REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly friendly price
Top-scoring heat retention
Casual aesthetic
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor ventilation
Very slow to dry
Subpar water resistance
Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant Review
A budget softshell that tops the charts in heat retention, with a casual aesthetic for around-town hangs
Credit: Zach Lovell
Our Verdict
The Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant is a casual-use softshell at a staggeringly friendly price. Our gear experts were impressed with the warmth this budget option offered, outperforming jackets ten times as expensive in our heat retention testing. This jacket was most ideal for shorter hikes and around-town hangs, with a nice aesthetic and fleece liner offering next-to-skin comfort. This isn't a particularly breathable option and, despite its name, doesn't offer much in the way of water resistance, but we were happy wearing this layer for lighter duty adventures. If you're shopping on a tight budget for a softshell that prioritizes warmth, keep this on your radar, especially if you're keeping your hikes closer to the car. Learn more about a wide range of options in our softshell jackets review and find one that piques your interest.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Buy on a Tight Budget | Best Bang for the Buck |  Our Favorite Lightweight Option | ||
| Price | $40 List $38.00 at Amazon | $115.00 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $155.00 at REI | $185.00 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $73 List $54.98 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A casual softshell jacket that offers warmth at a very accessible price | A well-made, lightweight softshell that prioritizes breathability above all else | This breathable option from Outdoor Research offers a wonderful range of motion, though it's heavier than others in its class of softshell | A featherweight softshell that’s easy to bring with you for any outdoor adventure, whether you need a just-in-case layer or some added protection from the elements | This option offers dependable weather protection and many features at the expense of being very heavy |
| Rating Categories | Amazon Essentials W... | Rab Borealis | Outdoor Research Fe... | Black Diamond Alpin... | TACVASEN Special Op... |
| Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (30%) | |||||
| Mobility (25%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Versatility (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Amazon Essentials W... | Rab Borealis | Outdoor Research Fe... | Black Diamond Alpin... | TACVASEN Special Op... |
| Measured Weight (Size) | 24.1 oz (medium) | 9.7 oz (medium) | 13.5 oz (medium) | 6.9 oz (medium) | 29.4 oz (medium) |
| Number of Pockets | 1 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip | 2 exterior chest zip | 2 exterior hand zip, 1 exterior chest zip | 1 exterior chest zip | 2 exterior hand zip, 2 exterior arm zip, 2 exterior rear zip |
| Breathability Test (In-Use Absorption) | 47 sq in | 18 sq in | 19 sq in | 23 sq in | 41 sq in |
| Warmth Test | 43.82 min | 21.55 min | 29.17 min | 21.08 min | 34.33 min |
| Water Retention Test (1-Min Soak) | 332 sq in | 340 sq in | 417 sq in | 210 sq in | 17 sq in |
| Drying Test | 41.17 min | 6.08 min | 11.47 min | 7.53 min | 31.72 min |
| Fabric Weight Class | Heavyweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Heavyweight |
| Material | 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch (85% nylon 6, 15% elastane) with DWR | 86% nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop | Schoeller w/Eco-Repel Bio (93% nylon, 7% elastane) | 100% polyester shell, fleece inner |
| Insulated | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Hood | No | Yes, under helmet with Lycra binding | Yes, over helmet hood with rear hood adjustment | Yes, over helmet adjustable hood | Yes, helmet compatible, adjustable |
| Unique Features | Top-tier heat retention | Chest pockets become ventilation, packs inside chest pocket | Reinforced material around high-wear areas | Packs into chest pocket, incredible lightweight construction | Tactical-focused design, additional rear hip and bicep pockets |
| Layering Capabilities | Can be layered over or under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Best worn under other layers | Best worn over other layers |
| Adjustable Cuffs (Material) | Yes (Velcro cuffs) | No (fixed elastic cuffs) | No (fixed elastic cuffs) | No (fixed elastic cuffs) | Yes (Velcro cuffs) |
| Available Sizes | XS - 5XL | XS - 2XL | S - 3XL | S - 3XL | S - 2XL |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant is one of the least expensive softshells available today. While it's not ideal for longer trips in the mountains, it is an excellent layer for more relaxed adventures closer to the trailhead.
Performance Comparison
We pushed every softshell to its limit, including the Amazon Essentials.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weather Protection
This metric was weighted at 30% of the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant's total score. We spent weeks with each layer, putting their weather protection features to the test across a myriad of outdoor activities, from hikes to climbs to fly fishing trips. Our shower test involved hopping into the full-force spray for one minute and then measuring any wetness that may have appeared as a result on the layer underneath. A second test involved soaking a one-foot square piece of the jacket's fabric and then comparing how long it took for it to dry time with the use of a hair dryer (on the no-heat setting) vs other jackets faced with the same scenario. Lastly, we took a bottle of boiling water and put it inside the Amazon Essentials. We then monitored how long before it dropped below 170 degrees Fahrenheit and recorded that measurement to compare against the rest. This option came in towards the back of the pack in this metric.
The Amazon Essentials got our testers very wet during rain storms and the shower test. This is partly due to the lack of a hood and partly due to the water-permeable fabric.
This photo was taken after our shower test, this option's absorbed water like a sponge unless it was just a light drizzle.
Credit: Zach Lovell
This option produced a total of 332 square inches of wet spots on the underlayer in our shower test, predominantly around the head and zipper area. In a light drizzle, this jacket worked very well for water resistance, so keep an eye on the weather forecast — you might want a rain shell in addition to the Amazon Essentials if anticipating heavier precipitation.
We measured 332" squared of wet spots on the underlayer after the 1 minute shower test.
Credit: Zach Lovell
If this option does get wet, it is also very slow to dry, with the fleece inner holding water like a sponge. Fortunately, this jacket was one of our top-scoring options in heat retention, scoring nearly 44 minutes in the water bottle test, which was twice as long as lighter-weight softshells. At the end of the day, this layer is great for warmth and wind protection but not what you should rely on to keep water at bay.
While the price point of the Amazon Essentials softshell is incredible, it isn't very water-resistant, so this is best for budget-minded shoppers recreating in drier climates.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
Since this metric is typically one of the strongest aspects of a softshell, we gave it 30% of the total score of the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant. We tested this metric in the field, spending weeks in each layer performing a variety of activities and output levels. Then, we carried out a 45-minute cardio program with each, after which we measured the number of sweat spots on our underlayer. This wasn't the strongest metric for the Amazon Essentials.
As a warm, fleece-lined softshell, it didn't surprise us when this layer didn't breathe well. When our heart rate increased, so did our sweat, especially when wearing a backpack. However, in cooler environments and on slower-paced hikes, this option performed well, keeping us cozy and with minimal sweat. Once again, this option is great for casual use and for shorter adventures.
For neighborhood walks and hikes in cooler temps, this jacket's breathability wasn't an issue.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Mobility
We gave mobility 25% of the total score of the Amazon Essentialssince freedom of movement is a crucial consideration for any garment. We approached this assessment from different angles. First, we examined the range of motion across various activities during our weeks of field testing. Then, we performed the same set of motions in each layer, noting any specific restrictions and measuring waistline lift. This option performed modestly in mobility.
The Amazon Essentials produces some restrictions on the shoulders when holding one's arms overhead. For some shoppers, this may not impact a purchasing decision, as the jacket was comfortable if one's hands stayed head-height or lower. We greatly appreciated the velcro-adjusted cuffs, helping dial in the fit around the wrists, though there is excess fabric bunching around the abdomen. Climbers might notice the restriction in overhead movement, but casual hikers may not. For anyone prioritizing mobility above other design features, we'd recommend looking elsewhere.
There is some restriction in the shoulders when putting your arms over your head.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
Ten percent of the total score of the Amazon Essentials was based on its weight. This metric was easily tested by weighing each jacket and examining the final results. This option is somewhat on the heavier side.
As previously mentioned, the Amazon Essentials option is warm and wind-resistant. It also makes for a heavier garment that is less packable.
This option is on the bulkier side, though it may not be much of a setback if using this layer for lighter duty outings or around-town hangs.
Credit: Zach Lovell
We suspect many prospective buyers of a layer like the Amazon Essentials won't be turned away by its weight. If the goal is a softshell for more casual use, it will do the trick. It is also more durable than others, which we largely credit to its heftier construction.
While this a fairly heavy jacket, some will appreciate the added durability. This option weighs 24.05 oz, the retainer strap we used weighs .05 oz.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Versatility
We gave versatility 5% of the total score of the Amazon Essentials. We examined the prospective uses of each layer, examining how well each can be worn over or under other garments. The Amazon Essentials option works best for more specific uses.
This jacket is great for hikes and other casual adventures, including fishing or outdoor dinner hangs. It's less than ideal for longer outings and has some overhead restrictions that make it not a great choice for activities like climbing.
This option offers a decent, casual aesthetic to go straight from the trail to the restaurant.
Credit: Zach Lovell
This jacket works well as an overlayer, but to fit a puffy or hardshell over it, you'll want a larger size up top to reduce the bunching of the Amazon Essentials inside.
This jacket's casual aesthetic and excellent heat retention make it ideal for cooler weather outings closer to the house or trailhead.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant?
This is an excellent option for casual outdoors people who prioritize price above all else. This softshell is several times cheaper than the competition and is very comfortable to hang out in. If your outdoor ambitions are larger than shorter hikes, dinner hangs, or fishing trips, we encourage you to spend more on a softshell that will deliver the right combination of performance features for your needs.
What Other Softshell Jackets Should You Consider?
Take a look at the Tacvasen Special Ops Tactical as a more performance-focused budget softshell. It does have a more tactical aesthetic and construction, but it boasts better performance in weather protection. Another favorite is the Rab Borealis, which carries your dollar very far with best-in-class breathability and excellent mobility.
—Zach Lovell
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