Softshell

vs

Hardshell

Jacket:

The

Lowdown

It’s very likely you’ve already come across the terms hardshell and softshell on your hunt for the perfect protective layer. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these two materials – and which one to pick.

What is hardshell?

The term hardshell is pretty self-explanatory: It’s used to describe materials which typically are very durable and stiff. This comes with a number of benefits, but also some drawbacks – which we’ll get into later on.

First things first: The key facts. Hardshell jackets ↗ are wind- and waterproof, making them the perfect choice for all types of winter activities as well as mountaineering. They are constructed using several layers: A lightweight, DWR coated ↗ (“durable water repellent”) textile makes up the top layer, providing added durability and protection against damage caused by movement, abrasion and other external influences. Right underneath, you’ll find the star component of hardshell textiles: a waterproof and breathable membrane that keeps out the rain and snow, while wicking away sweat from the body. Which type of membrane is used, and how they work, entirely depends. Gore-Tex ↗ is probably the most well-known, but Sympatex, Dermizax or our own high-performance Mammut DRY ↗ technology efficiently keep you dry. Both layers are laminated, which makes them sturdy and wind repellent. In terms of that, all hardshell jackets are essentially constructed in the same way. However, there are differences when it comes to the inner lining:

• 2 layers: Hardshell jackets consisting of two layers come with an added inner lining to protect the membrane. 2-layer jackets are ideal as a practical, quick-fix solution to safely take you through your day-to-day, as well as provide protection on short day trips. Insulating hardshell jackets for use in winter are also often made up of two layers.

• 2.5 layers: 2.5-layer hardshells don’t have an added lining. Instead, the membrane is coated with a super thin layer of extra material on the inside (spray-on or painted, also called “print”). Jackets of this type are lightweight and can be folded up to take up very little space, making them perfect for bike tours, trail running and casual day hikes. 

• 3 layers: Hardshell jackets made up of 3 layers are particularly weather resistant. The inside of the membrane is coated with an additional layer to make the material even more hardwearing – which is why they are the go-to choice for long tours (particularly in mountainous and cold surroundings), as well as winter sports ↗. 

By the way: The level of waterproofness of the membrane is determined by the so-called hydrostatic head. This indicates how much water pressure a material can withstand before it loses its waterproof qualities. The higher the hydrostatic head, the more waterproof the material will be.

Tip: When buying a high-quality hardshell jacket, make sure it comes with laminated zippers and glued seams – that way you can be sure it’ll be waterproof all around. All our Mammut jackets are made this way.

Hardshell: Pros and cons

So we’ve established that hardshell is a great choice for outdoor activities in wet or windy weather. Nonetheless, it may not always be the best choice. Below you’ll find all the key facts at a glance.

PROS : waterproof, dirt-resistant, windproof, hardwearing, great protection against the elements

CONS : stiffer than softshell, some hardshells make a rustling sound, less breathable than softshell

Use it for hiking, mountaineering & winter sports

Hardshell offers great performance and functionality, but may reduce wearing comfort. Especially for activities requiring a lot of movement and agility, e.g. climbing ↗ and trail running ↗, these types of jackets may be more of a hindrance than help. The reason for this is the previously mentioned membrane. However, there are plenty of new technologies available by now to ensure extra stretch and a bit more wearing comfort. Long story short: Try out different jackets until you find the one that feels right for you!

How to care for hardshell jackets

A high-quality hardshell jacket will be your trusted companion for many years to come if treated right. The most important thing is to regularly touch up on waterproofing: This ensures the material stays waterproof, and prevents the membrane from getting clogged with dirt, mud, sun screen, body fat – you name it. 

Another note on dirt: Regularly cleaning your hardshell garment will keep the membrane from clogging up, and keeps its functionality intact. Not sure how to go about it? Our care guide for hardshell jackets ↗ is here to help!

What is softshell

Softshell is also constructed in layers: Unlike hardshell, they are softer and more stretchy, making them particularly comfortable to wear. Here, you’ve got the choice between two-layer and three-layer textiles, as well as two-ply fabric. The difference: Softshell made up of three layers includes a membrane to ensure ideal protection against the wind, while maintaining breathability. The functionality of two-layer constructions, on the other hand, is determined by the type of lamination used. If both layers are laminated all over, they are more windproof than point-laminated softshell jackets. Two-layer textiles and two-ply fabrics don’t have a membrane, which means they aren’t exactly waterproof, but will provide enough protection in a brief downpour thanks to their water repellent qualities. 

Regardless of the construction, the lining of the jacket typically is a soft, warming material like fleece. As a result, softshell jackets ↗ and softshell pants ↗ feel great against the skin, and are quite often worn without any additional long base layers underneath. Some softshell jackets are even fitted with a membrane to offer additional protection against wind and weather. Softshell jackets are generally very breathable – meaning they keep your body warm while wicking away moisture.

Despite the DWR treatment, softshell jackets are less weather resistant than their hardshell counterparts. They’ll be perfectly equipped to withstand short, light rain, but not so much a forceful downpour – or torrential rain.

Softshell: The pros and cons?

Softshell garments are very breathable and water repellent, but not waterproof. One of their greatest benefits is the stretchy, soft material which is comfortable to wear and won’t restrict your movement – making these types of jackets the perfect choice for high-intensity sports like climbing, running, biking and more, as well as for regular everyday use ↗. Plus, they also work great as an extra insulating layer under a hardshell jacket!

PROS : stretchy & flexible, breathable, comfortable, wind repellent to windproof

CONS: not wholly waterproof

Use it for running, climbing, hiking and mountaineering, ski tours, cycling, day-to-day use

How to care for softshell jackets

Even softshell textiles can be easily machine washed when they’re starting to get dirty or greasy. But make sure you only clean them when it’s absolutely necessary, so as to prevent early signs of wear and tear: 

• Close all zippers and velcro fastenings

• use liquid detergent (ideally a detergent specifically made for outdoor clothing)

• and wash your softshell jacket or pants at 30 to 40 degrees on a gentle cycle (handwash, wool, or delicates), with a maximum spin speed of 800 rpm. 

• Caution: Do not use fabric softener! It may clog the pores of the textile, which in turn may reduce its breathability.

• Tough stains are best taken care of by treating them pre-wash with a soft sponge, water and detergent for delicate fabrics. To clean zippers that are caked in dirt, use a dry toothbrush.

• The same rule applies to softshell jackets: The waterproof DWR coating will be reactivated through heat. So it’s best to dry them on a gentle cycle in the dryer. If that option isn’t available, simply hang up your jacket to dry, and iron it afterward at a low temperature with a towel on top to mimic the effect of a dryer.

Any softshell jacket will also have to be re-waterproofed once its water repellent qualities start wearing off. Make sure to only use products made specifically for treating outdoor clothing.

One final word of advice: Always check the care instructions inside your jacket carefully, as different types of softshell material will require different cleaning routines.

The lowdown: Hardshell or softshell?

There’s no definitive answer to whether a hardshell or softshell jacket is the preferred choice. It all depends on your activity, the location and your personal preferences. If you stay outside for long periods of time in all types of weather, a waterproof hardshell jacket is probably the best choice. For use on a day-to-day basis or for high-intensity outdoor activities in dry conditions, you’ll most likely be better off with a stretchy, warming softshell jacket. Combining the two technologies makes for a pretty good pairing, by the way: The warming softshell material underneath the waterproof hardshell jacket makes for the perfect layered look.

Want to know more about our patented Mammut DRY technology? Whether Mammut DRY Expedition ↗, Mammut DRY Active ↗ or Mammut DRY Tour ↗ we’ve got all the info you need.