The softshell jacket is a remarkable all-rounder that will serve you well in almost any weather, especially during the shoulder season and in autumn. You could easily call it the Swiss Army knife of hiking jackets for that time of year — it'll go with you on every outing. Explore its qualities and benefits with us, and discover why it's an essential piece for your future walks on the hiking trails.
What is a softshell jacket?
The softshell jacket combines both the second and third layers of the well-known 3-layer system. It features a warm and breathable fleece (worn over a technical base layer of your choice), which is then covered by a water-repellent and windproof fabric or membrane.
The softshell jacket is made from very pleasant, fairly stretchy and very lightweight materials — it earns the label "soft" in contrast to the tougher hardshell jacket. This also gives it excellent packability, meaning it takes up very little space in your rucksack. Finally, it allows a full range of movement while staying close to the body, making for a dynamic and sporty feel.
When should you wear a softshell jacket?
To put it simply: let's talk about when NOT to wear a softshell jacket. It's clearly not built for extreme conditions. If you're heading out in severe cold, heavy snowfall or driving rain, this is not the jacket for the job.
But outings where the weather is on the cooler side, with a bit of wind or even a light shower, are exactly when a softshell jacket comes into its own. Think classic autumn conditions: changeable, neither too cold nor too wet.
That's why your softshell jacket is the go-to choice for autumn hikes — it's genuinely all-purpose.
The advantages of softshell jackets
A softshell jacket combines a host of advantages, which can be summed up as follows:
- Affordable price range
- Relatively lightweight
- Excellent freedom of movement
- Save volume in your pack compared to a separate fleece + hard shell jacket combination
- Water-resistant in light rain
- Protection against moderate cold
- A pleasing aesthetic
- Also wearable in the city
What to look for when choosing a softshell jacket for autumn hiking
Beyond the advantages listed above — which any softshell jacket worth its name should offer — there are nevertheless some technical details that can make a real difference over time. Here, in our view, are the key points to consider based on how you intend to use your softshell jacket:
- Check that the zip can be grabbed easily — adding a small toggle with a cord makes it much easier to grip when wearing gloves, for example.
- A slightly higher collar at the neck and chin to protect the lower face and neck, plus the presence or absence of soft reinforcements to prevent uncomfortable chafing.
- A hood: it can be very useful, even essential, in light rain or when it gets a bit colder first thing in the morning or at the end of the day.
- Wrist adjustment: keeps unwanted draughts out.
- Waist adjustment: maintains near-perfect insulation and enhances comfort
Finally, pay close attention to the breathability ratings of the fabrics and membranes used, as well as their water-repellency performance. These are the two essential quality factors in a softshell jacket.
Two softshell jacket examples for your autumn hikes
Among the products on sale in CimAlp's autumn flash sale, here are two outstanding and appealing softshell jackets ready to take on the trails.
Dynamic softshell hooded jacket (Men's)
A benchmark jacket that combines the finest fabrics with CimAlp's expertise. From the "EXPEDITION SERIES" line, it delivers flawless comfort across its 3 layers: an inner fleece fabric for thermal insulation, a waterproof-breathable membrane, and an ultra-durable stretch fabric on the outer face.
With 2 side ventilation openings, 2 large pockets, adjustable Velcro cuffs, protective inner gloves, a zip-detachable hood and a waist drawcord, this modern softshell jacket packs in detail after detail — firmly placing it in the category of dependable all-rounders.
Its waterproof-breathable membrane, rated to 10,000 mm water column with a real breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24 h, guarantees all-conditions comfort. Weighing just 810 g in size M, it's the ideal hiking companion across all regions — and should help you forget about the autumn chill altogether.
Energy softshell hooded jacket (Women's)
This women's waterproof-breathable and warm jacket is ideal for autumn hiking! It's elegant and modern, and delivers excellent comfort in all conditions.
The Softshell "Expédition séries v2.0" fabric combines 3 layers — including a 160-weight microfibre fleece for excellent thermal insulation — with a waterproof-breathable membrane and an ultra-durable stretch fabric on the outer face.
Functional and practical, it features 2 side ventilation openings, 2 hand-warmer pockets and 1 chest pocket with waterproof zips, adjustable cuffs with Velcro tabs, and windproof inner gloves for optimal comfort. Its waterproof-breathable membrane is rated to 10,000 mm water column with a real breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24 h. Finally, the 3-adjustment hood is removable by zip and includes a cable routing for your headphones — all in all, a jacket equally at home on hiking trails, on a stroll, or in town, it's that versatile and practical.
