Gear Review: Sherpa Adventure Gear Lobutse Softshell Jacket
A softshell jackets that's not too heavy, warm, bulky, or expensive
“This is what a softshell should be,” says one tester. “Not too bulky or heavy, and not too warm.” It’s also not too expensive, which is a key consideration if you’re adding a jacket that’s more want then need (water-resistant softshells are great for daytrips in cold or moderately wet conditions, but hardshells are still usually the best choice for multiday trips when bad weather is a possibility).
Our tester praised the trim, stretchy fit, which moved with him while he was scrambling up desert rocks on a cool shoulder-season trip to southern Utah. A polyurethane membrane bolsters the polyester fabric, making it much more water resistant than we expected at this price (it shed a short deluge, but seams aren’t taped for long-term weatherproofing). The hood fits over a helmet, but it lacks a stiffened brim.
Nitpicks: The zipper snags on the chin guard, and the hem is cut a bit short, with its drawcord pulls positioned on the hips. (Women’s version is the Nisha.)
$129
1 lb. 2 oz. (L)
m’s S-XXL, w’s XS-XL
sherpaadventuregear.com