Hit the trails in a comfortable men’s softshell jacket

For over eight decades, Columbia has been keeping people outdoors in high-quality, performance-driven apparel. That’s why we love designing fantastic jackets for you to comfortably discover new trails, and it’s why we bring you our men’s softshell jacket. It doesn’t just provide you with insulation against the cold, but it’s also incredibly comfortable against your skin, water resistant and protective against the wind. Perfect for most outdoor sporting activities.

One of our softshell jackets is an ideal layer, no matter what outdoor challenge you’re tackling. If you’re heading on a light hike with the kids, a softshell jacket will keep you comfy and warm as you hit the trail. It will keep the heat in and the cold out when temperatures drop.

Or maybe you’re off climbing a mountain and need a jacket you can stay active in for hours. Just strap on your mountaineering boots and pack your climbing gear into your backpack. Then don one of our softshell jackets, and you’re ready to go. Of course, if you’re heading up the mountain in the dead of winter, you might be better off looking into our hiking jackets. A men’s puffer jacket or a men’s parka jacket will keep you toasty even in freezing conditions. But for a climb in milder conditions, a softshell will still ensure that you stay warm and protected.

Keep warm and dry with Columbia’s technologies

Softshell jackets retain heat and keep your body warm in chilly weather, even in a thin layer of clothing.

However, our jackets are also lightweight and breathable, with moisture-wicking which lets moisture and excess warmth escape the fabric. The breathability and low weight makes sure that you stay dry and unrestricted, so that you can enjoy being outside as long as you want.

Speaking of staying dry, our technology Omni-Shield™ makes sure your men’s softshell jacket is water and stain repellent. Omni-Shield™ jackets are equipped with a quick-drying and long-lasting tech which prevents the fabric from absorbing liquids. This enables the fabric to repel both water and stains, keeping your coat dry and clean.

This allows you to explore the great outdoors even when it’s drizzling. If you need a jacket to withstand more rain, you might want to considering opting for a men’s waterproof jacket instead. Choose what level of waterproofness you need in your clothing by selecting one of Columbia’s easy-to-understand waterproof categories:

• Drizzle: Gives you lasting repellency and resists moisture absorption.
• Rain: Uses waterproof fabric and has sealed exposed seams.
• Downpour: Has sealed seams and air-permeable waterproof protection.
• Deluge: Means zero wet out.

Which softshell jacket suits you best?

It doesn’t have to be hard to find a great hiking jacket to enjoy the outdoors in. But don’t settle for the first jacket you find and skip having to compromise comfort for practicality. Our softshell jackets combine the two, so you can be on the move all day long. The majority of our softshell jackets are made from polyester or a hybrid fabric combining polyester or nylon with elastane. The jackets have a stretch fit and soft material, delivering next-to-skin comfort. They’re designed to move with you as you go hiking or walking through nature.

Use the filters on our online store to browse through the wide range of colours and styles available. Our softshell jackets are available in several stylish colours, featuring popular shades such as stone green, black, collegiate navy and grey. This allows you to find a look which goes with your personal style.

Find jackets with features such as adjustable hems and cuffs, zippered hand and chest pockets or a removable hoodie. Decide which features are important to you and ensure you get a product you’ll enjoy for years. Yes, find a softshell hiking jacket you can experience true comfort in, as you hit the trail and keep exploring.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a softshell jacket?

Softshell jackets strike the perfect balance between protection against the elements and maintaining breathability and flexibility. They’re ideal for high-intensity outdoor activities in mild to cool weather. Many of Columbia’s softshells feature some water-resistant technologies, making them suitable for drizzle or light rain.

Softshells are also highly versatile; they can be comfortably worn as a protective outer layer in moderate conditions or as a durable mid-layer under a fully waterproof shell when the weather turns severe.

What is the best softshell jacket?

The best softshell jacket is the one that keeps up with your every move. One that offers protection while still allowing you the freedom to move and be active. One that keeps you dry, even during high-intensity activities. Fortunately, Columbia’s collection of men’s softshells offers this and much more. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our five most popular models:

• Men's Triple Canyon™ Softshell Hiking Jacket: A hooded softshell with a water and stain-repellent finish.
• Men's Ascender™ II Hooded Softshell Hiking Jacket: Ideal for layering, wind and water-resistant.
• Men's Columbia Tech™ Softshell Hooded Jacket: Light and flexible.
• Men’s Gate Racer™ II Softshell Jacket: Insulated and fleece-lined for added cosiness.
• Men’s Cascade Ridge™ III Softshell Hiking Jacket: Features a removable hood and a water-resistant finish.

Is softshell or fleece better?

Neither a men’s softshell nor a men’s fleece is inherently better than the other; each is just more suited to certain situations. Typically, a fleece is going to be warmer than a softshell, though it won’t have much protection against wind and water. On the other hand, a softshell will be less cosy than a fleece but offers better weather protection.

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, some of Columbia’s softshells are fleece-lined so you can feel cosy with added weather protection.

What is the difference between softshell and hardshell jackets?

A softshell is designed for moderate weather, with mostly dry conditions. However, many of Columbia’s softshells can withstand some light rain thanks to water-resistant technologies like Omni-ShieldTM. They’re also highly breathable with stretch for movement, making them suitable for active outdoor pursuits.

A hardshell jacket is fully water and windproof, though it’s not typically insulated. That being said, a hardshell and softshell can often be worn together for the perfect combination.

Keep discovering the many categories of men’s jackets that Columbia offers:

• men’s coat
• long puffer jacket men’s
• lightweight puffer jacket men’s
• men’s quilted puffer jacket
• puffer hooded jacket men’s
• men’s jacket
• men’s ski jackets
• men’s 3 in 1 jacket
• men’s hiking jacket
• men’s walking jackets
• men’s gilets
• men’s windbreaker
• men’s casual jackets

And don’t forget to check out our women’s puffer jacket collection to explore our line of insulated women’s jackets.