Best Softshell Jackets · #2
Torque Jacket
Rab
Reader rating
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Matrix stretch woven fabric that breathes freely on climbs while still shedding spindrift.
Pros
- Exceptional breathability for high-output activities
- Excellent wind and light weather resistance
- Superb freedom of movement and articulated fit
- Highly durable Matrix stretch woven fabric
- Helmet-compatible hood with effective adjustment
Cons
- Not fully waterproof; will wet out in heavy rain
- Limited insulation for very cold conditions
- Premium price point
Best uses
- Alpine rock climbing
- Fast and light mountaineering
- Technical hiking and scrambling
- Spring/fall backcountry touring
Specifications
- Maker
- Rab
- Fabric
- Matrix Stretch Woven
- Fit
- Regular
- Pockets
- 3 zippered
- Hood
- Helmet-compatible
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Alpine rock climbing, Fast and light mountaineering, Technical hiking and scrambling, Spring/fall backcountry touring
Where to buy the Torque Jacket
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Rab Torque Jacket, securing the second spot on our list, is a prime example of what a modern softshell should be: protective enough for variable mountain conditions yet breathable enough to work hard in. It's built for those who move fast and light through technical terrain, from scrambling ridges to alpine rock climbing. Rab has refined its Matrix stretch woven fabric over years, and in this jacket, it truly shines, offering an exceptional balance of weather resistance and active ventilation. This isn't a jacket for standing around in a downpour, but it's your go-to when a hardshell is overkill and a fleece offers too little. Its design prioritizes freedom of movement, with articulated sleeves and a fit that layers comfortably over a base or mid-layer without excess bulk. Our testers consistently praised its ability to shed light precipitation and block wind effectively, keeping them comfortable during exposed traverses and gusty ascents. The hood design is particularly well-executed, accommodating a helmet without impeding peripheral vision, a critical detail often overlooked in lesser designs. For anyone whose adventures involve dynamic motion in unpredictable mountain environments, the Torque offers a reliable, no-nonsense layer that proves its worth every time it's pulled on.
Construction & Materials
Rab’s proprietary Matrix stretch woven fabric forms the backbone of the Torque Jacket. This material is a workhorse, designed for high output activities where breathability is paramount, but a degree of weather resistance is still needed. It's tough enough to withstand abrasion from rock and pack straps, yet remarkably supple and quiet. The tight weave provides excellent wind resistance and will shrug off light rain or snow, though it's not seam-sealed or intended for sustained heavy precipitation. The DWR treatment holds up well through multiple washes, maintaining its initial performance over time.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Torque shines. It breathes exceptionally well during strenuous climbs, preventing the clammy sensation often associated with less permeable layers. The four-way stretch allows for unrestricted movement, crucial when reaching for holds or swinging ice tools. Its wind-blocking capability is impressive for a softshell, making exposed sections of trail or ridge more comfortable. While it's not waterproof, we found it perfectly adequate for shedding light snow and drizzle, buying precious time to seek shelter or don a hardshell if conditions truly deteriorated. The helmet-compatible hood is among the best we’ve tested, offering full coverage and adjustment.
Weight & Packability
For its protective qualities and durability, the jacket maintains a very reasonable weight profile. It’s light enough to forget you’re wearing it, yet substantial enough to inspire confidence. While it doesn't pack down into a tiny stuff sack like some ultralight wind shells, it compresses easily into a daypack without occupying excessive space. Its versatility often means it replaces both a wind layer and a light fleece, streamlining your packing list. This balance makes it an excellent choice for multi-day trips where every gram and cubic inch counts.
Durability & Longevity
Rab has a reputation for building gear that lasts, and the Torque Jacket is no exception. The Matrix fabric proves highly resistant to snags and abrasion, shrugging off encounters with sharp rock and tangled brush. Stitching is clean and reinforced where it matters most, like around pocket entries and high-stress points. Zippers are robust YKK components, known for their reliability in harsh conditions. With proper care, this jacket is built to endure season after season of hard use, making it a sound investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts who demand longevity from their kit.
Honest Trade-offs
While excellent, the Torque Jacket does have its limitations. It’s not a standalone insulation piece for truly cold conditions; you'll need to layer appropriately underneath. Critically, it is not waterproof, meaning prolonged exposure to heavy rain will eventually overwhelm its DWR treatment and breathable membrane. Those prioritizing absolute dryness in torrential downpours will still need a dedicated hardshell. Its streamlined design, while great for active use, means fewer pockets or features compared to some more lifestyle-oriented softshells. For its intended use, however, these are minor compromises for a focused performance piece.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best softshell jackets that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Fabric behavior over time
- Breathability, DWR life, loft retention, and how the piece performs after repeated washing.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Torque Jacket — frequently asked questions
- Is the Torque Jacket worth it?
- We rank it #2 in Best Softshell Jackets. Matrix stretch woven fabric that breathes freely on climbs while still shedding spindrift.
- What is the Torque Jacket best for?
- Best for alpine rock climbing, fast and light mountaineering, technical hiking and scrambling and spring/fall backcountry touring. Standouts: exceptional breathability for high-output activities and excellent wind and light weather resistance.
- What are the downsides of the Torque Jacket?
- Not fully waterproof; will wet out in heavy rain, Limited insulation for very cold conditions and Premium price point.
- What are the key specs of the Torque Jacket?
- Maker: Rab · Fabric: Matrix Stretch Woven · Fit: Regular · Pockets: 3 zippered · Hood: Helmet-compatible
- Construction & Materials — what should I know about the Torque Jacket?
- Rab’s proprietary Matrix stretch woven fabric forms the backbone of the Torque Jacket. This material is a workhorse, designed for high output activities where breathability is paramount, but a degree of weather resistance is still needed.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Torque Jacket?
- In the field, the Torque shines. It breathes exceptionally well during strenuous climbs, preventing the clammy sensation often associated with less permeable layers.
Compare side by side
Put the Torque Jacket against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.