0102030405
How to choose the soft shell and hard shell of the jacket
2024-10-30
In the world of outdoor sports, a proper jacket is a must-have for almost every enthusiast. However, in the face of the dazzling array of products on the market, how to choose the one that suits you best? This article will take you in-depth understanding of the main differences between soft-shell and hard-shell jackets to help you make an informed choice.
First of all, lets get to know the jacket. A must-have jacket for outdoor sports!
● Functional clothing, with enough rain, snow, windproof, tear-proof and breathable functions, can cope with all kinds of extreme weather encountered in outdoor activities, and can also protect the body from being scratched by thorns and gravel
● Breathable and not sweaty, comfortable enough to wear
● Wear more than one dress, and you can hold all kinds of dressing styles
Material
Softshell jacket: It is a flexible and stretchy jacket that pays more attention to comfort, freedom and versatility. It is usually made of soft and elastic materials, such as polyester fiber blend or nylon, which can achieve water-repellent level waterproof function.
Hard-shell jacket: Made of functional fabrics, such as Gore-Tex ®, etc., it has strong waterproof and windproof properties, and the surface is hard and reliable, taking into account the functions of anti-tear and scratch.
Applicable scenarios
Soft shell jacket: It provides good flexibility and comfort, so that you wont feel uncomfortable after wearing it for a long time. Therefore, it is more suitable for low-intensity outdoor sports with low-altitude simple landforms and stable climate, such as hiking, rock mounting, abseiling, etc., and it is also more practical in daily wearing scenarios.
Hard-shell jacket: Strong and durable, it can be used as a protection for the human body in high altitude, complex landforms and changeable climate environments. It is suitable for professional outdoor sports, such as skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, etc.
Advantage
Good breathability and high comfort. Compared with hardshell, softshell fabrics dont have as many functional coatings, which also improves wearing comfort without affecting breathability.
High flexibility and easy matching. The soft shell has no sense of restraint when worn, can move the arms very easily and flexibly, and the body can respond quickly in outdoor environments. And the soft shell can be used as an outer layer or an intermediate layer.
Excellent waterproof and windproof performance. Because of the use of high-tech fabrics with treated surfaces and gluing all seams, the hard shell has excellent windproof and waterproof properties, as well as high abrasion resistance and tear resistance, which can prolong the service life of clothes.
Shortcoming
Hard shell jacket:
Poor breathability and comfort. The hard shell fabric is mainly reflected in its functionality such as waterproof and windproof, but its breathability is not ideal.
Affects movement and mobility. Especially when performing diverse movements and postures, hardshell jackets may limit the wearers flexibility and are less practical for daily commuting.
Softshell jacket:
Easily damaged: Softshell fabric is relatively soft, with relatively poor wear resistance and tear resistance. It may be damaged due to frequent friction or contact with sharp objects, affecting its service life.
Whether its a softshell or hardshell jacket, they each have unique advantages and are suitable for different outdoor activities and personal preferences. Which one to choose, ultimately depends on specific needs and budget.
Must-see buying points for jackets
1. Fabric
Whether the jacket is functional or not, the decisive factor is the fabric. The fabric of jackets generally has three layers:
Outer layer: usually nylon or nylon, responsible for wear resistance and scratch resistance Middle layer: waterproof and breathable The most important material, common E-PTFE film or PU film Inner layer: common warp knitted fabric or wear-resistant base fabric to prevent sweat and grease from penetrating Small holes in the waterproof and breathable layer can also improve comfort
We mainly look at the inner layer. PU film is now used by fewer and fewer businesses because its breathability is too poor; E-PTFE film is widely used, which is more breathable and waterproof, and is more stable in low temperature environment. There are many common fabrics in the E-PTFE film industry, including GORE-TEX, EVENT, STORM BREATH, WEI-TEX
At present, GORE-TEX is highly recognized. The membrane ventilation holes are smaller than water droplets, and rainwater cannot completely penetrate, but the small holes are 700 times larger than water vapor molecules, making them waterproof and breathable; In addition, there is the new STORM BREATH, which relies on the inner layer of the fabric composite multi-porous film to achieve waterproof and moisture-permeable functions, and has become a strong opponent of GORE-TEX
Recommendation: Choose GORE-TEX or STORM BREATH fabric