Hardshell vs softshell – how to choose a jacket?

Hardshell jacket – what is it?

Hardshell jackets are technologically advanced clothes created to protect against rain, snow, and strong winds during activities in the fresh air. They are waterproof, windproof, and breathable at the same time. Hardshell jackets owe their properties to both materials and construction. Among the solutions, which ensure water- and windproofing you will find.:

• hydrophobic fabrics,
• membranes,
• impregnates,
• sealed seams,
• waterproof zip closures,
• specially weaved fabrics,
• ventilation zippers.

A hardshell jacket will serve you well as an outer layer in the layered outfit, which can be worn e.g. for winter trekking. It protects the middle layers from soaking, improves the thermal comfort by keeping the warmth and doesn’t allow the moisture and wind to get inside. Despite its resistance to outside conditions, it ensures ventilation and the transfer of sweat.

Does the hardshell have any drawbacks? Yes, indeed. Even though it’s relatively thin, it can weigh quite a lot. Non-stretch fabric restricts the freedom of movement. Hardshell will prove useful if you enjoy outdoor activities even in difficult weather conditions. Trekking, climbing or skiing — a hardshell is just essential if you want to enjoy the comfort of warm and dry clothes.

Softshell jacket – what is it?

Softshell jackets are also designed for outdoor activities. The biggest advantage of softshells is that they offer freedom of movement and high breathability with good wind resistance. However, they are not resistant to heavy rain and snow.

Softshell jackets have a warming layer made e.g. of fleece. Keeping you warm, but also wicking away excess heat, are features that make softshells versatile. They come in handy on hikes on cold but dry days, for cycling or picking mushrooms, but also, for working in the garden. Whether you are hiking or climbing peaks, it is worth having a softshell in your wardrobe.

In the mountain and trekking layered outfit, a softshell jacket can act as either a top or mid-layer depending on the conditions. The lightweight and thin softshell can be worn together with a hardshell to protect it from getting wet and to keep you extra warm.

Hardshell vs softshell - a comparison

You already know what characterises harshells and softshells. Below we compare the most important features of both jackets so you can choose the perfect garment for your outdoor activities.

Waterproofing

In this category, the hardshell is the clear winner. It provides far better protection against getting wet, whether it's pouring rain or wet snow. Softshell only works well in light and brief rainfall.

If you want to know exactly how waterproof your jacket is, look for the parameter expressed in units: mmH2O, or millimetres of water column. The higher it is, the more water the jacket will accept before it starts to get wet

Breathability

This is another name for vapour permeability, which is crucial for the body's comfort and thermoregulation during exercise. As a rule, softshells provide better breathability, but very advanced hardshells also represent a high value for this parameter.

So how do you know if a jacket will be breathable? You don't have to guess. Breathability is measurable and is expressed in g/m2/24h, or grams of air per square metre of fabric per day. The higher the value, the greater the breathability of the jacket.

Thermal insulation

Thermal insulation is responsible for how much warmth a jacket will retain close to your body. Softshells are the winners in this respect , as providing warmth is their primary function, whereas for a hardshell it will be to protect you from the outside elements.

Weight

In the weight category, the softshell wins. However, the weight of the jacket depends on the size, the materials used and the number of layers. If you are looking for a lightweight jacket, the safest thing to do is to be sure, as the manufacturers of modern outdoor clothing are outdoing themselves in providing more and more wearable comfort and therefore in reducing the weight of the jacket while maintaining its protective and thermoregulatory properties.

Versatility

This is where softshells win out. They can be worn in dry weather, from autumn to early spring. They protect against wind. They do not restrict movement, which clearly distinguishes them from hardshells. They can be used both as casual wear and for outdoor sports. Hardshells, on the other hand, have a clearly defined main purpose - protection from water and wind.

Comparison summary

Which is better: hardshell or softshell? It depends.

• Softshell is more versatile, but does not cope with extreme weather conditions. It will provide warmth and comfort, among other things: walking, rollerblading, skiing at the beginning and end of the season.
• Hardshell will protect you in heavy rain and wind, but will restrict the freedom of movement necessary for prolonged activity.
• A softshell can be the top layer of a layered outfit when the weather is nice, but will not replace a hardshell.

Which jacket is worth having? If you want to stay warm and dry in all conditions, it's best to equip yourself with both. They are not interchangeable. They have different purposes and properties. Instead, they can complement each other.

Hardshell - recommended models

Looking for a hardshell? We have several models to recommend.

Mammut Aenergy Air HS Hooded is an advanced model for demanding people. It will prove itself in the mountains and during skiing. It is adapted to be worn with a helmet and is surprisingly soft.

• Water resistance: 15,000 mmH2o
• Breathability: 40 000 g/m2/24h
• Waterproof zips

High breathability and waterproofness will be provided by the Salewa Sella 3L PTX hardshell skit jacket. The three-layer construction with additional waterproofing doesn't stand a chance against wind, lashing rain or wet snow. Winter expedition enthusiasts will appreciate the roomy pockets that do not interfere with the straps of the hiking backpack.

• The three-layer laminate and DWR impregnated top layer provide water resistance of 20,000 mmH2O.
• Detachable snow cuff.
• Spacious and cleverly positioned pockets.

Are you looking for a ski jacket that will offer the quality known from the tournament slopes? The Descente x Marco Odermatt hardshell is for you. It is a typical ski jacket, 2-in-1, compatible with other layers that can be quickly attached or detached. It was developed in collaboration with Swiss alpine skier Marco Odermatt.

• Three-layer laminate providing water resistance of up to 20,000 mmH2O
• Breathing system prevents vapour accumulation at the mouth
• Integrated snow cuff

Softshells - recommended models

Looking for a versatile softshell? We recommend the Mammut Aenergy So Hybrid Hooded. It is lightweight, breathable and features a hybrid construction. It will work well as a top layer and intermediate layer. Water repellent impregnation allows you to wear this jacket in light rainfall.

• Slightly water-repellent.
• Moisture-wicking inserts.
• Comfortable zip with handle.

If you're after a more feminine softshell style, reach for the Dynafit TLT DST. The model is available in two beautiful colour combinations: pastel turquoise juxtaposed with anthracite and orange accents, and deep plum with black to brighten up the zips of the front pockets. The stretchy Durastretch® technical fabric provides the freedom of movement needed for intense activity.

• DWR impregnation.
• Perforations to prevent overheating.
• Fitted hood with reinforced peak.

Men's softshells can also be stylish. The C.P. Company proves it. The lightweight, hard-wearing and breathable softshell with hood features the now iconic built-in googles, which not only provide additional protection for the eyes, but also bring an original touch. The jacket will be suitable for everyday use but also on demanding trails.

• Very lightweight.
• Hood with integrated goggles.
• Casual cut and colour scheme.