Five on Friday: Five Women’s Softshell Jackets

By: Levi Opsatnic

With the April showers in full spring and a temperature fluctuation that seems like it changes each day, I find myself needing a jacket that can keep me comfortable regardless of the weather conditions and temperature. And one of my all-time favorite types of jacket for the spring, or really any season for that matter, is a softshell.

I recently heard a quotation that seems to fit softshells and their versatility incredibly well, and it went something like this “the only jacket that you need 90% of the time.” Meaning that a softshell jacket can be used in just about any condition without leaving you uncomfortable.

Most softshell jackets are designed with a water repellency that can stand up to anything less than a severe downpour, have at least a 2-way stretch so you won’t ever be cramped up, breathe very well to keep you from overheating, and block the wind from cutting into you and freezing you up. Sure, that’s quite a load for one single jacket, but if you’ve never tried out a softshell jacket, I guarantee you that you’ll be more than impressed with their capabilities.

Now, without any further softshell praise, here’s five softshell jackets that every lady out there is sure to love.

1.The North Face Calentito 2 Jacket

No stranger to bringing you quality and technical pieces, The North Face‘s Calentito 2 Jacket is the perfect soft shell for a mild spring day spent on the trail or around town. Made from The North Face’s Apex Universal softshell material, this jacket offers wonderful breathability, wind and water protection, as well as a bit of stretch to keep you from ever feeling confined. And being crafted without a hood, the Calentito 2 Jacket is perfect for those of us who hate whenever a hood drags you down.

2. Mountain Hardwear Mighty Power Hybrid Jacket

Mountain Hardwear grants those of us who love being active on brisk spring days and chilly mornings the perfect piece with their Mighty Power Hybrid Jacket. Crafted from a super light softshell material, this jacket offers you all of the great advantages of a softshell, but without adding any additional weight, leaving your body well-protected and free to do as it pleases. Whether you’re seeking a light jacket for chilly jogs or simply a cute piece that can stand up to spring’s erratic weather, you’ll be sure to love the cute and contrasting look of the Mighty Power Hybrid Jacket.

3. The North Face Shellrock Jacket

A bit thicker and a bit more prepared for foul weather than the previous piece from The North Face, their Shellrock Jacket has just about anything that you need in a softshell. Perfect for spring days, but burly enough for those late fall days with a real chill in the air, this jacket utilizes The North Face’s Apex Universal fabric for a wonderful combination of windproofing, breathability, and water resistance; add in a fleece backer and you’re ready for any inclement weather that’s coming your way. And for those of us who like to equally blend fashion and function, the Shellrock Jacket sports a nice contrasting palette of colors with that classic North Face logo that everybody loves.

4. Sierra Designs All Seasons Windjacket

Most of the time, you simply can’t judge a book by its title, but the All Seasons Windjacket from Sierra Designs is an exception to that rule. This medium weight softshell has everything that you need to layer on a cold winter day as well as the perfect design for snuggling into on a less than favorable summer evening. Made with four-way stretch, this jacket ensures that you’ll never be caught in a bind, and its wind and water resistance keeps all sorts of weather at bay. A minimalist design gives the All Seasons Windjacket a look that you’ll love wearing into town as much as you love throwing it on before hitting a muddy springtime trail.

5. Arc’teryx Tenquille Hoody

Whenever the weather seems to have a mind of its own and has everything from a ray of sun, random downpour, to a gust of wind withinin its arsenal, you’ll need something that can adapt to all types of conditions, which is exactly why Arc’teryx crafted their Tenquille Hoody. Being made from the signature Krauss fabric, this softshell repels water and wind, but also breathes and stretches with the best of them. And whenever things heat up and you need a quick way to cool down, you’ll really find yourself loving the stretchy and ventilated side panels. Add in some super convenient packability combined with a clean look, and the Tenquille Hoody is sure to become a jacket that you’ll find yourself reaching for all the time.