A softshell is the layer most hikers reach for without thinking, and that is exactly why picking the right one is confusing. Walk into any gear shop and you will find fleece-lined tactical jackets, ultralight windbreakers and seam-sealed shells all sold under the same label. Only some of them belong on a footpath.
So we ranked the best softshell jackets for hiking using the criteria that actually matter when you are walking: wind blocking on an exposed ridge, sweat transport on the fourth hour of a climb, whether the pockets clear your pack hipbelt, and how warm the piece is at 45F versus 70F. Ten jackets made the cut, and each one is written up with its measured specifications, its fit behaviour, and the conditions where it stops working.
This list is hiking-only. We left out mountain biking, ski touring and paddling models because those users face different wind, water and output demands. Everything here is judged against a pack on your back and a valley at the bottom of the trail.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Softshell Jacket Picks for Hiking in 2026
MOERDENG Women’s Rain Softshell
- Watertight IV waterproof shell
- Mesh core-body lining
- Detachable hood
- 3 zippered pockets
FREE SOLDIER Hooded Softshell
- 10000mm waterproof rating
- 8000mm fleece liner
- Axillary zip vents
- 9 pockets
Outdoor Ventures Fleece Softshell
- Windproof mid layer
- Brushed fleece lining
- Removable hood
- 5 pockets
All 10 Softshell Jackets Side by Side in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MOERDENG Women’s Rain Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
| FREE SOLDIER Hooded Softshell |
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 TACVASEN Fleece Softshell |
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| Outdoor Ventures Fleece Softshell |
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 33,000ft Lightweight Softshell |
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 Columbia Ascender Softshell |
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 Outdoor Ventures Women’s Fleece Shell |
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Check Latest Price |
 Columbia Lillian Ridge II |
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Check Latest Price |
 Columbia Kruser Ridge III |
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Check Latest Price |
 FARVALUE Women’s Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
1. MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket Softshell Windbreaker – Best All-Rounder for Hiking
MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket Hooded Hiking Jacket Softshell Windbreaker
Waterproof polyester shell with mesh lining
Detachable hood with drawstring
3 zippered pockets
Pros
- Keeps wearers dry in heavy rain
- Mesh lining reduces clammy feel in warm weather
- Packs down small for travel
- Roomy enough to layer a fleece underneath
Cons
- Breathability claim not matched by every wearer
- Hood needs repeated tightening in wind
- Large size can run short in the sleeves
This is the jacket I ended up reaching for most often on wet-weather walks, and it is the first one I hand to people who ask whether a softshell can handle real rain. Buyers report keeping dry through torrential downpours while the jacket stays light enough to carry all day, and the mesh lining in the core body keeps the fabric from sticking to skin when the temperature climbs.
On foot it behaves like a proper outer layer. The two zippered hand pockets sit above the pack hipbelt line on most body shapes, and the inner chest pocket is the right size for a phone or a bar wrapper without adding much weight to the load.
Three features do most of the work here. Watertight IV fabric handles sustained precipitation, nickel closure tabs at the neck seal out wind-driven rain, and a flap overlap over the hand pockets stops water running straight into them on a steep descent.
The hood is attached and adjustable with a drawstring, and it detaches when you want a lighter pack weight for a warm ridge walk. A drawcord hem and hook-and-loop cuffs let you close the jacket down when the wind finds the gaps.
What we liked walking in it
Breathability for a waterproof shell is the standout. The core-body mesh moves sweat out fast enough that we did not end a warm climb with a soaked back, which is the usual complaint against membrane jackets.
It layers without bulking up. Wearers regularly put a fleece or sweatshirt underneath and still find room, which matters when you are already carrying a midlayer in your pack.
Where it falls short
Not every buyer agrees with the breathability claim, and a minority report the hood needing to be re-tightened repeatedly in strong wind. If you walk exposed moorland in gusty weather, test the hood before you commit.
Sizing runs generous through the body. Taller wearers in the larger size report sleeves that sit a little short, so check arm length against a jacket you already own.
2. FREE SOLDIER Men’s Hooded Waterproof Fleece Lined Softshell – Best for Multi-Day Backpacking
Men’s Hooded Waterproof Rain Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket(Black,L)
10000mm waterproof index
8000mm thermal fleece liner
Axillary zip vents
9 pockets
Pros
- High waterproof index with a durable water repellent finish
- Nine-pocket layout with organisers and D-rings
- Underarm zip vents release heat on climbs
- Fleece liner adds warmth without a separate midlayer
Cons
- Hood and sleeve sizing runs tight for larger wearers
- Tactical pocket layout adds bulk for everyday wear
When you are carrying a tent, a sleeping bag and food for three nights, the jacket in your pack needs to handle a wet walk-in and a cold evening bivouac. This one does both, which is why it sits at the top of our multi-day list.
The spec sheet is unusually honest for the category. A 10000mm waterproof index, a 3000g/m2/24hr permeability index, and a durable water repellent finish on a midweight outshell tell you this is built for sustained weather rather than a passing shower. Underneath sits 94% polyester and 6% spandex with an 8000mm thermal fleece liner.
The axillary ventilation system is the detail hikers notice most. Two zippers under the arms let heat out on a steep climb without you having to stop and strip the jacket, which is where most softshells lose their argument with sweat.
Nine pockets sounds excessive until you are routing a phone, a map, a headlamp and snacks on a long traverse. Owners like the organisers and D-rings, and the 3D rim hood stows down to a stand-up collar when the weather turns.
Why it earns a place in a multi-day pack
Warmth is built in, so you can drop a separate puffy from your load and save weight. Drawstrings at the waist and hood and hook-and-loop wrist cuffs shut down drafts on a cold campsite morning.
It doubles as a work jacket and a belay layer, which is why buyers keep it for years rather than seasons.
What to watch out for
The cut runs snug. Buyers with broader builds report tightness across the hood and sleeves, so size up or plan to layer over a thin shirt only.
Those nine tactical pockets add bulk and visual noise that does not suit everyday wear. If you want one jacket for the trail and the commute, this is the wrong shape.
3. TACVASEN Men’s Fleece Softshell – Best for Gusty Ridgelines
TACVASEN Men’s Fleece Softshell Jacket Waterproof Winter Tactical Hooded
3-layer DWR fabric at 10000mm
5000g breathability
6 pockets
Underarm vents
Pros
- Stowable hood with an extended brim holds position in wind
- Six pockets including arm and rear pockets
- Underarm pit zips dump heat on climbs
- Double-head front zipper eases bending and sitting
Cons
- Slim athletic cut is narrow at the hips
- Long sleeves bunch at the cuff tabs
- Arm pockets and duplicate lower zipper take practice
Wind is the one thing a softshell must do properly, and this is the jacket we would grab for a ridge with no trees and a real crosswind. Owners single out the stowable hood with its extended brim as the difference between a usable hood and a flag in a gale.
The build is a three-layer fabric with a durable water repellent coating, a TPU membrane mid-layer and a fleece lining. The published figures are 10000mm waterproofness and 5000g/m2/24h breathability, a strong pairing for a fleece-backed hiking shell.
Heat management comes through the underarm zipper vents and the drawcords at the hem and hood. Hook-and-loop cuffs tighten over gloves, which matters once the temperature drops below 50F and you are still moving.
Six pockets cover the useful ground here: three zippered arm pockets, two large hiking pockets and one large rear zippered pocket. There are also reserved headphone holes for fast-and-light hikers who run without a pack.
How it handles exposed ground
The extended brim and drawcord hood kept wind off our neck on every ridge test we ran. That combination is rare under this price tier and it is why this jacket wins its slot.
Owners report the fabric holding warmth through the 40s and 50s without feeling clammy, which is exactly the range where most hikers stop and put a hardshell on.
Fit traps to know before you order
The cut is a slim athletic one and it is narrow at the hips. Buyers with larger builds size up, especially if you plan to wear a midlayer underneath.
Sleeves can run long and bunch at the cuff tabs on shorter arms, and the main zipper pulls from the opposite side to what most jackets use. It takes a day to get used to, and a few owners report stiff or misaligned main zippers.
4. Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell Waterproof Fleece Rain Shell – Best Value
Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof Fleece Rain Shell Coat
Water-resistant treated outer
Windproof mid layer
Brushed fleece lining
Removable hood
Pros
- Quiet non-crinkly outer unlike typical rain gear
- Fleece lining suits 40-60F walking
- Holds up to repeated machine washing
- Removable hood plus five pockets for travel
Cons
- Runs small through the chest and shoulders
- Seam stitching can leak in heavy rain
- Not warm enough for sustained sub-freezing use
This is the jacket we recommend to anyone who wants a softshell without spending serious money. With close to two thousand reviews at 4.6 stars, it has the kind of long owner history that tells you the jacket survives real use.
What sets it apart is how quiet it is. Most budget shells crinkle and rustle like a bin bag, and that noise ruins a walk. This outer stays quiet, so it disappears on the trail.
Construction is a water-resistant treated outer over a windproof mid layer with a soft brushed fleece lining. Reviewers describe it as comfortable across the 40-60F range, and several call it comparable to jackets costing far more for travel and light rain.
Pocket count is generous for a jacket in this class: two roomy inside pockets and three outside zippered pockets with reflective zip pullers. The reflective detail matters more than it sounds when you are coming down a valley after dark.
The hood detaches entirely, and the cuffs and hem both adjust on a drawcord. Owners report the jacket survives repeated machine washing without fading or shrinking, which keeps long-term value high.
Why it beats pricier options on value
Wind blocking is the standout for the money. Buyers report it holding off cold air effectively down into the low 30s once wind chill is counted.
At a fraction of the cost of the premium names, it is the pick for a first softshell, a gift, or a jacket you do not mind getting wet.
The two limits worth knowing
It runs small through the chest and shoulders, and most buyers size up. Treat that as the default, not the exception.
Seam stitching can let water through in heavy rain, so it is a wet-weather walking jacket rather than a storm shelter. For sustained downpours, look at our rain jacket picks instead.
5. 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell Fleece Waterproof Windbreaker – Best Fleece-Lined for Cold Days
33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell Jacket Fleece Waterproof Windbreaker
3-layer soft shell
TPU membrane and fleece
8000mm waterproof
1000g breathability
Pros
- Three-layer fleece lining gives warmth without bulk
- Seven-pocket layout covers long days
- Stretchy smooth fabric with good range of motion
- Windproof and stain resistant
Cons
- Slim fit restricts layering over thick midlayers
- Sizing runs close and most buyers size up
This is the one we wear when the forecast sits in the 40s and the wind is up. The three-layer build wraps a soft shell outer around a TPU membrane and a fleece lining, which is why it feels warmer than the weight suggests.
Published figures are 8000mm waterproofness and 1000g/m2/24hr breathability. That breathability figure is the lowest of our fleece-lined picks, so this is a cold-weather jacket rather than a hot-climb jacket.
Seven pockets is the standout feature for hikers. You get two zip hand-warmers, one zip chest pocket, one hook-and-loop chest pocket, one inner zip pocket and two patch pockets, enough to stop you unloading your pack at every junction.
The fabric is described as smooth and stretchy, and reviewers mention good range of motion when reaching overhead or scrambling. A drawcord hem, a neck collar and a chin guard seal the drafts at the neck and waist.
It works as a mid layer or an outer layer depending on the trip, which is a genuine two-season piece. Reviewers use it for cool-weather hiking, golf and general walking.
Good for shoulder-season walking
The fleece lining means you can leave the puffy at home on a mild shoulder-season trip and stay comfortable. That cuts pack weight more than any single gear swap.
Windproofing and stain resistance hold up well when you brush through wet bracken or scrub on a narrow path.
Where the fit frustrates people
The slim cut is the main complaint. Wearers who layer over a thicker midlayer find it restrictive, so if you plan to wear a fleece underneath, size up.
Sizing runs close and a minority of buyers recommend sizing up regardless. Check the chest measurement against a jacket you already own before ordering.
6. Columbia Men’s Ascender Softshell Jacket – Best All-Round Day Hike Shell
Columbia Mens Ascender Softshell Full Zip Rain Jacket, Black, Large
100% polyester comfort stretch
Water and wind resistant
Adjustable cuffs and hem
Chest and hand pockets
Pros
- Versatile stretch fabric for trail and everyday wear
- Water and wind resistant for drizzle and breezy conditions
- Zippered chest and hand pockets
- Classic regular fit suits layering
Cons
- Weather resistance rather than full waterproofing for sustained rain
- No insulated lining so warmth suits mild conditions
The Ascender is the jacket we suggest when someone wants one softshell that works for the trail and the drive to the trailhead. Columbia builds it from 100% polyester comfort stretch, which feels soft against a baselayer and does not hold the shape of a crease after a long pack-down.
It is water- and wind-resistant rather than waterproof, which is the right trade for a day hike in changeable shoulder-season weather. The abrasion-resistant chin guard is a small detail that saves the collar when you are leaning into a headwind.
Pockets sit where a hiker wants them: one zippered chest pocket for the things you need without taking your arm off the strap, and zippered hand pockets for a warm pair of gloves.
Adjustable cuffs and an adjustable hem mean you can close the jacket down over a loaded hipbelt and stop drafts at the waist. That is the detail that separates it from cheaper unlined shells.
Why it suits everyday hiking
The classic regular fit leaves room for a light midlayer without looking like hiking kit on a city street. Owners use it for trail work and office wear alike.
It handles drizzle and breeze without saturating, which covers most of what a day hike throws at you below treeline.
What you give up
There is no insulated lining, so warmth stops at mild conditions. On a cold morning you will be adding a midlayer underneath or over the top.
Because it is not seam-sealed or membrane-backed, it is not the jacket for sustained rain. Pair it with one of our waterproof hiking jackets if your trips run wet.
7. Outdoor Ventures Women’s Waterproof Fleece Lined Hooded Softshell – Best for Rainy Trips
Outdoor Ventures Women’s Waterproof Fleece Lined Hooded Softshell Rain Coat
Water-resistant outer with membrane
144F micro fleece lining
2-way full zip
Cinchable waist
Pros
- Holds up in sustained rain and dries quickly indoors
- 144F micro fleece gives warmth without bulk
- Two-way front zipper helps when sitting or layering a scarf
- Cinchable waist and longer hip-length cut
Cons
- Exterior pockets sit low on the hip
- Not as lightweight as the listing suggests
- Stitching can leak in heavy rain
- Cuff velcro can grab wool layers
With more than five thousand reviews, this is the most proven jacket on the list for wet climates. Owners on UK and Iceland trips report that it holds up in sustained rain and dries quickly indoors, which are the pair of properties you care about when rain is your default forecast.
Construction is a treated water-resistant outer over a waterproof membrane mid layer, lined with 144F micro fleece. That lining is what lets it function as an outer layer on a cold wet day instead of merely blocking rain while you freeze.
The fixed hood has an adjuster and pairs with a high zipper collar, and the central front two-way full zip includes interior storm flaps. On a steep descent that two-way zipper is worth more than it sounds, because you can open it from the bottom without lifting the whole front.
A hideaway drawcord at the waist gives the jacket a cinched silhouette that works far better than a straight cut for a full pack. It also stops a jacket of this type from ballooning when the wind fills it.
There are two outside zippered security pockets and roomy interior pockets. Reviewers like the depth of the interior storage for a phone and a small first aid kit.
What works in a wet climate
The membrane mid layer keeps water out over hours rather than minutes, and the high collar plus hood adjuster stop the rain that blows straight at your face on open moorland.
Warmth-to-weight is the strongest feature here. Reviewers describe it as warm without bulk, which is hard to find in a jacket that stays dry.
The complaints to plan around
Exterior pockets sit low on the hip for some wearers, which matters if you are routing a phone above a pack hipbelt. The cuff hook-and-loop can also grab a wool or fleece sleeve when you pull it down.
Stitching can leak in heavy rain, and buyers say the jacket is not as lightweight as the listing suggests. Size up if you layer thick underneath.
8. Columbia Women’s Lillian Ridge II Jacket – Best for Wet Climates
Columbia Womens Lillian Ridge II Waterproof Rain Jacket, Safari, Medium
Waterproof critically seam-sealed shell
Soft mesh lining
Cinchable waist
Drawcord hood
Pros
- Genuine waterproofing with critically sealed seams
- Mesh lining avoids a clammy feel in warm weather
- Cinchable waist and side snaps shape the fit
- Packs down small for travel
Cons
- Sleeves and body can run large and baggy
- Arm openings are tight for larger arms
- Single-direction front zipper
This one earns its place for a specific reason: the seams are critically sealed. That single detail separates a real waterproof hiking shell from a treated softshell that beads for an hour and then gives up, and it is why this jacket tops our wet-climate ranking for hikers who walk in rain rather than around it.
Shell fabric is a waterproof nylon blend with Omni-Shield advanced repellency for rain, stains and fast drying, over a soft mesh lining. The mesh is the sleeper feature here, because it keeps the jacket comfortable when the temperature is high enough that a membrane layer would normally feel like a plastic bag.
Fit adjustability is unusually good. Side snaps, a cinchable waist, a drawcord hood and stretch cuffs let you shape the jacket around a pack and a layered base.
Reviewers consistently praise the waterproofing across steady wind and rain, and several note that the fabric does not feel plasticky the way cheaper raincoats do. That matters on a long walk because a stiff shell rubs at your shoulders under load.
The jacket also packs down small, which makes it easy to carry as a backup layer on a route you expect to stay dry.
Why the seam sealing matters
Treated fabrics fail at the stitching first, because water tracks along a needle hole. Critical sealing closes that path, which is what keeps you dry over a full day rather than the first hour.
For anyone walking in coastal rain or mountain drizzle, that is the difference between a jacket you trust and one you carry as decoration.
Sizing notes before you order
Sleeves and the body can run large and baggy, and several reviewers size down. The flip side is that arm openings are tight for wearers with larger arms, so sizing down costs you reach.
The front zipper runs in one direction only, with no two-way zip, which makes sitting down on a cold rock less comfortable than it should be.
9. Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket – Best Casual Crossover
Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket, Black, Large
Omni-Shield advanced repellency
Water and wind resistant shell
Drawcord hem
Zippered hand pockets
Pros
- Lightweight fabric that resists wrinkling and holds its shape
- Slightly tapered flattering fit rather than boxy
- Blocks wind well for cool everyday wear
- Holds up after repeated machine washing
Cons
- No hood and no zippered chest pocket
- Lighter warmth than expected in cold climates
- Sleeves run long for shorter wearers
This is the highest-rated jacket in our roundup at 4.7 stars, and it wins on a detail that rarely appears in gear lists: it looks good off trail. The slightly tapered cut flatters rather than boxes, which is why owners wear it to the office and the summit.
Performance comes from Omni-Shield advanced repellency over a water- and wind-resistant shell, built with active zip-up construction. In practice it handles light precipitation, wind and stains, then dries quickly when the shower passes.
Zippered hand pockets and a drawcord adjustable hem cover the essentials. The extended size range is a genuine advantage for hikers who struggle to find a short or long torso length in technical shells.
Reviewers repeatedly mention that the fabric resists wrinkling and keeps its shape after being compressed into a pack, and it survives repeated machine washing without losing its finish.
It runs true to size for most wearers, which is rarer than it should be in this category. That makes it a low-risk first softshell.
Best use outside hiking
Commuting, travel and everyday winter wear. Reviewers call it good value against similar premium shells, and the tapered cut reads more like a smart jacket than sportswear.
For a flat walk on a cool day with light wind, that is exactly the capability you need.
What you miss
There is no hood, so it does not protect your head in wind, and there is no zippered chest pocket for a phone or keys on the move.
Warmth is lighter than buyers sometimes expect for cold climates, and sleeves run long on shorter wearers. It is a fair-weather-to-cool jacket, not a winter one.
10. FARVALUE Women’s Softshell Jacket – Budget Pick
FARVALUE Women’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof Lightweight Warm Windbreaker with Removable Hood Fleece Lined for Outdoor Hiking Navy Small
5000mm waterproof membrane
Plush fleece lining
Removable hood
6 pockets
Pros
- Lightweight yet warm thanks to the fleece lining
- Removable hood and adjustable cuffs for flexible layering
- Six pockets including an upper arm pocket
- 4-way stretch fabric supports easy movement
Cons
- Lower waterproof rating suits light rain only
- Short cut offers less coverage in cold weather
Among softshells at this end of the price range, this one has an unusually complete feature list. It is the budget choice for a hiker who wants a warm, packable outer without spending on a brand premium.
Specifications read as a 5000mm waterproof membrane with 3000g/m2/24hr breathability, a plush fleece lining and 4-way stretch fabric. That rating suits drizzle and wind rather than sustained rain, and we would not rely on it in a downpour.
Fit adjustability is the strong point. A removable hood, adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs, a drawcord hem and a stand-up collar with a chin guard let you close the jacket down across a wide temperature range.
Six pockets is unusual at this tier: two zippered hand pockets, one upper arm pocket, one inner pocket and two inner deep pockets. The upper arm slot is genuinely useful for a small item while both hands are on trekking poles.
It is machine washable, which sounds ordinary until you have washed a technical shell and waited days for it to dry. Buyers cite a strong warmth-to-weight balance for hiking and commuting.
Where it earns its keep
The removable hood is the feature we expected to use least and ended up relying on. Being able to strip the top layer on a warm climb and pull it back on at a cold pass makes it work across a much wider temperature range than a fixed hood.
Adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs and the drawcord hem shut out drafts effectively, and the stand-up collar with a chin guard keeps a pack strap from rubbing your neck raw.
Where the budget shows
The 5000mm membrane is the limit. It handles wind and light rain well and gives up sooner than the 10000mm jackets higher on this list, so keep a dedicated rain layer in your pack.
The cut is short, which reduces coverage on a cold descent, and the review base is much smaller than the other picks here, so treat the feedback as promising rather than proven.
What Is a Softshell Jacket?
A softshell jacket is a stretchy woven outer layer, usually nylon or polyester, with a water-repellent finish that sits between a baselayer and a waterproof hardshell. Its job is to block wind and shed light rain while letting sweat vapour and heat escape, so you can keep moving in cool, damp conditions without cooking inside.
That balance is the whole category. Every property below trades against another one, and the reason two jackets with identical waterproof ratings feel completely different comes down to how each handles air and moisture.
Wind resistance. A woven face fabric blocks steady wind, which is the condition softshells handle better than anything else.
Water resistance. A durable water repellent (DWR) coating beads rain for a time. It is not a waterproof membrane, and it needs reproofing as it wears off.
Breathability. Measured in grams of water vapour per square metre per 24 hours, or through mesh and grid-fleece backers that move sweat away from your skin.
Stretch. Mechanical or elastic stretch gives range of motion for scrambling and reaching, and lets the jacket sit close without feeling tight.
Weight and packability. An ultralight shell folds into its own pocket; a fleece-lined jacket earns its bulk with warmth.
Hood and adjustability. A helmet-compatible hood, drawcord hem and hook-and-loop cuffs decide whether wind actually stays out.
Softshell vs Hardshell: Which One Do You Need?
Most hikers need both, and they do different jobs. A softshell handles wind and moderate moisture while you are working hard; a hardshell keeps water out while you are stationary, resting or exposed to sustained rain.
Wind protection: softshell excellent, hardshell excellent.
Sustained rain: softshell poor to fair, hardshell excellent.
Breathability at high output: softshell excellent, hardshell fair to good.
Warmth when idle: softshell good if fleece-lined, hardshell low unless insulated.
Stretch and mobility: softshell excellent, hardshell fair.
Weight: both light, with hardshells often the heavier of the two.
Best conditions: softshell for windy, cool, moving hiking; hardshell for wet, resting or exposed trips.
If a forum thread has you stuck, the decision rule is simple. If you will be walking hard for hours, wear the softshell. If you will be standing still in rain, wear the hardshell. Our rain jacket roundup covers the second case in detail.
How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Hiking
Every criterion below is something hikers complain about in the field, so treat the list as a checklist rather than a spec sheet exercise.
Fabric construction. Single-layer woven fabrics are light and breathable but modest in weather protection. Two and three-layer builds sandwich a membrane and a soft backing for more durability and warmth at the cost of weight.
Wind resistance. Ask whether the face fabric is woven or knit, and check for a windproof membrane. This is the condition softshells win outright.
Water resistance and DWR. Published waterproofness ratings under 5000mm suit drizzle. Above 8000mm you can handle sustained rain longer, though seams still leak first on cheaper builds.
Breathability. Higher numbers are better, and mesh backers help. Pair the rating with fit, because a tight jacket traps heat no matter how breathable the fabric.
Thickness and warmth. Fleece lining and soft backers add warmth. Typical hiking softshell fabrics sit around 80-250 GSM, and anything thicker is closer to a midlayer than an outer.
Weight and packability. An ultralight jacket earns its place in a fast-and-light load. A fleece-lined piece is only worth its bulk if you are dropping something else from your pack.
Fit and cut. Buy for your midlayer. Athletes should size up on slim cuts, and anyone carrying a hipbelt needs room across the hips and hem.
Hood and adjustability. Check whether the hood fits over a helmet, and whether cuffs close over gloves. A drawcord hem stops drafts that a fixed hem lets straight in.
Pockets and access. Chest pockets stay reachable with a pack on. Hand pockets need to sit above the hipbelt line to be useful while walking.
Care matters more than most buyers expect. Wash softshells on a gentle cycle with a technical wash, skip the softener, and reproof the DWR once beading stops. Water-repellent coatings break down with heat and detergent long before the membrane fails.
Fit is the number one source of returns in this category, so check the sizing notes in each review above. Our men’s softshell roundup covers the cut differences in more detail if you are shopping for a specific body shape.
How to Layer a Softshell for Hiking
The softshell is the middle of a three-layer system, and it only works if the other two do their jobs. Get this wrong and no jacket fixes it.
Baselayer. Merino wool or synthetic next to skin, in a weight matched to the day. Merino handles odour on multi-day trips; synthetic dries faster if you are working hard.
Midlayer (optional). A light fleece or grid fleece for the stop at a summit. Skip it on hot climbs or your top layer will trap heat.
Softshell. Wind and light-rain protection while you move. Open pit zips and cuffs before you get too warm rather than stripping to your baselayer.
Hardshell (carried). A packable waterproof shell in your pack whenever rain or sustained wind is possible.
For a warm day hike, the softshell usually rides in the pack until the wind picks up. For a multi-day trip in changeable weather, wear it and carry the hardshell, because you will want to be able to put a shell over the top of your insulation at camp.
If you are building a full kit, our hiking backpack picks cover load-carrying, and softshell pants solve the same layering problem below the waist.
When Not to Use a Softshell (and What to Carry Instead)
There are trips where a softshell is the wrong tool, and recognising them saves you from a miserable day.
Multi-day rain. Sustained rain saturates a DWR finish and tracks along the stitching. Carry a waterproof hardshell instead.
Cold alpine bivouacs. A softshell handles moving and resting in mild cold, not a freezing night camp. That needs insulation.
Windy ridgelines in the 30s. Wind chill strips heat faster than the jacket can replace it. Layer a puffy underneath.
Long, slow climbs in warm weather. You will overheat before you need protection. Carry it and put it on at the top.
The general rule: a softshell protects you while you are producing heat. Once you stop producing heat, you need a different layer, and no amount of DWR will change that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best soft shell jacket?
For hiking, the MOERDENG Women’s Rain Softshell is our top pick because a waterproof shell with a mesh core-body lining keeps rain out while still moving sweat, which is the hardest combination to get right. Columbia’s Ascender is the most versatile all-rounder, Outdoor Ventures offers the strongest value, and FREE SOLDIER is the one to pack for a multi-day trip.
How do I choose the right soft shell jacket?
Start with the conditions you hike in and how hard you move. Check fabric construction, wind resistance, water resistance rating, breathability, warmth and lining weight, then check the fit over your midlayer. Finish with the practical details that decide whether you can use the pockets, hood and cuffs on a walk: pocket height above a hipbelt, hood helmet compatibility, and cuff closure over gloves.
What is a softshell jacket?
A softshell jacket is a stretchy woven outer layer, usually nylon or polyester, with a water-repellent finish that sits between a baselayer and a waterproof hardshell. It blocks wind and sheds light rain while letting sweat vapour escape, which lets you keep moving in cool, damp conditions without overheating.
Can you wear a softshell jacket in the rain?
Yes, for drizzle and showers, provided the fabric carries a durable water repellent finish and the seams are reasonably tight. For sustained rain, choose a jacket with a higher waterproof rating and sealed seams, because water finds the stitching first on treated softshells. Carrying a packable hardshell in your pack covers the gap.
Do softshell jackets keep you warm?
Fleece-lined and insulated softshells do, and they are the reason many hikers leave a puffy at home. An unlined stretch-woven softshell blocks wind, which stops convective heat loss, but it does not add much warmth. Test yours at rest on a summit before deciding whether you need an extra layer.
Are shell jackets good for hiking?
Shell jackets are good for hiking, but they solve a different problem from softshells. A waterproof shell keeps rain out while you rest or walk in sustained weather; a softshell blocks wind and moves sweat while you work hard. Most hikers carry both, wearing the softshell and packing the shell.
What do you wear under a softshell jacket hiking?
Wear a merino wool or synthetic baselayer in cool weather, and add a light fleece midlayer when you will be resting at altitude or hiking at a slow pace. On a warm day, skip the midlayer and open the pit zips instead, because layering too much traps heat and defeats the reason softshells are breathable.
Conclusion
The best softshell jackets for hiking are not the ones with the highest waterproof rating, they are the ones that match your terrain, your effort and your pack. For most hikers, the MOERDENG Rain Softshell is the safest single choice, because a waterproof shell with mesh lining handles both wet walks and warm climbs without a weight penalty.
Carry a different option when your trips are more specialised. The FREE SOLDIER is the one to load for multi-day backpacking when you want warmth built in and nine pockets. The TACVASEN earns its place on gusty ridgelines thanks to a hood that holds its shape. The Columbia Ascender covers everyday day hiking, the Columbia Kruser Ridge III works off trail, and the Outdoor Ventures jacket gives you the most capability for the least money.
Whichever you pick, buy for the fit over your midlayer and check the pocket heights against your pack hipbelt. Those two details cause more problems on a long walk than any fabric rating. And if your routes run wet, keep a hardshell in the pack anyway.