Best softshell jackets in 2025: Versatile outer layers for all seasons, tested and reviewed

Designed for mountaineering, alpine climbing, hiking, and running, the Mountain Equipment Aerotherm is a highly technical, ultralight softshell jacket. It features a super-light double weave softshell outer and a micro-grid of fleecy squares inside, providing warmth and weather protection. Its minimalist design weighs only 279g in men's small, making it ideal for gram-saving hikers.

The jacket's outer is Exolite 45 stretch double weave softshell fabric, the lightest double weave fabric globally. The inner micro-grid (100% polyester) offers wicking and temperature regulation. Despite its low weight, the fabric maintains decent toughness, though it lacks the stretch of traditional softshells.

It copes with light showers and wind, but for heavier conditions, pair it with a waterproof shell. The Aerotherm's breathability is exceptional, ensuring comfort during fast-changing conditions. With a snug, athletic cut and articulated, pre-shaped sleeves, the jacket fits well but may require sizing up for some.

Notable features include two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, a chest pocket, adjustable waist hem, and elasticated wrist cuffs. The main YKK zipper has an internal storm flap and a zipper garage but is one-way. The hood, with an elasticated rim, is adjustable via a rear drawcord. The jacket can be stuffed into the right-hand pocket, creating a compact package with karabiner carry loops for easy access.

Read the full Mountain Equipment Aerotherm review here.

Find the men's version here.

Ideal for high-intensity mountain activities, the Borealis is a lightweight, minimalist jacket. It weighs only 295g (men’s L) and features Rab’s Matrix fabric: a stretchy, single-weave softshell with a flexible fit that won’t restrict your motion.

Rated UPF 50+ with good wind resistance and a PFC-free DWR coating to repel light rain, it’s a great choice for summer and shoulder-season use as an outer layer. However, it’s not designed for harsh weather; instead, the Borealis focuses on ventilation over warmth or full weatherproofing, making it ideal for fair weather adventures.

Where the Borealis excels is in breathability and drying-time, meaning you can wear it all day without needing to take it off. It’s more comfortable than a windproof layer and offers better weather protection than a lightweight fleece. Its cut is slightly shorter to suit climbing, and it keeps features to a minimum: just a snug-fitting hood and two mesh pockets.

With a price tag of £85, it’s more affordable than many competitors. And while it doesn’t have as many features or the warmth of more expensive jackets, the Borealis is excellent for anyone seeking a lightweight, breathable softshell that moves effortlessly with you.

Get the women's version here.

Read our full Rab Borealis review.

The Helly Hansen Blaze clicked with us as a go-anywhere, do-most-things midweight softshell. We put it through its paces on multiple spring and summer romps across Snowdonia – and it performed very well.

The headline here is the jacket’s 4-way stretch double-weave softshell fabric: it’s got a close-yet-relaxed cut and moves brilliantly, with a genuinely soft feel inside and enough beef in the material to shrug off light abrasion.

We also loved the hood: it's properly adjustable, with a stiffened brim that’s much more protective than elastic-bound options. The dropped tail and long sleeves provide proper bum-and-cuff coverage (no annoying ride-up), and the mesh-lined handwarmer pockets double as handy vents on sweaty climbs.

The weather resistance is what you’d expect from a non-membrane softshell: it shrugs off gusts and light showers but won’t keep you dry in a deluge. It’s heavier than most windshirts and a touch less breathable, but the added warmth and durability make it a good pick for all but winter’s worst.

Although the fit is trim, it's quite forgiving, so we think it'd work for a range of body shapes and sizes. And the finish on seams/cuffs is best-in-class at this price. It's not the most technical piece, but up there among the best for all-day, three-season use.

Get the women’s version here.

Read our full Helly Hansen Blaze Softshell review.

If you like the sound of a softshell that's as comfortable as a fleece, but more stretchy and weather-resistant, look no further. We’ve used the Arrow Hooded Jacket for everything from scrambles to shoulder-season hillwalks and it rarely stays in the cupboard for long. It’s warm enough for chilly starts, breathable enough for long days and it's versatile enough to be your go-to softshell in most conditions.

What stands out is the fabric. Mountain Equipment’s double-weave softshell has a lofted grid inner that’s soft and warm against the skin, paired with a smooth, weather-shedding face. At 380g (men’s L), it’s light enough to wear all day. And with a good bit of stretch plus long sleeves, it moves really well – climbers in particular will appreciate that freedom. It's worth noting that the fit is trim and technical, so some users might prefer to size up for general use.

The weather resistance is decent, though it’ll wet out in heavy rain (as softshells do). But in classic “four seasons in a day” Welsh weather, we barely took it off. It layers easily under a waterproof and even rivals a 100-weight fleece in warmth. The hood is close-fitting and helmet-compatible, the cuffs stretch snugly over the wrists, and there are three well-placed pockets for stashing essentials. It's an excellent all-rounder.

Find the women's version here.

Read our full Mountain Equipment Arrow Hooded Jacket review here.

Here’s a jacket that genuinely splits the difference between hardshell-level protection and softshell comfort. We put the Berghaus Ridge Roamer through its paces from everything from stubborn drizzle to full-on mountain squalls, and it shrugged off the lot.

It's all down to a three-layer, four-way stretch fabric with a bonded PU membrane and taped seams. This means that the Ridge Roamer is functionally waterproof, shedding rain and wind like a true shell, but it's more pleasant to wear than any stiff hardshell.

There's a few gripes to get out of the way. Breathability (while better than most hard shells) is still limited when you’re slogging uphill – pit zips would have been a welcome addition. We also found the cuffs problematic, as they're massive, with zero adjustment. That aside, the well-placed pockets, tough laminated zips and an adjustable hood all hit the mark.

It's a pricey beast, but if you find it on offer, you’re getting an impressively protective softshell for notoriously wet and windy outings – provided you can live with the cuffs.

Check out the men's version.

Read our full Berghaus Ridge Roamer review.

On test, we found that the Velez Windproof lives up to its name: it blocks wind effectively. It also provides good protection in light rain, thanks to a Nikwax-based water-repellent finish that's simple to refresh using the brand’s own aftercare products.

With full-coverage, two large mesh-lined pockets and zippered forearm vents, the Velez Windproof brings extra features compared to most windshirts, yet only weighs 230g in a men’s large. However, it lacks a hood and hem drawcord, which can lead to some flapping in strong winds.

It's fairly good value, though adding the suggested Velez Grid fleece brings the total to £215 (or £200 if both are purchased together). We find that the pair work well as a warm and breathable system suitable for the UK’s shifting weather, and together they remain under 500g.

While not as stretchy as some softshells, the Velez Windproof is a lightweight, packable and practical layer. We'd say it's best for anyone who prefers to not have to change layers often, who doesn't need their jacket to be stretchy or close-fitting.

Check out the men's version here.

Read our full Paramo Velez Windproof Jacket review here.

The Alpkit Resolute offers excellent value. It's a classically styled, traditional softshell. It’s made from a hefty 207gsm double weave softshell material, which is 92% nylon and 8% elastane. This extra weight ensures that the Resolute feels warm and sturdy.

The 8% elastane content provides excellent stretch and flexibility, enhancing comfort and ensuring the jacket feels athletic and streamlined despite its robust fabric. The interior feels soft against the skin, and the excellent stretch gives good freedom of movement. Weighing 535g (men’s small), it’s mid-range in weight, and feels lighter and more agile than the raw stats suggest.

Wind resistance is good, cutting out the worst of a wind’s chilling effect, while a PFC-free DWR coating ensures water beads on the jacket. It protected me adequately in blustery conditions and light drizzle. Breathability is okay, but it can get hot on steep climbs, although the free-flowing central zipper has a two-way design for extra ventilation.

For the price, the Alpkit Resolute is fully featured with adjustable wrist cuffs, cinchable waist hem, and many mesh-lined pockets. The hood fits well, with a wired peak visor and three adjustment points, and can be rolled away with a Velcro-style tab.

Read the full Alpkit Resolute Softshell review.

Find the men's version here.

This premium, ultralight jacket features a standout design. Unlike classic softshells, the Vapour-Rise Summit uses a 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air fabric with a 47gsm grade and PFC-free DWR treatment for the outer. This prioritises breathability over wind resistance, meaning it excels in dynamic mountain activities.

The thick, fleecy, brushed polyester Vapour-Rise Warm lining provides noticeable warmth but can feel hot in some scenarios. This two-layer system is intended to replace the need for separate garments, creating a micro-climate for all-day comfort – Rab describes the Vapour-Rise system as "soft on the inside and protective on the outside, warm, wicking, and wind-resistant" with "efficient temperature regulation."

The Vapour-Rise Summit has an athletic cut, fitting snugly and true to size but may be tight for some. It works well as both an outer layer and within a layering system. Comfort is high due to the soft inner and lightweight build. Weighing 323g in men's small, it is ultralight compared to classic softshells.

The jacket includes adjustable wrist cuffs, two high zippered handwarmer pockets, a chest pocket, adjustable waist hem, and a helmet-compatible hood with a wired peak. The main zipper has an internal storm flap, a fleece-lined chin guard, and is two-way for extra ventilation. All zippers are premium YKK.

**Check out our full Vapour-Rise Summit review here.
**
Find the women's version here.

We put the Thrudark Veles through its paces scrambling and hiking across rocky Welsh trails, and after weeks of use it still looked and performed like new, shrugging off abrasion much better than most rivals we’ve tested.

The four-way stretch fabric, loaded with nylon and graphene-enhanced polyester, is stretchy yet strong. The diamond-grid lining on the inside adds a bit of comfort and moisture control, while the double-weave construction does a solid job of keeping out wind.

We stayed protected in breezy, damp spring or autumn weather – just don’t mistake the DWR coating for full waterproofing. If it buckets it down, you’ll want a shell handy, but for most conditions you’re covered.

Some minor gripes include the lack of hood and the fact you can't adjust the sleeve cuffs and hem. There's also some heavy-handed branding, including military-style insignia patches on both shoulders – not to everyone's taste.

Fit is a highlight here: the cut is athletic and technical, with generous arm and torso length, and it layers cleanly under harnesses or backpacks. That said, it’s trim through the waist – ideal for rangier or athletic builds, but those who prefer a relaxed fit may find it a little snug.

Overall, the Thrudark Veles is a good bet if you're after a durable softshell for three-season use, especially for technical day hikes, scrambles or backpacking adventures.

Read our full Thrudark Veles review.

On first impressions, this jacket appears simplistic with a minimalist style and basic features. However, it excels in the mountains with its super-comfy, wind-resistant, and water-resistant design.

Its unique selling point is the super-stretchy fabric. It is made from a 196gsm stretch-woven softshell fabric called Durastretch Bamboo, consisting of 64% recycled polyamide, 26% polyester, and 10% elastane. The name refers to carbonised bamboo on the fabric backer, adding anti-microbial protection and increasing moisture wicking. The jacket's fabric is PFC-free and treated with a DWR.

During test hikes, the fabric was light, comfy, and super-stretchy, providing good freedom of movement. The waist hem doesn’t lift thanks to Salewa’s “free motion patterning” design. The DWR-treated outer copes well with light drizzle and wind, but a hard shell is needed for heavier rain.
The Agner Durastretch has a very athletic cut, slim fitting and figure-hugging.

Size up for a better fit. It is a stripped-back, no-frills softshell with two zippered handwarmer pockets, a small valuables pocket, adjustable waist hem, and a snug pre-shaped hood. It lacks adjustable wrist cuffs, internal pockets, and a storm flap on the main zipper. So, it’s significantly lighter than many classic softshells. The design suits scramblers, climbers, and hillwalkers too.

Read our full Salewa Agner Durastretch review here.

Find the women's version here.

This hybrid jacket combines the warmth of fleece with the weather protection of a softshell. It's ideal for cold weather hikes, offering durability and toughness, though it may feel too heavy and warm for some.

The jacket is made from Keela’s AirXtream fabric, a blend of 80% polyester, 15% PU, and 5% elastane. The robust outer layer and fleece-like inner, with a gridded texture, provide warmth and weather protection, trapping air for insulation and wicking away moisture. A PFC-free DWR coating boosts water resistance and windproofing. It handles light rain well but isn't suited to downpours.
Weighing 527g, the Hydron is mid-weight with a standard fit, good comfort, and decent articulation.

The gridded interior may feel coarser than some prefer but, overall, the Hydron is durable and protective. Key features include an adjustable hood with a wired peak, Velcro-adjustable wrist cuffs, four external pockets, and waist hem adjustment. The pockets are fleece-lined, and the hood can be rolled away. The central zipper is backed by a storm flap and has a zipper garage at the top. Twin side vents help regulate temperature.

Check out our Keela Hydron review here.

Find the men's version here.