On blustery mountain days, when you’re being seriously buffeted in the breeze, your favourite fleece just won’t cut it. Instead, swap it for the superior warmth and windproofing of a seriously sturdy SOFT SHELL.
FABRICS
The lightest soft shells are made from single weave fabric, offering basic wind protection with minimal bulk and weight. Sturdier soft shells use a double-weave wicking fabric, while 2-layer soft shells feature a lining for even more warmth and weatherproofing.
FIT
Since many soft shell fabrics stretch, the fit can be cut closer than a hard shell waterproof jacket. But ensure that it doesn’t feel tight across the shoulders or chest and that sleeves cover your wrists fully.
WIND- RESISTANCE
This is the major benefit of soft shell over fleece. Wearing a soft shell instead of a fleece cuts the effect of wind chill and thus keeps you warmer.
HOOD
If you’re using a soft shell as an outer layer, a hood is a useful feature. More technical mountain soft shells often have hoods with a stiffened peak and volume adjustment so they can be cinched in tight while deflecting wind and light rain.
WATER- RESISTANCE
Soft shells are generally water-resistant or ‘weatherproof’ rather than fully waterproof, relying on densely woven outer fabric and a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment to offer light to moderate water-resistance.
POCKETS
Large pockets are great for storage. Chest pockets placed in the centre of the jacket, next to the main zip, ensure easy access. Other jackets have conventional hand pockets, but they are usually placed higher than normal so they can be used even if you’re wearing a rucksack hipbelt.
STRETCH
Many soft shell fabrics incorporate elastane (also called spandex or Lycra) for enhanced freedom of movement. Two-way stretch fabrics stretch either vertically or horizontally. Four-way stretch fabrics stretch in both directions.
VENTILATION
Some jackets feature pit zips, torso zips or mesh-lined pockets, which can be opened to increase airflow for ventilation. Look for wide cuffs if you like to push them up the forearm to aid cooling.
BREATHABILITY
Breathability refers to how much moisture vapour can pass through a fabric. Soft shells are far more breathable than even the best hard shells, making them ideal for sustained active use in the hills when you need a good level of weather protection but not a full-on waterproof.
The North Face Athletic Outdoor Softshell Hoodie £125
+ Sturdy, flexible, comfortable
- Simple features, not the lightest
When it comes t
