The right softshell doesn't just block wind — it disappears on your body while you move, and you stop thinking about it entirely. Five options exist right now under $160 that do exactly that, starting at 12.5 ounces.
| Photo |
Top Pick
|
Versatile
|
Budget
|
Best Value
|
Best for Reliability
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Hoodie | The North Face Women's Shelbe Raschel Hoodie | Columbia Women's Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket | Carhartt Women's Camden Softshell Jacket | 33,000ft Women's Softshell Jacket Fleece Lined |
| Upf | UPF 50+ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hood | Helmet-compatible, stowable | Attached, non-cinching | ✗ | ✗ | Fixed hood with adjuster |
| Weight | 12.5 oz (355g) | 29.4 oz (840g) | Lightweight (approx. 1.2 lbs) | Midweight stretch nylon | Lightweight fleece-lined |
| Wind water | Wind & water resistant | WindWall <10 CFM, DWR | Omni-Shield DWR, wind resistant | Wind & water resistant | 8000mm waterproof, windproof |
| Buy Now | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Quick Tips
Layer a softshell over a merino base in shoulder seasons — it handles 90% of hiking days without needing a hard shell on top.If you run warm, skip fleece-lined softshells — the non-lined stretch versions breathe far better on aerobic trails.Check the hem length before buying: shorter hems work better for climbing and scrambling; longer hems stay warmer in camp.DWR treatments wear off — re-treat with a spray-on DWR every season to keep your jacket performing like new.
Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Hoodie
Best for active hiking and three-season trail use
Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Hoodie
Best for active hiking and three-season trail use
What we like
- At 12.5 oz it's light enough to forget it's on during long approaches.
- Cordura-reinforced shoulders and elbows add real durability without stiffening the fabric.
- UPF 50+ protection makes it a genuine sun layer on exposed ridgelines.
- Left hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack so it packs into itself in seconds.
What we don't
- Water resistance is light — sustained rain will soak through within a few minutes.
- Slim fit through the body doesn't layer easily over thicker mid-layers.
- Higher price than most budget softshells in this category.
If you move fast in the mountains, this is the jacket you'll reach for every single time. The Ferrosi fabric has four-way stretch that genuinely disappears when you're scrambling or reaching overhead, and the UPF 50+ rating means you can skip a sun layer on exposed high routes.
This is built for hikers, climbers, and trail runners who want one packable piece that handles spring-to-fall conditions. If you need serious warmth or waterproofing, add a layer — this jacket is not trying to do that job.
The North Face Women's Shelbe Raschel Hoodie
Best for cold-weather casual wear and windy days at camp
The North Face Women's Shelbe Raschel Hoodie
Best for cold-weather casual wear and windy days at camp
What we like
- WindWall fabric rated below 10 CFM stops cold wind better than almost any softshell at this price.
- Raschel fleece lining is genuinely cozy — it feels like wearing a blanket that also blocks wind.
- Recycled polyester construction (91% recycled body fabric) for those who care about material sourcing.
- Standard fit is flattering and works over mid-layers without feeling bulky.
What we don't
- At nearly 30 oz it's the heaviest jacket on this list — not a hiking layer.
- Hood doesn't cinch tight, which lets cold air in around the sides in a strong gust.
- Poor breathability means you'll overheat quickly on anything aerobic.
This isn't a performance softshell — it's a cozy, wind-blocking layer for the times you stop moving and need something warm to throw on fast. The raschel fleece lining and WindWall exterior make it exceptional at what it's designed to do: keep you warm and comfortable in cold, windy conditions at camp or around town.
Best for overlanders and car campers who want a packable layer they can pull on at the trailhead or around the fire. Hikers who push hard will find it too warm and too heavy to carry.
Columbia Women's Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket
Best for everyday wear and casual trail use
Columbia Women's Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket
Best for everyday wear and casual trail use
What we like
- Omni-Shield technology keeps the jacket repelling moisture and resisting stains wash after wash.
- Available in extended sizing, making it accessible for a wider range of body types.
- One of the cleanest, most versatile silhouettes on the list — works equally well on trail or in town.
- Drawcord adjustable hem seals out wind at the waist without bulk.
What we don't
- No hood means you're exposed the moment weather turns.
- Stretch is minimal compared to performance-focused softshells — don't expect full climbing range of motion.
- Not suited for sustained aerobic activity; breathability is average at best.
This is the softshell you grab when you're not sure what the day holds. Columbia's Omni-Shield finish keeps it looking and performing like new through heavy use, and the clean silhouette means it transitions from the trail to errands without looking like you just came off a mountain.
Best for hikers who want an affordable, versatile layer for moderate conditions. If you need technical stretch for climbing or high-output activities, step up to the Ferrosi.
Carhartt Women's Camden Softshell Jacket
Best for work environments and farm-to-trail use
Carhartt Women's Camden Softshell Jacket
Best for work environments and farm-to-trail use
What we like
- Stretch nylon construction is tougher than most softshells at this price — built to take real abuse.
- Multiple internal and external pockets give it genuine utility for working outdoors.
- Relaxed fit layers easily over heavier mid-layers without feeling restrictive.
- Carhartt's reputation for durability means this jacket will outlast cheaper softshells significantly.
What we don't
- No hood is a real limitation in variable weather.
- Heavier and less packable than performance softshells — not ideal for carrying in a pack.
- Relaxed fit doesn't have the flattering silhouette of athletic-cut softshells.
Built for people who need a jacket that handles rough use without complaint — farm work, ranching, overlanding, or any outdoor environment where you're hard on your gear. The stretch nylon resists tears and abrasion far better than the lighter softshells on this list.
If you're looking for a hiking-specific technical layer, this isn't it. But if you want a tough softshell that doubles as a work jacket and still performs on trail, Carhartt delivers exactly that.
33,000ft Women's Softshell Jacket Fleece Lined
Best budget softshell for three-season hiking
33,000ft Women's Softshell Jacket Fleece Lined
Best budget softshell for three-season hiking
What we like
- 8000mm waterproof rating is legitimately higher than most softshells at twice the price.
- Polar fleece lining adds enough warmth to make this a genuine three-season jacket.
- 2-way center zipper makes it easy to sit and move without the front panel bunching.
- Drawcord waist and adjustable hood give a decent fit across a range of body shapes.
What we don't
- Fleece lining reduces breathability significantly — you'll feel the heat on uphill pushes.
- Build quality and fabric feel noticeably cheaper than the OR or Columbia options.
- Limited color options and basic silhouette won't satisfy buyers who care about aesthetics.
At under $60, this jacket outperforms its price tag in the specs that matter most — wind blocking, light waterproofing, and warmth from the fleece lining. It's not going to last five years of daily use, but for a budget-conscious hiker or an entry-level softshell layer it does the job.
Best for new hikers who want to try the softshell category without spending $120+, or anyone who needs an inexpensive backup layer to leave in the car or truck.
What to Look For
Stretch matters more than weight in a softshell. A jacket that restricts your arms on a steep scramble or pinches across the shoulders when you reach overhead is the wrong jacket, no matter how light it is.
Look for four-way stretch as a listed feature, not just "flexible fabric." Wind resistance is the real job. A softshell won't stop a downpour — that's what a hard shell is for.
What it should do is cut the wind completely and repel light drizzle long enough for you to pull out a rain layer. CFM ratings below 10 and a DWR finish are the two specs that matter here.
Hood fit determines how much you'll actually use it. A hood that doesn't cinch tight around your face is useless at the trailhead in a cold gust.
An adjustable, helmet-compatible hood is the gold standard — even if you never climb, it means the hood seals properly.
Who Should Skip This
If your primary activity is heavy rain hiking or anything above treeline in serious weather, a softshell alone isn't your answer — you need a waterproof hard shell. Softshells also aren't the right call for winter mountaineering where wind chill is severe; you want an insulated layer underneath and a waterproof shell on top.
Skip this category entirely if you're looking for one jacket that does everything in all conditions.
What the Community Actually Uses
On r/womenoutdoors, softshell recommendations come up constantly in shoulder-season gear threads. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi consistently gets called out as the jacket that never comes off during approach hikes, and the Columbia Kruser Ridge III shows up in 'best budget layer' threads almost weekly.
The general consensus is that fit and stretch matter more than brand — and that most people own more softshells than they think they need.
Quick Picks — In Case You've Already Decided
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a softshell jacket actually for?
A softshell fills the gap between a fleece mid-layer and a waterproof hard shell. It blocks wind, repels light moisture, and breathes well enough for aerobic activity. It's the jacket you reach for on 80% of hiking days when it's cool but not raining hard.
Can I wear a softshell in the rain?
A softshell with a DWR finish handles light drizzle and brief showers well. In sustained rain it will eventually soak through. For wet weather hiking, layer a packable rain shell over your softshell — the combination covers almost every condition.
Fleece-lined vs. non-lined softshell — which is better?
Fleece-lined softshells are warmer and more comfortable at rest but breathe worse when you're moving hard. Non-lined softshells breathe better and pack smaller, making them better for active hiking and trail running. Choose based on whether you run hot or cold.
How do I know if a softshell fits correctly?
Raise both arms straight overhead — the hem should stay down and nothing should pull across the shoulders. Then cross your arms in front of you; there should be zero restriction across the back. If either movement feels tight, size up.
How often should I re-treat the DWR finish?
When water stops beading on the surface and the jacket starts feeling 'wet out' (darkening and absorbing moisture), it's time. For most people that's once per season. Use a spray-on DWR treatment and tumble dry on low to reactivate it.
Buying Guide
A softshell sits between your base layer and a rain shell — it needs to breathe when you push hard and block wind when you stop. Look for four-way stretch, a DWR finish, and an adjustable hood.
You don't need waterproof; you need weather-resistant and packable enough to forget about.