The 7 Best Softshell Jackets for Men of 2024

Best Overall Softshell Jacket

Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody

Weight: 17.3 ounces | Number of pockets: 2 Exterior Hand Zip, 1 Interior Chest Zip

The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody offers phenomenal all-around performance for any outdoor activity, whether you're headed out for your next hike or ski tour. This option strikes a delicate balance between breathability and weather protection, scoring well in both the shower and uphill tests for a midweight softshell. While hiking and climbing, this layer offered excellent comfort and adequate warmth for chilly mornings and evenings, making it a tester go-to again and again for many outdoor adventures. While we wouldn't recommend this as your external layer for really rough storms, the adjustable hem and trademarked StormHood are effective additions to seal yourself from the elements. Our testers also loved the aesthetic of this piece, with the iconic tailored panels that Arc'Teryx is known for boasting a clean style.

The Arc'Teryx Gamma Hoody has a slimmer, athletic cut that won't work for all shoppers. The tailoring of this garment was carefully designed to have freedom of movement while reducing fabric bunching, yet this ultimately makes for a unique cut that may put people between sizes. For a looser fitting option, take a look at the Rab Kinetic 2.0, which boasts more weather protection and still scores admirably in all other metrics. One other potential setback of the Gamma Hoody is the lack of an external chest pocket, a place many testers like to store their cell phone when engaged in activities. While stowing a phone inside an internal chest pocket offers more protection for the electronic device, it can be annoying to unzip the jacket every time one needs to reach for it. This model is also tighter on the wallet than other options, although we feel that the value is still there for such a high-quality, multi-functional piece. At the end of the day, the Arc'Teryx Gamma Hoody is a softshell that shines as an all-arounder in its jacket class and is worthy of year-round use.

Read more: Arc'Teryx Gamma Hoody Review

Best Bang for the Buck

Rab Borealis

Weight: 9.7 ounces | Number of pockets: 2 Exterior Chest Zip

The Rab Borealis is a high-performing, lightweight softshell jacket at a more approachable price point than other top-tier options. This was a favorite among our testers largely due to its excellent breathability, with Rab's Matrix fabric keeping us comfy on the move. For warmer days or for higher output missions, the mesh-backed chest pockets could be unzipped for effective ventilation, allowing us to leave this layer on all day. The fit of the Borealis struck an excellent balance between maintaining range of motion and reduced bunching, whether wearing a harness or a backpack, making this model appropriate for a wide array of activities. This minimalist design also offers a clean aesthetic for around-town hangs, so one can seamlessly go from the trail to the dinner party. Simply put, this bargain-priced garment belongs in your shopping cart if you're hunting for a breathable, lightweight softshell.

The Rab Borealis isn't great for water resistance and left our testers soaked during our field and shower tests. Given its nature as a softshell and single-weave fabric construction, we weren't entirely surprised by those results. Fortunately, we also found it delivered fast drying times both in the lab and in the field, meaning if you do get wet, there's likely to be a quick recovery. This jacket also only offers adjustability in the hem, so if it doesn't fit you just right in the sleeves or hood, you're out of luck. If you're demanding more water resistance and features from your next softshell, take a look at the Rab Kinetic 2.0, which performs well across the board but lacks the ventilation of the Borealis. If breathability is a top priority, the Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is another excellent alternative, with added adjustability in the hood. Besides a few setbacks, the Rab Borealis boasts exceptional value in a lightweight package and is a garment you can wear all day long.

Read more: Rab Borealis review

Best for Wet Weather

Rab Kinetic 2.0

Weight: 11.6 ounces | Number of pockets: 2 Exterior Hand Zip

The Rab Kinetic 2.0 is one of the best weather-resistant softshells available on the market. Rab has poured a great deal of effort into the Kinetic, and this latest version is the best yet, with improved breathability from past iterations. This jacket held up very well in both our real-world testing and in our more objective shower test, letting in minimal amounts of moisture for shorter storms. We also appreciated the cut of this option, with a slightly looser design offering an excellent range of motion and adjustability in the hem and arms for a more dialed-in fit. Our testers got braver throughout testing and used the Kinetic 2.0 as the primary exterior shell for a few multi-day trips, though notably, it was always when the forecast didn't call for too much precipitation. This option belongs at the top of your list if weather resistance is a priority for your softshell shopping.

The Kinetic 2.0 has decent, useable features, but we wish Rab would have included a chest pocket. While we have our gripes about models that only have an interior chest pocket, the Kinetic doesn't have one at all, requiring a cell phone or other electronics to be stored in your pants or inside another layer. This can be made difficult when you're wearing a backpack with a hip strap or a harness, as they cover the waist pockets. We'd prefer to see a very handy chest pocket, as available on other models. The Marmot ROM Infinium Hoody is an excellent alternative as a weather-resistant softshell and includes a chest pocket. We also found this layer to have a bit of extra fabric around the abdomen and wrists, causing unwanted bunching. Lastly, we wish a water-resistant shell like this had an over-helmet hood, given that its current under-helmet design offers less effective weather protection. Besides these few considerations, the Kinetic 2.0 is a top-tier softshell worthy of your hard-earned cash, especially if you recreate in damp climates.

Read more: Rab Kinetic 2.0 review

Best for Cold Weather

Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody

Weight: 17.5 ounces | Number of pockets: 2 Exterior Chest Zip, 2 Exterior Hand Zip, 2 Interior Drop-In

The Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody offers excellent performance in warmth and water resistance, making it ideal for cooler temperatures or seasons. As a heavier-weight softshell, we weren't surprised with its decent heat retention scores, but we were pleasantly surprised with its breathability. The fleece-lined inner offers a grid pattern that ushers interior moisture to the nylon outer, allowing our testers to keep this layer on far longer than expected, whether backpacking or climbing. The fleece lining also boasts some of the best next-to-skin comfort we've seen in this class of jacket, inviting us to choose this layer again and again for a myriad of activities. For the shower test, we were blown away by the effectiveness of the DWR-treated nylon shell, keeping us almost completely dry for an entire minute with the shower on full blast. From town hangs to the mountains, the R2 should be kept on your consideration list if you're seeking a warmer class of softshell.

The Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody doesn't have velcro or a drawstring in the hem, hood, or cuffs, giving it zero adjustability. The elastic bindings in those areas of the garment may offer a great fit for some, but if this doesn't quite fit your body's needs well, we'd recommend the Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody, which will allow you to dial in the fit. The Gamma MX also offers a slimmer cut than the R2, which arguably makes it a better option for technical use, such as climbing or skiing. If the adjustability asterisks and relaxed fit aren't deal breakers, the Patagonia R2 is a phenomenal option for chillier conditions, especially if you might experience some rain or snow.

Read more: Patagonia R2 Techface review

Easiest Pack-and-Carry Weather Protection

Patagonia Dirt Roamer

Weight: 8 ounces | Number of pockets: 1 Exterior Chest Zip, 1 Exterior Rear Hip Zip

The Patagonia Dirt Roamer is a mountain biking softshell that works well for other outdoor sports, especially considering its packability. At just 8 ounces, this is a jacket you can justify bringing with you most days outside, offering excellent weather resistance and warmth relative to its weight. Patagonia tailored this piece to the specific movements of biking, boasting great coverage while on the saddle, yet we were equally pleased with the cut of this jacket on hikes or climbs. This no-frills design easily packs into its rear hip pocket and can be clipped to your harness or backpack to be readily accessible for those brief afternoon rain storms or wind events as you get above treeline. If you're hunting for a garment that can live in your backpack for some added warmth and just-in-case weather protection, this should be at the top of your list.

The Patagonia Dirt Roamer has more of a hardshell exterior and ultimately wasn't as breathable as some. For higher output days, our testers started out wearing this jacket but needed to take it off as they began getting wet from the inside out. On cooler days and for slower-paced outings, this wasn't an issue, but we'd recommend the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody as a more breathable lightweight option on days with heavier activity. The Dirt Roamer also doesn't offer adjustability, so if the cut or sleeve length doesn't fit you, you're best off looking elsewhere. While the simple design keeps this jacket light, it doesn't offer many useable pockets, with one rear hip pocket and one internal chest pocket. Besides a few considerations, this is an excellent option as a packable garment for warmth and weather resistance, especially for mountain bikers.

Read more: Patagonia Dirt Roamer review

Our Favorite Lightweight Option

Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody

Weight: 6.9 ounces | Number of pockets: 1 Exterior Chest Zip

The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is an incredibly light option that's easy to justify bringing on most outdoor outings. As one of the lightest softshells we've ever seen, the Alpine Start feels like you're hardly wearing a jacket, and it's unnoticeable when being stowed on a harness or in a backpack. While this layer is certainly not meant to handle big rain storms, it outperforms its weight in water resistance and helps protect its wearer from the wind. In virtually any activity, we greatly appreciated the mobility of this garment and could contort ourselves in any position the sport needed.

The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody doesn't offer much warmth, which is to be expected with such a minimalist piece. On alpine ridges or above treeline hikes, this jacket helped break the wind, but we needed to add another layer when things got chilly. With a baggier fit, we also had a bit of fabric bunching around the wrists and abdomen, so if you're looking for a more athletic cut, check out the Rab Borealis. Just know it won't be so dramatically light in your pack. At the end of the day, the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is a phenomenal option in the featherweight category and belongs in your adventure kit if weight is a priority.

Read more: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody review

Best Buy on a Tight Budget

Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant

Weight: 24.05 ounces | Number of pockets: 1 Exterior Chest Zip, 2 Exterior Hand Zip

The Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant is one of the least expensive options on the market today, offering decent performance in a few key areas. We tested every product's heat retention, and this jacket beat out others that were as much as 10 times more expensive. In field testing, we found this softshell to be great for chilly hikes and around-town hangouts, with a fleece inner that also delivers a comfy next-to-skin feel. As long as the output wasn't too high, this jacket was useable for activities such as climbing or biking, though one's range of motion is a bit encumbered, so it's certainly not going to fill the hole in your wardrobe of a true performance piece.

The Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant has minimal water resistance in any precipitation scenario beyond a brief, light drizzle. During the shower test, we got absolutely soaked, and unfortunately, it also took a very long time to dry after the fact. We also had a tough time keeping this jacket on for uphill hikes. With poor breathability, we were wetting our upper bodies from the inside out. If you're hunting for budget-minded softshells specifically, take a look at the TACVASEN Special Ops as well. It offers excellent weather resistance and has pit zips that improve breathability. However, if you're shopping on a particularly tight budget, the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant is hard to beat. It's a decent basic softshell, particularly well-suited to climates that are not especially wet or warm.

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	82	Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody Best Overall Softshell Jacket	$300
	80	Rab Kinetic 2.0 Best for Wet Weather	$260
	79	Rab Borealis Best Bang for the Buck	$120
	79	Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody	$260
	78	Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody Best for Cold Weather	$229
	77	Outdoor Research Ferrosi DuraPrint Hoodie	$155
	77	Marmot ROM Infinium Hoody	$250
	76	Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody Our Favorite Lightweight Option	$185
	75	Patagonia Dirt Roamer Easiest Pack-and-Carry Weather Protection	$249
	74	Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody	$400
	66	TACVASEN Special Ops Tactical	$73
	64	The North Face Apex Bionic 3	$160
	60	Columbia Ascender	$90
	55	Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant Best Buy on a Tight Budget	$40

How We Test Softshell Jackets

Every round of softshell testing begins with extensive market research to select the most in-demand products out there for comparative analysis. After completing the selection process, we begin our rigorous and comprehensive testing for every single product. We evaluate all aspects of these jackets via extensive field testing and supplement that real-world experience with objective, measurable lab tests as well. Here at GearLab, we also make a point of buying every product ourselves to reduce bias and outside influence as much as possible. Our goal is to provide you with the most thorough and honest reviews you can trust.

Men's softshell jackets were tested across 5 performance metrics:

• Weather Protection (30% of total weighted score)

• Breathability (30% weighting)

• Mobility (25% weighting)

• Weight (10% weighting)

• Versatility (5% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Full-time IFMGA Mountain Guides Zach Lovell and Ryan Huetter are at the helm of this review, both spending countless hours in the great outdoors across many different climates for all 4 seasons. Zach both works and plays across several states and countries, from the arid deserts of the American West to the glaciated peaks of the European Alps. Irrefutably, Zach's favorite layer is the softshell jacket, and it's the garment type that he always brings with him, year-round, across any climb, ski tour, or hike. Ryan relocated from the Pacific Northwest to California's Sierra Nevada after College and has climbed all over the world, including over 20 big wall routes in Yosemite and Fitz Roy in Patagonia. Softshell jackets are one of many pieces of gear that are a part of Ryan's daily life, whether he's spring skiing or needs a versatile layer for a climb.

How to Pick the Best Softshell Jacket for You

There are many different types of softshell jackets available today, from minimalist options that are graduated wind breakers to insulated softshells that feel like two jackets sewn together. The first (or next) step in your shopping journey is to figure out which type of softshell is best for you. First, we'll share layering considerations before diving into design tradeoffs you should be aware of before making a purchase.

Layering Softshell Jackets

Softshell jackets, uniquely, get layered in different ways depending on the person and intended use. As a generality, one will typically make layering decisions based on four elements of a softshell: fit/cut, breathability, warmth, and weather protection.

Slimmer fitting jackets are likely to be worn closer to the base layers, whereas looser fitting options will be worn further from the skin. When thinking about ventilation, more breathable options are best worn closer to the body, while less breathable options are likely best towards the outermost layer. For warmth, softshell insulation is commonly fleece and is typically best maximized by wearing it closer to the body, though some individuals may prefer the opposite layering system. Lastly, weather protection is best worn on the outermost layer, with the significant asterisk that any softshell jacket has weatherproofing limitations when compared to a hardshell jacket, which should always be worn over a softshell when experiencing inclement weather.

Breathability, Weather Resistance, and Warmth

Generally speaking, the more breathable a layer is, the less weather resistance or warmth it offers its wearer. Despite advertisements and promotions, any top-tier weather-resistant/waterproof garment with insulation will have some reduction in breathability… Picture a trash bag as a jacket; it doesn't let moisture in, but it doesn't let moisture out, either. Now, picture that waterproof trash bag with added insulation; it's likely to have even less breathability.

No softshell jacket should replace a true hardshell/rain layer if anticipating more than a brief afternoon thunderstorm, and no softshell should replace your insulation layering if anticipating particularly cold temperatures. At the end of the day, the breathability of a softshell is one of its strongest attributes as a layer class, and in mildly wet or cold climates, it can offer some warmth and/or weather protection. The key questions to ask yourself are: what activities will I be doing, and in what climates? Then ask yourself, what layers do I intend to use with my new softshell?

Weight and Packability Considerations

Lastly, it's important to consider how crucial weight is to you. You'll likely find a correlation between weight and packability; the lighter a layer is, the smaller it will pack down. We encourage you to consider your intended activities in your intended climates first and then determine how much of a priority weight is, or isn't, for you and your needs. Warmth and/or top-tier weather protection typically means more weight, but breathable softshells can be on the lighter side.

Analysis and Test Results

Our testers wear these softshell jackets in almost every conceivable weather condition throughout the year. We then correlate our real-world results with a set of predetermined metrics to analyze each jacket's performance. We compile this data to compare one model to another and help you hone in on the best choice for your specific needs.

What's the Best Value?

Each softshell jacket's functionality falls somewhere between the extremes of a waterproof/windproof layer and a fully breathable layer. You'll likely pay more for a model closer to the waterproof end of the spectrum than the breathable end.

Options like the Rab Borealis stood out for their value, with top-tier performances at sometimes half the cost of their competition. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi DuraPrint Hoodie also carries your dollar further, depending on your performance needs. The Arc'Teryx Gamma MX is among the most pricey softshells on the market today, but it offers premium scores in some metrics.

For those on tighter budgets, where low price is the true priority, the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant and the Tacvasen Special Ops are worthy of your consideration. As with any budget shopping, if you are demanding more from your softshell, it might be more economical in the long run to “buy right once rather than buy cheap twice.”

Weather Protection

Weather protection is a crucial part of any shell jacket, so we gave this metric heavy weighting of the total score of each softshell layer. We spent weeks in the field with each jacket and then dove into more objective lab testing to size up heat retention, water/wind resistance, and drying times.

One of the most weatherproof models is the Rab Kinetic 2.0, which is prepared for nasty alpine conditions at a reasonable weight. We also found this option to offer decent drying times. In our shower test, the Patagonia R2 Techface was the surprise winner, allowing minimal water permeation. The largest setback with the R2 were the drying times, if it does get soaked it's fleece inner takes a very long time to dry.

The Arc'teryx Gamma MX was highly competitive in this metric as well, delivering trustworthy protection in more scrappy alpine weather. For something less water-impervious but still impressively protective, the top-scoring Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is an excellent option, with well-rounded scores across all aspects of this metric. The Marmot ROM offers versatility and is our favorite when we want something a little longer in the torso to provide better protection. Despite being a name brand, The North Face Apex Bionic 3 didn't top the charts in this metric, but it did offer excellent wind protection and next-to-skin feel. Its robust construction also made it a noticeably durable garment.

In this category, we included a heat retention test by putting boiled water into a water bottle and placing it inside each layer, ultimately measuring how long it took for the water bottle to dip below 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The surprise winner in heat retention was the inexpensive Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant, doubling the test times from some of the competition. The same jacket, unfortunately, didn't do well in the shower testing, so we'd only recommend this layer to budget-minded shoppers in drier climates. Another option that scored nearly as well in heat retention was the Columbia Ascender, though its hoodless design made it less ideal for precipitation.

Breathability

Many would argue breathability is the most important metric for a softshell. Our testers admit they choose these layers specifically because they breathe better than their hardshell counterparts. This metric was tested in the field for weeks on end while hiking, climbing, biking, backpacking, and even fishing. We even performed more objective testing by taking each layer on similar cardio circuits before measuring the total surface area of the underlayer sweat spots.

The Arc'Teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody, Rab Borealis, and Outdoor Research Ferrosi DuraPrint Hoodie were among our favorites in this metric, keeping us cooler for longer, even on warm days. In alpine environments, the sun can be a powerful heater even with chilly temperatures. But these layers stayed on our testers, even in such dynamic environments. Notably, they also didn't score as well in weather resistance, reconfirming a general pattern seen in this type of apparel: the more breathable a layer is, the less weather protection it offers.

The Patagonia Dirt Roamer is both windproof and highly breathable, a bonus for climbing up steep technical singletrack trails or any higher output activity. The Rab Kinetic 2.0 pleasantly surprised us in breathability, given its high scores in weather resistance.

Models like the Arc'teryx Gamma MX and Patagonia R2 Techface feature an additional fleece backing that improves the inherent warmth when sedentary in cooler temperatures — but it doesn't generally improve ventilation. The R2 does offer an innovative fleece grid pattern where moisture can escape the fleece lining, surprising us with its impressive warmth and breathability. The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody also boasted excellent scores in this metric, with a lightweight construction that gifts great breathability to its wearer.

Price-friendly options like the Tacvasen Special Ops offered pit zips for added ventilation, which was much needed in testing given its thicker and heavier construction. The North Face Apex Bionic 3 offered useable scores in this metric, with an effective polyester fabric wicking moisture.

Mobility

Mobility is an invaluable metric within softshell jackets. This class of layer is typically assumed to be stretchy. But we uncovered a variety of scores across the lineup, taking careful note of any range of motion issues as well as any excess fabric bunching that might get in the way of movement.

We were big fans of the Rab Borealis in this metric, striking a great balance between range of motion and reduced bunching. Other jackets like the Rab Kinetic 2.0 had a more relaxed design, but adjustability allowed one to dial in the fit. The Arc'Teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody offered the best scores of the three Gamma products, with a slightly looser athletic fit than its more robust siblings. The Arc'Teryx Gamma Hoody was the most restrictive in the Gamma line, which may make sizing more difficult for prospective buyers.

In the Marmot ROM Infinium Hoody, we liked the roomier fit that allowed for more layers and especially longer coverage below the waist, but bunching did occasionally get in the way around the wrists.

For shoppers less concerned with hands-overhead mobility, the Columbia Ascender and the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant offer an adequate range of motion and are unlikely to be too large of an issue for hiking.

Weight

Weight is one of those metrics that carries varying importance depending on the person. We simply weighed each option on the same scale and recorded our findings.

Niche models such as the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody astonished reviewers by weighing 6.85 oz, though that weight saving does come at a price with significantly reduced weather resistance. For an extra 4 ounces, you can gain quite a bit of weatherproofing in the Rab Kinetic 2.0. We found some of our favorite models, such as the Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody hovered right around the 17-ounce mark, which resulted in a decent blend of weight and performance. The Rab Borealis landed at a respectable 9.7 oz, keeping it as a top–scoring option at a friendly price.

Heavier models such as the Amazon Essentials Water-Resistant and The North Face Apex Bionic 3 were all a bit more bulky, but they also offered excellent durability.

Versatility

One final metric for consideration was versatility. We tested this by examining each jacket's potential uses and how well it can serve as an under or over layer. We also investigated each option's features.

Jackets like the Arc'Teryx Gamma Hoody are true all-around highly functional softshells with midweight construction that offer year-round use, from summer hiking to winter skiing. And the Gamma specifically has a nice, eye-catching look that easily transitions to hanging around town. This one works best for folks who plan to layer other clothing over it, given its more athletic cut.

The Tacvasen Special Ops has a unique aesthetic and design prioritizing tactical use, yet it isn't out of place on a trail or in town. The Patagonia R2 Techface isn't the lightest option, but even in the heat of summer, we used this jacket during chilly mornings and nights, especially enjoying it in the cooler environments and seasons. The Rab Borealis also did well in this metric, easily fitting layers under and over it, further encouraging us to bring this with us wherever we went.

Conclusion

Softshell jackets are an incredibly useful piece of outdoor clothing. They do many things that hardshell jackets do, like block wind and precipitation, but they emphasize breathability — something the materials used in a hardshell cannot offer. Softshells allow you to be protected from the elements and recreate at a faster tempo, move freely with stretchier materials, and stay warmer because perspiration doesn't get trapped inside next to the skin. What was once considered a niche outdoor product is now one of the best and most versatile layers you can choose for outdoor activity, and we hope that this review has given you all the information you will need to select your next great softshell jacket.