Soft shell jackets boast a wide range of features: windproof, water-repellent, durable, breathable, stretchy, and warm. However, each of these features is not "perfect." Even in rain, they are only water-repellent, so you'll get wet in heavy rain, and because they don't have a film inside, they can't completely block strong winds. However, unlike specialized clothing, they offer a variety of features, making them a versatile jacket that can be used not only as an outer layer but also as an inner layer
Soft shell jackets are thin, lightweight, and packable with low heat retention to prioritize portability, while models for winter mountain climbing have thicker fabric for better wind resistance and are lined with fleece. The balance of each feature varies depending on the manufacturer and purpose. If you go shopping thinking, "I heard soft shells are good, so I want one!", you may end up confused
Softshell jackets have such a wide range of definitions, but this time we've selected and compared relatively lightweight jackets from various manufacturers that can be used from spring to autumn. We've evaluated them from various aspects so that you can find a jacket that best suits your needs. Read this article and find one that will last you a long time!
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items tested this time
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Impressions of each model
- summary
About the soft shell jackets we compared this time
Below are the six models we compared:
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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
The following five points were set as indicators for evaluation, and the test was conducted by wearing the same base layer all day and performing exercises of various intensities, such as walking and running on mountain trails with ups and downs and on paved roads
- Comfort: Feels good against the skin, feels good to the touch, and is generally comfortable to wear
- Mobility: How easily you can move during an activity
- Functionality: Does the jacket have practical features, not just performance?
- Weather resistance: How well can the fabric adapt to changes in the weather environment, including wind resistance, water repellency, and heat retention?
- Weight: Is the actual measured weight light or heavy?
- Versatility: Can it be used for a wide range of activities, not just specific ones?
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | AA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  Millet |
 Norrona |
 Mammut |
 Mountain Hardwear |
 Black Diamond |
 Haglofs |
| Reference price (excluding tax) | ¥18,000 | ¥30,000 | ¥18,500 | ¥16,500 | ¥16,500 | ¥16,000 |
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| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| mobility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weather resistance | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specifications | ||||||
| official weight | － | 320G | 289g | 392g | － | 210g |
| Actual 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 |
Schoeller® stretch woven + Nanosphere® water repellent finish |
FlexAble™ 4-way stretch plain weave |
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| West | Drawcord | Elastic shirring | Drawcord | Elastic shirring | Drawcord | Drawcord |
| Hood adjustment | Drawcord | Drawcord | Drawcord | × | Drawcord | × |
| Thumbhole | × | ○ | ○ | × | × | × |
Impressions of each model
A shell with outstanding mobility designed for low-stress, high-intensity activities
Millet: Bionace Stretch Jacket
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- Breathable
- mobility
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- Worried about heat retention
Thanks to the three-dimensional cut that fits the body, when laid flat, the arms are curved rather than straight
Millet is a brand that is well-known among mountain climbers Bionnace Stretch Jacket is a soft shell jacket that boasts high stretchability and a lightweight design weighing less than 300g. It is made with Primeflex fabric, developed by Toray. Primeflex is a fabric that has omnidirectional stretch and a good kickback, and is also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, making it a model that is different from other soft shell jackets.
The benefit of the three-dimensional cut is especially noticeable around the shoulders. When you hang it upside down, the shoulders naturally curl up to the shape of your shoulders
The fit is tight, following the contours of the body, and looks very smart. However, thanks to the three-dimensional cut that follows the movement of the body and the extremely high stretchability, it allows for flexible and stress-free movement. Its wind resistance is on par with other soft shells, and its water repellency is not an issue in light rain. While it can be used in the same way as a regular soft shell, it does not rely on breathability when sweating, but rather absorbs sweat and dries quickly through the fabric, making it suitable for high-intensity activities. When you sweat, it actually absorbs and diffuses it, but it also absorbs it completely, so the skin stays relatively dry
It's highly functional, with a hood that can be precisely adjusted, with a drawcord at the neck to tighten around the face and a drawcord at the back to tighten around the temples, preventing the hood from flapping even on ridges where strong winds blow. The jacket also has a slim fit and the waist can be tightened with a drawcord, suggesting it's designed for use in such environments. There are three pockets, one on the left chest and one on each side of the waist, all made with coarse mesh, so they can also be used as ventilation. Its simple and stylish design makes it suitable for everyday use around town, but it also shines in harsh environments with strong winds
Norrona: bitihorn Windstoper Zip-Hood
A versatile jacket made with the right hybrid material for any occasion
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- Windproof and breathable
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- Low-cost performance
Use GORE-TEX Windstopper on the front of the body, around the shoulders, and on the hood. If you look closely, you'll see that stretch fabric is used on the sides and arms
Norrona is a Norwegian outdoor manufacturer known for its pirate logo. Founded in 1929, the company is a long-established brand known for its unique colors and sophisticated designs, as well as exceptional quality. The Norrona bitihorn Windstopper Zip-hood is an incredibly comfortable softshell jacket. The front, front arms, shoulders, and hood—are areas most susceptible to wind and rain—are made with windproof, water-repellent, and breathable GORE-TEX INFINIUM fabric, while the rest of the jacket is made with highly stretchable fleece. This provides exceptional wind resistance and makes it unaffected by light wind and rain.
GORE-TEX is placed around the shoulders, which are prone to rain, and stretch fleece material is used on the back, with fabric mapping as needed to improve comfort
The fit is a little tight, but you can wear it with a thick base layer underneath without any issues. The GORE-TEX portion isn't stretchy, but the rest of the garment is made of a stretchy fabric that's extremely comfortable. The stretch fabric is thin but fleece, the collar is high, and the windproof fabric is securely seam-taped, making it easy to wear even on windy or chilly days, and it can be used year-round. It's also highly breathable, making it perfect for high-intensity activities like running and fastpacking
There are two zippered pockets, one on each hip, with stretch mesh interiors. They also provide ventilation. The sleeve tips are all made of stretch material, and there are thumbholes, making them soft and comfortable. If there's one problem, and this can be said about Norrona in general, it's the high price. Prices in Norway are higher than in Japan, so it's inevitable that they're expensive, but when asked if the performance is worth the price, it's hard to say for sure, and the cost performance is low. However, considering the unique design and coloring of Norrona, a brand born in Scandinavia, it's a worthwhile brand
Mammut: GRINITE SO Hooded Jacket
Whether you're running or climbing, the mobility and breathability are great at all times
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- Highly breathable
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- tight
The zipper is double-zippered so it can be opened from the bottom. The zipper on the waist pocket is hidden for a stylish look
The collar is double-reinforced with fabric to increase wind resistance, and is heat-bonded rather than sewn to prevent it from feeling uncomfortable against the skin. I'm really impressed by the attention to detail. There are two pockets, one on each hip. The zippers are hidden by flaps, giving the jacket a very stylish yet simple look. The inside of the pockets is mesh, which also allows for ventilation. The hood and waist can be adjusted with drawcords to prevent flapping
The tight fit and windproof yet highly breathable design make it ideal for high-intensity activities. The zipper can be opened from the bottom, which reduces flapping while still ensuring breathability. It's perfect for a wide range of activities, from windy ridges to scrambling and trail running
Mountain Hardwear: Choxton Hoodie
Suitable for all activities from mountaineering to climbing
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- Highly versatile
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- Heavy in comparison
The overall fit is loose, allowing for a base layer and mid layer to be worn underneath, and the pockets are positioned high for climbing
Mountain Hardwear's proprietary Chockstone™ 76D x 70D Double Weave fabric features a double-woven construction with a textured lining that resists sweat and stickiness, while the water-repellent outer fabric means you can continue using it in light rain without worry. While it's lightweight at under 400g compared to other soft shells on the market, this one is on the heavier side of the soft shells we compared here. However, the fabric is more durable. Even if you snag it on a branch or thorn while trekking, it won't tear easily. The palm side of the sleeves has double fabric, making it a climbing-conscious design, as you'd expect from Mountain Hardwear
Its stretch is unmatched among all the products it is compared to. The back of the fabric is textured, so it doesn't get sticky even when you sweat
The fit is neither tight nor loose, with a comfortable fit. Thanks to its stretchy construction, it fits perfectly even when worn over a base layer or mid-layer, without feeling restrictive. The hood and waist are not adjusted with drawcords, but instead feature elastic shirring for a natural fit that won't roll up even in windy conditions. There are three pockets: one hand pocket on each hip and one on the left chest. All pockets are mesh with zippers, and can also be used for ventilation when left unzipped. The two hip pockets are positioned slightly higher to avoid interference with harnesses and other items. The right hip pocket is packable, making it compact and easy to carry, and offers a variety of uses
Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoodie
A highly portable, ultra-lightweight soft shell that can be used anytime, anywhere
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- Stress-free mobility
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- Heat retention/durability
The fabric is very thin, and there are no unnecessary pockets, making it a very simple design. The sleeves and hem are also elastic shirred
The Alpine Start Hoody Black Diamond that continues to be updated . Made with Swiss Schoeller stretch woven fabric, this lightweight soft shell offers a perfect balance of windproof, water-repellent, and breathable properties, making it highly practical. Weighing just 198g, it's incredibly lightweight and comfortable, with a light feel that's stress-free to wear.
The fit is a little tight, but the arms are a little loose and the sleeves are long. This is likely designed with climbers in mind. This allows for very high mobility, and thanks to its high stretchability, it doesn't feel tight at all no matter what movement you make, so it's stress-free. The hood is large enough to be worn over a helmet. Of course, the fit can be adjusted with a drawcord, so it won't flap around even when you're not wearing a helmet. The waist can also be adjusted with a drawcord
The left chest pocket is packable so you can tuck the jacket inside. It also has a loop so you can easily store it in your backpack or hang it from a carabiner for easy portability
There is only one pocket on the left chest. The zipper is reversible, and when tucked into the pocket, it is packable and fits in the palm of your hand. The water repellency is not an issue in light rain or drizzle, but it will soak in relatively quickly, so it's best to accept that and wear a rain jacket instead. Lightweight, water repellent, windproof, and highly breathable, it seems like it would be good to use as a convenient wind shell. The fabric is very thin and not very durable, so it can't be used hard, but it will be a jacket that you can use casually and often
Haglofs: Draken Hood
A simple jacket that lets you enjoy Nordic functional beauty from the mountains to the city
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- Design
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- Breathability
The simple and stylish silhouette makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from mountain climbing to town. The pockets are positioned to be somewhat sturdy, taking into consideration the use of harnesses
Haglofs ' Draken Hood is a simple softshell jacket made with FlexAble, a four-way stretch material. It doesn't have a membrane, so it's not completely windproof, but the densely woven fabric keeps out the wind, and the breathability allows some moisture to escape even if it does build up inside the garment. However, since it's not too breathable, you'll need to actively ventilate by opening and closing the front zipper during high-intensity activities. The large pockets on both hips have mesh interiors, which also serve as ventilation.
The collar is high, and when the hood is worn it can be used like a balaclava, making it suitable for use in winter
The fabric stretches well in all directions, making it comfortable to wear. The water-repellent treatment makes it water-repellent, but it doesn't last long. It repels water at first, but after a while, it starts to soak in. The fit is a bit loose, and it flaps around a lot in strong winds. It's not ideal for running or climbing, which require a slim fit, but it's great for trekking. The hood isn't adjustable, but you can zip it up and cover your mouth, creating a balaclava effect
It also has the stylishness that is a characteristic of all Haglofs products, making it a casual outerwear piece that you can wear all year round, from the mountains to the city, and will become a piece you will love
summary
This time, we evaluated soft shell jackets that are relatively lightweight and can be used from spring to autumn, and depending on how you use them, even in winter. All of the models are lightweight, so the fabric is thin and highly stretchable, making them very versatile
Mille 's Bionase Stretch Jacket and Mammut's GRINITE SO Hooded Jacket are new types of softshell jackets made with Toray's Primeflex fabric, offering high breathability, moderate wind resistance, and sweat absorption and quick-drying properties. Their water-repellent properties make them suitable as outerwear from spring to fall, and they're also likely to be useful in winter for high-intensity activities like trail running and fastpacking in good weather. However, they don't offer much warmth, so some caution is required. Speaking of winter jackets, Norrona 's bitihorn Windstopper Zip-hood features GORE-TEX Windstopper on the front and a stretchy fabric on the back. With a warm base layer or mid-layer underneath, they're suitable for use in windy winter conditions and in good weather. However, they can get too hot in high temperatures and ventilation becomes insufficient, so they're best suited for activities like trekking in warmer months.
The Mountain Hardwear Choxton Jacket and the Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoodie are quite different in weight and may seem like they have different uses, but they have no drawcords, are simple to make, are packable and easy to carry, and have functionality that makes them suitable for climbing, so they can be used for a wide range of purposes. If you have one, it will likely become a piece that you can use for a wide range of things
The Mountain Hardwera Choxton Jacket is a little thick and loose-fitting, so it doesn't seem like it would be suitable for everyday wear, but the other jackets are tight-fitting, so they would be comfortable for everyday use. In particular, the Haglofs Draken Hood has a stylish silhouette, perhaps designed for use in the city, and gives the impression of being more of a town jacket that can be worn outdoors.
The definition and purpose of soft shell jackets are somewhat vague, making it difficult to choose one. However, rather than just thinking, "I'm going to buy a soft shell jacket!", if you clarify what you want to use it for and use this review as a reference, you may be able to see what you need. This jacket will be extremely useful in the coming season, so please take this opportunity to consider it!
