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? We explain in a few lines.
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 has one drawback. It is not suitable in heavy rain as its fabric is not 100% waterproof, particularly at the seams. However, its practicality and versatility in hiking are well established. The softshell jacket is an excellent windproof layer that keeps you 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 deliver 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, finding the right balance between waterproofness and breathability in a membrane is one of the key challenges in the outdoor textile market.
Check out our tips on how to choose your hiking trousers.
Softshell or Hardshell jacket — which should you choose?
The choice between a Hardshell and a Softshell jacket depends primarily on the weather conditions you will face and how you intend to use it. The Hardshell excels in wet and demanding 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 serves as both a second and third layer.
Offering excellent thermal insulation, outstanding breathability and good wind resistance, it delivers optimal comfort for sports such as mountain biking, ski touring or hiking in cold but dry weather. Its soft, stretchy fabric allows for exceptional 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 exploring how to choose your hiking t-shirt.
Hardshell jacket: for protection against the elements
The Hardshell is essential when facing extreme weather conditions: relentless rain, snowstorms or fierce winds. It provides full protection thanks to its waterproof membrane, while remaining breathable enough to prevent the build-up of perspiration during prolonged effort.
It is the ideal choice for long expeditions, high-altitude hikes or mountain outings where the weather can be unpredictable. A Hardshell jacket is often lighter and more packable than a Softshell. However, it provides no warmth and will need to be paired with a fleece jacket for good thermal insulation.
Furthermore, its breathability is lower than that of a Softshell jacket, which can make high-intensity activities less comfortable. At Cimalp, the R&D team has spent considerable time working on this challenge to deliver the greatest comfort to outdoor enthusiasts. This is how the French brand found the perfect balance between waterproofness and breathability with Ultrashell, its patented technology.
Here are our video explanations!
