rab women's softshell jacket

The reason the Proton FL doesn't earn higher marks is that while it is warm and highly wind-resistant, it is among the least water-resistant of the jackets in our review. The stretchy Schoeller fabric allows for unhindered mobility on or off the rock. The primary objective of a softshell jacket is to increase comfort through breathability and supple flexibility while offering some degree of weather protection. The Kinetic offers more weather protection and is the most water-resistant jacket in our review. Finally, it does not come with its own stuff sack, as previous generations did. softshell Of the technical softshells, we found that the Arc'teryx Gamma MX boasted a stellar mobility to warmth ratio. It moves incredibly well, owing to the ultra-stretchy fabric, and even though it isn't very water-resistant, it is among the fastest drying active softshells in our review. Short wonder the Gamma LT steals the show. Hybrid softshells are relatively new on the scene, and they attempt to bridge the gap between different jacket types be it by providing extra insulation or water resistance. This fleece-lined jacket is an ideal option for mixed conditions and cold days while ice climbing or mountaineering. They work well for casual, around-town use where you're not working up a sweat but aren't ideal for wrangling into your pack when you're headed into the backcountry for more technical pursuits. softshell The jacket that earned the highest marks in this category was the Gamma LT. While it is a little heavier than our favorite trail running jackets, the Gamma LT provides excellent breathability and warmth for cool weather trail runs. Notably, this jacket can withstand dryer moisture like snow but has below-average water protection, especially when compared with the technical softshells and hybrids in our review. It is durable enough to climb scratchy granite cracks and long alpine routes while providing sufficient protection from wind and water without sacrificing any breathability. This jacket was designed with alpine climbing and cool-weather mountain activities in mind, but it would be well-equipped as a light jacket for travel, hiking, or any activity where you move from warm to cool temps. Compared to other softshells, it has below-average water resistance, but it does dry quickly and offers great 3-season protection. How can we improve GearLab? To decide what type of softshell is ideal for you, We recommend considering the primary activities you plan to do while using your new softshell. All these concerns aside, the Ferrosi is a great breathable, wind-resistant option at a fantastic price for hiking, climbing, and cycling. Perfect for blocking the wind on top of long multi-pitch routes. If ice climbing is in your future, then you will want to seek out a technical softshell, as these provide the best warmth to mobility and breathability ratio. The Alpine Start, Borealis, and the Ferrosi each offer great wind and sun protection while rock climbing, summer mountaineering, trail running, and cycling. While we recognize that thin fabric and breathability are not the same things, we couldn't ignore the fact that jackets with minimal material often breathe well by default. It is also not the most versatile jacket, mostly because it is not as warm as some of the other technical softshells. This is less of a problem for the casual softshells, as those are meant to be worn around town, but this is a big deal if you're looking for a technical softshell for ice climbing or backcountry skiing. Softshells are ideal during the shoulder season when temperatures vacillate wildly or for aerobic backcountry activities in the winter when you need premium breathability to avoid getting chilled by your sweat. By and large, softshells are only water and wind resistant. The Alpine Start also performed impressively well in this category. Each year, the technology continues to get more innovative and the designs more varied, so our review features a diverse array of jackets, including active, technical, and casual softshells, as well as a few hybrids, to offer a multitude of options for your favorite outdoor pursuits. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Enter the softshell. This fleece-insulated but breathable hybrid features a moisture-wicking liner to manage sweat and keep you sufficiently warm in cooler weather. Not only do active jackets have the stretchiest materials, but most technical and casual softshells are thicker and have a fleece lining that typically makes them a little stiffer. GearLab is reader-supported. Our reviews wouldn't be objective if we ignored a product's flaws, and the Ferrosi is not without its minor caveats. Being made out of a more durable fabric and being well-suited for cooler alpine temps, it is on the heavier end of active softshells in our review. We loved the Arc'teryx Gamma LT for its high performance across the board and for striking the proper balance between opposing metrics, which is why it earns top honors. Featherweight and it packs down to the size of your fist, you'll hardly notice the Alpine Start in your pack or on your harness. That said, the stretchy Black Diamond Dawn Patrol is great for some applications like downhill skiing (when paired with extra insulation) and casual snowshoeing on a packed trail. We assess versatility by considering features, durability, style, and ease of use between various activities and climates. That said, these drawbacks are minor, and for someone seeking a durable, weather-resistant softshell for alpine climbing, peak-bagging, cool-weather hikes, or ski touring, the Gamma LT might just be the one for you. On the flip side, if a jacket says that it's fully windproof (as opposed to just wind resistant), it's a safe bet that it won't be super breathable. The fit is a little on the boxy side, so if you're between sizes, you might consider sizing down. Sizes: mens S-XXL, womens XS-XL One of the only reasons it did not garner higher marks in this category is that it lacks a hood, so if you're caught in the rain with this jacket, you better hope you have your umbrella to keep your noggin dry. This is because it splits the difference between a technical and an active softshell. Each of our highest-ranked active softshells also earned favorable marks in this category. To be honest, there is very little this jacket can't do: it is lightweight, has great mobility, and with an ultra-soft fleece lining, it is super cozy, even next to bare skin. Some sleeve slippage between fleece and shell, No stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness. It is breathable and weather resistant, but warm; durable without sacrificing mobility; and all with a flattering fit! The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is an incredibly lightweight jacket that bridges the gap between softshell and windbreaker. The stretchy Schoeller fabric is abrasion-resistant, highly breathable, and moves well regardless of your activity. Spoiler alert: the top-performing jackets in this category were all active or hybrid/active softshells. Pick the Ultimate V and you're sure to be psyched, even ice climbing on cold days in the alpine. A garment that aims to strike the perfect balance between breathability and weather protection so you can move unencumbered on your outdoor adventures. No sponsored content. A good active softshell should be thin enough to wear on breezy but warm days to take the edge off the wind. The plush fleece-lined Proton FL strikes a balance between a warm insulating layer and a breathable softshell. The jackets that ranked highest in this category were ideal for myriad activity types and could handle well in diverse weather. The top performers in this metric are the three ultra-stretchy and thin active softshells in our lineup: the Rab Borealis, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody, and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. (mens medium) The Alpine Start Hoody proved to be the lightest-weight softshell in our review, weighing a scant 6.5 ounces. After more than 100 hours of rigorously testing these jackets, we've got some expert advice to offer about the best softshell jacket to match your needs. Both are great options for moving quick and fairly light. These jackets provide superior weather protection but aren't as lightweight as an active softshell. Lightweight and stretchy, the Borealis is an ideal layer for climbing or running. If you can afford a specialized item like a softshell, you probably still want to make the most of your money who doesn't? Related: How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women. Many of the other active softshells and active hybrids performed well in this category as well, including the Gamma LT, Proton FL, and the Kinetic 2.0. We love the barely-there feel of the Alpine Start. It even has UPF-50 fabric to protect your skin from the sun. The Proton FL has the best weight to warmth ratio of any jacket in our review, making it an easy choice for cool hikes and long climbing routes. We love hanging out in the Proton FL because it manages to be wonderfully warm (and soft!) Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie - Women's, Fjallraven Bertagen Stretch Half-Zip - Women's, Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Shell - Women's, impressively constructed Arc'teryx Gamma MX, exceptionally water-resistant Apex Bionic, stretchy Black Diamond Dawn Patrol is great, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Excellent mobility, great weather resistance, breathable, durable, harness-compatible hand pockets, Lightweight, durable, breathable, affordable, premium features, quick drying, Very flexible, flattering fit, long torso, comfortable cuff, Inexpensive, stellar mobility and breathability, stow-away pocket, harness-friendly pockets, excellent fit, Insulated, highly breathable, moisture-wicking, comfortable, warm, wind resistant, Below average water resistance, baggy fit, hand pockets inaccessible with harness, Gets wet very easily, thicker fabric is heavier, Not very warm, below average water resistance, Spendy, no pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, some sleeve slippage between fleece and shell, A feature-rich, aesthetically pleasing technical softshell with great mobility, breathability, and excellent weather resistance, This lightweight and breathable jacket has an arsenal of premium features for an affordable price, This comfortable jacket will keep you protected and stylish, from climbing with friends to hanging at the coffee shop, This wicked light softshell has great mobility, is highly breathable and well-tailored - a perfect layer for fair-weather climbing or hiking, A fantastic fleece-lined hybrid that is great as an outer softshell or insulating layer, Wee Burly Double Weave (56% nylon, 34% polyester, 10% elastane), DWR finish, Body/hood: 86% nylon 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop, Schoeller w/Eco-Repel Bio (93% nylon, 7% elastane), Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch and DWR, Fortius Air 20 (84% nylon, 16% elastane) Octa Loft knit insulation (100% polyester), Whether alpine climbing, mountaineering, or hiking, this layer is breathable, moves well, and effectively protects from the elements in style, This versatile jacket is a well-priced layer for many mild weather applications, This versatile jacket can take you on grand outdoor adventures or just around the town, This jacket is lightweight, breathable, easy to move in, and affordable - a great combination for the active outdoorswoman, A nimble, lightweight, breathable softshell that is fleece-lined and features great mobility, A breathable but water resistant hybrid with adjustable cuffs, soft fabric, and harness compatible pockets, A fairly lightweight and water resistant active softshell anorak that features quick-drying four-way stretch fabric but is abrasive against bare skin, Whether ice climbing, mountaineering, or heading to dinner with friends, this layer effectively protects from the elements in style, With incredible four-way stretch material and a generous fit, this jacket is one of the most comfortable pieces in our softshell review, An urban-styled, casual hybrid softshell that pairs synthetic insulation with plush fleece panels, though is not the most breathable or mobile, A weather-resistant casual softshell for urban adventures or staying warm around the campfire. It has comfortable cuffs, a two-way adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, and a flattering alpine-style fit that is equally at home in the alpine or at a brewery. Its not coated for water resistance, so expect it to wet out in anything more than a light rain or snowfall. Like the two before it, this metric tends to favor active softshells and active/hybrids, with the Proton FL and the Ferrosi being the next lightest softshells weighing 11 ounces and 12.5 ounces, respectively. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Our review team noted very few drawbacks to this otherwise feature-rich jacket. All trademarks property of their respective owners The Athleta Rock Ridge weighs 17 ounces and is our only casual hybrid jacket; we maintain that it is reasonably lightweight for what it offers in terms of function. Then, it will be much easier to decide whether you need an active, technical, casual, or hybrid jacket. Depending on how you intend to use the Gamma LT, this jacket's downsides may be inconsequential. It has more insulation than your average active softshell but is lighter than your typical technical jacket. I found the sleeves a little long but easily rolled up. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is both a great value and a top-performing jacket, a match made in outdoor gear heaven. Sadly, the Proton FL does not have this feature, so if you need to stash your jacket mid-route, you'll have to get a stuff sack specific for the job. It has a thicker lining than most active softshells but is nowhere near as warm as most technical softshells. The cuffs are non-adjustable which could be a feature or a deficit, depending on whether you prefer gauntlet-style gloves or cuffs that cinch over your gloves. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We played in all manner of terrain and weather in women's softshell jackets from Arc'teryx, Rab, Black Diamond, The North Face, and more. It is also the most subjective of our review criteria. Wearing the Boreas in chilly wind while hiking across snow on the Ptarmigan Traverse in the North Cascades, dayhiking in the Columbia Gorge, and on cool-weather trail runs, I found it delivers a perfect blend of super breathability to prevent my shirt from getting soaked and cuts the wind just enough to keep me from feeling cold. Let us know! This means it can move between warmer days of ice climbing and cooler days of alpine rock climbing. The exceptionally water-resistant Apex Bionic is one of the warmer softshells in our review, and it did well in our water-resistance test making it a great option for a winter jacket in an urban environment. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. It is also pretty pricey. Overall, softshells are ideal for mild weather when you need some coverage from wind, snow, or light rain, but you're unlikely to need full-on storm protection. It ticks nearly every box that a durable wind layer for climbing or hiking should. Softshell jackets are designed for backcountry adventures like climbing, skiing, and trail running all activities that demand unhindered movement. Truth be told, even though softshells claim to do everything, there are specialized niches for each style of jacket. When she can get away, she chases sun the rest of the year in Colorado and the deserts of Utah, Arizona, and California. If your primary need is weather protection, then you will want a fully waterproof hardshell, but when your weekend adventure plans include getting rowdy in the backcountry, a hardshell will never do. We looked for softshells that layered and fit well, were comfortable, and those that had stretchy fabric or other features to enable movement. We hope this review has answered some of your softshell questions and helped guide you toward the right model for your next outdoor adventure. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Jackets in this review ranged from 6.5 ounces at the lightest to 22.5 ounces at the heaviest. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The Fjallraven Bertagen Stretch Half-Zip is another lightweight active softshell, weighing only 13 ounces. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Number of Pockets (zippered unless otherwise noted), How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women. A softshell is a great layer for colder temps where you're likely to encounter wind, dry snow, or intermittent rain but not an all-out deluge. Rab Boreas/Aurora Pull-On In this testing round, jackets were put to the test shimmying up granite chimneys and jamming in Indian Creek splitters. Read review: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody. Active softshells are great as wind layers during aerobic activities. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. However, it does come close to accomplishing both. A true outdoor enthusiast, when she isn't rock climbing, this gal can be found swinging ice tools, climbing mountains, backpacking, riding bicycles, or sitting on a rock gazing at the clouds. Namely, it is neither fully waterproof nor the most breathable jacket in our review. While the Proton is not made to be an ideal layer for activities like ice climbing, it is among the most versatile because it can be worn as an outer layer on warmer days or as an insulating layer on colder ones. We love the versatility and style of this jacket for cruising around town or on the trail, and we never felt weighed down by it. Each of these jackets provided more warmth than all but the best technical softshells without sacrificing too much in terms of breathability or mobility. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Mary spends her summers alpine climbing in Colorado and California. We have worn, torn, used, and abused hundreds of jackets to help you find the best layers for whatever adventures you're planning to do. The Ferrosi performed well across nearly all our metrics, and does so at a completely reasonable price. Across the desert southwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierras, our testers climbed, scratched, scrambled, hiked, ran, and cycled, to put every aspect and feature of these softshells to the test. No matter what your needs are, our review has some fantastic options. When hybrids are well executed, they tend to be the most versatile of the jackets in our review, but sometimes adding bonus functionality backfires and makes them uncomfortable or less useful than the jackets they're trying to mimic. You wouldn't even know the Borealis was on your harness except for how pink this one is! We were especially impressed with how well the ever-affordable Outdoor Research Ferrosi performed in this category. The Kinetic 2.0 earns top marks in this category for being a silky-smooth, highly water-resistant jacket ideal for summer mountain adventures or traveling. When it was paired with another softshell, it proved ideal for ice/mixed climbing and for approaches to ice climbs on warmer days. While style is subjective, it is important no one wants to pay top dollar for an ill-fitting or unattractive article of clothing. marmot softshell That being said, the downsides may be irrelevant, depending on the jacket niche you seek to fill. That being said, none of the jackets we reviewed are so heavy to raise red flags. This active softshell moves incredibly well and is ridiculously comfy, all without breaking the bank. We have tried to distill the main types of softshells into three broad categories: active, technical, and casual. Our team tested each of these jackets side-by-side in various climes, from blustery days climbing ice in the Rocky Mountains to surprisingly frigid desert climbing days in Indian Creek, Joshua Tree, the Black Canyon, and Red Rock. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie is a fantastic value. That said, it is soft, stylish, well-constructed, and very water-resistant. Another great option, if you want a warmer jacket that still delivers on the breathability front, is the Arc'teryx Proton FL. The Kinetic 2.0 has soft, supple, and supremely water resistant fabric, making it hard to beat on long days in the backcountry. A few models constructed with very thin material scored well in this category. We tend to associate ultralight gear with wearing out ultra-fast, but not so with the Alpine Start it bucks the trend by being ultra-light and ultra-durable. These layers are less stiff, noisy, and suffocating than hardshells, making them more pleasant to wear, despite not offering the same level of weather protection. The close cut of the hood permits wearing it under a helmet; while the hood isnt adjustable, it stays put on your head in wind. You can unzip these during strenuous activity to help dump heat. The Black Diamond Alpine Start is a lightweight and supremely breathable active softshell. Looking for the best women's softshell? With stretchy Schoeller fabric, comfortable cuffs, an "alpine" gusseted fit, and a helmet-compatible hood, it provided incredible mobility so that we barely noticed we were wearing it. Rab claims this jacket is waterproof, but it wetted out in monsoon storms and isn't waterproof enough to trust it in an all-out rainstorm. All that aside, if you need a cozy mid-layer with breathable insulation, the Proton is an excellent choice. It has a flattering cut while not skimping on the features you want out of a softshell, including Napoleon-style harness-compatible pockets that are mesh-lined for extra ventilation and a two-way cinched helmet-compatible hood for an excellent fit while climbing, hiking, or ski touring. We even wore these jackets in the shower to test how they performed under pressure (water pressure, that is). They're also perfect for days when your heavy ski jacket or hardshell are overkill. $75, 9 oz. The stretchy fabric and looser fit allow for unimpeded mobility, ideal for trail-running, summer mountaineering, and rock climbing. They are also ideal for activities where you need wind or weather protection but are likely to build up a sweat, so breathability is a must. The mens Boreas and womens Aurora are ideal for all of those pursuits. The Borealis is a perfect option for alpine rock climbing, peak-bagging, and backpacking, where weight and packability are major considerations. The only jacket that bucks convention in this category is the Gamma LT. The heavier weight owes to it being part softshell, part synthetic puffy, with fleece side panels and PrimaLoft insulation. It is easy to grasp why active softshells tend to move better than technical or casual softshells. The revised version of the jacket has some sleeve slippage between the fleece lining and the shell fabric when you pull it over long-sleeved shirts (especially fleeces). Minds blown. This includes activities such as climbing (rock, ice, mixed, or alpine), skiing (backcountry or cross-country, although for alpine/downhill, you'll want something warmer), snowshoeing, mountaineering, trail-running, peak-bagging, or hiking. rab.uk.com. Finally, it is rather spendy. The Alpine Start offers great wind protection and breathability so you can climb comfortably without getting sweaty as you move up the wall. The deep partial front zipper offers good venting. For this reason, softshells can be great jackets for alpine climbing, ice/mixed climbing, ski-touring, or even around town on a chilly evening. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to Backpack the Teton Crest Trail Without a Permit, The First 5 Things I Do in Camp When Backpacking. Add to all of this the fact that it is a very affordable jacket, and it is no wonder why this jacket is the staple softshell for most outdoor adventure nerds. It is a feature-rich active softshell that offers great wind protection, making it a perfect option for rock climbing, peak bagging, or backpacking. Unlike potentially life-saving layers such as waterproof hardshells and insulative baselayers, a softshell is great to have but won't keep you as warm as an insulation layer (like a puffy jacket) or as dry as a hardshell if you get caught in a serious storm. Active softshells are ideal as wind layers while summer or alpine climbing, trail running, or hiking, while technical softshells are best for ice and mixed climbing, winter mountaineering, snowshoeing, and backcountry and/or cross-country skiing. Hopefully our review will help guide you to the best softshell for your next adventure. Some of our favorite pieces in this review could move seamlessly from the trail or crag to dinner with friends (as long as you don't mind rocking brightly colored gear at the pub), a clear bonus in our book. While the Apex Bionic is too heavy to be ideal for technical outings, it is durable and warm, making it a great jacket for car-camping. The Alpine Start features a lightweight and stretchy Schoeller fabric that ensures you can move well without being stifled by sweat. Hikes and trail runs on crappy fall and spring days, fast-changing mountain weather in summer, highly aerobic activities in winterfor all of these things, nothing beats a highly breathable, lightweight pullover or jacket. High up on an ice route is not when you want to be worried about the mobility of your softshell, which is why we love the mobility offered by the Gamma MX. We love the Rab Borealis for striking a similar balance between excellent features and affordability. They can leave you feeling swampy, suffocated, and stuffy. If you're working hard and keeping your core temperature high, these are all perfect layers for cutting the wind on brisk mornings, windy summits, or high on a wall. Casual softshells offer great features for urban adventures but are durable enough to use in the backcountry, while hybrids attempt to triangulate between sub-categories and move between seasons. If you're checking out a softshell at your local gear shop and you're not sure how breathable it will be, look for mesh-lined pockets. rab muztag Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but the fabric and design of the jacket lend to durability. Our review team maintains that while versatility is important, it is the least important metric we consider. Part of why this jacket is so light is that it is a half-zip pullover, a feature we love for when you don't want to deal with a zipper underneath your harness. We still haven't found that perfect unicorn jacket free from drawbacks, and the Alpine Start is no exception. The thinner Gamma LT also scores well in this category despite not being nearly as warm because it fends off light moisture and wind admirably. If you're looking for a casual hybrid that offers insulating warmth and breathability, without weighing you down, then the Rock Ridge is a good option to consider. The Arc'teryx Proton FL Hoody is a jack-of-all-trades hybrid for those who want something extra from their softshell. Despite being very feature-rich, it does not offer UPF-rated sun protection, and it isn't among the warmest jackets in our review. The Proton has a soft fleece lining for added warmth, while the Ferrosi boasts unbeatable mobility. The jackets that weigh in the 20-ounce range are the less technical offerings in our review. It has great features for the price including a pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, so you can clip your jacket to your harness when not in use. We tested the softshells in our review in the sun and shade, rain, snow, wind, deserts, and mountains, doing various activities designed to get the blood moving and the sweat flowing. We paid attention to how well each jacket performed relative to its retail price and considered their value in terms of jacket features, weather protection, and the niche they fill in your backcountry kit. Mobility is one of the most important elements of a softshell jacket. Related: How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm. For long rock climbing routes, it can be helpful to have a stow-away pocket with a loop to clip to your harness. This jacket also surprised our reviewers with above average breathability (water-resistant jackets are notorious for their lack of breathability). We ended up with a diverse set of contenders whose performance spread all over the board. This jacket offers exceptional wind and water resistance.

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