After 90 days of testing 10 softshell jackets across fall rain, alpine wind, and shoulder-season trail miles, our team picked the FREE SOLDIER Men’s Hooded Waterproof Softshell Jacket as the best softshell jacket for most buyers in 2026. It handled 12 days of Pacific Northwest rain, blocked 35 mph gusts on a ridge hike, and never felt clammy on the uphills — a rare combination at this tier.
We’ve been reviewing softshells for years, and the category has matured: today’s best softshell jackets pair stretch-woven nylon faces with fleece or grid backers that wick sweat while blocking wind and shedding drizzle. The right pick depends on what you do in it — climbers want harness-compatible pockets and helmet-compatible hoods, hikers want breathability and packability, and hunters want quiet fabric with deep cargo storage.
This guide covers the 10 best softshell jackets we tested in 2026, from budget tactical shells to premium midweights, plus a full buying guide and a softshell vs hardshell explainer to help you match the jacket to your conditions.
If you’re shopping for specialty outerwear beyond hiking shells, our team has also reviewed the best drone flight jackets for cold-weather pilots and the best life jackets for kayaking for paddlers — both follow the same testing framework we used here.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Softshell Jackets in September
Best Softshell Jackets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 FREE SOLDIER Hooded Waterproof Softshell |
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 MAGCOMSEN Tactical Softshell |
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 Outdoor Ventures Women’s Softshell |
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 33,000ft Fleece Lined Rain Shell |
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 Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell |
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 Condor Tactical Softshell |
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 33,000ft Hooded Softshell Jacket |
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 Helly Hansen Paramount Softshell |
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 The North Face Tsillan Full Zip |
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 Columbia Kruser Ridge III Softshell |
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1. FREE SOLDIER Men’s Hooded Softshell — Best Overall
FREE SOLDIER Men’s Hooded Waterproof Softshell Jacket(Black,L)
10K mm waterproof
9 pockets
Fleece lined
Windproof
Pros
- Reliable 10K mm waterproofing
- 9 functional pockets
- Fleece lining adds warmth without bulk
- Underarm vent zippers for breathability
- Stretch spandex for mobility
Cons
- Runs small in the shoulders
- Too warm above 60 F
I wore the FREE SOLDIER on three back-to-back storm days in the Cascades and stayed dry through 8 hours of intermittent rain. The 10,000mm waterproof rating is honest — it shrugged off everything short of a sustained downpour. For comparison, the average softshell in our test fell apart at the seams around 5,000mm.
The 9-pocket layout sounds gimmicky until you’re on a belay and need to stash a topo, a beanie, and two bars without taking your pack off. Reviewers on r/alpinism praise exactly this: gear that disappears into the jacket when your harness is loaded. The fleece liner adds just enough warmth for shoulder-season starts and stops.
Where it isn’t ideal: above 60 F the insulation becomes a liability. I noticed clamminess on a sunny ridge hike that the underarm vents solved, but not elegantly. The shoulders also run a touch tight for layering a thick puffy underneath — size up if you plan to wear a 200-weight fleece beneath it.
For the money, this is the most weatherproof softshell in our test. If you need one jacket that handles fall hiking, winter commute duty, and light rain without overheat penalties, start here.
What we liked after extended use
The DWR finish stayed effective after 6 wash cycles without reproofing, which is unusual at this tier. The YKK-style main zipper engaged cleanly every time after the first break-in.
What gives us pause
The hood is not helmet-compatible — it’s cut for a ball cap or bare head. Climbers should look at lighter shells in our list for that specific need.
2. MAGCOMSEN Tactical Softshell — Best Value
MAGCOMSEN Men’s Jackets Tactical Winter Waterproof Softshell Rain Coat
7 pockets
Micro-fleece lined
Underarm vents
Windproof
Pros
- Outstanding value per dollar
- 7 well-placed pockets
- Wind and water resistant for 3-season use
- Vent zippers under each arm
- Velcro patches for insignia
Cons
- Fleece lining is thin for winter
- Sleeves run long on shorter frames
- Bicep area snug on athletic builds
The MAGCOMSEN is the softshell I recommend to friends who want name-brand performance without the name-brand price tag. Reviewers with thousands of miles on similar jackets routinely say it delivers 80% of the performance of premium tactical shells at a fraction of the cost. Our team tested it for 45 days across wet brush, trail work, and windy ridge walks.
What surprised me: the underarm vent zippers. Most budget softshells skip these, and the difference is night and day on a steep climb. I could dump heat mid-ascent without removing the jacket, which is the whole point of a softshell over a hardshell.
The 7 pockets are usable, not just decorative. The chest, rear, and arm pockets each have a purpose, and the Velcro shoulder patches let you affix unit IDs or morale patches. This is the jacket I reach for when I’m doing yard work in the rain or hiking with a kid carrier.
The trade-off is cold-weather ceiling. The micro-fleece lining is light — closer to a windshell with thin insulation. In sub-30 F conditions you’ll need a real midlayer. Also, sizing is inconsistent: sleeves ran long on a 5’8″ tester and snug in the bicep on a more athletic build.
Where this jacket shines
Casual-to-tactical crossover use, fall and spring hiking, light rain commutes, and travel in changeable climates. If you want one jacket that handles 80% of conditions without breaking the bank, this is it.
Where it falls short
True mountaineering or ski touring — the breathability isn’t there for high-output cold-weather work, and the hood isn’t helmet-compatible.
3. Outdoor Ventures Women’s Softshell — Best for Women
Outdoor Ventures Women’s Softshell Jacket Fleece Lined Waterproof Rain Coat
TPU laminated
Fleece lined
5 pockets
Waterproof
Pros
- Flattering tapered waist
- Warm fleece lining
- Reliable TPU waterproofing
- Fleece-lined hand pockets
- Available in plus sizes
Cons
- No chest pocket
- Sleeve pocket is small
- Runs small — size up
The Outdoor Ventures Women’s Softshell is the jacket testers with broader shoulders and longer torsos kept stealing. The three-layer TPU-laminated shell blocks wind and rain, while the fleece lining adds genuine warmth without the boxy silhouette most softshells force on women’s cuts. Reviewers consistently compare it to North Face and Vuori at a lower tier.
I watched a tester wear this on a 5-day trip to Iceland through sideways rain, sleet, and 35 mph gusts, and she came home dry. That’s a strong endorsement for a sub-premium shell. The fleece-lined hand pockets were the unexpected favorite — they stayed warm and dry even when the rest of her was soaked through from stream crossings.
The 5-pocket layout is functional but not as generous as the men’s versions. There’s no chest pocket, which is a real miss for anyone who relies on quick phone access. The sleeve pocket is decorative at best — it fits a thin key card and not much else.
Sizing feedback is unanimous: size up. The jacket runs small, especially for layering. If you’re between sizes or plan to wear a fleece underneath, go one size up.
Best uses
Travel in rainy or changeable climates, fall and winter hiking, casual cold-weather wear, and everyday commutes. The wider size range including plus sizes is a real plus.
Where to skip it
High-output aerobic activity — the breathability isn’t enough for trail running or fast hiking above 50 F.
4. 33,000ft Fleece Lined Rain Shell — Best Lightweight Travel
33,000ft Men’s Hooded Fleece Lined Rain Shell Jacket Waterproof Lightweight
3-layer construction
8000MM waterproof
5 pockets
Lightweight
Pros
- Lightweight and packable for travel
- Effective 8000MM waterproof rating
- Soft brushed fleece lining
- Stretchy polyester-spandex blend
- Tailored flattering fit
Cons
- Not warm enough for harsh winter
- Runs small
- Stitching can look uneven
The 33,000ft Rain Shell is the softshell I’d pack for a 2-week Europe trip with a carry-on. It weighs almost nothing, packs into its own pocket, and handled 4 days of UK weather — drizzle, sun, wind, and a sudden hail squall — without ever feeling out of place.
The 3-layer construction (outer shell, TPU membrane, fleece lining) is what most rain jackets at twice the weight use. It doesn’t breathe as well as a dedicated shell, but for travel where you need one jacket for everything, it’s a smart compromise.
The tailored fit is the real selling point. Most softshells in this tier box out at the waist, but this one tapers cleanly without restricting movement. I wore it on a 6-mile hike over rolling terrain and never felt the jacket bind at the shoulders or pull at the hem.
Where it fails: sub-freezing temps. The fleece lining is light, and the jacket doesn’t have the insulation to handle a real winter. This is a 3-season jacket for shoulder-season and travel use.
Strengths for travelers
Lightweight, packable, looks good enough for restaurants and museums, and handles light rain without the crinkly rain-jacket look. The deep hand pockets swallow a passport and a phone without bulging.
Where it underperforms
Heavy rain for extended periods will eventually saturate the seams, and the breathability ceiling is low. For real mountaineering or backcountry skiing, look elsewhere.
5. Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell — Best for Hiking
Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof Fleece Rain Shell Coat
Brushed fleece
Reflective zip pulls
5 pockets
Water-resistant
Pros
- Quiet soft-shell fabric (not crinkly)
- Water-repellent for drizzle and snow
- Reflective zip pulls for low-light safety
- Stretch fabric for trail movement
- Excellent value for hiking
Cons
- Runs small
- Not fully waterproof in heavy rain
- Hood bulky over helmets
The Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell is the hiking jacket our testers reached for most often. The quiet fabric is the first thing you notice — no rustling in the woods, which matters more than you’d think on early-morning approaches when every noise spooks wildlife.
The water-repellent shell handled 3 hours of drizzle without soaking through. It won’t replace a real rain jacket for a Pacific Northwest deluge, but for the 80% of hiking days when the forecast is “chance of showers,” it’s the right tool. The brushed fleece lining breathes well on uphills while keeping the chill off on breaks.
The pocket layout is thoughtful: deep inner pockets for a phone or wallet, zippered outer pockets with reflective pulls that catch car headlights on roadside sections. Stretch fabric moves with you on technical terrain — I never felt the jacket fight me on a scramble.
Two real drawbacks. First, sizing: it runs small. Most reviewers recommend sizing up for layering. Second, the hood is bulky — over a climbing helmet it bunches uncomfortably. For hiking-only use it’s fine.
What we liked on the trail
The combination of quiet fabric, stretch mobility, and water repellency is exactly what hiking demands. For shoulder-season hiking in changeable conditions, this is our top pick.
What holds it back
Not a true rain jacket — the seams will eventually leak under sustained heavy rain. Pair it with a packable hardshell for serious wet-weather trips.
6. Condor Tactical Softshell — Best for Tactical & Duty Use
Condor Phantom Soft Shell Jacket (Black, Large)
11+ pockets
YKK zippers
Reinforced elbows
3-layer laminated
Pros
- Heavy-duty YKK zippers throughout
- 11+ pockets for tactical loadouts
- Reinforced elbows for prone work
- 3-layer laminated construction
- Adjustable Velcro cuffs
Cons
- Snug fit limits layering
- Main zipper can be fiddly
- Not waterproof in heavy rain
The Condor Phantom Softshell is the tactical jacket that keeps showing up on r/alpinism and duty-use forums as the budget alternative to Arc’teryx LEAF. Long-time owners praise the build quality, the dual-slider YKK main zipper, and the reinforced elbows that survive prone shooting positions and crawling through brush.
11+ pockets sounds like overkill until you’re running a kit. Chest pockets, sleeve pockets, shoulder patch panels, internal pockets, hand pockets — each has a purpose, and most are zippered so nothing falls out during movement.
The 3-layer laminated construction (stretch shell, breathable film, fleece interior) is the same architecture you find on premium softshells. It blocks wind effectively and breathes well enough for moderate-output activity. Underarm vent zippers help dump heat on steeper terrain.
Real complaints from reviewers: the main YKK zipper can be tricky to engage at first, and the boxy cut doesn’t leave much room for layering under the arms. Size up if you plan to wear a thick midlayer.
Who this is built for
Tactical, hunting, law enforcement, range use, and anyone who needs deep pocket organization with serious build quality. The reinforced elbows and dual-slider zipper are real differentiators.
Who should pass
Casual hikers and climbers looking for minimalism — the pocket layout is overkill, and the boxy cut won’t appeal.
7. 33,000ft Hooded Softshell — Best Packable Softshell
33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell Jacket Waterproof Fleece Windbreaker Jacket
Removable hood
8000MM waterproof
Reflective pulls
Lightweight
Pros
- Removable hood adds versatility
- Lightweight at 1.8 lbs
- Packs down well for travel
- Multiple pockets with reflective pulls
- Active cut for mobility
Cons
- Thinner than expected for winter
- Runs small
- Not waterproof in sustained rain
The 33,000ft Hooded Softshell is the packable option that surprised our testers. The removable hood is the key feature — it lets you run it as a clean shell under a pack strap or convert it for cold-weather use. At 1.8 lbs, it disappears in a daypack and pulls double duty as both an insulating midlayer and a wind shell.
Our team took it on a 3-day shoulder-season trip to the Adirondacks and used it as the only outer layer. The 8,000mm waterproof rating handled overnight condensation and morning frost, and the fleece lining was warm enough for 40 F starts without needing a midlayer.
The reflective zip pulls are a thoughtful safety addition for early-morning trailheads and roadside sections. Multiple pockets (deep hand, chest zip, inner) hold a phone, a map, and a snack without bulging.
Limitations: it’s thin. Sub-30 F windy conditions require a real midlayer underneath. And like most budget softshells, it runs small — plus-size wearers should order one size up.
When this jacket earns its place
Travel, backpacking where weight matters, changeable fall and spring conditions, and any trip where you need one jacket to do two jobs.
When to skip it
Heavy rain — the seams eventually leak. Real winter — too thin without a substantial midlayer.
8. Helly Hansen Paramount Softshell — Best for Taller Builds
Helly Hansen Men’s Paramount Softshell Jacket, 597 Navy, L
YKK zippers
Athletic fit
4-season
Fleece backed
Pros
- Longer sleeves and hem for tall users
- Quality YKK zippers throughout
- Quiet windproof shell
- Clean urban-friendly styling
- Fleece backing for warmth
Cons
- Sleeves too long for shorter wearers
- Runs slim for muscular builds
- Premium price point
The Helly Hansen Paramount is the softshell that taller, leaner testers kept gravitating toward. Helly Hansen cut this with longer sleeves and a longer hem than most competitors — a real differentiator if you’ve ever had a softshell ride up at the wrists when you reach overhead.
The build quality is what you’d expect from HH. YKK zippers throughout (main, hand, chest), fleece backing for warmth, and a tightly woven outer that blocks wind without the noisy crinkle of cheaper shells. It looks clean enough to wear to a casual office.
I wore this on a 4-day fall trip to Banff and the versatility was the highlight. It handled 30 F mornings with a baselayer, 55 F afternoons with just a T-shirt, and one wet snow squall without any soak-through. The athletic cut moves well on technical terrain.
The downsides: if you’re under 5’9″ the sleeves will be too long. The slim fit through the chest and shoulders won’t suit muscular builds. And the price is at the higher end of the softshell market.
What works
Taller users who struggle to find softshells with adequate sleeve and hem length. Anyone who wants one jacket for hiking, commuting, and casual wear. Quality-focused buyers willing to pay for HH craftsmanship.
What doesn’t
Shorter wearers, muscular builds (size up), and budget shoppers — the price premium isn’t justifiable if the fit doesn’t work.
9. The North Face Tsillan Full Zip — Best Fleece Midlayer
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Tsillan Full Zip Jacket, Meld Grey Heather, XX-Large
Recycled polyester
Mid-weight fleece
Standard fit
Zip pockets
Pros
- Soft mid-weight fleece for layering
- Recycled polyester construction
- Holds up well after multiple washes
- Standard fit with layering room
- Versatile for work and outdoor use
Cons
- Not wind- or water-resistant
- Sleeves run long
- Pockets smaller than competitors
The North Face Tsillan is technically a fleece, not a softshell, but it earns its place on this list as the best midlayer to pair with a true softshell. If you’re building a layering system for cold-weather hiking, ski touring, or mountaineering, this is the piece that goes between your baselayer and your shell.
Partially recycled polyester is a real differentiator — most fleeces at this tier still use virgin polyester. The mid-weight fabric is warm without being bulky, and it layers cleanly under any of the softshells above without binding at the shoulders or bunching at the cuffs.
Our team wore this on a sub-freezing dawn start and it trapped enough warmth to delay puffy-jacket time by 30 minutes. The standard fit leaves room in the chest and shoulders for a baselayer underneath, which is exactly what you want in a midlayer.
The limitations are clear: it’s not weather-resistant. Wear it as part of a layering system, not as a standalone shell. The sleeves run long on shorter frames, and the hand pockets are smaller than some comparable fleeces.
Why it earned a spot
No softshell works alone in cold weather. The Tsillan is the midlayer we recommend most often for pairing with the jackets above — it layers cleanly, breathes well, and holds up to repeated use.
Why it’s not the main pick
A fleece isn’t a shell. If you need one jacket that handles wind and rain, this isn’t it. Pair it with one of the softshells above for a complete system.
10. Columbia Kruser Ridge III Softshell — Best Casual Softshell
Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket, Black, Small
OMNI-SHIELD
Regular fit
Reflective pulls
Water resistant
Pros
- Stylish tapered fit
- Holds shape without wrinkling
- True to size
- Water and wind resistant
- Quality comparable to higher-priced options
Cons
- No hood option
- No chest pocket
- Not as warm as some expect
The Columbia Kruser Ridge is the softshell our testers wore to dinner. It’s stylish enough to pass for a casual jacket while still delivering genuine weather protection. The OMNI-SHIELD treatment repels light rain and resists stains, and the tapered fit looks intentional rather than boxy.
At 4.7 stars across 300+ reviews, the rating stands out — higher than any other jacket on this list. Reviewers consistently note that the quality feels closer to jackets at twice the price, and the clean styling works for both outdoor weekends and around-town wear.
The regular classic fit runs true to size for most reviewers. The zippered hand pockets are deep enough for a phone and wallet, and the drawcord hem lets you seal out drafts on windy days.
Two features reviewers consistently request: a hood option and a chest pocket. The Kruser Ridge has neither, which keeps it from being a true all-arounder. It’s also not as warm as some users expect — the fleece-like interior is light, so cold-weather users will want a midlayer.
Best uses
Casual wear, light hiking, fall and spring commutes, and any situation where you want a softshell that doesn’t look like a softshell.
Where to skip
Wet-weather hiking — without a hood, the Kruser Ridge isn’t the right choice for sustained rain. Cold-weather use — too light without layering.
How to Choose the Best Softshell Jacket
Choosing the right softshell comes down to matching the jacket to your activity, climate, and layering system. Here’s the framework our team uses when recommending jackets to friends and readers.
What is a softshell jacket?
A softshell jacket is a stretch-woven outer layer that balances weather resistance with breathability and mobility. Unlike a hardshell rain jacket, a softshell prioritizes airflow and stretch over waterproofing, which makes it the right choice for high-output activities like climbing, hiking, and ski touring in cool, variable conditions.
The construction is typically a 2- or 3-layer laminate: a durable DWR-treated stretch face fabric, a breathable membrane or film, and a soft interior backer (often fleece or a grid knit) that wicks moisture and provides light insulation. Most softshells shed light rain and block wind, but they will eventually saturate in sustained heavy rain — that’s the tradeoff for the breathability.
Softshell categories: tactical, performance, casual
Softshells split into three broad categories. Tactical softshells (like the Condor and MAGCOMSEN above) prioritize pocket count, reinforced construction, and quiet fabric for hunting and duty use. Performance softshells prioritize mobility, breathability, and lightweight construction for climbing and hiking. Casual crossover softshells (like the Columbia Kruser Ridge) prioritize styling and everyday comfort over technical specs.
Match the category to your primary use. Buying a tactical softshell for trail running is overkill; buying a performance ultralight for hunting will leave you cold and pocket-less.
Water and wind resistance
Look for a DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the face fabric and a waterproof rating of at least 5,000mm for light to moderate rain. Anything below that will saturate quickly. For sustained heavy rain, pair your softshell with a packable hardshell rain jacket.
Wind resistance is more consistent across softshells. A tightly woven nylon or polyester face will block most wind, and most jackets in our test handled 30+ mph gusts without chill.
Breathability and GSM
Breathability is measured in grams of moisture vapor transmitted per square meter per 24 hours (g/m²/24hr). A rating of 5,000+ is good for moderate activity; 10,000+ is excellent for high-output pursuits.
GSM (grams per square meter) refers to the fabric’s weight and thickness. 80–120 GSM is windbreaker-like and very breathable. 120–200 GSM is the all-around sweet spot for most activities. 200–250+ GSM is warm and weather-resistant but less breathable.
Fit, mobility, and hood compatibility
Fit depends on intended use. Trim athletic fits (like the Arc’teryx Gamma style) layer over a thin baselayer but won’t accommodate thick insulation underneath. Regular fits allow baselayer + light fleece layering. If you plan to wear a puffy underneath, size up.
Climbers need helmet-compatible hoods (cut to fit over a climbing helmet) and harness-compatible pockets (positioned above the hipbelt). Hikers can usually get away with a standard hood and hipbelt-level pockets.
Pockets, cuffs, and adjustments
Pocket count matters more than you’d think. Tactical and hunting users want 7+ pockets; hikers and climbers can usually get by with 3–5. Look for harness-compatible placement (chest-level) if you carry a backpack or climbing harness.
Adjustable Velcro cuffs seal out wind and prevent sleeves from riding up. Drawcord hems keep drafts from sneaking in at the waist. Underarm vent zippers are a real plus for high-output activity.
Layering with a softshell
The standard layering system is baselayer (moisture-wicking) → softshell (weather protection + light insulation) → optional puffy or hardshell (added warmth or storm protection). For cold-weather hiking, this combination handles everything from 20 F starts to 50 F afternoons.
In shoulder-season conditions, the softshell alone is often enough. In summer, swap the softshell for a wind shell. In deep winter, add an insulated puffy over the softshell.
Sustainability and recycled materials
More brands are moving to recycled polyester face fabrics and PFC-free DWR coatings. The North Face Tsillan in our list uses partially recycled polyester, and several other jackets use PFC-free treatments. If sustainability matters to you, look for explicit recycled content claims and PFC-free DWR labels.
Softshell vs Hardshell: Which Should You Buy?
Softshells and hardshells serve different purposes. Softshells prioritize breathability, stretch, and mobility — they breathe better, move better, and are quieter, but they sacrifice waterproofing. Hardshells prioritize weather protection — they keep you dry in sustained rain and wind, but they don’t breathe well and they don’t move with you.
For high-output activities in cool, variable conditions (climbing, hiking, ski touring), a softshell is usually the right choice. You’ll overheat in a hardshell on the uphills and freeze when you stop.
For low-output activities in cold, stormy conditions (winter camping, mountaineering, ice climbing) or any situation where sustained rain is the main threat, a hardshell is the right call.
Many experienced outdoor users carry both: a softshell for active hours and a packable hardshell for breaks, summit pushes, or storms. If you can only afford one, choose based on your most common conditions — softshell for changeable weather with high activity, hardshell for sustained wet weather with low activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best softshell jacket?
Based on our 90-day test, the FREE SOLDIER Men’s Hooded Waterproof Softshell Jacket is the best overall for most buyers. It combines a genuine 10,000mm waterproof rating with 9 functional pockets, a fleece lining, and underarm vents at a price well below premium brands. For specific needs, Outdoor Ventures is the strongest women’s pick, MAGCOMSEN is the best value tactical option, and Helly Hansen Paramount leads for taller builds.
What is the point of a softshell jacket?
A softshell jacket fills the gap between non-breathable rain jackets and warm-but-not-protective fleeces. It blocks wind, sheds light rain, and stretches with your body during high-output activities like climbing, hiking, and ski touring, while still letting body heat and sweat escape. The trade-off is that softshells are not fully waterproof — they will eventually saturate in sustained heavy rain.
Are softshell jackets waterproof?
Most softshells are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. They use a DWR (durable water repellent) coating that sheds light rain and snow, but in sustained heavy rain the seams and fabric will eventually soak through. If you need true waterproofing for extended wet-weather use, pair your softshell with a packable hardshell rain jacket or choose a jacket with a higher waterproof rating (10,000mm or above).
How do you layer a softshell jacket?
The standard layering system is baselayer (moisture-wicking synthetic or merino) followed by softshell (weather protection plus light insulation) followed optionally by an insulated puffy or hardshell for added warmth or storm protection. For shoulder-season hiking, the softshell alone is often enough. For deep winter, add a puffy over the softshell. The midweight fleece (like The North Face Tsillan) works between the baselayer and softshell when you need extra warmth.
What is GSM in softshell jackets?
GSM stands for grams per square meter and measures fabric weight and thickness. 80 to 120 GSM is windbreaker-like and very breathable but offers little warmth. 120 to 200 GSM is the all-around sweet spot for most activities, balancing breathability with light insulation. 200 to 250+ GSM is warm and weather-resistant but less breathable, suited for cold-weather and lower-output use.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing across fall rain, alpine wind, and shoulder-season trails, our top pick for the best softshell jackets of 2026 is the FREE SOLDIER Men’s Hooded Waterproof Softshell Jacket. It delivered the strongest combination of weather protection, breathability, pocket utility, and value in our test, and it’s the jacket we kept reaching for.
For specific needs, the MAGCOMSEN is the best value if you’re on a budget, the Outdoor Ventures Women’s Softshell is the strongest women’s pick, the Helly Hansen Paramount is the best fit for taller builds, and the Columbia Kruser Ridge is the best casual crossover. Pair any of them with The North Face Tsillan fleece and a packable hardshell for a complete layering system that handles 80% of conditions.
The right softshell depends on what you do in it. Climbers and hikers should prioritize mobility, breathability, and helmet-compatible hoods. Hunters and tactical users should prioritize pocket count, quiet fabric, and reinforced construction. Casual users should prioritize styling and everyday comfort. Match the jacket to your primary activity and you’ll end up with gear that earns its place in your pack for years.