seems counterintuitive. This keeps you lovely and warm without sweating and without creating chilly perspiration. I liken it to the effect the dog must get from his coat with the inner fur and water repellant outer hairs. I carry a light Goretex in my rucksack if the weather becomes ferociously wet. The… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Outdoor Research Prologue Field Jacket

Medium weight soft shell jacket. Excellent general purpose jacket for travel, work, chores, casual wear. The Outdoor Research Prologue Field Jacket is a good general purpose jacket for mild conditions. It is what I consider a medium weight soft shell providing protection wind and light rain and the smooth looks of a soft shell. Good for travel, chores, work, and errands. I purchased this jacket with cool weather urban walks and travel in mind.  Soft shell jackets provide protection from wind and… Full review

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Craghoppers Roag Softshell Jacket

Similar to a Buffalo Windcheater Jacket, the fibre pile inner lining provides warmth in colder temperatures even when wearing just a base layer or directly against the skin. The outer shell offers good protection against the wind and will keep all but the worst rain out. Works well even when wet. This is similar in principle to a Buffalo Designs Windcheater Jacket, but significantly cheaper, which suits my Forest School budget. I have worn this since the beginning of the new year during chillier… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Mountain Equipment Echo Hooded Jacket

The Mountain Equipment Echo is an unlined soft shell jacket designed for active pursuits with specific designs for the climber, including articulated arms, a drop hem, helmet-compatible hood, and dual toggle hem. I have found this jacket highly useful for ranges far out of its intended uses—as a protective layer against the sun, a mid-layer in cold winter temps and, of course, as an outer layer in cool temps, especially against wind and abrasion. I have been testing the Mountain Equipment Echo… Full review

rated 3.5 of 5 stars
Mishmi Takin Cayambe Soft Shell Jacket

A well made technical waterproof jacket with a fleece lining suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. All seams are taped and Aquaguard zippers are used throughout. The Mishmi Takin Cayambe Soft Shell packs a lot of features into a compact jacket. Featuring a three-layer waterproof fabric with a rating of 10,000mm (moderate to heavy rain) this jacket can handle some heavy wet weather. Fully taped seams in a contrasting color add to the waterproof exterior while adding some style. Aquaguard… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Arc'teryx Epsilon LT Hoody

My favorite jacket. Ever. So I can see why people have a difficult time figuring out what this jacket excels at. I have two, an XL that I have worn pretty much every day (except in the summer) for the past five years. I use it primarily as a one-tool option softshell/ hardfleece. This year I got a size Large to use for layering and couldn't be happier. So it's not as soft or insulated as the Gamma MX and not as stretchy as the Gamma LT. It's also a little more than half the price of the Gamma MX. Full review

rated 4 of 5 stars
Mountain Hardwear G50 Jacket

Very nice jacket. Well made and fits right. I'm 6' and 235 lbs and XL fits me well. I really like this jacket. Incredibly sharp looking and well constructed. I listed the higher hand pockets as both a pro and a con. They are designed perfectly when wearing a backpack as they stay above the hip-belt and remain accessible. On the other hand, they look a little odd and not placed well for the hands in average everyday use. So, take that how you will. They are designed with a function in mind and work… Full review

Other Types of Jackets

Find more jackets reviewed in these related categories:

Waterproof Jackets

Wind Shirts

Down Insulated Jackets

+6 more types