6 Best Softshell Jackets For Active Hiking That Master Wind and Weather

You’re pushing up the final switchbacks to a windy pass, the sun is out but the air has a bite. You’re working hard and generating heat, but the wind threatens to chill you to the bone the moment you stop. This is the exact scenario where a softshell jacket becomes your most valuable layer.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

Why a Softshell Excels for High-Output Hiking

A softshell is the ultimate "put it on, leave it on" layer for active days. Unlike a rain jacket, or hardshell, which can feel like wearing a plastic bag during a steep climb, a softshell’s primary job is to breathe. It lets your sweat and excess heat escape, so you don’t get soaked from the inside out.

Think of it as the perfect middle ground. It’s far more protective than a simple fleece, easily shedding wind and light precipitation. Yet it’s infinitely more comfortable and air-permeable than a fully waterproof hardshell. For the vast majority of hiking conditions—cool mornings, windy ridges, and intermittent drizzle—a softshell provides the ideal balance of protection and comfort, meaning less time spent fiddling with layers.

Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody for All-Around Durability

Imagine scraping against granite on an exposed scramble or pushing through overgrown, snag-happy trails in the backcountry. This is where the Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody (formerly the Gamma LT) shines. Its legendary Fortius™ DW 2.0 fabric is built to withstand serious abrasion, making it a true workhorse for those who are tough on their gear.

This isn’t the lightest or most breathable jacket on the list; it’s an investment in resilience. The clean design, helmet-compatible StormHood™, and articulated patterning make it a favorite for everything from multi-day backpacking trips to alpine climbing. If you want one jacket to handle years of demanding use across three seasons, and you value durability above all else, the Gamma is your fortress.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi for Peak Breathability

You’re on a steep, sun-exposed trail, working up a serious sweat on a cool spring day. You need to cut the wind, but the thought of putting on a traditional jacket makes you feel clammy already. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi was practically born for this moment. Its claim to fame is its incredible air permeability.

The Ferrosi’s lightweight, stretchy fabric feels more like a comfortable shirt than a piece of outerwear, moving with you effortlessly. It offers just enough protection to block a stiff breeze and shed a surprise five-minute shower without trapping an ounce of unnecessary heat. The tradeoff for this supreme breathability is less weather resistance and durability than a burlier shell. For fast-paced day hikes, warm-weather backpacking, or anyone who runs hot, the Ferrosi is a long-standing trail favorite for good reason.

Black Diamond Alpine Start for Ultralight Missions

Your goal is to move fast and light, whether on a dawn-patrol trail run or a long alpine rock route. Every gram in your pack counts. The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is the minimalist’s answer to wind and weather, packing down into its own chest pocket to the size of a fist.

Think of this piece as a super-charged windbreaker. The Schoeller stretch-woven fabric cuts wind effectively and has a nano-sphere treatment that repels light moisture, all while offering fantastic mobility. It provides a surprising amount of protection for its incredibly low weight. The catch? It offers virtually no insulation and has minimal durability for activities like bushwhacking. It’s a specialized tool for when packability and weight are your absolute top priorities.

Patagonia R1 TechFace for Active Insulation

It’s a frosty morning at the trailhead, and you need a layer that can provide warmth on the go without causing you to overheat 20 minutes into the climb. The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody brilliantly blurs the line between a midlayer fleece and a protective softshell. It takes the breathable, gridded interior of the legendary R1 fleece and bonds it to a durable, weather-resistant outer face.

This jacket is a master of thermal regulation. It provides more warmth than any other shell on this list, yet it breathes well enough to wear while moving hard in the cold. It effectively replaces a two-piece system (like a fleece plus a wind shirt) for many cold-weather activities like winter hiking, snowshoeing, or high-altitude trekking. Its only real tradeoff is that it’s too warm for mild-weather hiking, making it a specialist for cooler conditions.

Rab Borealis Jacket for Packable Wind Resistance

You’re on an exposed coastal path with a relentless sea breeze or roping up for a multi-pitch climb where you need a simple, effective wind barrier. The Rab Borealis is a stripped-down, highly breathable softshell designed for climbers that happens to be fantastic for hikers. It’s exceptionally lightweight and packable, with a focus on wind resistance and mobility.

Similar in purpose to the Alpine Start, the Borealis often uses a slightly tougher fabric (Matrix™) for its weight, giving it a bit more resilience against rock abrasion. It has a slim, athletic fit and a low-profile hood designed to fit under a helmet. This is your go-to layer when you need a simple, no-fuss shield from the wind that you can wear all day or keep stashed in a small running vest, just in case.

Marmot ROM 2.0 for Zoned Weather Protection

You’re hiking in notoriously fickle weather, like the Pacific Northwest or the Scottish Highlands, where you can experience wind, sun, and drizzle all in the same hour. The Marmot ROM (Range of Motion) 2.0 tackles this with a clever hybrid, or "zoned," construction. It strategically places GORE-TEX Infinium™ Windstopper® fabric on the hood, shoulders, and chest—the areas most exposed to wind and rain.

In less critical zones, like under the arms and across the back, it uses a lighter, more breathable softshell material to dump heat effectively. This design gives you enhanced weather protection where it counts most, without the suffocating feel of a full membrane jacket. The compromise is a slight increase in weight and complexity compared to a simpler shell, but for unpredictable mountain weather, that’s a tradeoff many hikers are willing to make.

Key Features for Your Ideal Hiking Softshell

Choosing the right softshell comes down to matching the jacket’s design to your primary activity and environment. Don’t get lost in the specs; focus on how you’ll actually use it. Ask yourself these questions to find your perfect match.

• Breathability vs. Weather Resistance: This is the most important tradeoff. Do you run hot and hike in mostly dry conditions? Prioritize an air-permeable shell like the Ferrosi. Do you face persistent drizzle and cold wind? Look for a membrane-based or hybrid shell like the Marmot ROM 2.0 for more protection.
• Weight and Packability: Will this jacket live on your back all day, or will it spend most of its time in your pack as an emergency layer? For the latter, an ultralight, highly packable option like the Alpine Start or Borealis is ideal. For all-day wear in rugged terrain, the durability of a heavier jacket like the Gamma is worth the weight penalty.
• Fit and Features: A good softshell needs to move with you. Check for articulated elbows and gusseted underarms. Do you need a helmet-compatible hood for climbing? Are the pockets placed high enough to be accessible while wearing a backpack hip belt? Simple elastic cuffs are lighter, while Velcro closures offer more adjustability.
• Insulation: Most softshells are not insulated, designed to be layered over a base layer or fleece. If you primarily hike in the cold, an actively insulated piece like the R1 TechFace can simplify your layering system and provide warmth and weather protection in one garment.

Ultimately, the best softshell is the one that keeps you comfortable in the conditions you hike in most often. Don’t let the pursuit of the "perfect" jacket keep you indoors. Pick the one that best fits your needs, trust it to do its job, and get out on the trail.