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When it comes to outdoor activities—whether it's a challenging hike, a spirited run, a mountain climber, a rock climber, or a leisurely paddler—a softshell jacket is often a great all-around piece of clothing.
When outdoors, it's common to experience many days of stormy weather, in which case a full raincoat may not be the best option. However, when the wind is raging, or you're facing the possibility of light rain or snow, and you still desperately need some level of weather protection, a soft shell is perfect.
Softshell jackets are ideal outerwear that bridge the significant gap between waterproof hardshells and those technical shirts, base layers or fleece jackets that are not windproof or waterproof. It's no exaggeration to say that this is one of the most versatile jackets you'll ever have.
Be aware that soft shell jackets are not fully windproof and waterproof hard shell jackets, but even so, they can still provide you with more effective layers of protection than many other layers of clothing. Softshells strike a delicate yet fragile balance between weather resistance and breathability, reliably protecting you from the elements while ensuring you don't become uncomfortable from overheating.
Generally speaking, softshell jackets do not have a special membrane that is completely waterproof like many hardshells (although there are some rare exceptions). They tend to focus more on breathability, while also providing a certain degree of windproof and waterproof performance. Compared with hard-shell jackets, soft-shell jackets are generally more elastic, softer, and more comfortable to wear.
For example, in some professional mountaineering activities, experienced climbers will flexibly choose soft shell or hard shell jackets according to different weather and environmental conditions. The advantages of soft-shell jackets come to the fore when faced with short periods of bad weather and when you need to maintain freedom of movement. In long-term heavy rain or extremely cold environments, the comprehensive protection of a hard-shell jacket is even more critical. For another example, some high-performance soft shell fabrics use special weaving technology and coating treatment, which can not only enhance the windproof and waterproof effect, but also maximize the breathability, providing a better wearing experience for outdoor activities.
