In autumn, people most often choose between two jackets that look similar in the photos. Both repel water, both have a hood, both are “outdoor”. But one is made for moving when it's not raining, and the other for being out in the rain. Mix them up and you either sweat from the inside or get soaked from the outside.
The short version: softshell stretches, breathes well and blocks wind and short showers, but it won't hold out in long rain. A membrane jacket doesn't let water through and suits rain, wading and mud, but breathes more slowly. A dry, cool day calls for softshell, a rainy one needs a membrane, and on a cold rainy day you wear them together.
How they differ
Softshell is a stretchy fabric with a water-repellent DWR coating. It stretches with you, breathes well and blocks wind, spray and short showers. It won't hold out in long rain.
A membrane jacket has a film with pores smaller than a raindrop and larger than a vapour molecule. It keeps water out and lets sweat vapour escape. The seams are taped so water can't get in through the needle holes. It is stiffer and breathes more slowly than softshell, but it doesn't get wet through.
| Softshell | Membrane | |
|---|---|---|
| Rain | spray, mist, short showers | long rain, sleet |
| Breathability | better | slower |
| Movement | stretches | looser cut, but stiffer |
| Wind | blocks it | blocks it |
| Best for | cool, windy, dry day | rainy day, water, mud |
When softshell is enough
When you move a lot and it isn't raining: casting from the bank, walking along the river, a cool day on the ATV without rain. Then a membrane would be too warm, while softshell lets moisture out and doesn't restrict your shoulders.
- STRETCHSHELL 1317, 139 €: stretchy, uninsulated, with a hood. Also works as a mid layer under a membrane jacket.
- NITRO 1325: three-layer softshell with a fleece lining, 7,000 mm water resistance, 10,000 g/m²/24h breathability. Warmer, for a cool day.
- ENDURO 4610 trousers, 169 €: softshell for ATV and enduro riding, with RIPSTOP reinforcements and removable knee protection, 5,000 mm. For light rain and mud, not a downpour.
When you need a membrane
When it rains for more than an hour, when you stand in water or when mud flies off the wheels. Here softshell will get soaked sooner or later.
- COASTER 4023, 159 €: a wading jacket worn with waders. Four-layer HARD-TEX membrane, 17,000 mm, waterproof pockets.
- EXCALIBUR 4032, 179 €: a rain jacket for a long day outdoors. 20,000 mm, 10,000 g/m²/24h breathability, fully taped seams, a high collar and an adjustable hood.
For ATV riders in autumn
On an ATV the rain doesn't only come from above: mud and water fly up from the wheels. That's why in autumn you usually need a membrane suit here, while softshell stays for dry days.
- THOR 3421, 319 €: a membrane suit for downpours and wet snow. Four-layer HARD-TEX, 17,000 mm, sealed seams and D-rings for ATV safety belts.
- RIDER 3475, 159 €: a light two-piece suit worn straight over regular clothes or body armour. 2.5-layer HARD-TEX, 10,000 mm, RIPSTOP fabric.
Both together: layering
Softshell and membrane are not competitors. On a cold rainy day softshell takes the place of the mid layer, with the membrane on top. Just choose a membrane jacket that leaves room for the softshell underneath: a jacket that's too tight restricts movement, and stretched fabric wears out faster. If you're between two sizes, take the bigger one. You'll find how to measure on each jacket's product page, and if in doubt, send us your height and measurements.
Care
The same principle works for both: wash at up to 30 °C, without softener or bleach. For membranes use Mountval Wash & Care, for softshell and fleece Mountval Polar Wash. When water stops beading on the surface, renew the DWR coating with Mountval Textile Shield. More in the guide How to clean membrane clothing and boots.
Frequently asked questions
Is a softshell jacket waterproof? It handles short showers and spray, but it will soak through in long rain. For rain you need a membrane.
Won't I sweat in a membrane jacket? A membrane lets vapour out, but more slowly than softshell. When you're moving hard on a dry day, softshell will be more comfortable.
What if I can only have one? If you fish or ride in any weather, go for the membrane: softshell won't protect you from rain, while both protect you from wind.
Free delivery, and you can return or exchange within 30 days. Not sure which to choose? Tell us where and in what weather you'll wear it, and we'll answer.