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Compare Best Softshell Jackets head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#7 on this list
Alpine Start Hoody
Black Diamond
Schoeller stretch nylon in a 200-gram package designed for moving fast with a harness on.
- Price
- USD 185.00
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#8 on this list
Keb Jacket
Fjällräven
G-1000 panels where you take abuse, stretch fabric where you move, and ventilation zips from armpit to hip.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpine Start Hoody | Keb Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Climbing, Fast Hiking, Ski Touring | — |
| Fabric | Schoeller Stretch-Woven Nylon | — |
| Weather Resistance | Wind Resistant, DWR-Treated | — |
| Packability | Highly compressible into pocket | — |
| Hood Compatibility | Helmet-compatible | — |
| Weight Class | Ultralight Softshell | — |
| Maker | — | Fjällräven |
| Product | — | Keb Jacket |
| Material Blend | — | G-1000 Eco & Stretch Fabric |
| Best For | — | Demanding treks, general mountaineering, bushcraft |
| Fit | — | Athletic, allows layering |
| Ventilation | — | Full-length pit-to-hip zippers |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Alpine Start Hoody
- Exceptional breathability for high-output activities
- Excellent stretch for unrestricted movement
- Very lightweight and highly packable
- Effective wind resistance and sheds light precipitation
- Durable Schoeller fabric resists abrasion well
- Limited protection against sustained rain
- Minimalist design means limited pockets
- Not suitable for very cold conditions without significant layering
Keb Jacket
- Exceptional durability and abrasion resistance
- Excellent ventilation with full pit-to-hip zippers
- Freedom of movement from strategic stretch panels
- Customizable weather protection with Greenland Wax
- Timeless, functional design that ages well
- Heavier and less packable than pure softshells
- Not fully waterproof without significant waxing
- Higher price point due to specialized materials
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.