Functional Jacket Buying Guide
When shopping for outerwear, when I see a functional outerwear, I often have a bunch of data and functions that I can’t see clearly. Waterproofness and moisture permeability alone are very annoying. There are also soft shells and hard shells. What are they? Can they be eaten? No! Function Jackets are divided into soft shell (Softshell) and hard shell (Hardshell) to meet the needs of different environments, activity needs and usage occasions. The following are the main reasons for the two classifications:
1. Choose functional jackets according to different outdoor conditions
• Soft shell: Designed for use in moderate weather conditions such as cool, light wind, light rain, etc.Primarily providing comfort and flexibility.
• Hard case: Designed forcold severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, and blizzards, emphasizing protection capabilities and durability.
By distinguishing between the two, users can choose equipment suitable for the weather and environment at the time, avoiding unsuitable outerwear that affects activity efficiency and safety.
2. Choose functional jackets based on the balance between functionality and comfort.
• Soft shell: ideal for situations requiring high activity levels, flexibility and breathability, e.g.Hiking, rock climbingwait.
• Hard case: AvailableStronger protection, suitable for occasions where the body needs to be protected in harsh environments, such as mountaineering, skiing or windy and rainy outdoor activities.
Dividing into two types allows the design to be more focused in one direction and avoid compromising too many functions in the same jacket and reducing performance.
3. Diverse needs
The needs of different outdoor sports and scenarios vary greatly, such as:
• Hiking may require lightweight, breathable gear.
• Mountaineering adventures require a fully waterproof and wind-resistant jacket.
It is divided into soft shell and hard shell, allowing users to choose the most suitable jacket according to the type of activity, intensity and time.
4. Layering System
Pay attention to outdoor activities "Layered outfits”, the classification of coats is also related to this:
• Soft shell: suitable as a mid layer, providing warmth and breathability.
• Hard shell: It is a specially designed outer layer that is responsible for blocking wind and water, and protecting the dryness of the inner layer of clothing.
This division of labor helps improve flexibility and adaptability of the outfit.
5. Choose functional jackets based on differences in materials and technology
• Soft shell emphasizes the softness, elasticity and comfort of the material.
• Hard cases use special membranes (such as Gore-Tex) to provide top waterproof and windproof performance.
The application of different materials determines the difference in performance between the two, allowing the jacket to be optimized for different needs.
Summarize
The distinction between soft shell and hard shell is to make the jacket more professional and functional, allowing users to choose the most suitable equipment according to specific needs. This not only improves comfort and performance, but also improves safety and efficiency during outdoor activities.
Recommendations for buying functional jackets
The A61-II lightweight performance jacket is a functional, lightweight and breathable outer hardshell jacket
