Women's softshell jackets are little-known by the general public, yet in recent years they have been replacing membranes in many cases.
Softshell (soft protection) is by nature the opposite of hardshell (hard protection). Softshell is softer to the touch and, above all, more flexible and extensible than waterproof jackets (hardshell).
The difference between a softshell and a waterproof jacket is that a softshell is stretchable. It doesn't have a waterproof membrane. Of course, to make things even more complicated, brands offer jackets with semi-waterproof membranes, such as the windstopper but a jacket constructed with this type of membrane cannot be described as waterproof because the seams are not sealed.
Women's softshell jackets are made fromtightly woven fabric that has been chemically treated to make it water-repellent. Softshell resists light rain, but above all wind and snow, while being much more breathable than a membrane fabric. In fact, in the mountains, in 95% of cases, a softshell is more suitable than a membrane. Unlike a Windstopper jacket, on a softshell it's the weave of the fabric that provides the windproofing effect.
Ideal for ski touring, Karpos women's softshell jackets offer breathability and comfort on the way up, and perfect protection on the way down.
In short, women's softshell jackets offer breathability and windproofness, while hardshell jackets offer waterproofness.
A softshell jacket is therefore a must-have for intense mountain activities where rain protection is not a priority.
With a water-repellent windproof, water-repellent and a lined interior (sometimes (sometimes fleece), the women's softshell jacket guarantee a comfortable temperature in cool or cold weather. They also offer rider style Protest softshells.
It's important to note that a Softshell is not a waterproof jacket, far from it. While its water-repellent water-repellent characteristics resist light showers, however, you won't be protected if your exposure is particularly long or if the downpour is too heavy. On the other hand jacket Softshell is not designed to protect you from the vagaries of the weather like a Hardshell, it is nevertheless extremely breathable.
The Softshell is a jacket made from a tightly woven fabric that has been chemically treated to make it water-repellent. This technology is called DWR (durable water repellent). Thanks to this chemical treatment, a softshell jacket can withstand non-violent rain for more than 30 minutes. Water doesn't penetrate, but slides down the mesh. However, in the event of a heavy downpour, Softshell won't protect you. What's more, once soaked, the fabric will take a long time to dry due to its tightly-woven fibers. Indeed, while this fabric is designed not to let water in, once soaked, it's also difficult to extract the water. Logical...
Find out more on Rab's ultra-technical softshells for example!
The sofhtshell jacket is ideal for high-altitude treks in dry weather or occasional light rain.
So remember to equip yourself with technical underwear to stay dry whatever your activity!