Soft shells

Wind chill can be a serious issue in the hills, which is why it’s right at the top of most mountain weather forecasts. Your first line of defence should be a windproof, whether that’s a lightweight windshirt or a versatile soft shell jacket.

HOOD

Although it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference, a hood is generally a useful addition, but think about whether you’ll want it to fit comfortably under a hard shell. Technical soft shell jackets often have peaked and/or helmet-compatible hoods, with adjustment so they can be cinched in tight.

FABRICS

A windshirt is made from a lightweight, single weave fabric, offering basic wind protection with minimal bulk and weight. Single layer soft shells are more substantial while still remaining breathable thanks to the use of a double-weave wicking fabric. Two-layer soft shells offer increased warmth and water-resistance as well as windproofing.

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.

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. Fourway stretch fabrics stretch in both directions.

WATER RESISTANCE

Soft shells are generally waterresistant 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.

WEIGHT AND PACK SIZE

Since windshirts are typically used as ‘on-off’ layers, low weight and packability are vital. Soft shells, on the other hand, are often regarded as wear-all-day layers, which makes these factors less important – though overall weight and bulk are still considerations.

WIND RESISTANCE

This is the primary function of a windshirt and the major benefit of soft shell over fleece. Windresistance is often measured by CC or CFM. The higher the number, the less resistant the fabric is to wind. A lightweight fleece typically measures about 60 CFM, while most soft shells are rated between 10 and 5 CFM.

POCKETS

Large pockets are great for storage. Napoleon-style pockets are placed in the centre of the jacket, next to the main zip, for easy access. Other jackets have side hand pockets, which are usually placed higher than normal so they can be used even if you’re wearing a rucksack.

VENTILATION

Even the most breathable jackets can still get warm, so ventilation is vital. Some jackets feature pit zips or mesh-lined pockets, which can be opened to increase airflow. Wide cuffs that can be pushed up the forearm can also aid cooling.

FIT

Windshirts and soft shells tend to have a slimmer cut compared to hard shell jackets. But you should still ensure that they don’t feel tight across the shoulders or chest and that sleeves cover your wrists fully.