Why soft shell

Hardshell jackets are used for protection from rain or snow — extreme weather. They are a must-have for any activity in wet weather, such as hiking, camping, backpacking, and skiing. The best hardshell jackets — those without insulation — are often lighter than softshell jackets and can be packed away. They are the best option when weight and space are an issue. Softshell Jackets can be used in good or cool weather on the hills and trails or for use when you need more breathability than a hardshell waterproof coat.

You can use these points as a guide on when to wear them:. A softshell could also be worn for skiing on a dry day. Softshell jackets are an ideal mid-layer when conditions are cold and you need something more robust than a fleece in a layering system.

A softshell can be worn over a base layer or t-shirt as an outer layer on mild-cool days due to their water-resistant and windproof capabilities. As with all outdoor clothing and equipment, you should always be aware of some considerations when buying.

Many softshell jackets are showerproof- not fully waterproof — so are ideal as an outer layer for fair weather. However, softshells are a great mid-layer for colder conditions to wear under a waterproof jacket for added warmth and as a windproof layer. You can find softshells with a built-in waterproof layer for unfavourable conditions that can be worn in for most weather. The type of softshell jacket you choose will depend on what you want to use it for. For activities such as climbing, fair-weather hiking and even cycling, a lightweight and flexible outer layer — a softshell jacket — is ideal.

Some softshell jackets are fleece-lined for extra warmth which makes them a go-to during easier activities and lightweight for day-to-day wear. Softshell jackets are often short in length and should be tight fitting. The stretchier construction of softshells means there is a good range of movement, unlike many fleeces. Plus, the tighter fit helps to retain heat. Aside from their technical properties, the shorter fit and style makes softshell jackets a popular choice as a casual everyday outer layer.

Softshell jackets are an ideal alternative to the classic fleece, either as an outer layer in spring and autumn or mid-layer in winter. The nights are drawing in, and winter is well and truly on its way. Time to hang up the rods and pack up the fishing gear for another year, right? Winter is one of the best times to be out on the banks. And with these winter fishing tips, it […].

Read More. After the excesses of Christmas dinner and the various treats that accompany the festive period, many families choose to spend an hour or two on Christmas Day or Boxing Day to enjoy a long walk to brush off the cobwebs and burn off some of those excess calories. Family winter walks can also be a […]. Down and insulated jackets are ideal for keeping the cold at bay when temperatures plummet. Why are they so good? Which jacket is best for you? Winfields answers everything in our complete guide to down and insulated jackets.

Cannot be used in conjunction any other offer. Read here about our privacy policy. It comes down to a few key things:. If your outdoor activities have you experiencing a decent amount of precipitation, then a hardshell may be the right choice for you. Hardshells also generally have taped seams, while softshells do not pic below.

Both do rely on DWR coatings to keep water from soaking into the surface fabric, so be sure to regularly clean and re-waterproof your outerwear, no matter the type.

Softshells tend to be MUCH more breathable and effective at moving moisture away from your body, keeping you drier on the inside. While hardshells are indeed breathable, they are significantly less so, and if worn without proper venting during exertion, can cause the wearer to get soggy from within. Again, both softshells and hardshells rely on their DWR coatings to prevent them from becoming saturated, so to maintain the breathability of both, you need to maintain the DWR through cleaning and re-waterproofing.

Do you need a good range of motion? For activities like climbing, and competitive downhill juggling softshells provide a great amount of stretch that aids in more dynamic movement. One of the main obvious differentiating factors between hardshells and softshells is the four-way stretch commonly found in softshell garments.

Another area where softshells shine is in the durability of their face-fabrics. Their durable weave and generally burlier fabric help resist abrasion, making them great for climbing or other activities where a tougher exterior is helpful.

Of course, this leads to the next differentiator…. Are you looking to go ultralight? If so, a softshell may not be for you. Due to their stretchy, abrasion resistant fabrics, softshells tend to weigh significantly more than hardshells. So there you have it! Because we have served industries with refrigerated environments for many decades, we know how to take even the most fashionable trends, like softshell, and give them a range of insulation packages that guarantee your comfort.

RefrigiWear is an expert in cold, but also in functionality and comfort. That's why we add fleece-lined pockets, reflective accents, waterproof pockets and many other features to softshell products—to make sure you feel warm, look good and have all you need at your fingertips. What Are The Benefits of Softshell? About Us Why RefrigiWear?