Softshell Jackets - Snowboarding Forum

ithrowplastic · 01-19-2011, 11:05 AM

It's time to replace my 10 year old burton jacket. I've been looking into softshells. The burton beacon, softshell hoodie, or the 686 plexus zenith to name a couple. Anyone have experience with softshells and how they compare to the "hardshells"? I need something a little lighter and breathable, I layer underneath so I don't need much for insulation in a jacket.

dksmith17 · 01-19-2011, 11:39 AM

Generally softshells aren't as durable or as light and won't keep you quite as dry. But they are a heck of a lot more comfortable and breathable. I think for casual snowboarding/skiing softshell is the way to go. Maybe if you are working at a resort or something you should buy a hardshell if you could only buy one thing just because you don't really want to be wearing a softshell in a downpour. For something like backpacking I only use a hardshell and layers because of the better protection and lower weight.

ev13wt · 01-19-2011, 12:00 PM

Read my review of the O'Neill ones here! They are awesome to wear without a jacket on those warmer days.

01-19-2011, 11:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
ithrowplastic Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The 860 Posts: 32	Softshell Jackets It's time to replace my 10 year old burton jacket. I've been looking into softshells. The burton beacon, softshell hoodie, or the 686 plexus zenith to name a couple. Anyone have experience with softshells and how they compare to the "hardshells"? I need something a little lighter and breathable, I layer underneath so I don't need much for insulation in a jacket.

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01-19-2011, 11:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
dksmith17 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 101	Generally softshells aren't as durable or as light and won't keep you quite as dry. But they are a heck of a lot more comfortable and breathable. I think for casual snowboarding/skiing softshell is the way to go. Maybe if you are working at a resort or something you should buy a hardshell if you could only buy one thing just because you don't really want to be wearing a softshell in a downpour. For something like backpacking I only use a hardshell and layers because of the better protection and lower weight.

01-19-2011, 12:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
ev13wt Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 446	Read my review of the O'Neill ones here! They are awesome to wear without a jacket on those warmer days.