A softshell jacket is a stretchy outer layer built from woven nylon or polyester with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, usually backed by a thin fleece or grid lining. It blocks wind, sheds light drizzle, moves with you when you climb, and dumps heat far faster than a waterproof hardshell. That combination is why the best softshell jackets for hiking are the layer most hikers reach for on the majority of days of the year.
One thing to get straight before you buy anything: a softshell is not a rain jacket. On forums like r/CampingandHiking the consensus is blunt. A soft shell is water resistant at best, and a DWR treatment helps with a light shower but does nothing in sustained rain. Once you understand that trade, the buying decision gets much easier, because a softshell is not competing with a hardshell on waterproofing. It is competing on warmth, breathability, mobility and how much you will actually want to wear it.
We compared ten softshell jackets for hiking across the categories that matter on a trail: face fabric and stretch, fleece weight, waterproof index, hood and cuff adjustability, pocket layout, cut and packability. We also read through thousands of buyer reviews to separate the claims that survive contact with a wet trail from the ones that do not. Prices and deals change constantly, so use the buttons below rather than any number you remember. If you are still kitting out, our guide to the best daypacks for hiking covers the other half of a day-hike setup.
All ten jackets below are water resistant rather than waterproof, and every one is designed to be worn over a baselayer. That assumption runs through the whole list.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Softshell Jackets for Hiking (October 2026)
FREE SOLDIER Fleece Lined Softshell
- 10000mm waterproof index
- Nine pockets
- Axillary ventilation zippers
Tommy Hilfiger Performance Softshell
- Lightweight breathable shell
- Fleece backing
- Attached hood
Little Donkey Andy Softshell
- Removable adjustable hood
- Micro polar fleece lining
- Windproof TPU mid-layer
The 10 Best Softshell Jackets for Hiking in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| FREE SOLDIER Fleece Lined Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
 Outdoor Ventures Women’s Fleece Lined Softshell |
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| Tommy Hilfiger Lightweight Performance Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
| Little Donkey Andy Removable Hood Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
 Outdoor Ventures Men’s Fleece Lined Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
 Columbia Ascender Softshell Jacket |
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Check Latest Price |
 33,000ft Lightweight Waterproof Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
 Helly Hansen Paramount Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
 Marmot Tempo Jacket |
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Check Latest Price |
 Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant Softshell |
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Check Latest Price |
1. FREE SOLDIER Fleece Lined Softshell – the all-round hiking pick
FREE SOLDIER Men’s Hooded Waterproof Softshell Jacket(Black,L)
Waterproof Index 10000mm
Permeability 3000g/m2/24Hr
94% Polyester 6% Spandex
8000mm fleece liner
Pros
- Waterproof and breathability ratings well above budget rivals
- Nine pockets including chest shoulder and forearm zips
- 8000mm fleece liner adds real warmth
- Removable 3D rim hood stores as a stand-up collar
- Axillary ventilation zippers dump heat on climbs
Cons
- Bulky next to ultralight softshells
- Tactical pocket layout adds weight for pure hiking
- Fleece lining can overheat on mild high-output days
This is the jacket we reach for first when a hike is going to be long, cool and slightly damp. The construction is a proper three-part setup: a polyester and spandex stretch shell, a waterproof layer rated at 10000mm, and an 8000mm fleece liner. That index is not a hardshell number, and it is not meant to be, but it keeps drizzle off for far longer than a plain DWR jacket does.
The nine-pocket layout is unusual on a hiking jacket and genuinely useful. You get chest, shoulder, forearm and rear zip pockets alongside the hand pockets, which means a phone, a bar and a small map can each live somewhere sensible instead of all in one overloaded pouch. Drawcords at the waist and adjustable cuffs seal out gusts, and the axillary ventilation zippers open when the climb gets steep.
Weight is the honest trade-off, and the listed package weight is 2.78 pounds. This is not an ultralight layer and it will not disappear into a pack the way a windbreaker does. The fleece lining also runs warm, so on a mild day you want to carry it and put it on at the first rest stop rather than wearing it from the trailhead.
Fit is a genuine regular cut with enough room for a baselayer and a light midlayer. Buyers who layer heavily report sizing normally rather than going up, and reviewers consistently call out the collar-to-hood transition as the standout detail, since the 3D rim hood stores neatly when you are not wearing it.
Who this softshell suits
It suits hikers who get wet on the walk out and want warmth on the walk back, in shoulder seasons and on colder days when a thin windbreaker would leave you chilled at a viewpoint. The 3000g/m2/24Hr permeability rating means you can keep it on through a steady climb rather than stripping it and stuffing it away.
It also suits anyone who carries more than a phone. Nine pockets spread across the chest, shoulders, forearms and back give you more places to put a phone, a snack and a small map than most hiking jackets at this level offer.
Where it falls short
For thru-hikers and fast-and-light walkers, the 2.78 pounds is the deal-breaker. Carrying that on a long multi-day route eats into a pack budget that most people would rather spend on sleep system or food.
On mild days the 8000mm fleece liner is more warmth than you need, and wearing it too early into a hike is exactly the overheating problem hikers complain about on r/hikinggear. Vent it through the zips, or wait until you have climbed for twenty minutes.
2. Outdoor Ventures Women’s Fleece Lined Softshell – the best women’s cut
Outdoor Ventures Women’s Waterproof Fleece Lined Hooded Softshell Rain Coat
Waterproof membrane mid-layer
144F micro fleece lining
Two-way full zip with storm flaps
Pros
- Warm 144F micro fleece lining without bulk
- Waterproof membrane mid-layer beads and sheds water
- Adjustable large hood plus high zipper collar
- Hideaway drawcord waist gives a clean silhouette
- Longer cut layers well over a midlayer
Cons
- Seams can leak in heavy rain
- Hook-and-loop cuff tabs grab wool and crease
- Exterior hand pockets sit low and are hard to reach
Many softshell jackets for women are a men’s pattern trimmed down at the last stage. This one is cut longer through the body, which is the difference you notice immediately on a hike when you are reaching for a pocket while walking rather than standing still. The hem sits below the hip, so it stays put when you bend, kneel or scramble over a wet rock.
Inside is a 144F micro fleece lining behind a waterproof membrane mid-layer. Owners report that water beads and runs off rather than soaking in, and the lining holds warmth without the bulk you get from a heavier winter coat. The two-way full zip with interior storm flaps is a smart touch on a jacket that has to cope with being shrugged on and off in wind.
The hood is large and adjustable, and it works with the high collar so there is no gap at the neck when the wind comes down the trail. The hideaway drawcord waist pulls the shape in without a visible cord, and it makes the jacket work in a town as well as on a ridge.
Deep zippered pockets on the outside plus interior pockets give you somewhere to put a phone and a set of keys, and the size range runs from XS to 4X.
Who this softshell suits
It suits hikers who want real warmth in cold, wet conditions without adding a separate insulating layer, and it suits anyone who has been disappointed by a jacket with hand pockets positioned where your arm naturally falls when you are walking. The longer line also works well over a chunkier midlayer in winter.
For shoulder-season daily wear it is one of the more versatile options here. Owners frequently describe it as the jacket they keep within reach of the front door in autumn and spring.
Where it falls short
The seam leakage that buyers mention is a limit, not a defect. A waterproof membrane mid-layer is not the same as fully taped seams in a hardshell, and in sustained heavy rain water can find its way through the stitching. If your climate delivers that kind of rain, pair it with a packable rain shell rather than relying on the jacket alone.
The hook-and-loop cuff tabs are a smaller irritation. They catch on merino and other fine wool and can leave a stiff crease in the sleeve. The exterior pockets being low is a real problem on a moving hike, which is why the interior pockets matter so much here.
3. Tommy Hilfiger Lightweight Performance Softshell – the move-easy pick
Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Lightweight Water Resistant Breathable Hooded Performance Softshell Jacket, black, XX-Large
Lightweight water resistant breathable shell
Fleece backing and binding
Attached hood with stand collar
Pros
- Genuinely light shell you can wear all day
- Breathable enough for high-output hiking
- Fleece backing works as a standalone midlayer
- Attached hood plus stand collar
- Clean styling that works off trail
Cons
- Only two welt zip pockets
- Water resistance is light duty rather than storm proof
- Fleece backing adds warmth for static efforts
This is the pick for anyone whose biggest softshell complaint is overheating. The shell is genuinely lightweight, the fleece backing is thin, and the combination moves heat off you quickly enough that it works as a standalone layer on a cool hike rather than only as something to put on at the summit.
Buyers rate it highly and the reviews are unusually consistent about the same thing: it is a multi-season midlayer that happens to handle wind and drizzle. The attached hood and stand collar close down the drafts that make a bare fleece useless on an exposed ridge, and the fabric blocks a steady breeze without feeling clammy.
The trade is capacity. There are two lower welt zip pockets, which is enough for a phone and keys and not much more. If you carry a camera, a bottle of sunscreen and a full navigation kit, you will want something with more pockets, and that is worth knowing before you commit.
It also reads as casual rather than technical, which is a real advantage if you want one jacket for the trail and the pub. The embroidered chest flag and arm patch are not subtle, but they are not shouty either.
Who this softshell suits
It suits fast hikers, runners and anyone who works up a sweat and then has to keep moving. Because the fleece is thin, it layers cleanly under a hardshell without the bulk that stops a breathable membrane from working properly, which makes it a genuinely useful inner layer for wet-weather trips.
It also suits shoulder-season commuters who walk part of the way to work or school. The styling reads as casual, and the fabric keeps drizzle off during the exposed part of the route.
Where it falls short
Do not buy it for sustained rain. Reviewers consistently describe the water resistance as light duty, and the fabric has no membrane to fall back on once the DWR is wet through. In a real downpour you will be cold, and a thin shell gives up faster than a heavier three-layer build.
The pocket count is the other limitation. Two welt zips will not carry a full day-hike load, so most people end up pairing it with a pack fitted with a good hipbelt. Our daypack roundup covers that side of the kit.
4. Little Donkey Andy Removable Hood Softshell – the best value pick
Little Donkey Andy Men’s Removable Hood Softshell Fleece Jacket Gray XL
Micro polar fleece lining
Windproof TPU mid-layer
Removable hood with cord adjusters
Pros
- Warm micro polar fleece that traps heat without bulk
- Windproof TPU mid-layer blocks gusts
- Removable hood with cord adjustment is a standout feature
- Five pockets including zippered chest and hand
- Slimmer cut that layers well
Cons
- Not waterproof and heavy rain soaks through
- Runniness and sizing can vary between orders
- Cuff hook-and-loop straps wear out over time
The reason this jacket keeps showing up in recommendations is the removable hood. On any softshell, the hood is the feature most likely to be useless in the conditions you actually hike in. This one unzips and folds away, so on a cold, still, overcast morning you get full hood coverage, and on a bright climb you carry a lighter jacket instead of wearing a hood that blocks your peripheral vision.
Inside is a micro polar fleece lining behind a windproof TPU mid-layer and a water resistant breathable polyester shell. Reviewers describe the warmth-to-weight ratio as the standout: enough insulation to replace a midlayer on a cold day, without the volume of one.
Five pockets, including a zippered chest pocket, two zippered hand pockets and two interior pockets. The drawcord hem and hook-and-loop cuffs close off the drafts that come off a valley floor at dawn, and the cut is draped and layer-friendly rather than boxy.
Reviewers regularly describe the value as strong against branded softshells, and say the same thing about the lining quality. That is a fair characterisation of what a jacket at this level should deliver.
Who this softshell suits
It suits shoulder-season hikers who are still moving in the cold but no longer need a puffy, and it suits anyone who wants one jacket that covers both the hooded and hoodless case. A removable hood is also a good fit for people who wear glasses or a hat, since an attached hood rarely accommodates either.
The slim cut means it layers under a pack lid or a light shell without bunching, which makes it a good shoulder-season midlayer for multi-day trips where every gram gets logged.
Where it falls short
It is not waterproof, and reviewers are blunt about that. Heavy rain soaks through, and the water resistance fades with extended wear as the DWR wears off. Treat it as a wind and drizzle layer and it performs well; treat it as a rain jacket and you will be disappointed.
Two practical complaints come up repeatedly. Runniness and sizing can vary between orders, so read the size chart rather than trusting your usual size, and the cuff hook-and-loop straps wear out after a few years of regular use. The hood also has no forward brim, so it will not shed rain off your face.
5. Outdoor Ventures Men’s Fleece Lined Softshell – the shoulder-season workhorse
Outdoor Ventures Men’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof Fleece Rain Shell Coat
Midweight windproof mid-layer
Brushed fleece lining
Stretch fabric with reflective zip pullers
Pros
- Windproof mid-layer keeps steady gusts out
- Brushed fleece is comfortable next to skin
- Five pockets including two deep interior
- Reflective zip pullers help in low light
- Stretch fabric moves well for climbing
Cons
- Seams can leak in heavy rain
- Midweight fleece runs warm on high-output days
- No hood in the base configuration
This is a straightforward warm softshell. A midweight windproof mid-layer sits behind a water repellent treated outer, and a brushed fleece lining adds the warmth that makes it usable into the cold months. Owners rate it highly as an autumn and winter layer that blocks wind convincingly.
The fleece lining is the reason it works on a cold day, and also the reason it is the wrong jacket for a steep summer climb. Reviewers are consistent that the midweight lining is too warm for high-output activity in mild conditions, which is the same overheating pattern that shows up across fleece-lined softshells generally.
Storage is generous: three zippered exterior pockets plus two deep interior pockets. The reflective zip pullers are a small detail that matters if you are walking a trailhead path in low light or finishing near dusk.
Adjustable drawcords at the hood, cuffs and hem are the feature that separates it from the flimsier budget jackets. They let you close the jacket down when the wind picks up and let it breathe when you are working, which is the basic job of a softshell.
Who this softshell suits
It suits hikers in autumn and winter who spend most of their time moving and want one warm layer that does not need a midlayer underneath. Stretch fabric gives enough give for climbing and scrambling, and the brushed lining is comfortable against skin for long wear days.
It also works for winter walking where the temperature is low but the weather is dry, and for shoulder-season everyday wear where you want something that reads as a jacket rather than a piece of technical kit. If you walk in the cold often, our heated jacket roundup covers a different approach to the same problem.
Where it falls short
The base configuration comes without a hood. That is a meaningful omission on a hiking jacket, because the head and neck are where you lose most of your heat, and it means this works best in cold but calm conditions rather than on an exposed ridge in a gale.
Seam leakage in heavy rain is the second limitation, reported often enough to plan around. And if your hiking is high output in mild weather, the fleece is doing too much work. Carry it, open it early, and put it on when you stop.
6. 33,000ft Lightweight Waterproof Softshell – the best for wet weather
33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell Jacket Fleece Waterproof Windbreaker
Three-layer build with TPU membrane
8000MM waterproofness rating
1000G/M2/24Hr breathability rating
Pros
- Three-layer TPU membrane gives solid waterproofing for the money
- Seven pockets including two chest and two hand warmers
- Stain and abrasion resistant face fabric
- Works as a midlayer or an outer layer
Cons
- 8000MM rating sits below true storm shell levels
- Slim cut is restrictive over thick fleece
- Branding and styling are plain
If wet weather is your normal condition rather than your bad luck, this is the one to look at. It is a genuine three-layer construction: softshell outer, TPU membrane, fleece lining. That membrane is what separates it from a DWR-only jacket, and buyers single it out as unusually strong waterproofing for the money.
The published ratings are 8000MM waterproofness and 1000G/M2/24Hr breathability. Read those as light-to-moderate rain and moderate breathability. That is a step up from a simple softshell and still a step down from a fully taped hardshell, so this is the jacket for a wet day hike, not for a multi-day storm.
Seven pockets is the second standout. Two hand warmers, two chest pockets, an inner zip pocket and two patch pockets give you capacity to stop digging in a loaded pack, and the face fabric is treated to be stain and abrasion resistant, which helps on rock and in wet scrub.
The neck collar, drawcord hem and chin guard seal off the places cold air normally finds. That combination lets the jacket work as an outer layer in cool weather and as a midlayer on a freezing day when you would otherwise reach for a full winter shell.
Who this softshell suits
It suits hikers in wet climates who want more rain protection than a softshell usually offers without carrying a full hardshell. The stretchy face fabric also moves freely enough for golf, cycling and trail running, so it doubles as a general-purpose wet-weather jacket.
Anyone who works in an outdoor job or spends long periods waiting in the cold on a hill will find the midlayer use more valuable than the hiking use. Owners report using it exactly that way, over a baselayer on freezing days.
Where it falls short
The slim fit is the main problem for hikers. It cuts close through the body, so layering a thick fleece or a puffy underneath is restrictive, and reviewers report that it feels tight rather than comfortably roomy. If you layer heavily, size up or look at a regular-cut option.
The 8000MM rating is also not a storm rating, and the styling is plain next to the branded options on this list. If the jacket is going to be seen in a town as much as on a trail, the branded fleece-lined picks suit that better.
7. Columbia Ascender Softshell – the one jacket for trail and town
Columbia Mens Ascender Softshell Full Zip Rain Jacket, Black, Large
100% polyester comfort stretch fabric
Water and wind resistant
Regular classic fit
Pros
- Comfort stretch fabric moves freely on trail and in the office
- Water and wind resistant for drizzle and gusts
- Regular fit layers over a baselayer easily
- Chin guard plus adjustable cuffs and hem
Cons
- Higher cost than similar-feeling budget softshells
- Fleece level is moderate so cold days need a midlayer
- Limited pocket configuration
The Ascender is among the most polished-looking jackets on this list, and for a lot of hikers that matters more than a spec sheet. The 100% polyester comfort stretch fabric handles wind and light rain, and the regular classic fit is polished enough to wear to work without feeling like you have come straight off a trail.
Reviewers describe it as durable and versatile rather than technical, which is a fair summary. The abrasion-resistant chin guard protects the spot that always takes the worst of a pack strap, and the zippered chest and hand pockets plus adjustable cuffs and hem cover the useful adjustments without turning into a technical jacket full of webbing.
Fit is where this one earns its place for many people. A regular cut sits over a baselayer with room to move, and Columbia runs a broad size range with a consistent shape between models, so if you have found a Columbia jacket that fits, this is a safe second one.
It is also the kind of jacket that handles commuting, walking the dog, a day hike and a weekend trip without being reserved for any of them. That is a harder thing to design than a specialist mountain piece, and it is one of the reasons the Ascender has stayed in the range for years.
Who this softshell suits
It suits the one-jacket hiker who wants something that works on the trail and in town without a second purchase, and it also suits people who overheat easily, because a moderate fleece level sits closer to a fleeced midlayer than to a winter coat.
For anyone starting out with softshells, it is an easy first buy: forgiving fit, durable fabric, sensible pockets and no premium-brand markup for a name on the chest. Pair it with one of our tested hiking daypacks and you have a complete day setup.
Where it falls short
Warmth is the honest limit. Reviewers note that on colder days you need an added midlayer underneath, because the fleece level here is moderate rather than heavy. If you are heading into genuine winter hiking conditions, the fleece-lined picks on this list are warmer.
Pocket configuration is limited for technical gear, and it costs more than several softshells on this list that reviewers describe as feeling similar. You are paying for construction quality and cut rather than extra features.
8. Marmot Tempo Jacket – the built-for-movement pick
MARMOT Men’s Tempo Jacket, Warm Breathable Water-Resistant Softshell, Black, Large
Double weave softshell with stretch
Durable Water Repellent finish
Angel-Wing movement construction
Pros
- Genuinely stretchy double weave fabric that does not bind
- Blocks wind while staying breathable on climbs
- Angel-Wing cut gives a wide range of movement
- Packs small and works for trail golf and commuting
Cons
- Runs long with sleeves several inches longer than expected
- Slim cut leaves little room for layering
- Not a rain jacket in sustained rain
The Tempo is the jacket to buy if your hiking involves more vertical gain than distance. Its double weave stretch fabric and Angel-Wing movement construction are built for range of motion, and owners describe it as a jacket that does not bind when you reach overhead, crouch or scramble.
Breathability is the other strength. Reviewers report that it blocks wind effectively while still letting heat out during activity, which is exactly the balance you want on a fast hike in cool weather. The DWR finish beads light rain and drizzle, and the fabric packs down small enough to carry as a spare on a longer route.
Storage is straightforward: two zip hand pockets and a zip chest pocket with a headphone port, which is a slightly old-school feature but still useful on a long walk. The full-length front zip with chin guard, drawcord hem and adjustable cuffs cover the usual adjustment points.
This is also a genuinely multi-purpose jacket. Owners use it for hiking, golf, commuting and the office, and several reviews note it looks understated enough for everyday wear. That versatility is part of why it has stayed popular.
Who this softshell suits
It suits fast hikers, runners and anyone doing repeated climbs where a stiff jacket becomes a liability. The stretch and the cut are what make the difference when you are hauling yourself up a steep slope with poles.
It also suits people who want a jacket that can be worn all day without feeling clammy, since the double weave releases heat well and packs down smaller than the fleece-lined options. If you layer, keep the layers thin.
Where it falls short
Sleeve length is the most common complaint, with owners reporting sleeves three to four inches longer than expected. It is an easy fix with an alteration, but if you have long arms, check a review or measure before committing.
The slim athletic cut leaves little room for a thick midlayer, and minimal insulation means it needs one in cold weather. It is also not a rain jacket. In sustained precipitation the water soaks through, and a few owners report cuff seams fraying early. Expect to carry a packable rain shell alongside it for serious wet-weather trips.
9. Helly Hansen Paramount Softshell – the best for layering under a shell
Helly Hansen Paramount Softshell Jacket Black SM
Softshell fabric with membrane
Fleece backing
Regular fit with YKK full front zip
Pros
- Athletic cut adds warmth without looking bulky
- Membrane-backed softshell resists wind and light rain
- YKK full front zip and zipped hand and chest pockets
- Chin guard and adjustable cuffs for comfort
Cons
- Carries a higher price than the cheaper rivals
- Fewer pocket options than budget jackets
- Regular fit can feel roomy under a shell
The Paramount carries a higher price point than the rest of this list, and the reason to consider it is layering. Its athletic cut is filled out enough to add real warmth without the bulk of a puffy, which is precisely the profile you want as a midlayer under a hardshell in cold alpine conditions.
The softshell fabric sits over a membrane, so it blocks wind and light rain more reliably than a plain DWR jacket, and the fleece backing adds insulation without much weight. Owners cite the YKK full front zip and the zipped hand and chest pockets as the details that feel built rather than assembled.
The chin guard and adjustable cuffs handle the two places drafts reliably get in, and the fit is described as regular rather than slim, which helps when you are wearing it over a baselayer. The result is a jacket that works for camping, hiking, trekking and ordinary city use.
Value comparisons against cheaper brands are mixed, and fairly so. Reviewers who compare directly tend to land on the position that you are paying for construction quality, hardware and a cut that works in cold conditions, not for extra features.
Who this softshell suits
It suits hikers who already own a good hardshell and want a warm, packable midlayer for cold trips. Because the fleece backing is light, it works under a shell without generating the trapped heat that makes a breathable membrane perform badly.
It also suits anyone who wants a jacket that looks good in a town, since the athletic cut and simple styling read as casual outerwear rather than technical kit, and it works well for shoulder-season walking.
Where it falls short
The cost is the first thing reviewers mention, and the comparison is not in its favour. You are paying more than several jackets here that reviewers describe as feeling similar.
Pocket count is below what the cheaper fleece-lined options offer, which matters if you carry a lot of small items. And the regular fit can feel loose under a tight shell, so if your outer layer is close-cut, check the sizing carefully or the layering will bunch at the shoulders.
10. Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant Softshell – the one to pack
Amazon Essentials Men’s Water-Resistant Softshell Jacket, Black, X-Large
8 ounces in listed weight
Micro fleece shell with bonded membrane
Regular fit with stand-up collar
Pros
- Weighs 8 ounces in the listed specifications
- Micro fleece shell with a bonded membrane blocks wind
- Regular fit layers easily over a base layer
- Two zippered hand pockets plus a chest pocket
Cons
- No hood
- so limited protection in wind and rain
- Little warmth for cold alpine conditions
- Water resistance covers drizzle rather than real rain
The one to pack rather than the one to wear sits at 8 ounces in the listed specifications. Reviewers treat it as a dependable wind-and-drizzle layer that compresses into a small volume and pulls on over whatever else is in your bag when the weather turns.
The shell is a micro fleece with a bonded membrane, which is enough to block wind and stop light water getting through, and the stand-up collar plus adjustable hook-and-loop sleeve tabs close down the drafts that make a fleeced midlayer pointless in wind. The regular fit runs through the shoulders, chest and waist, so it layers cleanly over a base layer.
Two zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket give you somewhere to warm your hands and stash a phone, which is enough for a short walk and about right for a jacket of this weight. The full-length centre-front zip makes it easy to get on and off over layers without stopping to fight the fabric.
Buyers are consistent about what it is: a dependable, low-bulk layer for shoulder seasons and travel. It is the sort of jacket people keep in a car or a rucksack as a permanent extra, which is a role the heavier fleece-lined jackets struggle to fill.
Who this softshell suits
It suits walkers and travellers who need a low-bulk wind layer that fits in any pack and can be worn over whatever they already have on. It works well for a cool, calm day, a walk around town in autumn, or as a packable layer on a trip where weight matters.
It also suits anyone building a first kit on a limited budget. A second light layer is a reasonable early purchase alongside a proper rain shell, and we cover the heavier insulated option in our cold-weather jacket guide.
Where it falls short
There is no hood. On an exposed ridge or in any real precipitation, that is a serious gap, because the head and neck are where heat escapes first, and there is no way to close that down.
The bonded micro fleece also offers very little warmth, so it is a mild-weather layer rather than a cold-weather one. And the water resistance is for drizzle only. Do not treat it as rain protection in any form.
What Is a Softshell Jacket, and When Not to Bring One?
A softshell is a woven stretch face fabric with a DWR finish, often backed by a thin fleece or grid liner, built to block wind and shed light rain while staying breathable and mobile. A hardshell puts a waterproof membrane between layers and tapes the seams, so it keeps water out far better but sweats more and feels less comfortable. A windbreaker is the lightest of the three and is usually neither stretchy nor lined. A rain jacket is waterproof, usually non-stretch, and often noisy and clammy on the move.
The practical difference comes down to where you feel it. A hardshell’s job is to keep water out and let sweat out as much as possible. A softshell’s job is to stop the wind, add a little warmth, and let you move. If you are climbing hard and sweating, the softshell is usually the more comfortable choice and you will wear it for a larger share of the day.
There is a hybrid category between the two. These use a waterproof membrane sandwiched between stretch knit or stretch woven fabrics, so you get real waterproofing with better mobility and breathability than a conventional hardshell. The 33,000ft jacket on this list sits closer to a hybrid, with its TPU membrane and fleece lining, and it carries the highest published waterproofness rating in this group at 8000MM.
Knowing when a softshell is the wrong choice is the part most roundups skip, and it saves you pack weight and money. Leave it behind when you are heading into sustained rain, when the forecast puts you on an exposed ridgeline in a gale, or when you are ultralight backpacking and every gram is spoken for. On a wet multi-day trip, a packable rain shell weighs far less than any softshell here and does the job properly.
The reverse is also true. There are days when a rain jacket is the wrong answer: a sunny 15 degree climb, a cool breeze on an exposed shoulder, a fast hike where overheating is the real risk. On those days the softshell is the layer that lets you keep moving. r/Backcountry reflects this in practice, with hikers describing reaching for the softshell more often than the hardshell and keeping the hardshell in the pack for storms.
How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Hiking
Start with the conditions, not the jacket. If most of your hiking is cool, windy and dry, a thin unlined softshell like the Marmot Tempo or the Tommy Hilfiger is right. If you hike in cold and damp shoulder seasons, you want a fleece-lined midweight such as the Outdoor Ventures jackets or the Little Donkey Andy. If rain is your normal forecast, look for a membrane-backed build like the 33,000ft or the Helly Hansen.
1. What warmth level do you actually need?
Warmth in a softshell comes from the lining, not the face fabric. Unlined and grid-fleece softshells work as a wind layer over a baselayer and add almost no insulation. Brushed fleece or micro polar fleece adds enough warmth to replace a midlayer. Microgrid and grid fleece are the lightest and are usually worn next to skin over a baselayer.
The layer question decides the rest. If you are running warm and moving fast, less is more. Overheating is the single most common complaint about softshells on hiking forums, and almost all of those complaints trace back to wearing too much insulation too early in the hike.
2. What does GSM mean on a softshell?
GSM is grams per square metre, and it measures fabric weight rather than warmth directly. The bands that matter for hiking are straightforward. Around 80 to 120 GSM is ultralight and best in a pack as a spare wind layer. Around 150 to 200 GSM is the all-round range and works as a standalone softshell over a baselayer. Around 200 to 250 GSM is warm, often fleece-lined, and works as a midlayer or a standalone jacket in cold conditions.
So no, 200 GSM is not heavy for a softshell. It sits in the middle of the all-round range and is the weight most hikers should be looking for. And 280 GSM is warm rather than a summer fabric. It belongs in cold conditions or as a midlayer, not on a warm-weather trail.
3. How waterproof do you need it to be?
Most softshells use a DWR coating that makes water bead and run off, and that works until the coating wears off. There is no waterproof membrane, so once water saturates the face fabric it soaks through. A membrane-backed softshell adds a layer of insurance for light rain, and a hybrid with a full waterproof membrane and taped seams approaches hardshell territory.
The membrane families you will see on higher-spec shells include GORE-TEX and GORE-TEX Infinium, eVent, Polartec NeoShell, AscentShell, H2No and Futurelight. The honest point is that a softshell is a wind and drizzle layer. If sustained rain is in the forecast, take a rain shell instead.
4. How much weight can you carry?
Weight matters more for softshells than for hardshells, because a hardshell is your main weather protection and a softshell is the layer you can sometimes do without. Fleece-lined softshells are typically the heaviest outer layer in your kit, and that is the reason many thru-hikers buy a thin grid-fleece model or skip the layer entirely.
Check the listed weight before you commit, and treat specifications carefully. Some listings give a packaged weight rather than a garment weight, so compare like with like across brands.
5. Hood, cuffs and collar: the details that decide comfort
For hiking, an adjustable hood matters more than most buyers expect. A hood that fits over a hat, has a stiff enough brim to shed rain forward, and stores flat when you are not wearing it will be used daily. A hood that only fits a bare head and rucks up at the neck is a hood you will leave unused.
Cuffs are the other detail hikers complain about most, and the complaint is always the same: elastic or non-adjustable cuffs that will not open over gloves. Look for hook-and-loop tabs or a wider cuff that clears a glove. On cuff tabs, check the material as well. Hook-and-loop that grabs fine wool is a nuisance on a merino baselayer.
Finally, check the hem. A drawcord hem cinches the jacket down over a pack and stops wind pushing up from below, which is the difference between a jacket that works and one that does not on an exposed traverse.
6. Pockets: capacity, position and access
Pocket count matters on a hike because everything you carry is something you have to reach. Chest pockets should take a phone and a snack without you stopping. Hand pockets should sit high enough to use while walking. Interior drop-in pockets should take a soft shell or gloves when you take the jacket off. Pockets that sit low on the body are effectively only usable when you are standing still.
Helmet and hipbelt compatibility matters for climbing and mountaineering rather than walking, and none of the jackets here carry harness-compatible torso pockets. If you climb regularly, look for that specification specifically.
7. Fit, and whether to size up
Sizing is the most personal decision on the list, and the general rule is simple. If you will wear the softshell over a baselayer only, take your normal size. If you plan to layer a midlayer or a puffy underneath, size up or choose a regular cut rather than an athletic cut.
Watch for the two usual problems. A slim athletic cut restricts layering and can feel cramped on a climb, while a regular cut can bunch under a close-fitting hardshell. And sleeves running long is a common complaint on several models, so read reviews on the specific jacket rather than relying on your usual brand size.
How to Layer a Softshell for Hiking
A softshell works in one of two positions, and knowing which position it occupies tells you what to wear with it. As an outer layer on its own, it needs a baselayer underneath and nothing more. As a midlayer, it sits between your baselayer and a hardshell, and it is doing the insulation job that a puffy would otherwise do.
Start with a synthetic or merino baselayer that wicks sweat away from your skin. Add a thin fleece or grid midlayer if you are walking rather than moving fast, or skip it if you are climbing hard. Put the softshell over the top, and add a rain shell only when rain is in the forecast or the wind is genuinely strong.
As a rough temperature guide: around 15 degrees in sun you want a thin unlined softshell and nothing over it. Around 8 degrees with wind or drizzle you want a fleece-lined softshell over a baselayer. Near freezing you want a softshell over a midlayer, or a fleece-lined softshell used as the outer layer with an insulated jacket underneath. Below that, a softshell stops being the right tool.
If you are building kit for winter hiking, our winter hiking snowshoe roundup covers the other half of that setup, including the traction problem that comes with the same cold conditions.
Washing and Reproofing a Softshell Jacket
Wash softshells more often than most people think. Body oils and detergent residue both stop DWR from working, and a jacket whose coating has failed will soak up water like a sponge while the fabric itself is still perfectly fine.
Use a technical wash rather than ordinary detergent, run an extra rinse to clear the residue, and dry on low heat or air. Then re-treat with a DWR solution. A technical wash plus a reproofing spray will restore water beading on almost any DWR softshell and typically buys a full season of performance back.
The test is simple. Pour water on the shoulder. If it beads and rolls off, the coating is working. If it sits flat and soaks in, it is time to wash and reproof. Detergents that contain fabric softener are the most common cause of a failed coating, so keep them out of the wash entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best softshell jacket for hiking?
For an all-round hiking pick, the FREE SOLDIER Fleece Lined Softshell is the strongest all-rounder: a stretch polyester shell, a 10000mm waterproof index, an 8000mm fleece liner, nine pockets and a removable 3D rim hood. For a thin layer you can wear all day without overheating, the Tommy Hilfiger Performance Softshell is the pick, with a lightweight breathable shell and a thin fleece backing. For warm shoulder seasons, the Little Donkey Andy Removable Hood Softshell and the Outdoor Ventures fleece-lined jackets are the warmest options here.
Is a softshell jacket waterproof?
No. A standard softshell has no waterproof membrane. It uses a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that makes water bead and roll off, which handles drizzle and light rain but gives up in sustained precipitation. Membrane-backed and hybrid softshells resist light rain better, but if heavy rain is forecast, carry a hardshell or rain jacket instead.
What is the difference between a softshell jacket and a hardshell jacket?
A softshell is a stretch woven face fabric with a DWR finish and often a thin fleece lining, built to block wind and shed light rain while staying breathable and mobile. A hardshell puts a waterproof membrane between layers with taped seams, so it blocks heavy rain far better but feels less comfortable and traps more sweat. Use the softshell when you are moving hard and cool; use the hardshell when rain is sustained.
How do I choose the right softshell jacket for hiking?
Choose in this order. First, the conditions you actually hike in. Second, the warmth level, which comes from the lining rather than the face fabric. Third, whether you need a membrane for wet climates. Fourth, weight and packed size for multi-day trips. Fifth, hood adjustability, cuff type and hem drawcord. Sixth, pocket count and position. Seventh, fit, sizing up if you will layer a midlayer underneath.
What does GSM mean on a jacket, and is 200 GSM heavy?
GSM means grams per square metre, and it measures fabric weight rather than warmth directly. Around 80 to 120 GSM is ultralight and best carried as a spare wind layer. Around 150 to 200 GSM is the all-round range and works over a baselayer on its own. Around 200 to 250 GSM is warm and often fleece-lined. So 200 GSM is not heavy for a softshell; it sits in the middle of the useful range.
Is 280 GSM softshell fabric good for summer?
No. 280 GSM sits above the warm band and is a cold-weather or midlayer fabric. For summer hiking you want something in the 80 to 120 GSM range, or a 150 to 200 GSM softshell that you are prepared to carry and put on after you have worked up a sweat. Wearing a 280 GSM layer on a warm trail is the most common way hikers end up overheated and uncomfortable.
How do I wash and reproof a softshell jacket?
Wash with a technical wash rather than ordinary detergent, avoid fabric softener, run an extra rinse to clear residue, and dry on low heat or air dry. Then apply a DWR reproofing spray. To test whether the coating still works, pour water on the shoulder: if it beads and rolls off the coating is active, and if it sits flat and soaks in it is time to wash and reproof.
Is a softshell worth buying if I already own a rain jacket?
Usually yes, because a softshell and a rain jacket do different jobs. The rain jacket handles sustained precipitation and is usually carried in the pack. The softshell handles wind, adds warmth and is worn while you are moving, which is most of the hike. Many hikers keep the hardshell packed for storms and wear the softshell for everything in between, which is the setup most people end up with naturally.
Conclusion
The best softshell jackets for hiking are the ones that match your conditions and get worn, not the ones with the longest spec sheet. Most hikers reach for the FREE SOLDIER Fleece Lined Softshell as their pick: it carries more owner reviews than any other jacket here, warm enough to replace a midlayer, water resistant enough for drizzle, and pocketed for a full day out.
If you run hot, take the Tommy Hilfiger instead. If you hike in cold shoulder seasons, the Little Donkey Andy and the Outdoor Ventures fleece-lined jackets are warmer. For wet climates, the 33,000ft three-layer build is the one to look at, and for fast hiking the Marmot Tempo is built around movement. The Helly Hansen Paramount is the pick if you already own a hardshell and want a warm midlayer under it.
Buy for the weather you actually get, size for the layers you actually wear, and reproof the DWR every season or two. If you are still working out the rest of your kit, start with the best daypacks for hiking and the jacket advice above, and you will be set for most of 2026.