Love it or loathe it, soft shell clothing is here to stay, and its benefits grow as manufacturers think up ever more creative ways to use the concept. Soft shells were originally just windproof, then they became more water-resistant and durable – and finally, in some cases, they became waterproof. What tends to set them apart is that they are not too restrictive of movement, while managing to keep the worst weather at bay. However, some tended to be quite heavy and stiff, but they are now becoming lighter and softer while maintaining the durability and comfort that the genre claims as its own.
The latest incarnation of the soft shell breed is Haglöfs’ Roca jacket-and-trouser combo. It‘s billed as having new external taped seam technology, which makes the jacket more waterproof. The fabric is Gore Windstopper Soft Shell, and water may seep in eventually so these are not waterproof in the literal sense of the word – but they are more so than most soft shells.
On the hanger, this type of fabric has magnetic appeal. As soon as I touched it, I knew it was something special: it was amazingly soft and supple.
The Roca jacket and trousers felt light and unrestrictive as soon as I put them on. To enhance durability there are laminated patches on the jacket’s shoulders, plus on the knees and seat of the trousers. To allow these reinforced areas to remain breathable, the panels are perforated with neat little H-shaped Haglöfs logos... classy!
The trousers and jacket have a soft, thin, brushed fleece lining, adding a touch of warmth and comfort absent in ‘normal’ waterproofs. In the Lakes, however, I didn’t find them warm enough over a base layer. I ended up wearing my tried and trusted Haglöfs Gemini hooded fleece underneath, as well as a pair of stretch trousers to keep my legs warm. So warmth-wise these are more like a waterproof than an insulating layer, I feel.
The jacket pockets were perfect for accessing while wearing a rucksack, and the neat zipped side vents
added useful ventilation options. The trousers had braces, belt and snow gaiters as well as really long side zips. I found the cut of the trousers a little baggy around the lower leg, although some might prefer that style if they have chunkier legs than me! The knee was not as
well articulated as some overtrousers either.
The Roca Jacket and Roca Pant combination worked well, although it was not as waterproof as a full set of traditional waterproofs and as the jacket does not have a hood, it isn’t suitable for wet days in the Lakes. However, if you are heading to the snow in the Alps or Scandinavia, or just like wearing soft shell garments while sidestepping UK rain, this outfit provides a useful option that realigns the boundaries that define soft shell.
Roca Jacket
Price: £200
Material: Gore Windstopper Soft Shell
Sizes: S-XXL (men’s)
Weight: 426g (size L)
Made in: Bangladesh
Roca Pant
Price: £200
Materials: Gore Windstopper Soft Shell
Sizes: S-XXL (men’s)
Weight: 634g (size L)
Made in: Bangladesh
Stockist details: tel. (01934) 877998; www.haglofs.se