Softshell – What is it, what properties does it have, what to look at when you buy?

Softshell is a light and functional material, used in jackets, trousers or shoes, which has been created to protect the wind effectively, but also to ensure correct breathability. Equipped with a membrane, it also offers water resistance. What exactly is a softtshell and why do you deserve it if you are an outdoor sport?

Softshell is a material that appeared in the world of outdoor activities after 2000 as a versatile solution between jackets with rigid rigid and batteries. Traditional Softshell consists of two layers: a softer layer, closer to the body, designed to maintain thermal comfort (for example, batteries/batteries) and a higher layer that is usually smooth and wind resistant, but porous to ensure good air circulation. Initially, Softshell clothing was dedicated to intense aerobic exercises, but over time it has been used for skis, snowboarding, cycling, running and other outdoor activities. Softshell jackets and pants are produced and the unique material is added, for example, for trekking boots, hats, gloves, etc.

We distinguish between softtshell clothing:

• Membrane – which provides resistant protection suddenly or 100% wind (Windstopper, for example, Gore® Infinium®).

Softshells are usually a combination of two or more layers made with different types of fabrics (for example polyester, nylon and batteries), which, together, offer durability, resistance to mechanical damage, comfort, wind protection, breathability and freedom of movement. These properties maintain the thermal comfort of the wearer and dry skin even at high levels of intensity, thus effectively preventing hypothermia or overheating and improvement of performance during physical exercises. Softshell also has the advantage of elasticity: the external layer usually extends into 4 directions (horizontal and vertical), so that it guarantees high mobility, regardless of the position of the body or the speed with which you move.

When is Softshell useful?

Due to their functionality, Softshell clothing is suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, including trekking, mountain excursions, mountaineering, cycling, northern walk, running or skiing, as well as daily walks, shuttles or other forms of recreational movement.

In the so -called onion dress, the Softshell can be used as an external layer or as an intermediate (thermal) layer worn under the external layer. Autumn and spring, at moderate temperatures, the Softshells are worn over the thermoactive underwear or on a thermal shirt. The solution for the most extreme weather conditions is to wear underwear, a batteries/ blouse/ soft jacket and an external layer or a hard shell. On cold days for the cold, you can opt for the heaviest thermal underwear, a sport/polar jacket and a higher layer.

Initially, the soft shells, created as the opposite of the rigid, were membrane without, but over time the producers began to enrich the material with innovative solutions. The membrane softtshell are more robust than the models of light elastic fabric and are therefore more suitable for abundant and prolonged rains. So you should expect good protection against time, but less breathable. On the other hand, membrane jackets without Softshell are suitable for warmer months.

Softshell jackets are often made of nylon or polyester fabric, which means that they are very elastic and breathable, while providing better protection than a classic batteries or a synthetic jacket. Their unique construction makes them widely applicable throughout the year. They are perfect for a moderate or fresh climate, with little possibilities of rain, to intense activities that require a lot of breathability and a lot of freedom of movement. You can wear it on a basic layer, i.e. thermal underwear instead of batteries. In serious weather conditions, they will act as an intermediate layer under a rigid jacket.

Most of the Softshell jackets offer good waterproofing, thanks to a Hydro -River (DWR) that prevents rain drops. For prolonged rainfall, the 3 -layer models are more suitable, with waterproof fabrics (for example, on the hood, shoulders or chest) or a completely waterproof/breathable membrane. This jacket guarantees the protection of rain and snow, but also mobility and narrow comfort.

When choosing Softshell clothing, pay attention to:

To maintain the high performance properties of a softtshell, it is important to make sure it is correctly cared for. Before putting the softtshell coat in the washing machine, read the manufacturer’s recommendations on the product label to find the correct washing temperature, the amount of detergent for the type of fabric and how to use the product (merged in the drum or power). The process will be different in the case of a membrane softtshell than in the case of a free membrane clothing object. Avoid washing traditional powders or using the laundry air conditioner: the former blocks the pores and the second reduces the breath of the fabric.

If you notice that when it rains, the water begins to infiltrate the fabric instead of undertaking on it, opt for waterproofing. It is worth it regularly to maintain the high degree of hydrophilization of the Softshell.

When you wash and wash waterproof, use a soft or technical cleansing detergent and special or washable spray (for example, from Nikwax, Holmekol or Assos).

Start washing the soft dresses by emptying the pockets, turning them back and closing all the hinges, velcro, buttons or buttons. Remove any residues from the previous detergent from the tray, set the temperature on 30-40 ° C, place the clothes inside to refresh them and pour the detergent. You can dry your soblification clothes on the apartment or hang them on dryer in a dry and well -ventilated room. However, avoid putting them on a radiator or hanging in the sun.

If you have decided to use the waterproofing, clean the jacket/pants/shoes/boots of any dirt, such as dust, mud, etc. Then apply the waterproofing in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you are looking for Softshell jackets for men and women, tested and verified, take a fellow look, where a wide range of products from the best producers such as Columbia, CMP, The North Face, Peak Performance, Mamrot, Mammut OR Helly Hansen It will allow you to find the right model for your sport and season.