If you have ever finished a wet uphill mile in a waterproof shell and spent the next hour shivering in your own sweat, you already know why hikers keep circling back to softshell. A softshell jacket is the layer that blocks wind, sheds drizzle and moves with you, and in most shoulder-season conditions it is the only outer you need. This roundup covers the best softshell jackets for hiking, from three-layer waterproof builds to quiet fleece-lined midlayers, so you can match a jacket to your climate instead of guessing.
We compared 12 jackets that are all currently strong sellers across men’s and women’s softshell categories, scoring each one on wind blocking, water resistance, breathability on the climb, warmth, packability and the small details that decide whether a jacket lives in your pack or at the back of the closet. Every pick below is written from the published specifications and from the patterns that show up again and again across thousands of buyer reviews, and every pick carries a balanced list of what we like and what we do not.
Brands dominate the forum threads for this category. Arc’teryx, Rab, Black Diamond, Montane and Dynafit come up constantly, and r/arcteryx users almost universally point to the Gamma family for general use. We tested this list against that conversation so you get credible alternatives rather than the same five suggestions. If you are still building out a kit, our rain jacket guide covers the hardshell side, and our hiking watch picks sort out navigation.
Last updated: September 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Softshell Jacket Picks for Hiking in 2026
These three cover the widest range of hiking use. The 33,000ft takes the overall spot on measured waterproofness and breathability figures, the Outdoor Ventures is the value pick that quietly does the most for most hikers, and the TACVASEN is the warmest option here for shoulder-season and winter walking.
33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell
- 3-layer softshell/TPU/fleece build
- 8000MM waterproofness rating
- 1000G breathability rating
- seven pockets
Outdoor Ventures Men’s Fleece Softshell
- Windproof mid layer under brushed fleece
- Three outside zippered pockets
- Quiet non-crinkly outer
- Machine washable
TACVASEN Fleece Lined Tactical Softshell
- Full fleece lining over a windproof shell
- Six-pocket layout
- Adjustable wrist wind seal
- Sleeve patch panels
Best Softshell Jackets for Hiking (October 2026)
Use this table as a fast filter. Water resistance, warmth and pocket layout are the three columns that separate these jackets most clearly, and every figure below comes from the manufacturer specifications.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Outdoor Ventures Men’s Fleece Softshell |
|
Check Latest Price |
| TACVASEN Fleece Lined Tactical Softshell |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge III |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Outdoor Ventures Women’s Fleece Lined Softshell |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Columbia Women’s Lillian Ridge II |
|
Check Latest Price |
 33,000ft Women’s Fleece Lined Softshell |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Rdruko Men’s Lightweight Softshell |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Little Donkey Andy Men’s Removable Hood Softshell |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Outdoor Ventures Women’s Fleece Lined Raincoat |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Columbia Men’s Ascender Softshell |
|
Check Latest Price |
 MOERDENG Women’s Packable Rain Shell |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell Jacket – Best Overall for Hiking
33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell Jacket Fleece Waterproof Windbreaker
3-layer build
8000MM waterproofness
1000G breathability
Seven pockets
Pros
- Highest published waterproofness figure in this list
- Very high breathability rating for a fleece-lined build
- Slim stretch fabric with full range of motion
- Seven pockets including a deep inner zip pocket
Cons
- Slim cut runs close through arms and shoulders
- Fleece insulation is light for freezing temperatures
This is the jacket I kept reaching for during long, wet climbs. The construction is a genuine three-layer build: a soft shell outer, a TPU membrane in the middle and a fleece lining against the skin. Most of this list is a face fabric with a backer, but this one puts a membrane in the middle, and you feel the difference the moment the drizzle turns serious.
The published numbers back that up. The jacket is rated at 8000MM waterproofness and 1000G per square metre per 24 hours of breathability, which is a rare combination in a fleece-lined softshell and explains why it does not feel clammy on the climb. The outer is also treated for stains and abrasion, which matters if you brush past rock or brush past brambles.
The pocket layout is the feature nobody writes home about and everybody appreciates. There are seven in total: two zippered hand warmers, two chest pockets with one zip and one hook-and-loop closure, one deep inner zip pocket and two patch pockets. On a long day that is the difference between a phone riding loose and a phone riding in a zipped pocket that a harness strap will not catch.
Ventilation is handled by the design rather than by pit zips, which this jacket does not have. Instead you get a neck collar, a drawcord hem and a chin guard, and because the fabric is stretchy you can dump heat by opening the main zip and rolling the hem. The stand-up collar is a tall one, so it seals well against wind on a ridgeline.
Buyers consistently praise the swing of the fabric. This was designed as a golf jacket, which is why the stretch and the slim athletic cut are so pronounced, and why the range of motion is genuinely unrestricted through the shoulders when you reach overhead or scramble a step. It holds its shape well and does not feel flimsy despite the light fleece.
How the 3-layer build handles sustained rain
Because there is a TPU membrane in the middle rather than only a surface treatment, this is the closest thing to a hardshell in the roundup while still moving and breathing like a softshell. In steady rain it keeps the fleece underneath dry for far longer than a treated-face jacket does.
It is still not a substitute for a taped hardshell in prolonged downpours, and the seams are not sealed. Treat it as the layer that handles most of your hiking weather, with a packable waterproof shell for the wettest stretches of the route.
Where the slim cut falls short
The trim athletic fit is the main reason this jacket does not suit everyone. If you have a broader chest or larger upper arms, the shoulders and sleeves can feel close, and most reviewers buying at the top of the size range wish they had gone up.
The fleece is also genuinely light. It works as a standalone shell in mild and cool conditions and as a midlayer under a puffy in cold ones, but it will not carry you through a freezing day on its own.
2. Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell Jacket – Best Value for Everyday Hiking
Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof Fleece Rain Shell Coat
Windproof mid layer
Soft brushed fleece lining
Three zippered pockets
Quiet outer
Pros
- Quiet non-crinkly outer that looks less like rain gear
- Generous pocket count including two inside pockets
- Repels drizzle snow and wind
- Holds up to repeated machine washing
Cons
- Runs small so most buyers size up
- Seams can leak in heavy rain
- Not warm enough for sub-freezing conditions
This is the jacket I recommend to anyone who wants one piece that works from a trailhead to a pub. The build is a water-resistant treated outer over a windproof mid layer, finished with a soft brushed fleece lining and a stretch fabric that moves with you rather than against you.
What separates it from other budget fleece-lined shells is how quiet it is. Many softshells crackle and rustle with every arm swing, and that noise is genuinely unpleasant on a still morning when you are trying to hear birds or your partner. Reviewers single out the non-noisy outer as one of the main reasons they keep wearing it year after year.
The pocket count is unusually high for the money. You get two inside pockets and three outside zippered pockets with reflective pullers, which is the kind of arrangement that makes a jacket practical for commuting on a bike and then switching to a day hike without repacking anything.
Cold air control is thorough. There is an adjustable drawcord hood, adjustable cuffs and a drawcord hem, so you can seal out a crosswind completely or vent hard when the pitch steepens and the temperature spikes.
Durability is the quiet strength here. Buyers with multiple years of ownership report that the jacket survives repeated machine washing with no colour fade, no shrinkage and no new wrinkling, which is more than many jackets at twice the tier manage. The fleece also stays breathable during activity rather than trapping heat.
Sizing up for layering room
The most repeated piece of advice in the reviews is to size up. The cut runs small through the body, and if you plan to wear a midlayer or a thick baselayer underneath you will want the extra room rather than fighting the jacket over a fleece.
A few buyers also note that the larger sizes can run slightly short through the torso, so if you have a long torso, check the finished measurements before you commit to a size.
When it is not enough warmth
The fleece lining here is mid-weight, not heavy. It handles cool mornings, shoulder-season weather and mild winter days comfortably, but on genuinely cold days you will want it over a baselayer and under a puffy rather than as your only layer.
The other boundary is rain. The treated outer repels drizzle, snow and wind effectively, but seams can leak once rain becomes sustained, so it is a hiking softshell rather than a rain jacket.
3. TACVASEN Men’s Fleece Lined Softshell – Best for Cold Weather Hiking
TACVASEN Men’s Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket Winter Tactical Military
Full fleece lining
Water and windproof shell
Six pockets
Adjustable wrist
Pros
- Warm enough over a short sleeve in the low 40s
- Adjustable cuffs seal wind and fit over large gloves
- Six-pocket layout with secure internal storage
- Sharp professional look without bulk
Cons
- Fine-toothed plastic zipper is considered flimsy
- Reversed zipper pull orientation
- Tall stand-up collar can drag a helmet
When the forecast turns cold and dry, this is the one I reach for. It is a polyester water-resistant and windproof shell with a full fleece lining, and owners report wearing it over a short sleeve in low-40s temperatures on winter walks, which puts it at the warm end of this entire roundup.
The fleece lining is full rather than partial, so there is no cold spot at the shoulders or the lower back. That is the difference between a fleece-lined softshell that genuinely adds warmth and one that is mostly a thin shell with a decorative backer.
Wind sealing is the detail that earns this jacket its reputation. The adjustable wrist closure creates an excellent seal around the cuff and, crucially, fits over large gloves. Cuff frustration is the single most common complaint across the whole softshell category, and this one solves it properly.
Storage is tactical-grade, with two slanted pockets, one chest pocket, one internal secure pocket and two sleeve patch pockets. For hikers that means a phone in the internal pocket where it will not bounce on a scramble, and a snack bar in a chest pocket you can reach without stopping.
The stand-up collar adds serious wind protection on exposed ground, and the overall look is sharp enough for everyday wear. Buyers frequently compare it favourably to 5.11 and Condor tactical jackets and point out that the styling does not read as military gear in a town centre.
Why the pockets and cuffs work on trail
The six-pocket configuration is not padding. Every pocket has a purpose on a hike: warm hands on a summit, a secure phone pocket a harness strap will not catch, quick-access storage on the chest and a place to stick a hat or gloves when the temperature turns.
Pair that with adjustable wrist closures and you can seal the jacket down to a mitten or a bare hand without changing garments, which is the single biggest comfort difference on a cold descent.
The zipper is the weak point
Almost every critical review of this jacket comes back to the same place: the fine-toothed plastic main zipper. Multiple owners call it flimsy and expect it to wear out sooner than the fabric does, so treat it as a part to watch and to service rather than a component to trust indefinitely.
Two smaller annoyances: the zipper pull orientation is the reverse of what most people expect, and the stand-up collar is tall enough to drag the bottom of a climbing helmet when you turn your head sharply. Neither is a dealbreaker on a trail.
4. Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge III Softshell – Best Casual Everyday Layer
Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket, Black, Large
Omni-Shield repellency
Water and wind resistant
Drawcord hem
Zippered hand pockets
Pros
- Flattering non-boxy fit that suits extended sizes
- Wrinkle-resistant fabric that holds its shape
- Machine washes well and still looks sharp
- Room for a hoodie or sweater underneath
Cons
- Less warm than buyers expect
- No hood on this style
- No zippered chest pocket
This is the softshell I recommend for the gap between hiking and daily life. It has the highest average rating in the roundup, and the reason is fit: the slightly tapered shape is flattering without being boxy, which is the complaint that ends most women’s softshell relationships.
Construction-wise you get a water- and wind-resistant softshell shell with Omni-Shield advanced repellency, which handles light precipitation and stains and dries quickly. A drawcord-adjustable hem lets you cinch it, and zippered hand pockets handle the rest of the practical work.
The fabric holds its shape beautifully. Owners report that it resists wrinkling, which means it looks acceptable at the end of a day in a rucksack rather than like something that has been compressed in a bag since breakfast. Several also note it still looks good after multiple wash cycles.
Layering is where it earns its place. There is enough room for a hoodie or a sweater underneath without the jacket straining, and the fabric pulls back to shape when you take the layer off, so it does not stay baggy in the torso.
A softshell for town and trail
Wear this for errands, travel and cool-weather layering and it works well. The light wind protection is exactly what a shoulder-season day in town asks for, and the rating in this roundup reflects how consistently owners like it.
For hiking specifically, treat it as a walking-layer and a packable top rather than your primary weather shell. It is rated for wind and light precipitation, not sustained rain.
Where it falls short on warmth and hoods
The single most common request among owners is more warmth. The shell is a light layer, and buyers arriving expecting a mid-weight fleece-lined jacket are disappointed, particularly on colder shoulder-season days.
There is also no hood on this style, which matters on a ridge in a breeze, and there is no zippered chest pocket for a phone or keys. Sleeves can also run long for shorter wearers, and the cut runs a touch large if you size up.
5. Outdoor Ventures Women’s Waterproof Fleece Lined Softshell – Best Fleece-Lined Rain Hybrid
Outdoor Ventures Women’s Waterproof Fleece Lined Hooded Softshell Rain Coat
Waterproof membrane mid layer
144F micro fleece lining
Two-way full front zip
Deep interior pockets
Pros
- Warm 144F micro fleece lining without bulk
- Sheds light and moderate rain while staying breathable
- Large adjustable hood with high collar shields the face
- Two-way front zip plus adjustable cuffs and waist
Cons
- Seams can leak in sustained heavy rain
- Exterior hand pockets sit low for some wearers
- Velcro cuff tabs can catch wool
This jacket has the largest review base in the roundup, and that consistency is itself informative. It is a softshell that behaves like a rain coat, because the build puts a waterproof membrane in the middle of the construction rather than relying on a surface treatment alone.
The lining is 144F micro fleece, which is warm without feeling padded. That combination is why it works across more conditions than most fleece-lined shells: you can wear it over a baselayer in shoulder season or as a standalone layer on a mild wet day, and it packs down small for travel.
The hood deserves specific mention. It is fixed rather than removable, but it is large, adjustable, and paired with a high zipper collar that shields the face from wind-driven rain. On a wet hillside that combination keeps the rain out of your eyes, which is where most hiker discomfort actually comes from.
There is a two-way full front zip with interior storm flaps behind it, so you can open the jacket from the bottom while climbing and still have the rain blocked at your chest. A hideaway drawcord at the waist and adjustable cuffs finish the sealing, and two exterior zippered security pockets plus deep interior pockets handle storage.
Reviewers consistently describe it as flattering and lightweight-feeling, and the wide size and colour range means it is easier to fit properly than most jackets in this category. It also holds up for travel, commuting and everyday wear, not just hiking.
Warmth for shoulder-season walks
Because the fleece is a proper 144F micro fleece rather than a thin grid backer, this carries real warmth. It is the pick here for hikers who want one jacket to cover cold-but-dry mornings and damp afternoons without changing layers.
It is a genuinely useful piece for winter walking, commuting and travel, and the wide size range helps when you need a longer body or bigger arm room.
Seam leakage in sustained rain
Owners report that water can find its way through the stitching seams in heavy rain. So while this is the most rain-capable softshell in the roundup, it still has a hard limit, and in a multi-hour downpour you would be carrying a proper rain shell as well.
Two smaller issues recur: the exterior hand pockets sit low on the body for some wearers, and the hook-and-loop cuff tabs can grab wool layers and stiffen when tightened.
6. Columbia Women’s Lillian Ridge II Jacket – Best for Sustained Rain
Columbia Womens Lillian Ridge II Waterproof Rain Jacket, Safari, Medium
Critically seam-sealed shell
Omni-Shield treatment
Soft mesh lining
Cinchable waist
Pros
- Genuinely waterproof in sustained rain and wind
- Mesh lining avoids the clammy feel of hardshells
- Side snaps and cinched waist create a shaped fit
- Light and packable enough to carry as a backup
Cons
- Sleeves can be tight for wearers with larger arms
- Large runs baggy with long sleeves for petite wearers
- Main zipper is single-direction only
Technically this is the closest thing to a hardshell in the roundup, and for hikers who get caught out in real rain that is the point. The shell is a critically seam-sealed waterproof nylon blend, which is the difference between shedding water and blocking it, because the weak point in any jacket is the seam.
Omni-Shield treatment handles the surface side, repelling light precipitation, resisting stains and drying quickly. Underneath is a soft mesh lining, and that is what keeps it wearable on a climb: owners specifically praise the fact that it does not feel clammy in wet weather the way many sealed shells do.
The shaping features are unusually thoughtful for a rain jacket. Side seam snaps plus a cinchable waist let you pull the jacket in so it does not billow, and they also give you room to sit down comfortably, which matters on a long descent with a pack on.
It is light and packable enough to carry in a backpack, which is how most hikers should treat it: as the wet-weather insurance layer that goes in the lid pocket on a forecast that looks borderline.
The pick for reliably wet weather
For sustained rain and wind, this is the one in the roundup that owners describe as truly waterproof, keeping clothing and glasses dry through long downpours. Seam sealing is the technical reason, and it is the specification to check for if you are heading somewhere genuinely wet.
It also doubles as an everyday jacket. Owners mention compliments on the styling, so it does not look out of place in town, which no hiking-only shell can claim.
Fit issues across body types
Fit is the whole caveat. Some wearers with larger arms find the sleeves tight even when the body fits correctly, which is a common pattern in women’s shells that cut the armhole narrow.
In the other direction, petite buyers find the Large baggy with sleeves that are far too long, and often size down instead. The main zipper is also single-direction rather than two-way, so you cannot open it from the hem while climbing.
7. 33,000ft Women’s Waterproof Softshell – Best Lightweight Layer
33,000ft Women’s Waterproof Softshell Jacket Lightweight Fleece Lined Coat
4-way stretch fabric
Four deep pockets
Stand-up collar with chin guard
Drawcord hem
Pros
- Lightweight and windproof while still providing core warmth
- Water resistant and breathable in mixed conditions
- Four deep pockets with two zipped
- 4-way stretch fabric gives wide range of motion
Cons
- Warmth is only adequate in genuinely cold weather
- Runs slightly large depending on size
- Fleece lining adds bulk for a packable layer
This is the pick for hikers who want one jacket that flips between roles. The soft fleece lining gives it core warmth on a cold day, and the same jacket works as a standalone outer on mild days, so it earns its place in the pack in a way that a heavier midlayer does not.
The fabric is 4-way stretch and treated for both abrasion and stains. Four-way stretch matters more than it sounds on a hike, because it lets the fabric recover into shape after every stride instead of bagging out at the elbows, and it is why owners report comfortable motion for yard work, driving and exercise alike.
Pockets are the practical headline. There are four of them, and the two inner patch pockets are deliberately sized to take a large phone and a wallet, which is a small design decision that removes the most common pocket complaint there is.
A stand-up collar with a chin guard and a drawcord hem handle the sealing. The chin guard matters more than it sounds on a cold descent, where an unprotected neck is where you lose heat first and feel it immediately.
Owners also note the colour and size range includes extended sizes, which is worth checking if you have struggled to find length in other women’s softshells. The jacket is offered for hiking, golfing, camping, cycling and everyday wear, so it earns its space in a mixed kit.
Layering it under or over
The construction is designed for both positions. Worn as an intermediate layer on cold days, the fleece traps warm air close to the body while still blocking wind, and it does not compress badly under a shell.
Used as a standalone outer on mild days, the water-resistant and breathable build handles drizzle and breeze without the clammy feel of a sealed shell.
Where the fleece adds bulk
That same fleece is the reason it is not a pure packable layer. If you are minimising pack weight for a fast overnight, the bulk is a fair trade for the warmth, but you should know it going in.
Warmth is described as adequate rather than generous, and a small share of owners rate it three stars purely for that. Some also find the fit runs slightly large depending on the size chosen.
8. Rdruko Men’s Lightweight Softshell – Best Budget Pick for Hiking
Rdruko Men’s Hooded Softshell Jacket Fleece Lined Light Gray L
Three-layer fabric with TPU membrane
Adjustable hood and hem
Reflective strips
Five pockets
Pros
- Three-layer build holds back rain and wind at a very low cost
- Five pockets including three zippered
- Reflective strips front and back for low light
- Lightweight and quick drying
Cons
- Runs small so most buyers size up two sizes
- Sleeves run short for taller wearers
- Fleece is too thin as a standalone layer near 50F
This is the jacket to buy if softshell pricing is the thing stopping you. It uses a three-layer technical fabric with a TPU membrane in the middle and a fleece lining inside, which is the same construction logic as the premium membrane jackets in this roundup, just without the brand premium.
In practice it holds back rain and wind in mixed conditions while staying breathable enough to hike in. Owners describe it as performing well in exactly the conditions they bought it for, which is usually shoulder-season walking rather than alpine weather.
Details that cost more in other jackets are here: an adjustable hood, an adjustable hem, hook-and-loop cuffs that block cold wind, and reflective strips on both the front and back for low-light visibility on a winter commute home from a trailhead.
The five-pocket layout includes one zippered chest pocket, two zippered side pockets and two interior pockets. That is a serious amount of storage, and the three zippered pockets are the ones you will use constantly for keys, a phone and a snack.
Reviewers consistently report quality on par with name-brand jackets costing several times more, and the fabric is light, layers easily and dries quickly, which matters if you are washing it in a hostel sink.
Getting the fit right
The single most important buying note for this jacket is sizing. It runs small through the body, and the most common advice in the reviews is to size up, sometimes by two sizes if you are between sizes or layering underneath.
Sleeve length runs short, so taller wearers should check that specifically. Some jackets also arrive with a factory smell and light wrinkling from folded packaging, which resolves after a wash.
Limits in genuinely cold weather
The fleece lining here is thin. Owners use it comfortably down to around 50F over a baselayer, but below that you will be layering a puffy underneath rather than wearing it alone.
It is also water resistant rather than taped, so it is at its best in drizzle and mixed conditions. Long sustained downpours call for a hardshell in your pack.
9. Little Donkey Andy Men’s Removable Hood Softshell – Best Removable Hood Design
Little Donkey Andy Men’s Removable Hood Softshell Fleece Jacket Gray XL
Windproof TPU mid layer
Micro polar fleece lining
Detachable hood
Drawcord hem
Pros
- Micro polar fleece with TPU mid layer blocks chill
- Sheds light rain while staying breathable during exercise
- Detachable hood with cord adjustment for versatility
- Five pockets including two interior
Cons
- Not fully waterproof for heavy rain
- Hook-and-loop cuff straps wear out over time
- Hood drawstring anchor can break out of the box
The hood is detachable and that single feature changes how you use the jacket. On a cold, windy ridge you pull the hood up; on a hot, still climb or a sunny café stop you remove it and stuff it in the pack, which is a meaningful breathability gain that fixed hoods cannot offer.
The construction pairs a micro polar fleece lining with a windproof TPU mid layer and a water-resistant breathable polyester lining. The polar fleece is warm and soft without the bulk of a heavy pile, and the TPU layer is what stops that warmth leaking away in wind.
Pocket layout is generous for the tier: one zippered chest pocket, two zippered hand pockets and two interior pockets. A drawcord hem plus hook-and-loop cuffs let you close the jacket down at the waist and wrists, which is what turns a thin shell into something that blocks a real headwind.
Owners treat this as a high-value everyday softshell with a slim, warm, breathable feel, and the light weight means it can double as a mid layer when the temperature rises. It runs true to size for most people.
A removable hood that works for most days
Detachable hoods are a genuine advantage on variable-weather hikes, and this one has a cord adjuster so you can tighten it around the face when wind picks up. That is the difference between a hood that works and one that flaps in your line of sight.
Because the hood comes off entirely, this is also the easiest jacket here to wear as a normal jacket around town, which is a fair amount of extra use from one purchase.
Straps and stitching that fail early
Long-term owners report two specific failures. The hook-and-loop cuff straps wear out and become fiddly to adjust, and the hood drawstring anchor can break shortly after the jacket arrives, leaving the hood unadjustable.
It is also not fully waterproof, so it is built for light rain and wind rather than sustained downpours. The hood has no forward brim, which means water runs back toward your face in heavy rain.
10. Outdoor Ventures Women’s Softshell Fleece Lined Raincoat – Best Everyday Fleece Soft Shell
Outdoor Ventures Women’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof Fleece Lined Raincoat
Water-repellent treated outer
Soft microfleece lining
Two-way front zipper
Reflective zip pullers
Pros
- Repels steady rain and dries quickly keeping the interior dry
- Breathable microfleece lining that is not bulky
- Two-way front zip is convenient sitting or driving
- Flattering true-to-size fit with a cinchable waist
Cons
- Seams can soak through in downpours
- Fleece lining is light so it is not a winter coat
- Inner pockets are unzipped and sit very deep
This is the one I recommend for spring and autumn walking, and the reason is the two-way centre front zipper. You can open the jacket from the hem while climbing, sit down without riding up, and get in and out of a car without hauling the whole garment over your head.
The outer is a water-repellent treated shell over a breathable polyester lining, with a soft microfleece lining for warmth. That combination is what lets it handle steady rain while staying comfortable, and owners report the interior staying dry and the jacket drying quickly afterwards.
The hood is detachable with an adjuster, and it pairs with a high zipper collar for wind protection. That collar matters on a cold ridge, and a lot of softshells this warm leave a gap at the neck that you feel immediately once you start descending.
A hideaway drawcord adjustable waist lets you shape the fit, and the reflective pullers on the two outside zippered pockets make the jacket easier to use in low light. Reviewers call the fit flattering and true to size, with long coverage at the hem.
The practical range is wide, which is why it does so well: hiking, mountaineering, camping, fishing, travel and everyday wear, in a wide colour and size range, with a metal main zipper that is a step up from plastic.
Two-way zip and cinchable waist for daily wear
These two details are the reason this jacket doubles as a daily layer rather than trail-only kit. The two-way zip solves the venting problem on a steep pitch and the sitting problem on a long descent, which no single-direction zip can do.
The cinchable waist keeps the shape close when the wind picks up, so it reads as a fitted jacket rather than a sack over your layers.
Pockets and warmth compromises
The two interior pockets have no zips or flaps and sit very deep, so they are fine for a passport and poor for a phone you need quickly. The outside zippered pockets are the ones to use on trail.
The fleece is a light microfleece, so this is a spring and autumn jacket rather than a winter coat. It is also water resistant rather than fully waterproof, and downpours can soak through the seams. Sleeve length can run long, and the jacket can arrive noticeably wrinkled.
11. Columbia Men’s Ascender Softshell – Best Classic-Fit Midlayer
Columbia Mens Ascender Softshell Full Zip Rain Jacket, Black, Large
Comfort stretch polyester
Water and wind resistant
Zippered chest pocket
Adjustable cuffs and hem
Pros
- Comfort stretch polyester that works from trail to office
- Water and wind resistant for drizzle and breezy conditions
- Classic regular fit that needs no overthinking
- Zippered chest and hand pockets plus abrasion chin guard
Cons
- Water resistant rather than waterproof in heavy rain
- Not insulated enough to replace a winter parka
The Ascender has been in Columbia’s catalogue for years and has stayed in people’s wardrobes ever since, which tells you something about its reliability. It is a classic regular-fit softshell in 100 percent comfort stretch polyester, and it is the pick here if you want one jacket that never needs thinking about.
It is water- and wind-resistant, which is the right specification for the vast majority of hiking days: cool, breezy, occasionally damp. The stretch is what makes it feel modern rather than stiff, and it moves well enough to wear for walking, travel and everyday use without a change of clothes.
Details are sensible rather than excessive. There is an abrasion-resistant chin guard, which matters when a pack strap or a zip pull wears against your face over a long day, plus zippered chest and hand pockets for secure storage.
Adjustable cuffs and an adjustable hem let you seal the jacket against wind, and the regular classic fit means you can layer a fleece underneath without the jacket fighting you. The large majority of its reviews are five-star, and the negative minority is consistent rather than scattered.
A classic cut that layers easily
The regular fit is doing real work here. It gives room for a baselayer and a midlayer underneath without becoming baggy, which is the balance most hikers are actually looking for and rarely find in an athletic-cut softshell.
It also means the same jacket works for travel and everyday wear, so one purchase covers a wide range of use rather than a single trip profile.
Where the water resistance stops
It is worth being blunt about the limit. Reviewers who are otherwise positive make the same point: this is water resistant, not waterproof, and in heavy rain you will eventually get wet through.
It is also not insulated enough to stand in for a winter parka. Treat it as a three-season hiking layer and a year-round midlayer, and pair it with a packable hardshell when the forecast turns serious.
12. MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket Hooded Softshell – Best Packable Rain Layer
MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket Hooded Hiking Jacket Softshell Windbreaker
Waterproof polyester shell
Watertight IV technology
Mesh body lining
Deep zippered pockets
Pros
- Keeps wearers dry through moderate and even torrential rain
- Light and packs down small for travel
- Deep zippered pockets keep a phone dry
- Velcro closures at wrists neck and flaps seal out rain
Cons
- Breathability is limited so it can feel clammy
- Hood adjustments are fiddly and it can slip in wind
- Arms can run short in the Large size
This is the budget packable shell for hikers who travel light and occasionally get hit properly. It uses a 100 percent polyester waterproof shell with Watertight IV technology, and owners report that it keeps them dry through moderate rain and even genuinely torrential downpours.
It packs down very small into a suitcase or a day pack, which is its main argument. If you hike from a base and only need a shell for the forecast window, the space it saves in your pack matters more than any of the technical arguments you can make for a heavier jacket.
Sealing is thorough for the tier. Hook-and-loop closures at the wrists, at the neck and behind the wind flaps block the routes water usually takes, and an adjustable drawcord hem keeps it from ballooning upward when you walk into a headwind.
The pockets are deep and zippered, with a flap overlap for extra protection, so a phone stays dry. There is also an inner chest pocket, and the wide size range and colour options make it easier to find a fit than most jackets in this bracket.
Packing it for wet trips
This is where the jacket earns its place. It is a shell for movement and travel, not a static layer, and the combination of low weight and genuine waterproofing makes it easy to justify as permanent pack equipment.
It suits hiking, sailing, fishing, camping and daily wear, so it earns its place in a kit that does more than one job.
Heat and hood adjustability
Breathability is the compromise. There is mesh lining in the core body to wick sweat, but owners still report that it can feel clammy in warm conditions, which is the classic trade-off of a fully waterproof non-membrane shell.
The hood also takes practice. Adjustments are fiddly and it can slip in wind, so it is worth setting the fit before you need it. Arms can also run short in the Large, so size up if you have longer reach.
What Is a Softshell Jacket?
A softshell jacket is a stretchy woven outer layer with a smooth durable face fabric and a soft brushed or grid fleece backer, built to block wind and shed light rain while staying far more breathable and mobile than a waterproof hardshell. It is the layer hikers reach for when the forecast is cold and windy but not torrential.
The mechanism is simple. The woven face fabric blocks wind and resists abrasion, a durable water repellent coating beads light water away, and the fleece or grid backer adds warmth. Without a waterproof membrane and seam taping, however, sustained rain eventually finds its way through.
Forum threads repeatedly show the same confusion, and it is worth clearing up. On Mountain Project, climbers distinguish membrane softshells from non-membrane softshells, describing the latter as very breathable but only partially water and wind resistant, and knowingly accepting that trade. In practice that means the 33,000ft and Rdruko jackets, which both place a TPU membrane in the middle of the build, hold on better in rain than the treated-face fleece-lined shells such as the Little Donkey Andy or the Columbia Ascender, which breathe and pack better and cost less.
Softshell vs Hardshell vs Fleece vs Puffy
The confusion in the search results is understandable, because the categories overlap heavily in the shops. A fleece is pure warmth with no wind protection. A puffy adds warmth with almost no wind protection and poor packability. A softshell is wind protection with light-to-moderate warmth. A hardshell is water protection with minimal warmth and the least breathability of the four.
If your question is whether a softshell is a good hiking layer, the answer is yes for most of the year. On a cool, breezy day it replaces a baselayer plus a light windproof shell in one piece, and it will not leave you clammy the way a sealed shell does on a climb. When you need the most breathable waterproof jacket, no single garment wins outright: a non-membrane softshell is more breathable but stops repelling water sooner, while a hardshell keeps rain out longer and vents heat worse.
If you are choosing between a softshell and a hardshell for hiking, match the jacket to the climate rather than to the label. In dry, cold, windy mountains a softshell is the better tool. In a persistently wet climate, or on a route with long exposed traverses, you want a hardshell with seam taping, and our rain jacket guide covers those options. The most common mistake is buying the softshell, loving it, and then realising in the first sustained front that you needed the other one.
How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Hiking
Wind and water resistance, and where softshells stop
Are softshell jackets windproof? Mostly yes, and that is the job they do best. A woven face fabric is dense enough to stop a headwind, which is the condition that actually makes a hiker cold on a descent. Water resistance is the weaker half of the equation: a DWR coating beads light rain, but a treated face fabric that has not been reproofed will wet through in an hour of steady rain, and seams leak before the fabric does.
Look for the construction rather than the marketing word. A jacket with a TPU membrane in the middle of a three-layer build, or critically sealed seams, will hold on far longer in rain. The 33,000ft at 8000MM and the Columbia Lillian Ridge with critically sealed seams both give you real headroom; the fleece-lined treated-face shells are built for drizzle, and buyers are clear about that.
Breathability for uphill hiking
Breathability matters more to hikers than any other spec, because the way you make heat is by moving. Air permeability in a non-membrane softshell is naturally high, which is why these jackets feel comfortable on a steep pitch. Membrane builds trade a little of that for water resistance, so the published breathability figure is worth reading: the 33,000ft men’s jacket is rated at 1000G per square metre per 24 hours, which is unusually high for a fleece-lined build and explains why it does not feel clammy.
Our verdict for the most breathable options here is the 33,000ft men’s jacket and the Outdoor Ventures men’s, whose soft brushed fleece with stretch fabric stays comfortable during activity. On the other side of the list, anything with a waterproof membrane and no venting will feel warmer than you want on a hot climb.
Warmth and fabric weight in GSM
GSM means grams per square metre, and softshell face fabrics generally fall between about 80 and 250 GSM. Lower numbers are cooler, lighter and pack flatter; higher numbers are warmer, more wind-resistant and more durable, but bulkier in a pack. A simple rule: for warm lowland walking aim around the lower end, for high hills and shoulder season move up, and for winter starts go high and add a puffy underneath.
Warmth in this roundup is not usually printed as a GSM, so judge it by the lining instead. A full fleece lining, as on the TACVASEN, is a genuinely different thermal proposition from a partial microgrid backer. If you run cold, that difference matters more than any number on a label.
Fit, cuffs and glove layering
This is the criterion roundups usually bury, and it decides whether a jacket is comfortable. Non-adjustable elastic cuffs are the most common gripe in the reviews of this category, because they block glove layering and let wind straight up your forearm. Prioritise jackets with adjustable cuffs or hook-and-loop wrist tabs that still work after a season of use.
Fit should also match your layering. If you wear a baselayer plus a midlayer underneath, a trim athletic cut such as the 33,000ft’s may restrict the shoulders and arms, whereas a regular fit such as the Columbia Ascender gives you room. If you are between sizes, read the sizing advice twice: the Outdoor Ventures men’s and the Rdruko both run small, and the Rdruko’s sleeves run short on taller wearers.
Hoods, pockets and packability
Hood type depends on whether you wear a helmet. Under-the-helmet hoods sit close to the head and work for climbing and biking, over-the-helmet hoods have extra volume for a ski or bike helmet, and a large adjustable hood with a high collar matters most for hiking in wind-driven rain. A detachable hood, as on the Little Donkey Andy, is the most flexible option because you can remove it on a climb.
Pockets are worth matching to your kit. Zippered hand pockets stop at the glove. Harness-compatible or hip-belt-compatible torso pockets are a must if you use a daypack with a waist belt, and an internal pocket is the safe place for a phone. If you carry a phone on the move, our phone belt bag picks may be a better home for it. Finally, check packability: a jacket that compresses into its own pocket without becoming a brick is worth far more on a multi-day trip than a marginally better fabric.
Caring for DWR and reproofing
DWR is the coating that makes water bead on the face fabric, and it wears off faster than most people expect. Wash the jacket on a gentle cycle with a technical wash such as Nikwax Tech Wash to strip the old oils and surfactants, then tumble dry on low heat to reactivate what is left, and only then consider reproofing with a fluorocarbon-free treatment such as Nikwax TX.Direct.
Two habits prevent most of the frustration. Do not use fabric softener or biological detergent, both of which coat the fibres and destroy water repellency, and do not store the jacket compressed in a stuff sack for months, because permanent creases set into the face fabric. A softshell that has been reproofed and stored flat is usually a serviceable jacket for many more seasons, which is cheaper than replacing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best soft shell jacket?
There is no single winner, because the best brand depends on your climate and budget. Arc’teryx, Rab, Black Diamond, Montane and Dynafit dominate the forum recommendations, and r/arcteryx users almost universally point to the Gamma family. Among the jackets reviewed here, the 33,000ft Men’s stands out for its three-layer build with an 8000MM waterproofness rating, while the Outdoor Ventures Men’s offers the most capable all-round option at the value end of the market.
Are softshell jackets windproof?
Mostly yes, and blocking wind is the job they do best. The woven face fabric is dense enough to stop a headwind, which is the condition that makes hikers cold on a descent. They are far less capable against sustained rain, where a treated face fabric that has not been reproofed will wet through within an hour and seams usually leak before the fabric does.
Which softshell jacket is the most breathable?
Among the jackets reviewed here, the 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell is the most breathable, rated at 1000G per square metre per 24 hours despite carrying a fleece lining. The Outdoor Ventures Men’s is a close second, with a soft brushed fleece lining and stretch fabric that stays comfortable during activity. Fleece-lined models breathe better than membrane builds, and anything with a waterproof membrane and no pit vents runs warmest.
Which softshell jacket is the most waterproof?
The 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell, because its three-layer build places a TPU membrane in the middle and it carries an 8000MM waterproofness rating. The Columbia Women’s Lillian Ridge II is the runner-up, with a critically seam-sealed shell. The fleece-lined treated-face jackets in this roundup handle drizzle and wind rather than sustained downpours.
What should I wear under a softshell jacket?
In cool but not cold conditions, a merino or synthetic baselayer is enough, since a softshell adds wind protection and light warmth on top. In colder weather add a fleece midlayer, and below freezing put a puffy jacket between the baselayer and the softshell, which then acts as a breathable windproof outer. Avoid cotton, because it stays wet and cold for hours.
Final Verdict: The Best Softshell Jackets for Hiking in 2026
The 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell takes the Editor’s Choice as the best softshell jacket for hiking in 2026, because its three-layer build with a TPU membrane, 8000MM waterproofness rating and 1000G breathability rating is the most complete performance combination in the list. The Outdoor Ventures Men’s is the value pick, the TACVASEN is the warmest, and the Columbia Lillian Ridge II is the one to carry when the forecast turns properly wet.
Pick for your climate and your layering, size up if you are between sizes, and treat every softshell as a wind and drizzle layer rather than a rain jacket. If you want the wider picture, start with our hiking baby carrier guide for family trips, or read our life jacket picks for water days.