Which men’s softshell jacket should you choose for hiking?
At the start, the valley wind chills your hands; twenty minutes into the climb, you’re warm under your jacket. For hikes in cool or windy weather, choose the DYNAMIC. Its Cimashell membrane blocks winds of 60 to 90 km/h, while two side vents with two-way zips release heat on the climb. The hood detaches when the sky clears. A chest pocket with a waterproof zip remains accessible without taking off your pack, and the hook-and-loop cuffs adjust while you’re wearing gloves. The DYNAMIC weighs 780 g in size M.
To compare them with other walking jackets, browse our men’s hiking jackets.
Is a softshell waterproof? Membrane rated to 10,000 mm; seams not taped
Our softshell jackets shed a shower. Their Cimashell membrane has a 10,000 mm hydrostatic head rating, but their seams are not taped. If it rains for more than 30 minutes, put on a hardshell jacket.
Compare these details on each product page:
- Blocks winds of 60 to 90 km/h.
- Membrane: 10,000 mm; seams not taped.
- Breathability: 10,000 g/m²/24 h.
- Weight in size M: 380 g for the gilet, 780 g and 800 g for the jackets.
Our jackets with taped seams are all in our men’s hardshell jackets.
Softshell jacket for mountaineering and winter hiking
On a ridge, the fabric rubs against rock and beneath your harness. For high-altitude mountaineering, choose the SUMMIT : its outer fabric resists abrasion. The hood adjusts at three points and fits over a helmet. Its two side pockets remain accessible when you’re wearing a harness. Thumb-loop cuffs cover your wrists, and a drawcord cinches the waist against wind and snow. Two underarm vents open with two-way zips. The SUMMIT weighs 800 g in size M; in severe cold, wear it over a thermal layer.
All our high-altitude mountaineering jackets are in our mountaineering jackets.
Sleeveless softshell gilet: the VISO, 380 g in size M
When exertion warms your upper body, a full jacket can be too much. The VISO gilet protects your torso while leaving your arms free. The armholes leave you free to use poles and carry a pack, while the high collar covers your neck. Wear it over a technical base layer, on its own or under a jacket when the weather turns. It runs slightly small: if you’re between sizes, choose the larger one.
Find the other sleeveless styles in our jackets and sleeveless gilets.
How to wear and care for a men’s softshell jacket
Wear the softshell as an outer layer over a breathable technical base layer. When it gets cold, slip a fleece underneath. Choose your usual size for the DYNAMIC and SUMMIT.
As soon as water stops beading on the fabric, restore its water repellency with a waterproofing treatment from our care products. Like all Cimalp clothing, these jackets benefit from the free repairs for life. For your lower body, see our softshell trousers. Find the women’s fit in our women’s softshell jackets.
