what is a soft shell jacket

A softshell jacket is a type of outerwear that is designed to bridge the gap between lightweight insulating pieces and waterproof hardshells. They are made with woven nylon or polyester that is stretchy, highly breathable, and decently weather-resistant, making them ideal for high-output activities where youre working hard, such as climbing, biking, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Softshell jackets are smoother, softer, and more ventilating than their hardshell counterparts, which are made using a breathable waterproof membrane. Some softshells feature a waterproof membrane in the middle, seam-taping, and a DWR coating, which combines the waterproofing of a hardshell with the comfort of a softshell. Softshells are not fully waterproof, but they offer better protection from the elements than a standard fleece or synthetic jacket. They are also more comfortable and pliable than hardshell jackets, which can feel "crinkly". Softshell jackets are a great outer layer for a wide range of activities all year round, and they are a go-to jacket for many people due to their balanced design.