Softshell Jacket

A soft shell jacket is considered an “action layer.” Its materials are designed to stretch and breathe while also maintaining wind and water resistance. This allows the user to leave this jacket on for a wide range of temps and conditions.

For alpine climbing and mountaineering, an ultralight, wind-resistant layer is often preferable to garments made of durable stretch-woven materials, which typically weigh much more.

Windproof jackets are lightweight and packable, but lack the breathability and stretchy natureof the soft shell. Windproof jackets are ideal for blocking wind and light precipitation during low output activities.