It is windproof, water-repellent, durable, and breathable, stretchable, and keeps you warm. A softshell jacket with a versatile slogan. However, each function is not "complete". Even when it rains, it's water-repellent, so if it rains heavily, it gets wet, and since there is no film in it, it cannot be prevented from strong winds. However, unlike specialized clothing, it has a variety of performance and is recognized as a good jacket that can be used in a wide range of ways, not only as an outerwear but also as an innerwear.
The softshell jacket is designed to be portable, so it is thin, lightweight, packable and has low heat retention, and for winter climbing, the balance of each performance varies depending on the manufacturer and use, such as models with thicker fabrics to enhance windproofness and fleece-lined models. I've heard that softshells are good, so I want them! If you go shopping with that in mind, you'll end up not really understanding it.
This is a softshell jacket with a wide range of definitions, but this time we have selected and compared the products from each manufacturer, which are relatively lightweight and can be used in a wide range of ways from spring to autumn. We have evaluated the jacket from various aspects in order to help you find the one that suits the purpose you need as much as possible. Read this article and find something that will be useful for a long and wide range of purposes!
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items we compared and tested this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- summary
About the softshell jackets compared this time
Below are six models compared this time. .
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- Millet: Bionace Stretch Jacket
- Norrona: bitihorn Windstoper Zip-Hood
- Mammut: Grinite so hooded jacket
- Mountain Hardwear: Choxton Hoodie
- Black Diamond: Alpine Start Hoodie
- Haglofs: Draken Hood
Test environment
Regarding evaluation items, we set the following five points as indicators, and evaluated them by wearing the same base layer all day long, walking and running on mountain paths and paved roads with ups and downs.
- Comfort: It feels good on the skin, feels good on the skin, and overall comfort.
- Mobility: How stress-free can you move around with activities?
- Functionality: Does it have not only the performance of the jacket itself, but also practical features?
- Weather resistance: wind resistance, water repellent, and heat retention performance, how far can it respond to changes in the climate environment?
- Weight: Is the actual weight measured light or heavy?
- Versatility: Whether it can be used in a wide range of ways, not just for specific activities.
Test results and spec comparison table
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | AA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item | ![[Millet] BIONNASSAY STRETCH JKT (Bionase Stretch)](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71fX2-jVulL._SS300_.jpg) Millet |
 Norrona |
![[Mammut] Softshell Jacket (Mammut) Granite SO Hooded Jacket for Men](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/711RdbkN7LL._SS300_.jpg) Mammut |
 Mountain Hardwear |
 Black Diamond |
![[Hoglovs] Softshell Jacket DRAKEN HOOD MEN Drakken Hood Men](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51gPZNx0oJL._SS300_.jpg) Haglofs |
| Reference price (excluding tax) | ¥18,000 | ¥30,000 | ¥18,500 | ¥16,500 | ¥16,500 | ¥16,000 |
| This is ◎ |
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| This is △ |
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| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mobility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Weather Resistant | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | ||||||
| Official weight | － | 320G | 289g | 392g | － | 210g |
| Actual measured weight | 255g(S) | 300g(S) | 244g(S) | 372g(M) | 198g(M) | 305g(M) |
| material | Prime Flex | GORE-TEX® INFINIUM™ | Toray Primeflex(R) 50DEN x 50DEN DWB | Chockstone™ 76D x 70D Double Weave Softshell |
Sholer® Stretch Woven + Nanosphere® Water Repellent |
FlexAble™ 4-way stretch plain weave |
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| West | Drawcode | Rubber shearing | Drawcode | Rubber shearing | Drawcode | Drawcode |
| Hood adjustment | Drawcode | Drawcode | Drawcode | × | Drawcode | × |
| Sam Hall | × | ○ | ○ | × | × | × |
Impressions of each model
Low stress, high load activity shell with outstanding mobility
Millet: Bionace Stretch Jacket
This is ◎
- Breathable
- Mobility
This is △
- Warmth retention is uncertain
Thanks to the three-dimensional cutting that matches the body, when laid flat, the arms do not become straight and curved.
There are probably no mountain climbers who don't know about Millet Millet's Bionace stretch jacket is a softshell jacket that boasts high stretchability and light weight below 300g. The fabric is Primeflex, developed by Toray. Primeflex is a fabric with stretchability in all directions and kickback properties, and is also water-absorbent and quick-drying, making it a model with a different taste from other softshell jackets.
The benefit of three-dimensional cutting is especially true around the shoulders. When hung upside down, the shoulders will naturally curl up into the shoulder shape.
The fit is a tight fit that follows the body line and looks very smart. However, thanks to its three-dimensional cutting that conforms to the movement of your body and its extremely stretchy properties, it allows for flexible and stress-free movements. As for windproofing, it's similar to other softshells, and water repellent is no problem if it's a little rain. While it can be used in the same way as a regular softshell, it does not rely on breathability when sweating, but rather uses the fabric to absorb sweat and dries quickly, making it easy to use even for activities that require high momentum. In fact, when you sweat, it absorbs and spreads, but it absorbs it all away, so the skin remains relatively dry.
It is highly functional, and the hood can be adjusted in detail, with the drawcord around the neck tightening around the face and the drawcord at the back of the head tightening around the temples, so there is no flapping of the hood even on ridges where strong winds blow. The body is slim fit and the waist can be tightened with a drawstring, so it seems that it is intended for use in such an environment. There are three pockets, the left chest and both waists, and all have a rough mesh design, so it can be used as ventilation. It is simple and stylish, and is perfect for use in town, but it still exudes its potential in a hard environment where strong winds blow.
Norrona: bitihorn Windstoper Zip-Hood
A competent jacket made of hybrid material in the right place, anytime, anywhere
This is ◎
- Windproof and moisture permeability
This is △
- Low cost performance
Use the GORE-TEX Windstopper on the front of your body, around the shoulders, and hood. If you look closely, you can see that the sides and arms are made of stretchy fabric.
Norrona is an outdoor manufacturer born in Norway, whose trademark is pirates. Founded in 1929, it is a long-established company, and in addition to its unique colouring and high design, its extremely high quality is the secret to its popularity. Norrona's bitihorn Windstopper Zip-hood is a very comfortable softshell jacket. The front of the body, the front of the body, the shoulders, and the hood are easily exposed to wind and rain, using GORE-TEX INFINIUM, which is highly windproof, water-repellent, and breathable, while the other parts are made of highly stretchy fleece material. Therefore, it is extremely windproof and won't tremble if there are slight wind and rain.
GORE-TEX is also placed around the shoulders, which is prone to rain, and the back is made of stretch fleece material, and the fabric is mapped as needed to improve comfort.
The fit is a bit tight, but you can easily wear it with a thick base layer underneath. The GORE-TEX part is not stretchy, but the other parts are made of stretchy fabric that stretches well and is extremely comfortable to wear. The stretch fabric is thin, but is made of fleece, has a high collar, and the windproof fabric is firmly treated with seam tape, making it easy to use even on strong winds and chilly days, and can be used for a long time throughout the year. It is windproof and breathable, so it is likely to be used in a lot of activities that require a lot of energy, such as running and fast packing.
There are one zippered pocket on each waist, and the inside is stretch mesh. It also serves as a ventilation system. All the tips of the sleeves are made of stretch material and have thumb holes, making them soft and comfortable. If there is a problem, this is true for Norrona in general, but it's expensive. Prices in Norway are higher than in Japan, so it's inevitable that it will become expensive, but when you say that it's performance worth the price, you can't be honest and have low cost performance. However, considering the design and coloring that only Norrona, born in Scandinavian, is a valuable brand.
Mammut: GRINITE SO Hooded Jacket
Whether you run or climb, it's easy to move and breathable at any time
This is ◎
- Highly breathable
This is △
- tight
The zipper is a double zipper that can be opened from the bottom. The waist pockets have a hidden zipper, making them look stylish.
The collar is reinforced in double layers to improve wind resistance, and perhaps to prevent it from getting on the skin, it is not sewn, but is subject to crimping. I am very impressed when you pay attention to such small details. There are two pockets, one on each waist. The zipper is hidden with flaps so that it does not show, making it look very stylish and simple. The inside of the pocket is mesh, so it can also be used as a ventilation system. The hood and waist can be adjusted with drawcords to prevent flapping.
The fit is also tight, windproof and breathable, making it a great match for activities that require high momentum. In particular, the zipper can be opened from underneath, ensuring breathability while reducing flapping. It is expected to be a wide range of events, including windy ridges, scrambling, and trail running.
Mountain Hardwear: Choxton Hoodie
Suitable for any activity, from mountain climbing to climbing
This is ◎
- Highly versatile
This is △
- It's heavy in comparison
It's a loose fit overall, with a base layer and mid layer underneath. The pockets are also high, making them suitable for use when climbing.
Mountain Hardwear's unique Chockstone™ 76D x 70D Double Weave is made of double-woven fabric, with uneven lining and sweat-resistant, and the outer material is water-repellent, so you can continue using it without worrying about it in a bit of rain. The soft shells in the world are lighter than 400g, but the soft shells we compared this time are heavy. However, the fabric is more durable. When trekking, it won't tear quickly if it gets caught on branches or thorns. The palm side of the sleeves has double fabric, making it designed with climbing in mind, and as expected from Mountain Hardwear, it is not just a stretch.
Stretchability is the best in comparison. The back of the fabric is uneven, making it less likely to get sticky even if you sweat.
The fit is not tight or loose, but has a moderate fit. Even when worn over a base layer or mid layer, the stretchiness makes it a great fit and doesn't feel cramped. Instead of adjusting the hood and waist area with drawstring, the elastic shirring gives it a natural fit and won't be rolled up even in windy conditions. There are three pockets, one hand pocket on both waists and one on the left chest. All pockets are mesh + zippered, and if you leave the zipper open, it also serves as ventilation. The two pockets on the waist are positioned slightly higher so that the harness and other parts do not interfere with each other. The pocket on the right waist is packable, making it compact and easy to carry, and it brings you a variety of ways to use it.
Black Diamond: Alpine Start Hoodie
As you can say, it's extremely lightweight and portable soft shell that can be used anytime
This is ◎
- Stress-free mobility
This is △
- Heat retention and durability
The fabric is very thin and is very simple to eliminate unnecessary pockets. Elastic shirring sleeves and hems are also available
The Alpine Start Hoodie is a long-selling softshell jacket from Black Diamond , which has been updating its entirely This is a highly practical, thin softshell with a balanced windproof, water-repellent, and breathable properties, using stretch woven fabric from Swiss Sholer. The measured weight is extremely lightweight at 198g, making it light and very comfortable to wear and very stressful.
The fit is a bit tight, but the arms are slightly looser and the sleeves are long. I guess they are conscious of climbers here. Thanks to this, it has extremely high mobility and is stress-free with high stretchability no matter what you move. The hood is large enough to fit over the helmet. Of course, the fit can be adjusted with a drawcord, so you won't be flapping even if you don't wear a helmet. The waist part is also adjusted with a drawcord.
The pocket on the left chest is packable with a jacket. There is also a loop so you can easily carry it by placing it in your backpack or hanging it from a carabiner.
There is only one pocket on the left chest. The zipper is reversible, and when stored in your pocket it is packable, sized to fit in the palm of your hand. Water repellent is not a problem if it's just a little rain or drizzle, but it will soak in relatively early, so it's a good idea to just accept that and wear a rain jacket. It is lightweight, water-repellent, windproof, and highly breathable, so it would be a good idea to use it like a convenient windshell. The fabric is very thin and cannot be used on hard parts, so it cannot be used on hard parts, but it will be a jacket that is easy to use.
Haglofs: Draken Hood
A simple jacket that lets you enjoy the functional beauty of Scandinavians, from the mountains to the city.
This is ◎
- Design
This is △
- Breathability
The simple and stylish silhouette makes it easy to wear in a wide range of places, from the mountains to the city. The pockets are arranged slightly sturdy, and harnesses are also taken into consideration.
Haglofs ' Draken Hood is a simple softshell jacket made from FlexAble, a 4-way stretch material. It does not contain membranes so it is not completely windproof, but thanks to the high density of knitted fabric, it prevents wind and is breathable, so even if moisture builds inside the clothing, it will let it escape to some extent. However, it is not expensive, so active activities require aggressive ventilation, such as raising and lowering the front zipper. The large pockets on both waists are mesh inside, and can be used as a replacement for ventilation.
The collar is tall and can be worn like a barracuba when worn with the hood, and is also considered for use in winter.
The fabric is very stretchy and stretches well in all directions, so there is no stress when wearing it. Thanks to the water-repellent finish, it is water-repellent, but it didn't last long. At first, they played it a lot, but after a while it started to get really touched. The fit is a bit loose and can get quite fluttering when exposed to strong winds. It is not suitable for running or climbing where a slim fit is required, but it is useful for trekking. The hood cannot be adjusted, but if you lift it up and the zipper, you can hide the mouth and become like a barracuba.
It is also stylish, a feature throughout Haglofs products, and is an outerwear that you can wear casually on a daily basis, making it a piece that you will love to wear from the mountains to the city throughout the year.
summary
This time, we have been evaluating softshell jackets that are relatively lightweight, and can be used in spring and autumn, and depending on how you use them, they can be used in winter. All models are lightweight, so the fabric is thin, highly stretchy, and it is versatile.
Mille t's Bionace stretch jacket and Mammut's GRINITE SO Hooded Jacket are made of Toray's Primeflex fabric, and are a new type of softshell jacket that is highly breathable and moderately windproof, sweat-absorbing and quick-drying. It is water-repellent from spring to autumn, so it can be used as an outerwear, and it is likely to be useful in winter when the weather is nice, with a lot of energy, such as trail running and fast packing. However, since it cannot be expected to retain heat, some care is required. Speaking of which it can be used in winter, Norrona 's bitihorn Windstopper Zip-hood uses GORE-TEX's Windstopper on the front and stretchy fabric on the back, so if you wear a warm base layer or mid layer underneath, it can be used in winter as long as the weather is good. However, if the temperature is high, it gets too hot and the ventilation is not enough, so during warmer months, activities such as trekking are good.
Mountain Hardwear's choxton jacket, Black Diamond's Alpine Start Hoodie, appears to be a different purpose due to its weight, but there are no drawstrings, it is simple to make, packable, easy to carry, and has the functionality to be used for climbing, so it can be used for a wide range of purposes. Having one would make it a wide range of use.
Mountain Hardwera's Choxton Jacket is a bit thick and slightly loose fit, making it seem a little unsuitable for everyday wear, but the other jackets are tightly fit, so it doesn't look out of place for everyday wear. Haglofs ' Draken Hood in particular has a stylish silhouette, perhaps considering its use in the city, and I got the impression that it is a town jacket that can be used outdoors.
Softshell jackets may be a bit vague in their definition and purpose, making them difficult to choose. But buy a softshell jacket! Instead of mentioning this, you can clarify what purpose you want to use and use this review as a reference, and you may naturally be able to see what you need. This jacket will be very useful for the coming season, so please take this opportunity to consider it!