You want to buy a best softshell hunting jacket but you don’t know much about what’s available on the market? Or you’re wondering which one to choose? Don’t worry, you got to the right place. Here we highlighted our top 7 best softshell hunting jacket in 2024. Whether you’re gunning for gobblers or hitting the high slopes for mountain goats, these are the best softshell hunting jacket for you.
A hunter looking for elk sign in the snowy woods. A hiker exploring above the treeline in the whipping wind. A cross-country skier working up a sweat. Different situations for different people, but all will benefit from a soft shell hunting clothing. Such a jacket is an ideal choice for when you need warmth and some protection from wind and precipitation, but don’t want to sacrifice breathability and comfort—which many waterproof shells do. The best softshell hunting jacket provides all the weather protection you need in most conditions, while also remaining comfortable to wear even during high-exertion activities. Most are stretchy, making them ideal for active pursuits. They’re lightweight, so you won’t feel bogged down. And they can be an excellent choice year-round, from cooler alpine conditions in the summer to truly cold, snowy days when you need full ski apparel. Soft shells range from ultralight wind shells to coats made for extreme cold, so how do you know which one to choose? Our hunting jacket guide will point you to some of the best options for a variety of uses and weather conditions.
1. The 7 Best Softshell Hunting Jacket
1.1 First Lite Catalyst Softshell Hunting Jacket
The Catalyst tactical jacket features a two-layer construction with a water-repellent exterior and warm, fleecy interior. The inner layer boasts 37.5 technology, which embeds active particles into the fabric that help disperse moisture for breathability and temperature regulation. Supersoft fabric won’t rustle or crinkle, and you also get two hand pockets and a chest pocket for toting tools.
1.2 SKRE Hardscrabble Jacket
This all-season best softshell hunting jacket is a favorite among users of the SKRE hunting systems. Water- and wind-resistant, the Hardscrabble is an outer shell that can be worn with layers or on its own, weather depending.
Lined with microfleece, the face of the fabric is designed to keep sound down while maximizing protection from the elements. Pockets and closures have YKK zippers, and a storm hood provides optimal and adjustable protection when needed.
SKRE also offers complete hunting systems at bargain rates. Through its bundle offers, hunters can save money by purchasing anywhere from three to 16 items as complete kits with major discounts. This is one of the smartest moves we’ve seen in the hunting industry, and best softshell hunting jacket offers a unique way to get a full kit at a discounted price.
1.3 KUIU Guide DCS Softshell Hunting Jacket
KUIU’s Guide DCS best softshell hunting jacket is one of the bestselling in the biz. And with over 5,000 reviews landing it 4.8 stars, it’s an easy pick for best softshell. Wind-, water-, and rip-resistant, this shell is built as a power outer layer to take on nearly any circumstance.
The Toray Primeflex fabric adds flexibility without loss of breathability, and it’s backed with a soft microfleece for added insulation. Tons of pockets make storage easy, and a plethora of camo and solid options offer one of the widest color varieties in the industry.
The cut is athletic, and reviewers do say that if you’re looking to substantially layer, you’ll want to go one size up.
1.4 Sitka Jetstream Jacket
The Jetstream best softshell hunting jacket is the all-time best selling SITKA jacket – and for good reason. Nothing will take you out of the hunt like wind ripping through all your layers, chilling you to your core. The Jetstream was designed to solve this problem. Utilizing WINDSTOPPER by Gore-Tex Labs, this jacket will quite literally stop the wind from seeping into your system, helping you retain warmth by stopping convective heat loss before it starts. We’ve plussed up the design with features like a secure and cinchable hood that won’t block your peripheral vision, pit zips for ejecting heat while on the move, and a silent but durable face fabric that resists snags and tears. The fit is modern, yet adaptable, with articulated sleeves and precision taped seams that encourage movement without restricting ease of entry and exit into the jacket. We believe in a systems approach to layering and the Jetstream serves a critical role in that system, serving as a sturdy windproof outer layer during the mid to late season. It is at home on the mountain, in the boat, on the farm and anywhere the cold wind blows.
1.5 BANDED Aspire Collection™ Ignite Mid-Layer Best Softshell Hunting Jacket
Introducing the ASPIRE Collection™ IGNITE Mid-Layer Softshell Hooded Jacket. This stealthy jacket features a water-resistant and windproof construction, providing protection in varying weather conditions. Its medium-weight layering offers warmth without compromising breathability. With mobility-enhancing stretch and de-coupled sleeves, this jacket allows for ease of motion. Stay comfortable and ready for any adventure with the IGNITE Mid-Layer Softshell Hooded Jacket.
1.6 Hunters Element Legacy Jacket
The Legacy is the brainchild of the Hunters Element head product designer. He wanted to create the ultimate mid/outer layer that could be used on just about every hunt. The Legacy was made to keep you warm while glassing and stalking without overheating, as so often happens with membrane-lined outer layers.
The purpose-built 290gsm Hydrafuse™ HYBRIDTECH™, RPET recycled fabric uses a 90gsm water-resistant, two-way stretch outer with a 200gsm fleece inner. This means that the jacket is really warm but breathes exceptionally well, all the while remaining quiet, soft and blocking out about 90% of the wind. This RPET fabric is made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (Plastic Bottles). This is just as durable as virgin fabric but saves 29 bottles from ending up in the landfill.
He then took every top-quality feature he could find and packed them into the jacket. This includes high-quality zips, a fold-away TunnelTECH™ hood, zippered slim-lined chest and lower pockets with hand warmers, and premium cuff adjusters.
1.7 PNUMA Waypoint Jacket
Comfortable and deadly quiet, the Waypoint is the ideal mid-weight, all-season jacket. We engineered it to be windproof and added DWR protection for water repellency. YKK stitch-sealed and tape-sealed heavy-duty zippers make sure you stay warm and dry. Our mechanical stretch twill fabric moves with you and easily stands up against hard use. PnumaGrid™ fleece lining keeps your core warm, and protective overlays on shoulders and elbows prevent pack slippage, wear, and abrasion.
Guaranteed hardcore performance from mid-season through late, this warm, ultra-quiet softshell is versatile enough to meet the requirements of any conditions. A DWR water repellent finish keeps you dry, and The PnumaGrid™ fleece lining focuses warmth on your core without bulk, allowing you to comfortably layer up or down as needed. Added protection from PnumaGuard™ non-slip, wear-resistant overlays on jacket shoulders and elbows will help the Waypoint stand up to whatever punishment you can dish out. We moved the pit zips forward of backpack straps to work seamlessly with packs and ensured that the five pockets are in the right places for easy access. The integrated tree stand harness port keeps you safe while you sit comfortably in the stand, waiting for the perfect shot. Like all of our gear, the Waypoint is guaranteed for life.
2. ConsiderationsWhen Shopping for the Best Softshell Hunting Jacket
2.1 Best Softshell Hunting Jacket Material
The material should be soft, to prevent any rustling sounds that would spook game. The tactical softshell jacket should be warm enough to keep you comfortable when you’re not moving, but still breathable enough to let sweat vapor escape when you’re exerting yourself. Weather protection is a must, of course, in case you run into unexpected precipitation or winds. And a neutral or camouflage pattern is a helpful bonus.
2.2 Softshell Hunting Jacket Styles
It should have numerous pockets so you can keep snow gear at the ready. Do you want a hood?Extra pockets? Adjustable cuffs? Pit zips (zippered vents under the arms to release extra body heat)? Soft shell jackets come with all these features, and more.
3. Summary
A best soft shell hunting jacket will be a very versatile addition to your closet—if you pick the right one. The best soft shell jacket for you will match your intended activities and weather conditions, have all the features you need, and will be the proper weight. Think about not just how cold it’ll be, but if you’ll be exerting yourself or mostly remaining in one place. That will dictate the weight of the soft shell jacket that you need.
BOWINS Garment understands the importance of these factors and strives to provide our customers with high-quality, reliable, and affordable softshell camo hunting gear solutions.
Taian Bowins Garment focuses on the design and manufacturing of white label hunting clothing solutions. We can produce all styles recommended above. We have our own design department, providing not only OEM, but also ODM services. We can prototype and mass produce according to the brand owner’s needs, and print or embroider the customer’s logo on the best softshell hunting jacket.
Thank you for reading. If you have any needs, please feel free to contact us. BOWINS Garment is willing to provide you with high-quality hunting clothing products and excellent services to ensure you have a pleasant hunting experience in the wild.
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