The softshell jacket is a wonderfully versatile piece of kit that will serve you well in almost any weather, particularly in the shoulder seasons like autumn. It's the Swiss Army knife of hiking jackets this time of year — ready for every outing on the trail. Explore its qualities and advantages, and discover why it's an essential companion for your next hiking adventures.
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 features a warm, breathable fleece (worn over a technical base layer of your choice), covered by a water-repellent and windproof fabric or membrane.
Moreover, the softshell jacket is made from materials that are very pleasant to wear, fairly stretchy and very lightweight — it's described as "soft" in contrast to the more rugged hardshell jacket. This also gives it great packability, meaning it takes up very little space in your rucksack. Finally, it allows for a full range of movement while sitting close to the body, encouraging a dynamic and active posture.
In what conditions should you wear a softshell jacket?
To keep it brief: it's easier to say when not to wear a softshell jacket! Clearly, it's not designed for extreme conditions. If you're heading out in very severe cold, heavy snowfall or heavy rain, it's not the right choice.
But outings where conditions might be a little cold, breezy, or even lightly showery are perfect for a softshell jacket. These are exactly the kind of variable autumn weather conditions — not too cold, not too wet — where it comes into its own.
That's why you can rely heavily on your softshell jacket for autumn hikes, where it's genuinely an all-rounder!
The advantages of softshell jackets
A softshell jacket combines many advantages, which can be summed up as follows:
- Affordable price range
- Fairly lightweight
- Provide excellent freedom of movement
- Save volume in your pack compared to carrying a fleece and a hard shell jacket separately
- Water-resistant in light rain
- Protection against moderate cold
- A clean, attractive design
- Can also be worn in town
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 — it's worth paying close attention to certain technical details that can make a real difference over time. Here, in our view, are the key points to consider based on how you'll use your softshell jacket:
- Check that the zip can be easily gripped: adding a small pull with a cord makes it easier to catch when wearing gloves, for example.
- A slightly higher collar around the neck and chin to protect the lower face and neck, with optional soft reinforcements to prevent uncomfortable chafing.
- A hood: it can be very useful, even essential, in light rain or when it's a bit colder in the early morning or at the end of the day.
- A wrist adjustment: it keeps out unwanted draughts.
- A waist drawcord: to maintain near-perfect insulation and enhance comfort
Finally, pay close attention to the breathability ratings of the fabrics and membranes used, as well as their water-repellency. These are the two essential quality factors of a softshell jacket.
Two examples of softshell jackets for your autumn hikes
Among the products on sale in CimAlp's autumn flash sale, here are two remarkable and appealing softshell jackets for hitting the trails!
Dynamic softshell hooded jacket (Men's)
This is a benchmark jacket, combining the finest fabrics with CimAlp's expertise. Part of the "EXPEDITION SERIES" line, it delivers unwavering comfort thanks to its 3-layer construction: 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 velcro cuffs, inner protective gloves, a zip-detachable hood and a waist drawcord, this modern softshell jacket packs in the details and features that place it firmly in the category of reliable essentials!
Finally, its waterproof-breathable membrane rated to 10,000 mm water column and real breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24 h guarantee comfort in all conditions. Weighing just 810 g in size M, it's the ideal companion for hiking across all regions — and should make you forget all about the autumn chill!
Energy softshell hooded jacket (Women's)
This waterproof-breathable, warm women's jacket is ideal for hiking in autumn! It's also elegant and modern, offering excellent comfort in all conditions.
The Softshell "Expédition séries v2.0" fabric combines 3 layers — including a 160 microfibre fleece inner layer for excellent thermal insulation — a waterproof-breathable membrane, and an ultra-resistant stretch outer fabric.
Functional and practical, it features 2 side ventilation openings, 2 hand-warmer pockets and 1 chest pocket with waterproof zips, adjustable velcro cuffs and inner windproof 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 cable routing for your headphones — a jacket that works just as well on hiking trails as on a stroll or even in town, it's that versatile and practical!
