What is a soft shell jacket?

26 June 2008 16:30

Don't be ashamed to admit you're not completely clear about the gear industry's last big layer invention...

Most hill walkers wear a waterproof jacket over insulating layers consisting of a base layer and fleece jacket. This system works well – it keeps you warm, while ensuring rain stays out. But the main problem is that waterproof jackets do not control condensation perfectly and they are quite long, can be stiff and generally not as comfortable as softer layers. Add in the fact many walkers are frustrated by stopping to put on an take off waterproofs on showery days and you have a sniff of a demand for manufacturers to go after. What they’ve come up with is soft shells – jackets that are pleasant to wear, more breathable than a waterproof, and more water- (and wind-) resistant than a fleece. The term ‘hard shell’ has since evolved as the new name for a waterproof jacket.

Types of soft shells
Soft shells encompass a broad range of garments, including lightweight windshirts, windproof fleeces with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, insulated jackets with good durable repellency, and soft-feel waterproof jackets. Many soft shell garments are harder-wearing than waterproof hard shells or fleece insulating layers, which is why they’ve become so popular with scramblers and climbers. Regardless of the type of soft shell, you can be sure all are more water-resistant than fleeces, and most are more breathable than waterproof hard shells. Soft shells are usually highly wind-resistant, and generally warmer than waterproof hard shells as they often have some form of air-trapping weave to provide insulation, but they are not as warm as fleece. In short, they fill the gap between fleeces and waterproofs.

Performance on the hill
Soft shells often have a short, active cut, which makes them ideal for scrambling, climbing and mountaineering. They are good in the cold, in the wind and when there’s little chance of heavy rain. They are far comfier than a waterproof hard shell. But in a downpour, water will soak through most soft shells, while more waterproof soft shells tend to be shorter and less well-designed for wearing all day in the rain than a proper waterproof. You’ll still have to wear insulating layers under most too.

Who needs a soft shell?
If you head for the hills in generally dry or cold weather then a soft shell  is just the job. It’s also ideal for climbing, mountaineering, and skiing. But if you go into the UK hills in the rain (who doesn’t?), a soft shell is not the best choice.