Hi all.

I’m after a softshell jacket for general outdoor use, walking, etc.
Must have a hood, which is ideally take off and on able and be shower resistant.

If I can use it while on the bike that’s a bonus.
Budget is pretty open up to around £150, if it’s worth spending that much.

What quality brands do you recommend.

I picked up a Marmot softshell a few years ago in GoOutdoors for around £100 – I think it was the Trango – and can be had for around £60 quid these days BNWT from eBay, etc. It has been a fantastic jacket – a real all-rounder.

I am also currently looking for a allround softshell for general use as well as biking, although at a lower budget, +-£50.

Try Decathlon for budget softshells, some good options for under £50.

My montane dyno has been brilliant for walking and riding and still in good nick after 5 years and umpteen washes

Picked up a Rab soft shell for about £90 from the cheap rail at Go Outdoors. Always worth a look and I don’t think their cheapest of the cheap deals are on line

I have a Marmot Tempo, which if you want something light and showerproof (but no more) is perfect. I wear it all year round with varying different layers.

hagloffs boa. light, stretchy, long arms, good hood. discontinued but still about.

Picked up a Montane Sabretooth for £85 about 3/4yrs back. Still looks like new despite being worn daily for work, pub, climbing, biking and dog walking. Not sure you can get one that cheap but at £150 I’d definitely get another one when the time finally comes.

Rab Vapour Rise Lite

End of thread

Look at the Mountain Equipment stuff. It is built for function and sensibly priced.

Currently wear an ME Javelin softshell – it’s the perfect middle ground between a bin bag-esque windproof and a heavy lined softshell. Outdoor Research Ferrosi top is similar but maybe cheaper. Then there’s the original microgrid/pile softshells like the Marmot Driclime stuff (I think the Montane Krypton is no more though).

Just avoid membranes (e.g. windstopper), they’re never breathable enough for the UK and can be worse than wearing a waterproof.

Thanks for all the recommendations. I’ve some reading up to do.

as jfletch says rab vapour rise, for walking, climbing and winter biking nothing comes close.

I think Howies make jackets for circa £40 that should do it for biking. They are supposed to be quite good: Jacket for uber trendy types and possibly the rest of us

I have an old Howies jacket that I think was overpriced at £130. I was young and trying too hard then, but I think at that price you can’t go too far wrong.

I like the look of the RAB vapour rise lite. From what I can see, there is little difference between that and the vapour rise. Now I just need to find someone who has them in stock

For what you describe the Rab VR lite is the job, the standard vapour rise would most likely be too warm, they are similar but the lite has quite a bit less insulation.

I have the VR lite pull on and love it. Always surprising how warm it is for it’s weight.

jimpy – Member
as jfletch says rab vapour rise, for walking, climbing and winter biking nothing comes close.

+1

Basically my winter uniform

I went for a RAB vapour rise lite in apple, it’s a nice fit and pretty damn effective at repelling wind and rain.
I’ve not ridden in it yet but it fells like it should breath well after a run in it.

Thanks for the input – £109 well spent