Outdoor jacket advice: a comparison of softshell, hard shell and insulation jackets

Thanks to their wind-repellent or windproof performance, they also defy adverse conditions and ensure that you don't get cold even on a stormy summit.

Softshell jackets are also characterized by outstanding comfort and offer excellent freedom of movement, which also makes climbing tours possible. Softshell jackets also make a fashion statement and make you look just as good on the mountain as you do on a city trip. They can be worn all year round and are not extremely warm, but with enough base and mid layers underneath, you can also wear them in winter. If you would like to find out more about how you can adapt to all weather conditions with different layers of clothing, take a look at our blog post on the onion principle.

Advantages of softshell jackets:

• Breathable
• Comfortable: plenty of freedom of movement
• Wind-repellent or windproof
• Versatile: can be used all year round

Disadvantages of softshell jackets:

• Not waterproof (but usually water-repellent)
• Not too warm

Hard shell jackets: Equipped for everything!

If you don't know exactly what weather conditions await you on a tour, you should rely on a true all-rounder : The hard shell jacket. Thanks to its two or even three layers of fabric, membranes such as Gore-Tex and taped seams, the jacket is waterproof and effectively protects you from rain and wet conditions. The hardshell lives up to its name, which literally translates as "hard skin", and not only stands up to the wet, but also prevents the wind from penetrating. Its windproof performance proves to be a great strength, especially in the mountains, whether on a draughty summit or on a ski tour on a rapid descent. If you are protected from the wind, you won't cool down so quickly and will always stay at a comfortable temperature.

Advantages of hardshell jackets:

• Waterproof, thanks to membranes such as Gore-Tex
• Windproof
• Small packing volume
• Low weight

Disadvantages of hardshell jackets:

• Breathability not quite as good as with softshell jackets
• More expensive to buy

Manufacturers such as Ortovox rely on Swisswool as a filler, which not only provides warmth but also ensures good breathability and is particularly suitable as a natural and sustainable raw material. Those who prefer not to use animal raw materials at all will also find what they are looking for, as many manufacturers use synthetic and partly recycled fibers. In terms of warmth-to-weight ratio, these are almost as good as classic down, but are much less sensitive to moisture and can withstand washing well. You can find out more about insulating jackets and the use of different fillers in our blog post Insulating jackets in comparison.

An insulated jacket therefore mainly provides warmth, but breathability suffers somewhat as a result, so the jackets are only suitable to a limited extent for particularly sweaty climbs.

Advantages of insulation jackets:

• Warm
• Windproof
• Lightweight

Disadvantages of insulating jackets:

• Limited breathability
• Not waterproof