Softshell jackets provide more wind- and water-resistance than fleece, as well as more breathability and comfort than a waterproof ‘hard shell’ jacket. This makes them ideal for windy and misty mountaintop use... to help prepare for your next Scottish hike or mountain-top brew, we’ve tested and selected the best soft-shell jackets just for you.
If you are headed out to the hills in colder climates, you're going to want a backpack suitable for carrying all your gear - we've got a rundown of the best for you, and even some drybags to make sure everything stays dry and fresh.
Design
Softshell jackets are designed to be more comfortable than waterproof jackets, so they tend to be shorter in the body and made from softer, more comfortable fabrics that are stretchy and more durable than many waterproof fabrics. Good movement in the sleeves will ensure the cuffs don’t ride up your arms when scrambling or even climbing over stiles.
Hood
The hood should fit snugly, but it should also move with your head so you can see where you are going. The hooded peak may become bent when the jacket is stashed in a rucksack, so look for a wired peak that can be easily reshaped to allow good vision. Many models featured here are also available in non-hooded versions with a small price reduction.
Ventilation
Even the best breathable fabrics allow condensation to form, so it is important that you can increase ventilation of the jacket. A front zip can be used for venting, as can underarm zips (also called pit zips) while mesh linings in pockets can increase air flow. Side zips and more breathable panels on the sides are also used to increase breathability.
Insulation
Some soft-shell jackets have a polyester pile or fleece finish on the inside for extra warmth and comfort. Others don't have this, so they won’t be so warm. However, you can of course wear them all over thinner insulating layers, such as a fleece or thick base layer. If you want a soft shell just for colder conditions, then an insulated one is ideal. If you want a year-round soft shell, then a less well-insulated design that can be worn over other layers will be ideal.
Material
It’s all about the material with softshell jackets. Some materials have a more wind- and water-resistant membrane sandwiched between the inner and outer layer of the fabric, but this will be less breathable than an open weave construction, which in turn won’t be as wind- or water- resistant. You need to balance the pros and cons of the material against your needs.
Pockets
Big pockets are great for storing maps, guidebooks and gloves, but they can also be used to protect your hands from wind and light rain. Rucksack belts obscure access to some pockets, so make sure they are well positioned to avoid this problem
What's the best soft shell jacket
1 of 4Berghaus Ghlas
Material PolyesterMen's S-XXLWomen's n/a Weight 524g (size L)IT'S GOOD The Ghlas is a non-hooded design that uses Bluesign environmentally-approved fabric. The main fabric has a tightly woven outer to resist abrasion, wind and moisture while the front and rear sections of the inside have a more open weave for warmth and comfort. There are three pockets, two of which take maps easily while the third is okay for a compass, phone or GPS receiver. The cuffs have Velcro adjustment, which many jackets lack, and the sleeve movement is superb without the hem or cuffs riding up. The price is great for what you get. HOWEVER Get it on and this jacket feels a little stiffer than others, as the fabric is not as light or as stretchy as it could be. The polyester material means it won't be as durable as those using nylon, although this probably only effects very hard users, mountaineers or those wearing harnesses regularly. The main drawback for the walker is that the main pockets are quite low, so access to them is easily obscured by a rucksack hipbelt. It's quite a heavy jacket, particularly considering it does not include a hood and there's no women's option available either. So, a few drawbacks to weigh up.VERDICT Relatively low-priced soft-shell jacket that is good for walkers needing to fend off wind and soaking mist.Features 3/5Weatherproof 4/5Breathability 5/5In use 3/5Value for money 5/5****OVERALL SCORE 80%
2 of 4Rab Salvo
Material Matrix AP 2-layer stretch (nylon face, polyester fleece back)Men's S-XXLWomen's 8-16Weight 631g (size L)IT'S GOOD The rough nylon outer of this jacket makes it ideal for rubbing up against crags on a scramble. It doesn't soak up water too easily either, making it great for misty mountain tops. The polyester fleece lining has a grid pattern, so it is warm and would be ideal in winter. The hood has face and rear drawcord adjustment, as well as a wired peak, which results in the hood fitting and moving exceptionally well. The three pockets are perfectly accessible above a rucksack belt, and you get Velcro cuff adjustment and a drawcord on the hem.HOWEVER This is a heavier and more bulky option, so is best worn rather than stowed in a rucksack. It is warm, but for milder conditions it will actually be too warm, so while great in colder conditions such as snow, for warmer damp scrambles a lighter and less warm jacket would be better. This is not the absolute best for keeping out the wind and rain, which may or may not be a drawback. Consider your needs before splashing out, as the price tag of this jacket is above that of many others.VERDICT Ideal cold weather soft shell jacket, but could be too warm for milder damp conditions. The weight and price tag are drawbacks too.Features 5/5Weatherproof 4/5Breathability 5/5In use 5/5Value for money 4/5****OVERALL SCORE 92%
3 of 4Mountain Equipment Echo Hooded
Material Exolite 125 stretch double weave (nylon)Men's S-XXLWomen's 8-16Weight 327g (size L)IT'S GOOD The price and weight are more attractive than some others on test, and for that you get a nylon weave fabric that's more durable and more wind- and water-resistant than a polyester fleece jacket. It's also more durable and stretchier than a standard windshirt. Once on there's not much insulation provided, but even with its snug fit you can still easily wear it over insulating layers. The two main pockets are great, and there is a third smaller chest pocket for a GPS receiver, phone or compass. The hood and cuffs are elasticated and while not perfect, they're acceptable on the hill.HOWEVER As there is no adjustment in the cuffs and hood apart from elastication, they either fit or they don't - the hood does not hug or turn with the head as well as higher- priced jackets. This is not as warm as higher-priced jackets, and it does have a slightly close fit, so while it can be worn over other layers for warmth, it is worth trying before buying to make sure it fits over your layers.VERDICT Stretchy, durable and wind- and water-resistant with good features for mild weather – but the fit's not ideal and it's not the warmest.Features 4/5Weatherproof 4/5Breathability 4/5In use 4/5Value for money 4/5****OVERALL SCORE 80%Cotswoldoutdoor.com
4 of 4Mammut Ultimate V So Hooded
Material 3-layer stretch Gore WindstopperMen's S-XXXLWomen's XXS-XLWeight 452g (size L)IT'S GOOD The stretchy, premium Gore Windstopper fabric provides maximum wind- and water-resistance, while the open 3D-structured polyester backer improves comfort on the inside. The material is far softer and more supple than lower-priced jackets, so this is very comfortable when worn. Zipped side vents are provided for ventilation too. The hood has face drawcords, and fits and moves with the head pretty well. The pockets are particularly good, being large and easily accessible while wearing a rucksack. Overall, this is a great soft shell for mixed weather conditions.HOWEVER The cuffs are elasticated but there is no other adjustment, while the hood doesn't get a rear volume adjuster and its peak is not stiffened. The two main pockets are OS map-sized, but some jackets have slightly larger pockets that are placed a little higher for even better access. This is not as warm as some others, but you can wear it over an insulating layer. Some may prefer other jackets for extremely cold conditions. The main drawback here is that challenging price tag.VERDICT Ideal general mountain soft shell jacket, but its hood would benefit from a little more adjustment to justify the price tag.Features 5/5Weatherproof 5/5Breathability 3/5In use 5/5Value for money 3/5****OVERALL SCORE 84%