Arc’teryx Trino SL Hoody/Anorak
Most breathable softshell jacket
Soft Shells Reviews
Make shopping for your next lightweight jacket easy with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine’s soft-shell jacket gear reviews.
The 8 Best Softshells of Fall 2022
Our testers weathered alpine gusts, freak downpours, and rough granite slabs to find the very best softshells. Eight jackets rose to the top.
Latest in Soft Shells Reviews
Maloja WangM / PunaM
Most versatile
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell
Most protective
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Kor Preshell
Save big on this breathable windbreaker.
Mammut Kento Light HS
Lightest shell
Arc’teryx Gamma SL Hoody
Best softshell
Mountain Equipment Impellor Shakedry
Best shell makeover
Flylow Davis Jacket
Best windshell
BlackYak Brava
Most breathable shell
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Kor Preshell
Save big on this light-yet-mighty windbreaker.
Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Hybrid Softshell
Best protection
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Grid Hooded
Killer deal
Mammut Macun SO
Warmest softshell
The North Face North Dome Stretch Wind Jacket
Best value softshell
The Best Softshell Jackets for Backpackers
With a perfect mix of breathability and protection, these shells are reliable trail buddies.
Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine Jacket
Ultrabreathable softshell
Arc’teryx Atom SL Softshell
In cool conditions, ditch separate insulation and windshell pieces in favor of this light and warm softshell.
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol LT Softshell
This tough, breathable softshell will carry you from summer alpine hikes to winter ski tours.
Adidas Terrex Agravic Wind Jacket
You won’t find more comfortable protection for 4 ounces than this ultralight women's windshell.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Tufan Softshell
A fleecy pattern on the inside gives this lightweight softshell a supple feel.
Eddie Bauer Sandstone Shield Hooded Jacket
Superior weatherproofing and durability boost the all-purpose performance of this hybrid jacket.
Black Diamond Recon Jacket
This softshell's rugged construction makes it tough enough for years of fierce weather.
Mountain Hardwear Straight Chuter Jacket
This softshell provides waterproof protection that won’t soak you in sweat.
Ternua Snowmass Jacket
This airy, breathable softshell keeps pace with high-intensity workouts.
Marmot Zion Jacket
Meet the most comfortable jacket of the year. Period.
Bergans of Norway Viul Jacket
This warm, ultralight softshell wicks sweat and repels wind during race-pace efforts.
Dynafit Chugach Windstopper Jacket
This breathable, lightweight softshell is ideal for big climbs.
Outdoor Research Linchpin Hooded Jacket
This versatile softshell is optimized for ice climbing, but adaptable to most cold-weather adventures.
Patagonia Dual Aspect Hoodie
This jacket is a fleece, but warmer. It’s a softshell, but more breathable. It’s one of the most versatile midlayers we’ve ever tested.
Bergans of Norway Torfinnstind
This softshell is good for hiking, biking, running, and climbing, and even works as a midlayer.
Outdoor Research Allout Jacket and Pants
This rain gear gives you the soft, stretchy feel of a softshell with the rain protection of a hardshell.
Arc'teryx Psiphon SL Pullover
This stretchy, minimalist softshell is ultracomfortable for all-day wear and allows for unrestricted motion.
Salomon Fast Wing Hoodie
A high protection-to-weight ratio makes this softshell hoodie a no-brainer for windy trail runs and fast-and-light summit pushes.
Rab Flashpoint
Backpackers who are willing to pay more for added features will find a lot to like in this softshell.
Dynafit Transalper 3L
If you're an ultralight obsessives or a fastpacker who wants the absolute lightest shell, this softshell is the one for you.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2014: Softshell Jackets
Eight softshell jackets with performance perks.
Arc’teryx Lithic Comp
A softshell with strategically placed waterproof zones.
Bergans of Norway Visbretind
It combines windproof chest protection (perfect for descents) with a breathable backpanel (ideal for climbing).
La Sportiva Trango
Stretchy, butter-soft fabric makes this lightweight jacket perfect for fast-paced tours.
Marmot Misto
A touch of breathable insulation keeps you from getting chilled—or overheating—in cold conditions.
Millet Trident WDS Grid
Armored fabric and windproof construction provide cozy refuge from icy gusts.
Outdoor Research Trailbreaker
This midweight softshell strikes a balance between weather protection and breathability, all for a great price.
Arc’teryx Ephus/Eldora Hoody
The lightly insulated Ephus (and women’s Eldora) packs wind and weather protection into a lightweight, low-bulk design.
Voormi Drift
Rugged, water-resistant, and breathable, this wool jacket pairs backcountry performance with frontcountry looks.
Editors' Choice Snow 2014: MontBell Frost Line Parka
A full-featured, 800-fill goose down puffy for $220.
Gear Guide 2014: Shells
If you've ever suffered through a storm with a shell that leaks or makes you wet from sweat, you know why a good jacket matters. Find yours here.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
A puffy perfect for volatile alpine conditions.
Patagonia Upslope Full-Zip Fleece Hoody
A performance piece that feels like a sweatshirt.
adidas Terrex Swift Mountain Summer Jacket Review
A combination of double- and single- weave nylon makes this jacket extra breathable.
Black Diamond Equipment B.D.V. Jacket Review
A tester favorite for those all-day excursions.
Mountain Hardwear Super Chockstone Jacket Review
If you're hard on jackets, this Mountain Hardwear is for you.
Sierra Designs Stow Windshirt Softshell Review
The lightest shell in our test.
Salomon GTX Active Shell Review
This minimalist shell kept testers dry during heart-pumping activities in the wettest weather.
Editors' Choice 2014: ExOfficio Sol Cool Ultimate Hoody
Stay cool with the perfect top for heat and sun.
The Backpacker Hall of Fame: Softshells
A look back at the softshells we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2013: The North Face Thermoball Hoodie
A synthetic puffy that rivals the weight and warmth of down.
Gear Review: Salomon Mont Baron WS Hoodie
This breathable hoodie is ideal for high-elevation or high-intensity trips.
Gear Review: Wild Things Custom Wind Pro Hoody Softshell
Make a statement with this custom softshell from Wild Things.
Gear Review: Marmot Nabu Softshell
The waterproof Marmot Nabu bridges the gap between softshell and hardshell.
Gear Review: Rab Zephyr/Solar Softshell
The Rab Zephys/Solar pairs a multitude of features with one low price.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoody Softshell
Explore off the beaten path with this durable softshell from Arc'teryx.
Gear Review: Mammut Ultimate Light Softshell
Be ready for all weather conditions with the Mammut Ultimate Light.
Gear Review: adidas Outdoor Terrex Zupalite Softshell
This ultralight adidas softshell excels in everything from daily life to daring ascents.
Gear Review: Westcomb Crest Hoody Softshell
For cold weather activities, check out this softshell from Westcomb, a minimalist in price and weight.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Enchainment Softshell
The sky is the limit for this weather-resistant softshell from Outdoor Research.
Gear Review: The North Face Radish Mid Layer Softshell
A killer softshell that performs both as an outerlayer and a midlayer.
Gear Review: Sage Quest Insulated Softshell Hoody
This angler-worthy jacket keeps your torso toasty and your arms free.
Gear Review: Rab Baltoro Guide Jacket Softshell
Warm and fuzzy on the inside, durable on the outside.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Salvo Softshell
Mediating breathability and weather-proofing, the Salvo does exactly what a softshell is supposed to.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Alakazam Softshell
This breathable softshell combats weather like the best hardshells do.
Gear Review: Helly Hansen Racing Light Softshell
This sleek softshell was built for speed and temperature regulation.
Gear Review: Icebreaker Kodiak Hood/Arctic Hood Softshell
Feel good, look good, and perform at your best in this high-tech merino softshell.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Softshells
These versatile jackets repel wind and wet.
Gear Guide 2012: Softshell Jackets
Stay dry and comfortable on the move with these breathable softshells.
Gear Guide 2012: More Tester Picks – Softshells
Lightweight and durable, these softshells provide solid weather resistance.
Gear Review: Patagonia Simple Guide Hoody
A light, packable, and good-looking softshell
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Softshells
Eight softshell jackets from super breathable to warm and cozy.
Gear Review: REI Centre Peak Softshell Jacket
A softshell that's weather resistant and super breathable.