What is a softshell garment?

Softshell clothing is designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. It combines protection from the elements , breathability and freedom of movement . Unlike hardshells (rigid waterproof jackets), softshells are flexible fabrics that offer more comfort, while being wind-resistant and slightly water-repellent.

This is not a strict technical standard, but a textile category . Each brand can develop its own versions, adapted to different uses: hiking, skiing, mountaineering, climbing, etc.

One of the main advantages of softshell clothing is its ability to offer excellent breathability. Unlike traditional waterproof jackets, which are often poorly permeable to water vapor, a softshell jacket allows body moisture to escape efficiently, even during exercise. The result: you stay dry from the inside out, which limits feelings of clammyness and the risk of cooling down. This thermal regulation ability is particularly valuable during intense activities such as hiking, ski touring, or mountaineering. At Lagoped, our softshell jackets, such as the TENGMALM or the UKPIK, are designed to accommodate temperature variations, keep you warm without overheating, and guarantee optimal comfort throughout the day. Perfect as a third layer in a multi-layer system, they allow you to move for a long time, efficiently, and calmly.

Even though a softshell garment isn't designed to withstand torrential downpours, it offers incredibly effective protection against the most common elements in the mountains: light showers, sea spray, or cold wind. Thanks to a water-repellent (DWR) surface treatment, water beads and slides off the fabric without soaking it in, thus maintaining the garment's warmth and lightness. Lagoped softshell jackets are all PFC-free , an ethical choice that protects your health and that of the environment, without compromising performance. Add to that excellent wind resistance, and you have a reliable garment for all your mid-season or variable conditions outings. In the mountains or on a bike, hiking or on the cliffs, Lagoped softshell garments create an effective barrier against the elements, while remaining breathable.

Flexibility is a key criterion for outdoor enthusiasts. Where some rigid garments can hinder movement or cause chafing, a softshell garment hugs the body and naturally follows your movements. It's the elasticity of the fabric—often a blend of recycled fibers and elastane—that provides this great freedom of movement. Whether you're climbing a rock face, setting up camp, running a steep trail, or simply carrying a loaded backpack, a softshell jacket or pants will accompany you without restriction. At Lagoped, this freedom is essential: each cut is designed to never hinder your movements, with flexible yet durable fabrics and a perfect fit. It's the ideal ally for those who want to move without limits, in any season.

Softshell garments are designed to last, yet remain lightweight and easy to wear. They offer an excellent alternative to heavier and often rigid hardshell jackets. Thanks to their innovative design, Lagoped softshell jackets combine abrasion resistance , lightness , and technical simplicity . This makes them ideal companions for long days on the trail, approach walks, or spring skiing trips. At Lagoped, we select high-performance recycled fabrics, woven in Europe, capable of resisting friction from rocks, backpacks, or snags in the forest. Whether you opt for the robust TENGMALM jacket or the lighter UKPIK , you can count on their durability to see you through season after season. Investing in a Lagoped softshell garment means choosing a reliable, versatile, and eco-friendly product.

At Lagoped, we offer two complementary softshell jackets, designed to meet different uses while sharing the same strong commitments: technical performance, circularity, and European manufacturing. Focus on the TENGMALM jacket, robust and warm, and the UKPIK, lighter and ultra-mobile. Two softshells for two ways to experience adventure.

Weighing in at 480 grams, the TENGMALM softshell jacket is designed to face the coolest conditions with confidence. Its stretch fabric, woven in Spain from recycled polyamide from old rugs, carpets and fishing nets , incorporates 10% elastane to ensure great freedom of movement. This windproof, water-repellent and slightly insulating jacket is ideal as an outer layer during your hikes, approach marches or outings in varied terrain. To accentuate the warmth, the inner layer is brushed (fleece style) to trap air and retain body heat. Thanks to its assembly in Hungary, it respects rigorous European manufacturing, with low environmental impact.

Designed to last, the TENGMALM is a true mountain softshell: comfortable, technical, and designed to be worn often, for long periods, and intensely. Its abrasion resistance and ergonomic fit make it a reliable ally in all your explorations, whether it's cool at the bivouac or windy on the ridge.

Weighing in at just 306 grams, the UKPIK softshell jacket is the lightest in the Lagoped range. Ultra-stretch, breathable and water-repellent without PFC , it has been designed for dynamic activities where you move a lot, quickly, and in all directions. It has two stretchy and breathable panels under the arms to provide increased freedom of movement and allow perspiration to escape. It offers optimal comfort while ensuring good protection against light showers or cool winds. Thanks to the use of recycled Econyl polyamide yarn (from Slovenia), woven and dyed in Spain, then assembled in Hungary, the UKPIK represents a responsible choice without compromising on performance.

Its athletic fit and flexibility make this softshell a perfect choice for trail running, day trips, or lightweight expeditions. It slips easily into a backpack and is easily forgotten while still providing effective protection. The UKPIK jacket is an ode to movement: a technical softshell for going fast, far, and light, without ever compromising its values.

A well-maintained softshell jacket is a jacket that will last a long time without losing its technical qualities. Whether you use it for your mountain outings, your day hikes or your daily commute, good maintenance helps preserve the breathability, water repellency and flexibility of your garment. Extending the lifespan of a softshell is also a strong gesture to reduce its environmental impact.

To maintain the performance of your softshell, always start by washing it inside out, at a maximum temperature of 30°C , with the zippers closed. This simple step helps limit friction and protect the fabric's technical membranes. Absolutely avoid tumble drying and ironing, which could damage the stretch material and surface treatments. Instead, air dry on a hanger in a ventilated area, but away from direct sunlight.

Fabric softener and dry cleaning should be avoided: they can clog the fabric fibers and impair the breathable and water-repellent properties of your softshell jacket. A simple gentle wash cycle with a gentle detergent is enough to keep your garment clean and performing at its best.

Over time and with washing, the water-repellent properties of your softshell jacket may diminish. To remedy this, it is recommended to use a specific reactivating product, such as a PFC-free water-repellent spray. At Lagoped, we recommend our PFC-free spray, designed to restore your softshell jacket's initial protection against moisture, while respecting the planet. Apply it after washing, on dry or slightly damp fabric, to prolong the effectiveness of the water-repellent treatment without compromising breathability.

By taking care of your softshell jacket with these simple steps, you'll maximize its lifespan while maintaining its performance throughout your adventures. A well-maintained softshell jacket is a reliable and durable ally, season after season.