When choosing mountain clothing, the terms softshell and hardshell come up frequently. They relate more to a textile concept. But how do you tell them apart, and for which conditions? Here's a quick breakdown.
The characteristics of softshell garments
The term softshell is frequently used for trousers, jackets and any other outer protective layer for outdoor enthusiasts. Its main characteristics are:
- versatility
- warmth
- breathability
- the water-repellent fabric
The softshell is ideal for all outdoor activities, but it does have one drawback. It is not suitable in heavy rain as its fabric is not 100% waterproof, particularly at the seams. That said, its practicality and versatility for hiking speak for themselves. The softshell jacket is an excellent windproof layer and a great way to stay warm.
The characteristics of hardshell garments
Hardshell garments are perfect and recommended as a 3rd layer. Made with a membrane fabric, they are both waterproof and breathable. They offer outstanding performance in extreme mountain conditions.
To summarise, here are the technical characteristics of hardshell jackets:
- Maximum waterproofness in heavy rain
- Abrasion resistance
- Windproof
The only drawback of a hardshell jacket lies in its breathability. Indeed, striking the right balance between waterproofness and breathability in a membrane is a key challenge in the outdoor textile market.
Check out our guide to choosing the right hiking trousers.
Softshell or hardshell jacket — which one to choose?
The choice between a hardshell and a softshell jacket depends primarily on the weather conditions you'll face and how you intend to use it. The hardshell excels in wet and harsh environments, while the softshell stands out for its thermal comfort and versatility in milder conditions.
Softshell jacket: for thermal comfort and versatility
The softshell is the perfect solution for intense activities in cool, low-humidity conditions. It doubles as both a second and third layer.
Offering excellent thermal insulation, very high breathability and good wind resistance, it delivers optimal comfort for activities such as mountain biking, ski touring or hiking in cold but dry weather. Its soft, stretchy fabric allows for great freedom of movement, at the expense of full waterproofness. It should therefore be avoided in heavy rain or persistent snow.
Choose your base layer wisely by checking out which hiking t-shirt to choose.
Hardshell jacket: for protection against the elements
The hardshell is essential when facing extreme weather conditions: relentless rain, snowstorms or strong winds. It provides full protection thanks to its waterproof membrane, while remaining breathable enough to prevent moisture build-up during prolonged effort.
It is the perfect choice for long expeditions, high-altitude hikes or mountain outings where the weather can be unpredictable. A hardshell jacket is often lighter and more compactable than a softshell. However, it provides no warmth, so you'll need to pair it with a fleece jacket for proper thermal insulation.
Moreover, its breathability is lower compared to a softshell jacket, which can make high-output activities less comfortable. At Cimalp, the R&D team spent considerable time tackling this challenge to offer outdoor enthusiasts the greatest comfort. That's how the French brand found the perfect balance between waterproofness and breathability with the Ultrashell, its patented technology.
Watch our explanation video!
