The softshell jacket is a remarkably versatile garment that will serve you well in almost any weather, particularly during the shoulder season like autumn. It can easily be called the Swiss army knife of hiking in this season, given how well it suits every outing. Explore its qualities and advantages with us, and discover why it is an essential piece of kit for your future walks on the hiking trails!
Functional and practical, it features 2 side ventilation openings, 2 hand pockets and 1 chest pocket with waterproof zips, adjustable wrist tabs with velcro, 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, its 3-way adjustable hood is removable by zip and features audio earphone routing: a jacket versatile and practical enough to wear on hiking trails, on a leisurely walk or even in town!
What is a softshell jacket?
The softshell jacket is a garment that combines both the second and third layers of the well-known 3-layer system. It incorporates a warm and breathable fleece (worn over another technical base layer of your choice), and this fleece is covered by a water-repellent, windproof fabric or membrane. What's more, the softshell jacket is made from materials that are very pleasant to wear, fairly stretchy and very lightweight: it is described as "soft" in contrast to the more rugged "hardshell" jacket. This also gives it excellent packability, meaning it takes up very little space in your backpack. Finally, it is a garment that allows a full range of movement while staying close to the body, encouraging a dynamic, athletic posture.In what conditions should you use a softshell jacket?
To put it simply, it is easier to say when not to use a softshell jacket! Clearly, it is not designed for extreme conditions. If you need to hike in severe cold, with a high risk of heavy snow or heavy rain, it is not the right choice. But outings where the weather is likely to be a little cold, with some wind and perhaps a light shower are perfect for a softshell jacket. You will recognise those typical autumn weather conditions — often changeable, neither too cold nor too wet. That is why you can make full use of your softshell jacket on autumn hikes, where it is clearly the go-anywhere, do-anything layer!The advantages of softshell jackets
A softshell jacket combines many advantages, which can be summed up as follows:- Accessible price range
- Fairly light in weight
- Provide a great freedom of movement
- Save volume in your pack compared to the "fleece + hard shell jacket" combination
- Water-resistant in light rain
- Protection against moderate cold
- A clean, attractive look
- Also wearable in the city
What details should you look for when choosing a softshell jacket for autumn hikes
Beyond the advantages mentioned above — which any self-respecting softshell jacket should offer — you still need to pay close attention to technical details that can make a real difference over time. Here, in our view, are the points to look at depending on how you intend to use your softshell jacket:- Check that the zipper can be gripped easily: adding a small pull with a cord makes it much easier to grab the zipper when wearing gloves, for example.
- A slightly raised collar at the neck and chin to protect the lower face and neck, plus optional soft reinforcements to prevent uncomfortable chafing.
- A hood: it can be very useful, even essential, in light rain or when it gets a little colder in the early morning or late in the day.
- A wrist cinch: it keeps out unwanted draughts.
- A waist cinch: to maintain near-perfect insulation and enhance comfort
Two softshell jacket examples for your autumn hikes
Among the products on promotion during CimAlp's autumn flash sale, here are two outstanding and appealing softshell jackets for hitting the trails!Hooded softshell jacket Dynamic (Men)
A benchmark jacket that combines the finest fabrics with CimAlp's expertise. This jacket from the "EXPEDITION SERIES" range delivers flawless comfort with its 3 layers: an inner fleece fabric for thermal insulation, a waterproof-breathable membrane, and an ultra-resistant stretch outer fabric. With 2 side ventilation openings, 2 large pockets, adjustable wrist tabs with velcro, inner windproof gloves, a hood removable by zip and a waist drawcord, this modern softshell jacket packs in the details and features that place it firmly in the must-have category! Finally, its waterproof-breathable membrane, rated to 10,000 mm water column with a real breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24 h, guarantees comfort whatever the conditions. Lightweight at just 810 g in size M, it is ideal for hiking across all regions and will make you forget the autumn chill!
Hooded softshell jacket Energy (Women)
This women's waterproof-breathable and warm jacket is ideal for autumn hiking! Elegant and modern, it also delivers excellent comfort in all conditions. The softshell fabric "Expédition séries v2.0" combines 3 layers including a 160 microfibre fleece for excellent thermal insulation, a waterproof-breathable membrane, and a highly resistant stretch outer fabric.
Functional and practical, it features 2 side ventilation openings, 2 hand pockets and 1 chest pocket with waterproof zips, adjustable wrist tabs with velcro, 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, its 3-way adjustable hood is removable by zip and features audio earphone routing: a jacket versatile and practical enough to wear on hiking trails, on a leisurely walk or even in town!
