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
A softshell is ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities, but it has one drawback: it is not suitable for heavy rain, as its fabric is not 100% waterproof, particularly at the seams. Even so, its practicality and versatility for hiking are well established. A softshell jacket provides excellent wind protection and helps keep 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 jacket
The one potential drawback of a hardshell jacket is its breathability. Striking the right balance between a membrane’s waterproofing and breathability is a challenge in outdoor clothing.
Explore our advice on choosing the right hiking trousers.
Softshell or Hardshell jacket — which should you choose?
Choosing between a hardshell and a softshell jacket depends mainly on the weather conditions you will face and how you plan to use it. A hardshell excels in wet, demanding conditions, while a softshell stands out for its warmth and versatility in milder weather.
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 the right base layer with our guide to choosing a 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 an 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. It does not provide warmth, however, so pair it with a fleece jacket for effective insulation.
It is also less breathable than a softshell jacket, which can make demanding activities less comfortable. At Cimalp, our R&D team spent considerable time tackling this issue to improve comfort for outdoor enthusiasts. The result is Ultrashell, the French brand’s patented technology, which strikes a balance between waterproofing and breathability.
Here are our video explanations!
