By: Steven Maly

Traditional teaching tells us that when we dress for the outdoors we wear a base layer, insulation, and a shell.  Not a bad system, but it is limited by the interaction of the three elements.  While the outer hard shell does very well at keeping out the wind and rain how breathable is it really?  And while the base layer and insulation can wick moisture away can they really get it through that outer shell as fast as you produce it?  When the heat hits and that insulation layer is no longer needed how does that shell feel against the skin?  This is not to say that these pieces do not have their place, only that soft shells have a pretty big role to fill.  That of both the shell and the wicking layers, with or without the insulation.

The prime attributes of the soft shell is the ability to protect against the elements while bringing a new level of breathability and mobility to the market.  While their are many, many types of soft shell these basic principles reign throughout the vaguely drawn lines within the industry.  A soft shell is a tightly woven outer layer that, with varying effectiveness, sheds rain and snow, blocks wind and doesn't hinder the wearer.  As well as the added mobility the fabric typically has a softer feel to the hand, this allows for a 'quieter' experience avoiding the crinkling sounds one can experience in so many of the waterproof/breathable category.  This soft feel is typically associated with more "street-type" clothing, but soft shells are certainly a technical piece.

While the waterproof/breathable category will be a necessity until the end of severe weather, more often then not it is the perspiration we ourselves create that leads to that damp feeling and the subsequent chills we endure.  For this reason the soft shell was developed, originally for the ski crowd, to accommodate the inconsistency of the weather and our own heat output, allowing for all weather comfort.

The huge variety of pieces in this category has made a complete definition nearly impossible, from a highly breathable aerobic piece that simply cuts down on wind to the nearly 100% waterproof jackets that are nearly inseparable from the higher end hard shells this category is quickly expanding into nearly every category.  Most recently the soft shell footwear category has been added, and has been growing at a consistent rate.  And why not?  An appropriate soft shell can get you through 90% of what Nova Scotia's unpredictable weather can throw at you.  With the constant fluctuation of temperature and precipitation, take the piece that can get you through the whole day without constantly stripping it on and off.