Soft Shell Jackets

Recent Soft Shell Jacket Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rab Vapour-Rise Guide Jacket

If you need a winter soft-shell and weight isn't an issue, this is the one. Purchased my first one last Autumn (2016) in size XL and in the striking Red colour. Rab states this jacket is a "Regular fit." I ordered my usual XL size, which for me (who's of rugby player build) is a tad long over my arms and a bit snug around my bulky torso - Rab tend to make Softshell jackets which can be quite long in the sleeves and form fitting in the body these days. Which may be great for people with the arms… Full review