Soft Shell Coats: What's The Deal?

what does soft shell coat mean

Soft shell coats are a versatile type of jacket suitable for many outdoor activities. They are made from a woven material, which makes them more flexible and comfortable than hardshell jackets. Soft shell jackets are water-resistant, stretchy, and breathable, offering protection from light rain and snow. They are ideal for high-energy activities, as they maintain a comfortable body temperature and move with the wearer. While they are not fully waterproof, soft shell jackets are a great choice for everyday wear in cool, dry weather.

Characteristics Values
Fabric Woven nylon or polyester
Weather resistance Water-resistant, wind-resistant
Stretchiness Stretchy
Breathability Highly breathable
Warmth Warmer than a rain jacket or hardshell
Weight Heavier than a rain jacket
Use High-output activities, everyday wear in cool weather

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Softshell jackets are water-resistant, not waterproof

Softshell jackets are designed for high-output activities in cool, dry weather. They are made from woven nylon or polyester, which is stretchy, breathable, and weather-resistant. While softshell jackets are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof.

Most softshell jackets have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, which beads up and sheds raindrops, and their hard-faced shell keeps moisture at bay. However, sustained rainfall will eventually soak through the woven fabric. For this reason, softshell jackets are best suited for light to moderate precipitation. If you're expecting heavy rain, it's recommended to bring a packable rain shell for backup.

Some softshell jackets offer more water protection by incorporating panels of waterproof hardshell fabric or a waterproof/breathable membrane behind the stretch-woven softshell fabric. These hybrid designs provide the best of both worlds: protection from rain and snow, as well as breathability, mobility, and a comfortable feel. Examples include the Dynafit Free Infinium and the Rab Kinetic 2.0, which offer excellent water resistance while maintaining breathability.

While softshell jackets are not fully waterproof, their water-resistant properties make them a versatile option for various outdoor activities. They are ideal for climbing, biking, backcountry skiing, hiking, and more. Their stretchy, breathable nature makes them a comfortable choice for regulating body temperature during high-exertion activities. Additionally, their ability to block wind and provide some protection from light rain and snow makes them a great outer layer for cool, dry weather.

In summary, softshell jackets are water-resistant, filling a void between lightweight insulating pieces and fully waterproof hardshell jackets. While they won't keep you completely dry in heavy rainfall, their breathability, stretch, and protection from the elements make them a popular choice for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

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Softshell jackets are ideal for high-energy activities

Softshell jackets are also water-resistant, which can protect you from light to moderate precipitation. They typically have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the exterior that beads up and sheds raindrops, and their hard-faced shell keeps moisture at bay. While softshell jackets are not fully waterproof, you can always bring a packable rain shell as a backup if needed.

In addition to their water resistance, softshell jackets are also wind-resistant. The smooth face fabric on a softshell allows some airflow to keep you cool while still providing protection from the wind. Some softshell jackets even feature windproof technology, such as Gore's Windstopper, which blocks the wind completely.

One of the most loved characteristics of softshell jackets is their stretchiness. They have four-way stretch fabric, allowing for a fantastic range of motion. This makes them ideal for activities that require a lot of movement, such as climbing, hiking, and backcountry skiing. The stretchiness also means you can choose a softshell with a snugger fit, which is great for moving fast.

While softshell jackets are not as lightweight as rain jackets or hardshell jackets, they offer more insulation. They are thicker and often include a light interior lining, providing more warmth than a thin shell designed solely to keep out moisture. However, it's important to note that some softshell jackets are very air-permeable, so they may not retain as much heat as a fully waterproof jacket.

Overall, softshell jackets are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of activities. They strike a perfect balance between weather protection and breathability, making them an excellent choice for high-energy activities where you need to stay active and regulate your body temperature effectively.

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Softshell jackets are more breathable than hardshell jackets

Softshell jackets are a class of knit or woven materials, made from polyester and nylon, used to make technical outdoor clothing. They are more breathable, flexible, and durable than hardshell jackets, but less water and wind resistant. Softshell jackets are designed with aerobic activities in mind, where the wearer's heart rate is high and weather conditions are variable. They are stretchy, highly breathable, and decently weather resistant, making them ideal for climbing, biking, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and more. The jackets allow enough air in and out to regulate body heat, giving them an advantage over hardshell jackets.

Hardshell jackets, on the other hand, are rigid and stiff. They serve as the outermost layer and provide maximum protection from the elements. Hardshells are designed to be your primary defence against whipping winds and heavy precipitation. They are less breathable than softshell jackets due to the added barrier of a waterproof membrane, which traps some body heat and perspiration. While hardshells offer better protection from rain and snow, softshell jackets are superior in terms of breathability, making them a more comfortable option for high-intensity activities.

In terms of weight and packability, hardshell jackets typically have the advantage. They are generally lighter and more compact, making them easier to pack for long days outdoors or multi-day trips. However, softshell jackets are catching up, with an increasing number of lightweight options available.

When it comes to comfort, softshell jackets are the preferred choice. They are made of soft and stretchy fabric, often with fleece liners, providing additional coziness. Hardshells tend to be more rigid, with crinkly fabrics that produce a loud swooshing sound.

In summary, softshell jackets stand out for their breathability, flexibility, and comfort. They are an excellent choice for high-intensity outdoor activities, offering superior mobility and temperature regulation. Hardshell jackets, on the other hand, provide unparalleled protection from rain, snow, and wind but fall short in terms of breathability and comfort. The ideal choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the wearer and the anticipated weather conditions.

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Softshell jackets are heavier and less packable than hardshell jackets

Hardshell jackets, on the other hand, are designed to provide ultimate protection from the weather. They are made from a woven face fabric laminated to a waterproof membrane, which makes them fully waterproof and windproof. This construction also means that hardshell jackets are lighter and more compact than softshell jackets, making them easier to pack.

However, the added protection of hardshell jackets comes at the cost of breathability. The waterproof membrane of a hardshell jacket can trap body heat during high-intensity activities, causing perspiration and condensation to build up. In contrast, softshell jackets allow body heat to escape more easily, making them a better option for regulating body temperature during physical activity.

While softshell jackets are heavier and less packable than hardshell jackets, their increased breathability and stretch make them a popular choice for outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, and skiing. They are also quieter and softer to the touch, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods. For activities where weight and space are a priority, such as backpacking or running, a hardshell jacket may be a better option.

Ultimately, the decision between a softshell and a hardshell jacket depends on the specific needs of the wearer and the expected weather conditions. Both types of jackets have their advantages and disadvantages, and in some cases, a combination of the two may be ideal.

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Softshell jackets are a mid-layer in cold conditions

Softshell jackets are made from stretchy, woven material, typically nylon or polyester, that offers protection from cold, wind, and rain while allowing for a full range of movement. They are designed to be worn during high-output activities where the wearer is working hard and needs protection from the elements. The jackets are highly breathable, allowing air in and out to regulate body heat, while still offering more protection than a standard insulating mid-layer like a fleece or synthetic jacket.

While softshell jackets are water-resistant and can keep the wearer dry in light to moderate precipitation, they are usually not fully waterproof. Sustained rainfall will eventually soak through the woven fabric. However, some softshell jackets feature panels of waterproof hardshell fabric or a full-on waterproof/breathable membrane, offering the best of both worlds in terms of protection from the elements and breathability.

The versatility of softshell jackets makes them a great choice for a wide range of activities all year round. They are heavier and bulkier than hardshell jackets, but their balanced design, stretchiness, warmth, and breathability make them a popular choice for many outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions

A soft shell coat is a water-resistant, stretchy, and breathable coat that offers protection from light snow and rain. They are designed to be worn during high-energy activities and everyday wear in cool weather.

Soft shell coats are made from woven fabric, which makes them stretchy and comfortable. They are designed to bridge the gap between fleeces, which offer less water resistance, and a waterproof jacket, which is less stretchy. Hard shell coats, on the other hand, are more rigid and waterproof and are designed to protect from extreme weather conditions.

Soft shell coats are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They are ideal for light rain but not heavy rainfall or storms.

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