We are a team of seasoned hunters who review hunting essentials and accessories. Softshell jackets are functional as well as stylish. Softshell hunting jackets are specially designed for the outdoors and will keep you protected in all four seasons.
Softshell fabrics have a membrane layer that resists wind and water but still keeps the wearer dry enough to prevent discomfort. We have curated a list of what we felt are the best softshell jackets for hunters in 2021.
Take a look at our list of the best softshell hunting jackets here:
- Arc’teryx Gamma LT Hoody
- Marmot ROM 2.0
- Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hooded
Main features:
- Sizes: XS – XXL
- Weight: 545g/1lb 3.2oz
- Fit: Regular
- Pockets: 3
- Hip Length
- Center-back: 76 cm/30 in
- Material: 56% Nylon, 34% Polyester, 10% Elastane
- Four-way permeable jacket
The Arc’teryx Gamma LT is our top pick for a softshell hunting jacket. You will find in this jacket all the features necessary to hunt in a variety of terrains as it is resistant to harsh weather conditions and environments.
This is a great buy if you are a hunter who is always on the move tracking a target. The softshell fabric is four-way porous, which enables the material to be stretchy. The fabric used on the Arc’teryx Gamma LT is an unlined, wicking soft shell that allows your jacket to breathe.
The Arc’teryx Gamma LT softshell hunting jacket is designed to be resistant to wear and tear. The coat is minimalist by design and lightweight. You will be able to move around without any hindrance.
If you buy the softshell jacket carefully considering the sizing chart, you will find that it gives you a perfect fit. It stays with your body due to the tailored panels. The jacket also features a hood to protect your head and ears from bitterly cold weather. In addition, the hood is designed to be helmet-compatible.
Things We Like
- Good quality
- Resistant to wearing
- Lightweight
- The material moves with you
- Accurate fit
- Hooded
- Breathable fabric
Things We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Minimalist design
- Not water resistant
Final verdict:
The Arc’teryx Gamma LT is of great quality and design. It is made to protect you from harsh weather and is tolerant to most weather. The jacket is mobile and moves with your body while providing you with a comfortable fit.
2. Marmot ROM 2.0
Main features:
- Size: S – XXL
- Windproof 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric
- 92% nylon, 8% elastane
- Velcro cuffs
- Type: Technical
The Marmot ROM 2.0 is an updated version of the original Marmot ROM featuring new fabric and is suitable for different terrains and harsh weather conditions. The jacket can shake off snow and rain – it can roll water droplets like a hard jacket.
Although, we have to mention that if you are wearing a backpack, water may collect below the straps, and you will eventually feel wet.
The softshell hunting jacket features tailored panels that allow the jacket to move with you. As a result, you will be able to retain mobility and agility during your hunt; as the name suggests, you will have a great range of motion.
The Marmot ROM is designed with several softshell fabrics enabling great weather protection while also preserving the function of breathability.
The jacket features a special material called Gore-Tex, which makes it resistant to wind and water along with your head, shoulders up to your arms. In addition, there is a lighter and more elastic fabric that protects the back, chest, and underarm area.
Things We Like
- Good quality
- Breathability
- Durability
- Water-resistant
- Wind resistant
- Allows movement
Things We Don't Like
- It gives a tight feel
Final verdict:
Despite the material making you feel like it’s tight, we found it to be exceptional. It proves to be excellent for hunters who intend to climb a lot or traverse to far-off places.
3. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hooded
Main features:
- Size: S – XXL
- Three season protection
- Materials used for the Body and/hood include; 86% of nylon, 14% of spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop.
- Type: Active
- Elastic cuffs
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a hooded softshell jacket that is extremely lightweight. As a hunter, you must travel light. The jacket allows you to layer your clothing; this is not seen with its competitors.
The fabric protects the jacket from wear and tear, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hunting. The Ferrosi jacket has three-season protection that prevents your softshell jacket from getting tarnished through harsh weather conditions.
In addition, the jacket is protected from water and wind, but it is essential to note that since this is a softshell jacket, you will not get extreme water protection like a hard jacket.
Things We Like
- Value for money
- Good quality
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Allows layering
- It prevents wear and tear
- Wind protection
- Water-resistant
Things We Don't Like
- Bad zippers
Final verdict:
The Ferrosi is a quality softshell jacket that provides you with comfort and mobility. In addition, this softshell jacket is resilient and gives you protection in harsh climatic conditions.
Softshell hunting jackets: What makes them different?
The most distinguishing feature of a softshell hunting jacket is the fabric is usually a blend of polyester, cotton, nylon, or spandex with varying percentages.
Many jackets also include added features such as hard rubber buttons or zippers made out of plastic or metal instead of traditional cloth materials. Additionally, softer inserts such as quilting can be used to make the jacket more comfortable and flexible.
Softshell hunting jackets are lightweight, made from a breathable, water-resistant material. They provide comfort while still having some features of an outer layer jacket, such as durability or weather resistance that can protect you against harsher conditions and winds.
Many companies produce softshells with different blends, but the most common ones include nylon/cotton, polyester/spandex, or polyester/lycra blends. Some companies also add down for extreme warmth in winter conditions.
The softshell hunting jacket’s primary purpose is to keep out wind and rain by trapping heat inside it – making sure you stay warm despite being outside in cold temperatures – but when used in warmer climates or during warmer seasons in colder climates, it is unlikely to be very wind resistant at all.
Softshells don’t have a hard-shell’s solid construction since they are meant to be flexible and provide extra comfort. A softshell jacket also allows for more warm air trapped inside it so that you can wear fewer layers underneath and not feel as constricted while remaining friendly.
Most softshell jackets focus on water resistance rather than wind resistance – but some companies produce both types of jackets with varying degrees of success.
Advantages and disadvantages of softshell jackets
One of the biggest advantages of a softshell hunting jacket is its versatility. You can wear it practically anywhere – making it one of the most useful pieces of clothing you own!
Although some hardshell jackets are also versatile and can be used for fashion or going out and everyday outdoor use, these types of jackets do not offer this same level of flexibility.
Another advantage is how comfortable they are to wear when compared with heavy outer layer jackets. This allows you more freedom of movement while providing comfort to make your time spent outdoors more enjoyable.
They are also lighter in weight than other layers but still offer enough protection against wind and rain to keep you dry inside – especially if you’re active.
Despite these advantages, some people find that softshell jackets lack the durability of hard shells and tend to experience fast wear and tear. However, this can be solved by taking good care of your coat or using it only for specific purposes.
Another disadvantage is their price tag – but they generally cost less than similar hardshell jackets with better protection against rain, wind, and other harsh conditions.
Although they are usually more expensive than fleece-type jackets with similar weight properties, many people agree that a positive trade-off exists between smart money spent on a high-quality softshell jacket vs. longer-lasting outer layer type jackets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a softshell hunting jacket provides all the benefits of other jackets while still giving you room to breathe and offering more comfort. So if you’re looking to stay comfortable in everyday spring or fall weather with only minimal protection against rain and wind, this is the way to go.
Softshell hunting jackets are also beneficial for those who do not need complete, 100% waterproof material. Instead, they allow an extra layer of warmth that can be greatly appreciated in winter months – especially during higher altitudes.
Softshells are a surprisingly useful piece of outerwear that gives just enough protection to keep out light precipitation and wind but not so much that it would make you too hot. They are often made from a mix of cotton, nylon, or polyester, which makes them perfect for cool weather.
When used in conjunction with a warm fleece layer underneath, most softshells can be used in warmer weather. As mentioned before, they are often cheaper than hardshell jackets with water and wind protection but are made of stronger material and tend to last longer.
Unfortunately, although some brands produce quality soft shells that offer excellent warmth without the bulkiness of a heavy outer layer jacket – making them ideal for those who want heat without sacrificing comfort – not all companies succeed at doing so.
