The Best Women's Softshell Jacket Awards for 2014 Announced by OutdoorGearLab.com

Top Selections for Women's Softshell Jackets Released by OutdoorGearLab.com, including Editors' Choice, Best Buy, and Top Pick Awards.

Mar. 20, 2014 - CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- OutdoorGearLab, a prominent review website specializing in detailed comparison reviews of outdoor hard-goods and apparel, has published the results of their 2014 tests of women's softshell jackets. Ten top-selling models were evaluated over the course of multiple seasons during a wide array of activities ranging from ice climbing, alpine climbing, and mountaineering endeavors to nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.

They were put to use in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, the San Juan mountains in Colorado, and the peaks surrounding Salt Lake City in Utah. Each jacket was scored based on its performance in the categories of weather protection, breathability, mobility, weight, features, and style.

As jackets that strike a balance between weather protection and breathability, review editor McKenzie Long explains that softshells are a luxury layer. They are not as weather- proof as hardshells and they are not as breathable as fleeces, but walk the line in the middle. Some athletes may find them necessary, but the majority of outdoor enthusiasts won't require one to be safe and comfortable. According to Long, it is more important to own a waterproof hardshell or rain jacket and an insulated layer, either down or synthetic, than a softshell.

To read the full comparison review and learn more about the best applications for softshells, go here:

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Softshell-Jacket-Womens-Rev...

The winners are:

Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Softshell-Jacket-Womens-Rev...
According to lead tester McKenzie Long, this jacket is the epitome of what a softshell should be, which is why it wins the high honor of the Editors' Choice award. A luxuriously soft and stretchy jacket, the Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody manages to be incredibly breathable, flexible, and comfortable while providing adequate protection from the elements. The fit is tailored and refined, resulting in a look that is modern without being too technical. The hood fits over ski or climbing helmets and the hemline does not ride up when the arms are raised. Long concludes that this piece excels during high exertion activities in the winter when breathability is paramount but some weather protection is needed.

Patagonia Adze

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Softshell-Jacket-Womens-Rev...
The Patagonia Adze wins the Best Buy Award for a budget softshell that offers excellent weather protection. Long notes that the Adze is windproof, and not many other models in her test are, so this jacket provides a more solid barrier during a windy or stormy day. Though the tested model lacks a hood, a hoody version of the Adze is available from Patagonia. According to Long, the Adze is more flexible and comfortable than other tested windproof models, and it is affordable, making this model the choice for a customer wanting the most protection for her money.

Columbia Kruser Ridge

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Softshell-Jacket-Womens-Reviews/Columbia-Kruser-Ridge-Womens

A simple, basic softshell, the Columbia Kruser Ridge earns a Best Buy Award for its notably low price coupled with a comfortable, classy fit. Long states that this model is soft, pliable, and breathable, has a longer hemline, and asymmetrically cut sleeves. This makes for an attractive layer for casual use and it is an excellent piece for women on a budget. Long also notes that the Kruser Ridge is available in extended sizes, which accommodates more women.

Patagonia Mixed Guide Hoody

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Softshell-Jacket-Womens-Reviews/Patagonia-Mixed-Guide-Hoody-Womens

The Patagonia Mixed Guide Hoody is a specialized piece with a unique application. Constructed with waterproof hardshell material on the hood, upper arms, and chest in tandem with breathable softshell material on the underarms, lower back, and stomach areas, this unique piece strives to offer more protection than the average sofshell. 

 

Long notes that the ideal uses for this piece are ice climbing and backcountry skiing, when water can drip from above but the wearer is working hard and needs breathability incorporated into her jacket. Though the waterproof areas cut down on the overall breathability of this piece, they add protection needed in certain circumstances. Long concludes that this jacket is excellent for very specific uses, and gives it the Top Pick Award for a hybrid shell.

The complete comparison review details each of the ten tested jackets and notes which models performed best in each test category. It also provides an accompanying Buying Advice article which discusses the strengths and weaknesses of a softshell, what its ideal uses would be, and what things to keep in mind when purchasing a layer of this type.

Based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, OutdoorGearLab, LLC, has the mission to create the world’s best outdoor gear reviews. The website, www.outdoorgearlab.com, is a free resource for outdoors enthusiasts who enjoy hobbies and activities such as running, hiking, ice and rock climbing, biking, skiing, mountaineering, camping, and backpacking. The review team performs thorough side-by-side tests of popular outdoor gear in different categories and publishes the results in comprehensive comparison reviews complemented with photos and videos. 

 

 Each individual product is scored across a range of weighted metrics relevant to that category, competing products are ranked, and awards are given to top performing models.

By press release