The 7 best softshell jackets of 2021 are waterproof and soft as wool. The softshell jacket is one of the best inventions since sliced ​​bread Author: Suzanne Downing-Published: November 13, 2020

You may have heard the term "soft shell jacket" or you have seen it printed on clothing labels in retail stores in the outdoor industry. But what exactly is a softshell jacket?

According to Backcountry, the soft shell is a term used to describe a new type of outerwear that is more breathable and more breathable than the stiff, wrinkled Gore-Tex pants and jackets (called hard shells) that have dominated the market for years. Flexible and more comfortable.

The best soft shell jackets combine many of the advantages of a waterproof hard shell jacket with more comfortable clothing such as wool. However, softshell jackets are neither. The soft shell jacket is weatherproof like a hard shell jacket, but breathable like wool. This means that you hardly sweat during aerobic exercises such as mountain climbing or cross-country skiing, and you can regulate your body temperature more effectively and stay comfortable during strenuous exercise.

At moderate temperatures, you can wear a soft shell jacket for almost any activity outdoors, such as ultra-light backpacks, hiking, ice climbing and mountaineering, leisure walking or hiking, trail running, rock climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and so on. Another advantage of softshell jackets is that they will not attract pet hair like wool. Pet lovers appreciate this feature!

However, choosing the right soft shell for you may give you so many choices online and in stores. Here are our seven selections of the best softshell jackets of 2021.

The Marmot ROM (Sport Range) jacket-designed for men (pictured) and women-is a medium-weight softshell jacket with a zone design approach. This Marmot jacket allows you to move around easily because it provides extra elasticity in all suitable places, while still having enough insulation to stay warm, and enough breathability to maintain body temperature regulation. Some people call this jacket the "Swiss Army Knife" in soft shell jackets.

The ribbon structure divides the jacket into three areas: the chest, the side panels and the rest of the jacket. The chest area provides maximum warmth because Marmot designed this part with quick-drying polyester fleece (due to the need to accommodate the front pocket). Under the armpits, the side panels are very thin, so when you are outdoors, you can maximize ventilation where you need it most. The rest of the jacket is made of specially designed Windstopper polyester. The shell has a durable water-repellent coating (DWR), which provides additional protection against light rain.

Velcro cuffs help block snow, deep pockets can hold your extra small gear, and Gore-Tex Windstopper can prevent the cold.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hooded soft shell-available in men's and women's models (pictured)-is a favorite of climbers and climbers, because the soft shell's appearance can withstand rough rock brushes. It is also very suitable for long-distance hikes because it is highly weather-resistant and easy to thicken the jacket on the top. Outdoor Research also added UPF 50 sun protection, which is very suitable for skiing or snowshoeing on sunny days.

The Ferrosi hooded soft shell is made of a nylon spandex blend with a lot of elasticity. It is very comfortable to wear while still providing you with a breathable and durable shell. It has quick-drying, waterproof and wind resistance. The hidden thumb hole also helps to hold the sleeves in place and prevent snow accumulation. This jacket is made of 86% nylon, 14% spandex, woven ripstop body and hood, 91% nylon, 9% spandex 120D stretch woven shoulders and lower sleeves, which are strong and durable.

The fit and feel of the Modus jacket will immediately appeal to you. It is tailor-made in all suitable places, and some of the most well-known features, such as stitching and zipper construction, easily stand out. It also offers four-way stretch, which is essential for any premium jacket who wants to win a place in a highly mobile world of adventure.

The Modus jacket is great for keeping you comfortable and dry when diving into the mountain in light rain or a sudden 30-minute storm. 

However, keeping dry during the whole day of walking is related to the inner fabric of the jacket, not the outer shell. The inner lining of Modus is made of bamboo charcoal yarn, which has natural antibacterial, antifungal, moisture wicking and insulation functions. The lining is also a net-like structure, which enhances its wicking properties and brings a pleasant trip even when descending to some lower (and warmer) altitudes. 

The Modus jacket has an inner right breast pocket and an outer left breast pocket. Both pockets are zippered, as are the back pockets and sleeve pockets. The cuffs are adjustable and the main zipper has a garage at the chin.

Read our full review of Modus jackets here.

The North Face Apex Bionic 2 jacket is perfect for multi-season use. This upgraded North Face softshell jacket will not disappoint! It uses a high-neck design, and North Face uses a special WindWall fabric to provide the best windproof performance while maintaining elasticity. 86% recycled polyester fiber is also built-in, and the jacket has a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating to keep you dry in light rain and snow.

The centered chest zipper hoodie is well positioned and is unlikely to interfere with your backpack when you are hiking. The included hoodie and waist hem can be adjusted, so you can customize your fit when you are outdoors. Moreover, the jacket comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose a custom style that suits you. If you don’t want to wear a hood, you can also choose the North Face Bionic 2 softshell jacket without a hood.

The Mountain Harwear Keele soft shell hooded jacket is waterproof and lined with super soft fleece, making it ideal for outdoor and casual wear. This jacket is perfect for any weather conditions because it has the quality of a hard shell jacket, built into the soft shell to help you stay safe when outdoors in rain or snow. You will also notice that this jacket has a better figure than other softshell jackets because it is designed to be slightly inset at the waist, right on top of the oversized outer zipper pocket.

This jacket weighs less than 13 ounces and is also an ideal packaging option. If you stack more jackets on it, you won’t feel depressed. You can also choose from eight different colors, such as purple, cyan and green. Sewing in the thumb hole is also great to help you hold your jacket in place when you are outdoors. This prevents bunching, adds extra lining under the gloves, and prevents snow from sneaking into the sleeves.

The Macnas Hoody is a highly breathable hybrid soft shell designed for various mountain activities. The resilient, windproof and waterproof housing provides ideal weather protection and lightweight insulation.

Articulated hood, high-quality cuff leggings and plenty of pocket details make this hoodie a versatile and practical single product for all kinds of outdoor activities.

It has a chest zippered pocket, two hand pockets and elastic cuffs, and is made of recycled soft shell fabric.

This innovative Carhartt Crowly jacket is available in regular sizes and large and high sizes, in shades of tan. It uses a 90% nylon/10% spandex shell, which is very waterproof and very suitable for rain. It also simulates the neckline with a high zipper to help protect against wind. However, if you have a beard, please be careful, because the zipper can easily be caught by your beard.

The weight of this jacket is also very light, less than 14 ounces, so it is a workhorse with no added weight and can be easily washed in the washing machine without additional care. The left breast pocket and the two lower front pockets can hold many of your equipment, such as mobile phones, wallets and keys. This jacket also has adjustable cuffs, so you don't have to worry about the length of the sleeves. Carhartt is known for its sturdy and durable work equipment, and this softshell jacket lives up to expectations.

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