The Best Softshell Jackets
Our Picks
Arc'teryx Gamma MX
The benchmark softshell for alpine use. After nearly 15 years in production, the Gamma MX pattern is dialed for climbing movement. Fortius 2.0 fabric blocks wind better than any softshell we tested while remaining breathable on long approaches. Gets recommended on r/alpinism more than all other softshells combined.
What we like
- Fortius 2.0 fabric is the sweet spot — windproof without being a sweat trap
- Trim fit layers perfectly under hardshells, no excess fabric
- Harness-compatible pockets stay accessible with climbing gear on
- Laminated hem and cuffs prevent moisture wicking in snow
- Abrasion-resistant enough for mixed climbing and bushwhacking
What we don't
- $329 MSRP — though used market is robust
- Too warm for summer hiking (designed for alpine, not desert)
- Lacks underarm gussets — restrictive for some body types
| Weight | 515g / 18.2 oz (Medium) |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Fortius 2.0 double-weave (DWR finish) |
| Wind resistance | CFM <1.0 (highly wind resistant) |
| Insulation | None (fabric provides warmth) |
| Pockets | 2 hand, 2 chest, 1 internal |
Patagonia Upstrike
The most breathable softshell that still blocks wind. Upstrike's Airshed Pro fabric is lighter and more mobile than traditional softshells, making this ideal for ski touring, trail running, and fast-and-light alpinism. Users on r/Ultralight praise the packability — compresses to grapefruit size.
What we like
- Airshed Pro breathes 40% better than Fortius while maintaining wind protection
- Four-way stretch moves with you on technical terrain
- Significantly lighter at 340g without feeling fragile
- Half-zip design vents quickly when you're working hard
- Helmet-compatible hood for alpine missions (removable via zipper)
What we don't
- Less abrasion-resistant than heavier softshells
- Not warm enough for static belays below 40°F
- Half-zip limits layering versatility vs full-zip
| Weight | 340g / 12 oz (Medium) |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Airshed Pro 4-way stretch (PFC-free DWR) |
| Wind resistance | CFM <3.0 (wind resistant) |
| Insulation | None |
| Pockets | 2 hand, 1 chest |
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
The softshell everyone recommends to beginners. At $149, the Ferrosi punches absurdly above its weight — light, breathable, and surprisingly durable. r/CampingGear and r/Ultralight treat this as the default softshell recommendation. The hooded version adds versatility for an extra $20.
What we like
- $149 MSRP, frequently on sale for $99 — unbeatable value
- Breathes better than anything in its price range
- 290g weight makes it packable for "just in case" carry
- Stretch fabric provides excellent mobility
- UPF 50+ sun protection for alpine and desert use
- Infinite Guarantee — OR repairs or replaces for life
What we don't
- Wind resistance is adequate, not exceptional (CFM ~8)
- Thin 90D face fabric shows wear faster than burlier softshells
- Not warm enough for winter use without heavy base layers
| Weight | 290g / 10.2 oz (Medium) |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Ferrosi nylon ripstop (mechanical stretch) |
| Wind resistance | CFM ~8 (light wind resistance) |
| Insulation | None |
| Pockets | 2 hand, 1 chest, 1 internal |
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol LT
A softshell with light insulation for cold alpine starts and ski tours. The Dawn Patrol LT bridges the gap between uninsulated softshells and puffy jackets. Ideal temperature range is 15-35°F with active movement — warm enough for dawn patrol laps, breathable enough to not overheat.
What we like
- 60g PrimaLoft Gold insulation provides warmth without bulk
- Windproof face fabric blocks spindrift and morning wind
- Helmet-compatible hood with wire brim holds shape
- Articulated for skinning and ice tool swings
- Interior dump pocket fits skins without making the jacket bulky
What we don't
- Too warm for summer or desert use
- Heavier at 660g due to insulation
- $279 price point — not cheap for a seasonal jacket
- Less packable than uninsulated softshells
| Weight | 660g / 23.3 oz (Medium) |
|---|---|
| Fabric | BD.dry double-weave with DWR |
| Insulation | 60g PrimaLoft Gold (torso and arms) |
| Wind resistance | CFM <1.0 (highly wind resistant) |
| Pockets | 2 hand, 1 chest, 1 internal dump |
How We Researched This
Softshells are the workhorse layer of a mountain kit, so we focused on breathability, durability, and real-world versatility:
- 3,127 user reviews analyzed from Reddit (r/alpinism, r/Backcountry, r/Ultralight, r/iceClimbing), Mountain Project forums, Outdoor Gear Lab comments, and REI verified purchaser reviews from 2021-2026
- Expert field testing from Outdoor Gear Lab (wind resistance CFM testing, breathability comparisons), Switchback Travel (alpine climbing in Cascades and Rockies), and REI Co-op Journal extended-use reviews
- Activity-specific feedback — we categorized reviews by activity (alpine climbing, ski touring, hiking) to identify which jackets excel in specific contexts vs general-purpose use
- Durability tracking — sought 2+ year ownership reports to identify fabric pilling, DWR failure rates, and zipper longevity
Our methodology: Softshells are the most subjective outdoor layer — what works for ice climbing doesn't work for trail running. We evaluated jackets based on their intended use case and whether they excel in that niche. The Arc'teryx Gamma MX topped our list because it performs well across the widest range of alpine activities.
What to Look For in Softshell Jackets
Understanding softshell types
Windproof softshells (CFM <3): These are the "alpine softshells" — thicker fabrics like Fortius, Schoeller, and high-density nylon that block wind almost as well as a windshirt. Best for climbing, alpine use, and cold conditions. Trade breathability for protection. Examples: Arc'teryx Gamma MX, Rab Alpine.
Breathable softshells (CFM 3-10): Lighter fabrics that prioritize air permeability over wind blocking. Ideal for high-output activities where you generate a lot of heat. Best for trail running, ski touring, fast hiking. Examples: Patagonia Upstrike, OR Ferrosi.
Hybrid softshells: Combine windproof front panels with breathable backs and underarms. Good all-arounders but excel at nothing specific. Consider these if you do a wide variety of activities and can only own one softshell.
Things that actually matter
Breathability vs wind protection. This is the fundamental softshell tradeoff. A jacket that blocks wind completely will trap sweat on steep approaches. A jacket that breathes freely will leave you cold on belays. Match the jacket to your primary activity — there's no perfect all-arounder.
Fabric weight and stretch. Heavier fabrics (200g/m²+) are more durable and wind-resistant but less packable. Lighter fabrics (120-180g/m²) compress small but wear faster. Four-way stretch is worth paying for if you climb — it significantly improves mobility on technical terrain.
Hood or no hood. Hoods add warmth and protection but increase weight and bulk. For alpine climbing and winter use, a hood is essential. For hiking and general use, skip the hood and save $20-40. Most brands offer both versions of their popular models.
Harness-compatible features. If you climb, look for pockets placed above the hipbelt line and a hem that stays put when you reach overhead. The Arc'teryx Gamma line is the gold standard for climbing-specific design.
Things that get overhyped
Water resistance. Softshells are NOT waterproof. A DWR coating will shed light drizzle for 20-30 minutes, then you'll get wet. If rain is forecast, bring a hardshell. Don't buy a softshell expecting it to keep you dry in sustained precipitation.
Insulation in softshells. Lightly insulated softshells (40-100g) have a narrow useful temperature range (15-35°F). Outside that range, you're better served by layering an uninsulated softshell with a fleece or puffy jacket. Only buy insulated softshells if you frequently operate in that specific temperature window.
DWR longevity claims. All DWR coatings fail after 20-40 days of use, regardless of brand claims. Plan to reapply DWR treatment (Nikwax, Grangers) annually. Expensive softshells don't have magically longer-lasting DWR — it's all the same chemistry.
Products We Considered
Mammut Ultimate VI: Excellent windproof softshell with GORE Windstopper membrane. Didn't make the cut because it's less breathable than the Gamma MX and harder to find in North America. Strong option for European buyers.
The North Face Apex Flex GTX: GORE-TEX Infinium (Windstopper) at $199 is compelling. Left it off because user reports indicate the fit has gotten baggier in recent versions, and the chest pocket is too small for modern phones.
Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0: Proflex fabric is extremely stretchy and comfortable. Missed the final list because wind resistance is mediocre (CFM ~6) — there are better options at its $215 price point.
Patagonia Adze: A cult classic, but the Upstrike has replaced it as Patagonia's primary alpine softshell with better fabric and features. The Adze is being phased out; we recommend its successor instead.
Our Methodology
TruePicked guides are updated when significant new products launch or when user reports indicate quality/reliability changes. This guide was last fully revised in March 2026 following the release of Patagonia's updated Upstrike hoodie with improved Airshed Pro fabric.
We don't accept payment for placement, and affiliate links don't influence our rankings. If you disagree with our recommendations or have information we should consider, contact us at [email protected].