Which jacket should you choose for your hikes? Softshell, Hardshell or Windbreaker?
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Time to read 3 min
Softshell, hardshell, windbreaker or fleece: which hiking jacket should you choose?
Hiking in summer means enjoying nature at its best... but also facing very variable conditions: heat, sudden rain, wind at altitude or cool nights. To avoid unpleasant surprises, being well equipped is essential , even for a simple walk in the mid-mountains.
And if, on top of that, these clothes are responsibly designed, it's even better. Because traveling light also means traveling with a reduced impact.
1. Softshell: active comfort, intermediate protection
What is a softshell used for when hiking?
A softshell jacket for men or women is a jacket designed to provide intermediate protection between a simple windbreaker and a waterproof hardshell. It is:
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Water-repellent , but not waterproof,
Partial to total windbreak ,
Very breathable , often stretchy to accommodate movements.
It's the ideal option for prolonged efforts, technical terrain or dry days with fresh winds.
Lagoped recommends:
UKPIK : Lighter, ideal for mid-season or as a mid-layer in very cold weather. Tightly woven, fitted cut, maximum comfort.
TENGMALM : the ultimate alpine softshell. Highly technical, warm, and wind-resistant, it's designed for mountain trekking. Perfect as an outer layer in cold, dry, and windy conditions.
2. Hardshell: the high-protection raincoat
Why choose a hardshell?
When the weather is uncertain or very wet, hardshell becomes essential. It protects against rain , snow and strong wind . It is based on a waterproof and breathable membrane , combined with a 3-layer construction.
This type of jacket is recommended for long-distance hiking, summer mountaineering, multi-day treks or exposed destinations.
Lagoped recommends:
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EVE : our best-selling, versatile (mountaineering, skiing, hiking, etc.), waterproof (20K), breathable, durable. Compatible with a harness, perfect for outdoor activities in all seasons.
TETRAS : the waterproof jacket (20K) designed for hiking. Lighter than the EVE jacket (480g vs. 580g), it is also breathable, water-repellent, and windproof.
3. The windbreaker jacket: minimalism and additional protection
When to take a windbreaker in the mountains?
The windproof jacket is the lightest of the technical jackets. It does not replace a hardshell, but slips into any bag to ward off cold winds on the ridge, on the descent or during a break. It is an additional thermal barrier , without adding weight.
Lagoped recommends:
- NAGALAKA : Ultra-light windbreaker (less than 200g), packable in a pocket, water-repellent and breathable. Perfect for hiking in dry conditions, trail running or mountain biking.
4. Fleece: warmth and insulation, sometimes as an outer layer
A dual-purpose thermal layer
Technical fleece jackets , often combined with a second layer, can also be used as an outer layer in summer, if the weather is stable : no rain, no strong wind, no storms. This is an excellent option for light hiking in the Alps or the Pyrenees in calm weather.
In colder or unstable conditions, it becomes thermal insulation , placed between the base layer and the hardshell.
What is the temperature in the mountains in summer?
In the mountains, temperature variations can be very marked during the same day: from -5°C in the early morning to more than 25°C in full sun, depending on the altitude .
At dawn, especially above 2500 meters, the thermometer can drop below zero.
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In the middle of the day, it is common to reach 20 to 25°C even at altitude, if the sun is out.
In the evening or if the wind picks up, it gets cold quickly.
To cope with these variations, it is recommended to layer several layers: a technical T-shirt, a warm layer like a fleece, and a windproof or waterproof jacket. This allows you to easily adjust your level of protection throughout the day.
Lagoped recommends:
Softshell, hardshell, fleece, windbreaker: what should you choose depending on your hike?
Choosing a technical jacket is also an ecological choice . Many jackets on the market still use PFAS (perfluorinated compounds), which are toxic and persistent in the environment.
At Lagoped, all our jackets are guaranteed PFAS-free and made in Europe from recycled materials.
Choosing a hiking jacket means anticipating the weather, effort, terrain, and personal commitment. It's also about making a sustainable choice, choosing clothing made to last, repairable, and without technical compromise.
At Lagoped, each jacket is designed with one goal in mind: to equip you with high standards, without unnecessarily impacting the environment.