The Best Softshell Jacket for Women Review

As we were out romping in winter weather, we compared and contrasted these jackets based on the primary categories of style and versatility, as well as on the more softshell specific categories of mobility, wind resistance, breatheability, and water resistance.

Fit and Style
Of course, if you are willing to throw down the money for a high dollar item like a softshell, you want it to look good as well. The Marmot Reyna comes in fun colors with contrasting zippers, which makes it a stylish choice. The tester got multiple comments on the slick look of this jacket while wearing it around town. In terms of fit, the Marmot Reyna, Mountain HardWear Barisian, Patagonia Guide Hoody, and Arc'teryx Gamma MX are all flattering and well suited to the female form. The Epsilon AR, possibly because of its thick, fuzzy insulation, has the boxiest fit. Women tend to prefer a more tailored and flattering look to their clothing, which might rule out the Epsilon AR or the North Face Apex Bionic, which also look rather boxy when wearing. However, the Apex Bionic comes in the most color options, which is a fun way to personalize your style.

Versatility
The Mountain HardWear Barisian wins our Best in Class award for being the most versatile softshell in this review. Since it is windproof, very water resistant, has adjustable sleeve cuffs, and an adjustable hood, this jacket can be worn in just about any situation where a softshell would be deemed necessary. The Marmot Reyna is also notably versatile, though less comfortable than the Barisian.

On one hand, the Arc'teryx Epsilon AR is a great idea since it combines two separate layers, a fleece and a softshell. It makes this jacket easiest to grab when heading out the door for a winter hike. However, this double layer makes it the least versatile since the layers cannot be separated, meaning you can only wear the Epsilon AR on really cold days or during non-aerobic activities.

Mobility
In terms of mobility, the thinner jackets prevail. Thicker jackets like the Epsilon AR don't move as well. Having a windproof laminated membrane tends to make the jacket stiffer and less contour-following on your body, as is the case with the Apex Bionic and the Marmot Reyna. The most flexible, and therefore most comfortable, jacket is the Arc'teryx Gamma MX, which is made of a light and luxurious soft fabric that repels water but is the least wind resistant. The Gamma MX would be the most preferable soft shell for aerobic activities such as ice climbing or Nordic skiing that involve a lot of upper body movement because of the way it moves with your body.

Wind Resistance
Three of the jackets in this review are windproof, having a laminated membrane: The North Face Apex Bionic, the Mountain HardWear Barisian. and the Marmot Reyna. With the exception of the Barisian, these jackets are also the stiffest and least flexible. Depending on what you plan to use your softshell for, being windproof is a huge plus. It adds a great deal of protection from convective cooling and is much more comfortable in a raging mountain storm. These would not be the jackets to choose if you primarily want your shell for climbing in, since they do not move very well with your body. However, the Barisian manages to be a flexible windproof softshell, and works well for any activity, even climbing. Being windproof also cuts back on the breatheability of the jacket. The more wind is sealed out, the more sweat is sealed in.

Breatheability
Breatheability is the main reason to buy a softshell over a hard shell. If you really want a lot of protection against weather, a hardshell is the way to go. But a softshell offers more versatility because it protects during aerobic activities when your sweat glands still need to breathe. The most breatheable jackets are the least wind resistant, such as the Patagonia Guide Hoody and the Arc'teryx Gamma MX.

Water Resistance
All of the softshells in this review held up in our water resistance test, though to varying degrees. Notably, the Patagonia Guide Hoody, after a year of abuse and frequent wear, still repelled water extremely well. However, do not confuse water resistance with being waterproof. After an extended period of drenching, all the softshells get soaked. The Marmot Reyna is the only jacket with taped waterproof zippers, allowing less water in on this vulnerable part than all the others.

EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
The Mountain HardWear Barisian - Women's wins the Best in Class because it is the most versatile jacket. It is windproof yet supple and flexible, has a helmet compatible hood, internal sleeve cuffs, and adjustable exterior cuffs, and has no unnecessary features.

TOP PICK AWARD
The Patagonia Guide Hoody - Women's was our favorite piece for climbing or doing more aerobic activities in. It is not a windproof softshell, but it is flexible, comfortable, and very durable.

BEST BUY AWARD
The North Face Apex Bionic - Women's gives you the most protection for the least amount of money. It is a windproof and very water resistant jacket while not costing you a whole lot.

BEST SOFTSHELL FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
Skiing or snowboarding: Marmot Reyna
Ice climbing or alpine climbing: Mountain HardWear Barisian -Women's or Patagonia Guide Hoody - Women's
Nordic Skiing: Arcteryx Gamma MX Hoody - Women's
Winter hiking or around town missions: Arcteryx Epsilon AR Jacket - Women's