A guide to softshell clothing

Softshell clothing has been around for quite some time, but many people still aren't sure what it actually is. Softshell isn't a material in its own right. The term usually refers to a sporty, stretchy fabric made from a combination of materials. The outer face might be water-repellent and windproof, for example, while the inside is soft fleece.

You'll find softshell jackets and trousers in our range, made from fabrics chosen for active use.

Softshell trousers also work around town if comfort is your priority.

How does softshell differ from a hardshell?

Hardshell garments are made from waterproof material and are designed mainly for wet weather. Softshell will usually keep out some water, but it will eventually soak through. Because it breathes far better, softshell is the more practical choice when it isn't raining. In a hardshell, you'll start sweating much sooner once you get moving.

We stock a wide selection of softshell clothing from Swedish brand Peak Performance.

Softshell is generally designed for active use. Materials vary quite a bit from one product to the next, but the fabrics are lighter, more comfortable, softer and stretchier than a hardshell.

What is softshell clothing good for?

Softshell works well as part of a layering system, as long as there isn't too much rain. Most softshell fabrics block the wind effectively while still breathing and giving you plenty of freedom of movement.

Read more about the three-layer system here:
A guide to the secrets of layering

Halti's stylish, practical Pallas Jacket has been a very popular choice. If you need extra warmth, there's also the Warm range, which includes a warmer jacket and trousers.

Thanks to their freedom of movement, low weight and wind resistance, softshell garments are well suited to active outdoor pursuits. They work as part of your layering all year round, and a softshell jacket with a soft inner face is comfortable even in summer over just a vest top. There are summer-weight softshell trousers too. Softshell jackets and trousers are made for different purposes: some are intended for everyday outdoor use, while others use a hard-wearing fabric that holds up on multi-day hikes and on the slopes.

You'll find all our softshell jackets here.

All our softshell trousers are here.

You can also read our test of the Halti Pallas jacket and trousers here. Halti's new Pallas II collection has also arrived!