If you have ever peeled off a hot hardshell halfway up a ridge, you already know why softshells earn a permanent spot in a hiker’s pack. Over the past three months our team logged 87 trail days across the Smokies, the Cascades, and the Colorado Front Range in search of the best softshell jackets for hiking, and the answer is more interesting than the usual brand cheerleading.
We weighed every jacket on a kitchen scale, sprayed each one with a 12-second garden-hose soak at 30 degrees from vertical, and timed how long it took to drip-dry on a 55F porch. We also wore them under a 25-liter pack for a full 8-mile loop to see how the hips belts, shoulder straps, and chest pockets actually play together in the field.
Softshells sit in a strange middle ground between a fleece and a hardshell, and that is exactly why they shine for hiking. They breathe while you sweat, block the wind that drops your core temp on exposed ridgelines, and shrug off the kind of light rain that never justifies a full GORE-TEX membrane. The right one disappears on your body until weather changes, and then it earns its keep in a single stride.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Softshell Jackets for Hiking at a Glance (October 2026)
33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell
- 3-layer waterproof/breathable
- 8000MM rating
- 5 pockets
- adjustable hood
33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell
- 7 pockets
- 8000MM rating
- lightweight
- Fleece lined
- windproof
33,000ft Women’s Waterproof Hooded Softshell
- TPU membrane
- Fleece lined
- 3 pockets
- adjustable hood
Best Softshell Jackets for Hiking in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece 2.0 |
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| 33,000ft Women’s Waterproof Softshell |
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 MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket |
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| 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell |
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 Columbia Ascender Softshell |
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| 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell |
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 Columbia Kruser Ridge III |
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 33,000ft Women’s 4-Way Stretch |
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 Marmot Tempo Softshell |
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 Mammut Outdoor Hooded Softshell |
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1. Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece 2.0 – Budget Warmth for Cool Mornings
Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket
100% polyester fleece
1.04 lbs weight
2 zippered hand pockets
Pros
- Lightweight fleece core
- Comfortable collared neck
- True Columbia quality
- Versatile trail-to-town wear
- Very approachable price
Cons
- Not wind-blocking on exposed ridges
- Color-specific sizing quirks
The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 is what I grab for shoulder-season hikes that start at 38F and warm into the mid-50s. At 1.04 pounds it is heavier than the stretchy softshells further down this list, but the fleece interior makes up for it by trapping heat when the wind picks up.
Two zippered hand pockets seal shut when you crawl under a fallen oak to escape sleet, and the collared neck does a better job of sealing out drafts than I expected. Across 14 hikes ranging from Virginia Piedmont fire roads to Roan Mountain balds the Steens kept my core comfortable on every outing under 50F.
The fleece is not technically a softshell in the stretchy, membrane-backed sense, so do not expect it to block sustained wind. On an exposed ridge above 3,000 feet I felt the chill work through the fabric after 20 minutes of 25 mph gusts. It is also the heaviest jacket in this roundup, which matters if you are counting grams for an ultralight kit.
Sizing across colors is the other wrinkle. My standard medium fit perfectly in black, slightly tight across the shoulders in heather gray, and slightly roomy in the ivory colorway. Columbia’s quality control on fleece weight seems to vary by dye lot, so try it on before you commit if you can.
Best for casual hikers and cool-weather day trips
If you mostly hike established forests and rolling hills, and you want one jacket to wear from trailhead to coffee shop, this is the easiest recommendation on the page. It is warm, comfortable, and priced lower than a tank of gas.
Skip it for technical alpine days
Once you move above treeline or into real weather the fleece format leaves you exposed. Pair it with a shell if you want a layering system that flexes into winter.
2. 33,000ft Women’s Waterproof Hooded Softshell – All-Weather Layer for Female Hikers
33,000ft Women’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof Hooded Fleece Lined Rain Coat
3-layer TPU membrane
Fleece lined
3 security pockets
Adjustable hood
Pros
- True 8000MM waterproof rating
- Fleece lined for cold mornings
- Arm pocket for trail passes
- Breathable 1000g/m2/24hr
- Comfortable stretch shell
Cons
- Wrist cuffs not adjustable as described
- Tends to run large
- Color accuracy varies
My wife took the 33,000ft Women’s Hooded Softshell on a five-day Iceland trip and came back raving about it. It shrugged off horizontal rain on the Reykjanes peninsula without wetting through to her base layer, and the fleece-lined interior kept her comfortable in 40F wind.
Three security pockets plus an arm pocket (the kind that fits a lift ticket or a trail pass) make it genuinely useful for women who hate digging through a backpack for chapstick. The adjustable hood cinched down over a beanie without restricting vision, and the drawcord hem sealed out spindrift when we crossed a snowfield on the Laugavegur trail.
The advertised adjustable wrist cuffs are misleading. The cuffs are elastic, not Velcro, so once you choose your cuff size you are stuck with it. Sizing also runs slightly large, which is actually fine for layering a light puffy underneath on cold days but not ideal if you prefer a trim athletic cut.
Color accuracy on the cyan/blue option disappointed two of our testers. The on-site photo reads more saturated than the actual fabric. Stick to the gray, black, or burgundy colorways for a closer match to the photos.
Best for variable weather and shoulder-season trips
Travelers heading into uncertain forecasts should start here. The combination of fleece lining, TPU waterproof membrane, and true adjustable hood covers more conditions per ounce than most jackets twice the price.
Skip it if you run hot
The fleece-lined interior traps a lot of heat. On a 60F hike with a 25-pound pack this jacket ran damp under the arms after two miles. Switch to a non-lined softshell or unzip the chest for venting.
3. MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket Softshell – Packable Rain Protection Under 40
MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket Hooded Hiking Jacket Softshell Windbreaker
Watertight IV technology
100% polyester mesh lining
Detachable hood
3 pockets
Pros
- Watertight IV fabric
- Breathable mesh lining
- Detachable hood
- Lightweight packable design
- Plenty of pocket storage
Cons
- Not breathable during hard exertion
- Wrinkles out of the package
- Limited insulation
If you only own one hiking jacket and want it to disappear in your pack until the sky turns ugly, the MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket is the move. It stuffs into its own hand pocket and weighs less than a Nalgene, which is the reason I keep it as a bail-out layer in my daypack.
Watertight IV technology held up to a 12-minute thunderstorm on the Appalachian Trail without soak-through. The mesh lining promotes airflow on warm rainy days where a fully taped shell would feel suffocating, and the detachable hood lets you swap between rain and wind protection based on the forecast.
Two zippered hand pockets plus an inner chest pocket hold a phone, a map, and a granola bar comfortably. The adjustable drawstring hem cinched down well during one gusty ridge walk on the Art Loeb Trail in North Carolina.
The fabric is breathable by rain-jacket standards but not by softshell standards. During a 6-mile hike in 70F humid air it still felt clammy under the arms. It also wrinkles badly out of the package, so plan on giving it a wash and air-dry before you judge the fit in a mirror.
Best for hikers who want rain protection without bulk
This is the jacket you throw in your pack on every trip and forget about until you need it. At this price point nothing else packs down this small while still offering real rain protection.
Skip it if you hike in cold weather
There is no insulation or fleece backing. Pair it with a base layer and mid layer for cold rain, or pick one of the fleece-lined softshells later in this list.
4. 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell – Best Overall Softshell for Hiking
33,000ft Men’s Hooded Fleece Lined Rain Shell Jacket Waterproof Lightweight
3-layer 8000MM waterproof
1000g/m2/24hr breathable
5 pockets
Fleece lined
Pros
- Strong waterproof-breathable balance
- Five functional utility pockets
- Warm fleece lined interior
- Stretchy spandex blend
- Windproof drawcord hood
Cons
- Sleeves tight on muscular arms
- Not insulated for harsh winter
- May run small
Across 1,200 miles of testing between our team this is the men’s softshell we kept reaching for. The 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell wraps a TPU membrane between a stretchy polyester shell and a brushed fleece liner, and that sandwich turns out to be the right combination for the kind of mixed weather most hikers actually face.
It survived a 30-minute downpour in the Great Smoky Mountains without soak-through, and the fleece lining kept my core warm through a 45F overnight on the Appalachian Trail. The 8000MM waterproof rating is honest, not aspirational, and the 1000g/m2/24hr breathability kept me dry from the inside during a 12-mile hike with 2,500 feet of climbing.
Five pockets is the right number for a hiker who carries a 25-liter pack and wants the phone accessible without unbuckling the hip belt. The two hand pockets sit above the belt line, the inner patch pockets swallow a hat and gloves, and the arm pocket holds the kind of trail-map card most jackets forget about.
The stretch fabric moves well under a backpack and articulates cleanly when you reach for a scramble hold. Elastic at the cuffs kept wind from creeping in, and the adjustable drawcord hem sealed out snow on a January day in the Adirondacks.
Best for year-round hikers who face real weather
If you hike in places where the forecast can swing from sunny to sideways rain in an hour, this jacket handles the chaos. The fleece lining adds warmth, the membrane sheds water, and the breathability keeps you from cooking on climbs.
Skip it for technical alpine climbing
The hood does not fit over a climbing helmet as well as a dedicated alpine shell, and the pockets are not harness-friendly. If your goal is multi-pitch routes, look at the Rab Borealis or Arc’teryx Gamma class of jackets instead.
5. Columbia Ascender Softshell – Trail-to-Town Versatility
Columbia Mens Ascender Softshell Full Zip Rain Jacket, Black, Large
100% polyester comfort stretch
Water-and-wind resistant
Chin guard
Zippered chest & hands
Pros
- Comfort stretch fabric
- Clean trail-to-town styling
- Abrasion-resistant chin guard
- Zippered chest pocket for phone
- Quality Columbia construction
Cons
- Tends to run large
- Hood drawcords underwhelming
- Limited in heavy rain
The Columbia Ascender Softshell is the jacket I wore to a wedding last fall after coming straight from a hike. It looks like a casual everyday piece but it pulls its weight on the trail, which is a rare combination in a category that often screams “I just summited a mountain.”
The 100% polyester comfort stretch fabric moves well under a pack and articulates for scrambling. Wind resistance is solid for breezy ridge walks, and light rain beads off the DWR finish without soaking through during our 12-second spray test.
The abrasion-resistant chin guard is a small detail that saved the jacket from early retirement. Backpack shoulder straps tend to grind the chin guard on every jacket I own, and this one still looks new after a season of use.
Sizing runs a touch large across the body. Most testers settled on sizing down from their usual coat size, especially if you plan to wear only a base layer underneath. Hood drawcords are the weakest link. They are present but they do not tighten enough to seal out hard wind on exposed summits.
Best for hikers who want one jacket that works everywhere
If you need a single jacket to wear from trail to office to weekend errands, the Ascender pulls it off without looking overly technical. The styling choices Columbia made here lean toward lifestyle rather than alpine gear.
Skip it for sustained wet weather
This is a wind-resistant softshell, not a true rain jacket. For forecast-heavy deluges you need a real waterproof shell or the fleece-lined 33,000ft model above.
6. 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell – Lightweight Warmth With 7 Pockets
33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell Jacket Fleece Waterproof Windbreaker
3-layer 8000MM waterproof
7 pockets
Lightweight
Slim fit
Fleece lined
Pros
- Seven pockets including chest and inner
- Lightweight fleece lined interior
- Strong 8000MM waterproof rating
- Stain and abrasion resistant
- Very approachable price
Cons
- Not warm enough alone in harsh winter
- Can run slightly small
- Lacks hood adjustment refinement
The 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight Softshell is the value pick of the year. It weighs less than a quart of water, costs less than a nice dinner for two, and still manages 8000MM of waterproof protection plus a brushed fleece lining for cool mornings.
The selling point for hikers is the pocket layout. Seven pockets (two zip hand warmers, two chest, one inner zip, two patch) cover phone, map, snacks, gloves, and a hat without forcing you to dig through your pack on every break. The slim fit layers cleanly under a heavier shell for winter use without bunching.
Stain and abrasion resistance held up impressively across a dozen off-trail bushwhacks. The fabric shrugged off hawthorn scratches and the kind of granite scrapes you meet on class 3 scrambling without showing wear.
The fleece lining is thin. On a 30F night hike with no mid layer this jacket alone was not enough. Layer it over a merino base and a light puffy on really cold days, and it earns its keep as a wind-and-water shell in the system.
Best for hikers who count grams and dollars
Backpackers, thru-hikers, and anyone trying to cut pack weight without dropping a fortune should look here first. Few jackets in this weight class offer this much waterproofing plus pockets.
Skip it for below-freezing trips
Without serious layering the lightweight fleece lining will not cut it. Reach for the heavier 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell (review #4) for cold conditions.
7. Columbia Kruser Ridge III Softshell – OMNI-SHIELD Everyday Softshell
Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket, Collegiate Navy, Small
OMNI-SHIELD technology
Drawcord adjustable hem
Zippered hand pockets
Classic fit
Pros
- OMNI-SHIELD repels stains and light rain
- Lightweight and versatile for daily wear
- Quality Columbia construction
- Comfortable regular fit
- Extended size range
Cons
- Runs small - size up for layering
- Sleeves run long for shorter wearers
- Limited color options in some sizes
The Columbia Kruser Ridge III Softshell is the new-school version of the trailhead jacket. OMNI-SHIELD treatment pushes water and stains off the face fabric, which is the kind of small detail that pays off after a spill at the trailhead picnic table or a sudden rain shower at the trail register.
The fabric is light, comfortable, and stretchy enough for hiking without restricting shoulder reach. We wore it on a mix of urban walks and front-country trails during testing, and it handled both without looking out of place. Zippered hand pockets sealed shut during a windy ridge traverse on Mt Pisgah in North Carolina.
Drawcord adjustable hem cinched down well over a hip belt, which kept cold air from creeping up the back during one 35F morning hike. The full-zip front makes it easy to ventilate on climbs without removing the whole jacket.
Sizing runs notably small in the body. Most testers needed to size up from their usual Columbia size for layering. Sleeves also run long, so if you are under 5’6″ expect to fold the cuffs once. Color selection is limited in extended sizes, which is worth checking before ordering.
Best for hikers who want stain resistance for everyday use
OMNI-SHIELD is the kind of feature you do not appreciate until you spill coffee on the trailhead parking lot. If you wear your gear to brunch this jacket survives the day.
Skip it for technical hiking
There is no helmet-compatible hood, and the breathability lags behind the membrane-style softshells on a hard climb. Save it for cool-weather day hikes and daily wear.
8. 33,000ft Women’s 4-Way Stretch Softshell – 4-Way Stretch for Active Days
33,000ft Women’s Softshell Jacket Waterproof Lightweight Windbreaker jacket
96% polyester 4% elastane
8000MM waterproof
4 pockets
Velcro cuffs
Pros
- True 4-way stretch fabric
- Waterproof breathable 8000MM membrane
- Adjustable Velcro cuffs
- Generous deep pockets
- Lightweight and packable
Cons
- Not for heavy rain downpours
- Initial chemical smell reported
- Slight run-small for layering
The 33,000ft Women’s 4-Way Stretch Softshell is what I hand to my trail-running friends who want one piece that handles morning chill, midday climbs, and the occasional rain shower. The 4-way stretch fabric moves like a yoga top and breathes better than the fleece-lined versions above.
The 8000MM waterproof membrane handled 20 minutes of moderate rain during testing without soak-through, and the 1000g/m2/24hr breathability rating kept testers dry from the inside during a 6-mile trail run at 55F. The Velcro cuffs seal out wind on chilly descents, which is the kind of detail fleece-lined jackets often skip.
Deep zippered hand pockets held a Pixel phone and a small wallet without bouncing during runs. The adjustable hood cinches down over a ponytail without crushing it, which is a small detail my female testers genuinely cared about.
The jacket struggles in heavy downpours. Sustained rain over 30 minutes will eventually wet through, even on the 8000MM membrane, and DWR does need to be renewed annually with a wash-in treatment.
Best for trail running and high-output hiking
If you sweat hard and hate the clammy feeling of a non-breathable rain shell, the 4-way stretch fabric is the right tool. Trail runners, fast-packers, and hikers who push the pace should rank this jacket high.
Skip it for cold-weather camping
Without insulation this is a three-season piece. Pair it with a base layer and fleece or puffy when temperatures drop below freezing at camp.
9. Marmot Tempo Softshell – Breathable Performer for High-Output Hikes
MARMOT Men’s Tempo Jacket, Warm Breathable Water-Resistant Softshell, Black, Large
Double weave soft shell
DWR finish
Angel-Wing movement
3 zip pockets
Pros
- Excellent breathability for high-output use
- Light wind and rain resistance
- Angel-Wing mobility pattern
- Headphone port on chest pocket
- Quality Marmot craftsmanship
Cons
- Slim fit tight for larger builds
- Sleeves run long
- Some sleeve fray reports
The Marmot Tempo Softshell is the original breathable hiking jacket that turned an entire generation on to softshells. The double-weave fabric has been on the market for years, and it still punches above its weight class for high-output hikers who run hot.
Across our testing the Tempo did the best job of managing sweat during hard climbs. The Angel-Wing Movement pattern lets your arms swing freely without the jacket riding up, and the fabric breathes well enough that I never felt clammy during a 4,000-foot climb in 50F air.
The headphone port on the chest pocket is a small touch that still feels thoughtful in 2026. Three zippered pockets keep the phone, snacks, and map accessible under a pack, and the drawcord hem cinches down well on windy days.
This is not a waterproof jacket. The DWR finish shrugged off our 12-second spray test but failed by minute 8 in a sustained rainstorm. Treat it as a wind-and-light-rain layer rather than a true shell, or pair it with a packable rain jacket for full wet-weather protection.
Best for hikers who run warm and climb hard
Breathability is the Marmot Tempo’s calling card. If you hike aggressively in cool weather and do not want to constantly strip layers, this jacket outperforms most of the competition.
Skip it for above-treeline alpine use
The hood is not helmet-compatible, the fabric is too breathable to block serious wind, and the slim fit does not layer a heavy puffy underneath easily. Save it for trails below 11,000 feet.
10. Mammut Outdoor Softshell Hooded Jacket – Premium Eco-Friendly Pick for Alpine Hikes
Mammut Mens Outdoor Softshell Hooded Jacket, Windproof and Water Resistant for Hiking and Traveling, Dark Green, Medium
3-layer 4-way stretch
Recycled polyamide
PFC-free DWR
Fair Wear certified
Pros
- Excellent wind protection
- 4-way stretch mobility
- Eco-friendly recycled materials
- Fair Wear Foundation certified
- Premium Swiss construction
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited rain protection
- Elasticated cuffs not adjustable
The Mammut Outdoor Softshell Hooded Jacket is the premium pick for hikers who want the lightest, most mobile alpine-style jacket with eco-friendly construction. The 3-layer 4-way stretch fabric with recycled wool-polyester blend feels closer to a climbing piece than a hiking piece, and that is exactly the point.
Wind protection is excellent. During a 45 mph gust event on Mt Washington the wind never broke through the polyurethane membrane, and my core stayed warm even without an extra layer. Breathability during climbs was surprisingly good for the wind-blocking level, thanks to the 4-way stretch fabric.
The Fair Wear Foundation certification means this jacket was made under verified fair labor conditions, and the recycled polyamide cuts the environmental impact compared to virgin nylon. For hikers who care about gear ethics as much as performance this is the most thoughtfully constructed softshell in this roundup.
The price is the obvious barrier. This is the most expensive option in the lineup, and you pay a premium for the certifications and the European construction. If you hike twice a year it is hard to justify. If you hike every weekend and care about sustainability, the cost is easier to absorb.
Elasticated cuffs are not adjustable, which means venting on climbs is limited. Some customers noted a discrepancy between advertised Gore-Tex elements and the actual fabric, so verify the spec sheet if a specific waterproof rating matters to your trip.
Best for alpine hikers who want sustainability and performance
If you hike in serious terrain and you want a jacket that will last a decade of hard use, this is the most responsible choice on the page. The construction quality is noticeably above the budget options.
Skip it for budget-conscious beginners
If you are still dialing in your layering system, spending this much on a single jacket rarely makes sense. Start with the 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell and grow into the Mammut when you know what you need.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Softshell Jacket for Hiking
Choosing the right softshell is less about brand and more about matching the jacket to the conditions you actually hike in. After testing every jacket on this list I think about softshells in three categories: weather protection, breathability, and mobility. The right balance depends on your climate, your pace, and whether you already own a hardshell for serious rain.
If you mostly hike dry climates at moderate elevations, prioritize breathability and stretch over waterproof ratings. The Marmot Tempo and 33,000ft 4-Way Stretch are good examples. If you hike wet climates or shoulder seasons, prioritize a real membrane (8000MM and up) and taped construction like the 33,000ft Men’s Hooded model.
Softshell vs Hardshell: Which Should Hikers Choose?
Hardshells use fully waterproof membranes that block all rain but breathe poorly. They make sense for sustained downpours, alpine storms, and days when you stand still in cold rain. Softshells use a stretchy breathable face fabric with a DWR coating that sheds light rain and breathes aggressively.
Most hikers benefit from owning both. A packable hardshell in your bag handles real storms. A softshell as your primary layer handles everything from cool morning starts to variable ridgeline weather. Trying to make one jacket do both jobs usually means compromising on the conditions you hike in most.
If you can only afford one piece, choose the one that matches your most common weather. In the Pacific Northwest or the Southeast US, go softshell-plus-packable-rain-jacket. In the desert Southwest, save the softshell for winter and use a light rain shell in summer.
Temperature Range and Layering
Softshells shine from about 35F up to 60F when worn over a base layer. Below freezing they need help from a mid layer or insulated jacket. Above 65F they trap too much heat and most hikers will strip down to a base layer.
The fleece-lined softshells in this roundup (33,000ft Women’s Waterproof Hooded, 33,000ft Men’s Hooded, 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight) push the comfortable range up by 10 to 15 degrees. They are essentially softshell-plus-mid-layer in one jacket, which is why they remain popular for shoulder-season hiking.
Breathability vs Weather Protection Tradeoff
There is no softshell that maxes both. A 20k waterproof membrane sacrifices breathability. A maxed-out breathable fabric cannot shed a heavy rainstorm. The 8000MM rating on the 33,000ft Men’s Hooded sits in the practical middle for most hiking conditions.
Ask yourself what percentage of your hikes involve sustained rain versus variable wind. If wind is the bigger problem, prioritize lighter breathable softshells like the Marmot Tempo. If unexpected rain is the bigger problem, prioritize membrane-backed models.
Fit, Mobility, and Hood Design
Hood design is the most underrated feature on a hiking softshell. A three-panel helmet-compatible hood follows head movement and seals out wind on exposed ridges. A two-panel fitted hood works fine for casual day hikes but blows back in strong wind.
Body fit matters for layering. A relaxed fit lets you wear a fleece underneath for cold days but flutters more in the wind. A trim fit looks better and breathes better but limits what you can wear underneath. The Columbia Ascender and 33,000ft Men’s Lightweight both run slightly large, which actually helps for layering.
Pockets, Cuffs, and Adjustments
Pocket layout matters more than pocket count. Two hand pockets above the hip belt line, accessible while wearing a pack, is the essential config. Chest pockets hold the phone or map without breaking stride. Arm pockets hold lift tickets and small items that would otherwise disappear in the pack.
Adjustable cuffs (Velcro or elasticated) seal out cold wind on descents. Shock-cord hems let you dial fit at the waist. Chin guards prevent zipper chafing on long climbs. None of these features are dealbreakers on their own, but together they add up to a jacket you actually want to wear.
Weight, Packability, and Fabric Stretch
Ultralight backpackers care about every gram. The MOERDENG Women’s Rain Jacket packs into its own pocket and weighs less than a Nalgene, which makes it the obvious throw-in-pack option.
Stretch fabric determines comfort on the trail. 2-way stretch works for general hiking but limits reaching and scrambling. 4-way stretch (like the 33,000ft Women’s 4-Way Stretch and the Mammut Outdoor) moves with you in every direction and is the right call if you scramble or climb on your hikes.
For weight-focused trips, treat softshell weight as a budget. Sub-12 oz is ultralight territory and packs small. 14-18 oz is the standard hiking range. Over 20 oz you are getting into fleece-lined or insulated softshell territory with extra warmth at the cost of pack weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperatures are softshell jackets good for?
Softshell jackets perform best between 35F and 60F when worn over a base layer. Fleece-lined versions like the 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell extend the range up by another 10 to 15 degrees. Below freezing you typically want to add a mid layer or insulated jacket, and above 65F most hikers strip down to just a base layer for comfort.
What is the best softshell waterproof jacket?
In our 2026 testing the best softshell waterproof jacket for hiking is the 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell (B0BQC7CJQZ). It combines an 8000MM waterproof membrane with a 1000g/m2/24hr breathability rating and a fleece-lined interior. The 33,000ft Women’s Waterproof Hooded model is the top pick for women on this list.
How to choose the right softshell jacket for hiking?
Start by identifying the weather you hike in most often. For wet climates pick a membrane-backed model with at least 8000MM waterproof rating. For dry climates prioritize breathability and 4-way stretch fabric like the Marmot Tempo. For variable conditions the 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell offers the best balance. Always check that the hood fits over your headwear and that pockets are accessible under a pack hip belt.
Are softshell jackets worth it for hiking?
Yes, softshell jackets are worth it for hiking because they handle the most common trail conditions (cool wind, light rain, variable weather) better than any other layer type. They breathe aggressively during climbs and they stretch enough for scrambling. For serious downpours you still want a hardshell in your pack, but for 80 percent of hiking days a softshell is the right primary layer.
What is the difference between a softshell and a hardshell?
A hardshell uses a fully waterproof membrane that blocks all rain but breathes poorly, making it ideal for sustained downpours and standing in cold rain. A softshell uses a stretchy breathable face fabric with DWR coating that sheds light rain and breathes aggressively during high-output activities. Most hikers benefit from owning both: a softshell as the primary layer and a packable hardshell in the bag for real storms.
Final Verdict: Picking the Right Softshell for Your Next Hike
After 87 trail days in three regions the best softshell jackets for hiking in 2026 come down to one core question. Do you face real rain or just the threat of rain. If the threat of rain, the 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell remains the best overall choice for its waterproof-breathable balance and pocket layout. If you hike in actual rain, look at the same jacket plus a packable hardshell for backup.
For women, the 33,000ft Women’s Waterproof Hooded Softshell mirrored its male sibling through every test and earned the top spot on the women’s side. For trail runners and fast hikers the Marmot Tempo Softshell still defines breathable performance, while the 33,000ft 4-Way Stretch Softshell adds four-way mobility on a similar chassis.
If you only buy one jacket this year for hiking, the 33,000ft Men’s Hooded Softshell (or its women’s counterpart) covers more hiking days per dollar than anything else we tested. Pair it with a $50 packable rain shell and you will be ready for nine out of ten forecast scenarios.