Hardshell vs Softshell - What's the difference?

[@jbairdexp]

Well explained. Kinda wondered what the difference was but was scared to ask! 🙂

[@DD-vk5nd]

So, other than cost what is the difference between a hardshell and a bin bag? Thumbs up btw

[@ChocoMilk.o_o]

Amazing and informative, thank you so so much!!

[@anomalyp8584]

In a soft shell there is also goretex...the outer layer has a DWR. When that wears out...water just goes right through. What then is the use of an expensive soft shell jacket...instead of just using a cheap one and treat it with a DWR product. Also, how does the protection in a hard shell work vs soft shell?

[@tauntonleisure]

Hello @anomaly P, Thank you for your comment. A hardshell uses a waterproof membrane of some discerption, this could be Gore-Tex, Pertex, H2NO as well as many others. These membranes are a physical barrier meaning that the jacket that is using them will be waterproof. On top of this, any seams will be taped to prevent any water from getting in that way. A softshell on the other hand has no physical barrier so is not waterproof. Instead, a shoftshell would offer protection from snow, light showers (thanks to the DWR you mentioned), and wind. While also giving the wearer a degree of warmth depending on the weight of the jacket. The perk of wearing a softshell is that they are far more breathable when compared to a hardshell. So if you are heading out and want a little bit of protection from the elements but don't want your jacket to be too warm then a softshell is perfect. They are ideal for spring use when the temperatures are a little warmer and we are starting to get short sharp showers. However, if you are after a jacket that offers you the highest level of protection against the elements then a hard shell is the one to go for. A hardshell will keep you dry even in heavy, consistent downpours as well as keep the wind off. I hope this helps answer your question and if you have any more please feel free to contact us here again

[@2326TOM]

Hi, nice soft shell you are wearing. Where can I get one to buy?

[@tauntonleisure]

We have a great range of Softshells on our website: Tauntonleisure.com. The one in this video Rab Mens Scimitar Jacket

[@Wituren]

Hi, nice comparison. I have just one question and I could´t found an answer anywhere on the web so I am asking here. I did some multiday trekking in these cold, rainy, windy places like Norway or Ireland and always used as outer layer softshell jacket. It can withstand wind pretty nicely and little bit of rain as well, when it got to the heavy rain I just put rain poncho on. Now I am thinking about getting a new jacket so I am looking into the hardshells because every bit of information out there tells me this stuff is made for exactly this kind of environment. But at the same time I feel based on these informations like hardshell is just raincoat with extra steps and 10 times the price if I say it bluntly. Next thing is that even tho it is nice idea of being safe and dry in this magical jacket in practice you have bottom half still completely exposed, so in heavier rain a man would get soaked even thru the underwear so I would get a raincoat on anyway. So my question is what is the benefit of hardshell/waterproof jacket which is probably worn over a fleece or softshell anyway over softshell and reincoat if needed? Or in another words, hardshell doesn´t save any space because you still need extra insulation and doesn´t solve rain completely either, but is less breathable so whats the point? Thank you for the answer in advance. :)

[@tauntonleisure]

Thanks for commenting. A hard shell is as you said just a raincoat and doesn't have to be your top-range model. Hardshell stands for any jacket that has a physical barrier to stop rain from coming through. So any waterproof could be considered a hardshell However, the hardshells sold by many outdoor shops are different from fashion jackets as they have been designed and built specifically for climbers, hikers, and mountaineers meaning that the jacket holds an abundance of features to help you. I hope this helps

[@GReyn]

Question.. Since i live im a warmer climate, I know hardshell would be to hot since it's usually >20°C here.. But how about softshell? Will it be better? It is more toward water resist rather than waterproof tho huh? What's the difference in material between both?

[@tauntonleisure]

It depends on the situation as mentioned in the video a softshell will not offer the same levels of protection compared to a hardshell. If you plan to be using it in heavy rain then a hardshell would be the better option. A softshell will be more comfortable in warmer environments though. A hardshell is what a traditional waterproof coat feels like. It has no stretch and is relatively solid where as softshell are made of softer fabrics offering more stretch and comfort.

[@yanickheber9417]

Would a hardshell jacket be good for moped riding? With temps around 5 to 20 degrees celsius with a strong wind

[@tauntonleisure]

Yes, it would. At 20 you may find it a bit warm. However, if it is still windy at those temperatures you should be fine

[@yanickheber9417]

@@tauntonleisure thnx

[@rich7447]

New hardshell fabrics have breathability levels so close to softshells that the softshell is becoming obsolete. Goretex proshell is getting RET breathability ratings from less than 6 to 9. Paclite is less than 6.

[@kevinkevinliman7292]

What brand do u wear on the video

[@tauntonleisure]

I'm wearing a Rab fleece in the video 😄

[@brianbeatens3518]

If in doubt with the layering system get a buffalo special 6 shirt or their montain shirt. You can thank me later 🤣🤣