Soft shell jackets, made of a spongy, wetsuit-like material, have for years been worn by mountain climbers and skiers. But in many circumstances, I've discovered, they're perfect for travelers. The ...

Welcome to Ask a Gear Editor, our monthly column where we answer readers’ most puzzling gear questions. Have a burning question of your own? Become an Outside+ member to ask an Outside expert for ...

Buying a jacket for the outdoors can be intimidating. Do you want soft shell or hard shell? Gore-Tex or Gore-Tex Pro? And, most confusing of all: waterproof or water-resistant? In this article, we ...

The Berghaus Ridge Roamer Softshell Jacket is a technical, three-layer softshell that blurs the line between traditional softshells and hardshell waterproofs. Designed for mountain types who demand ...

Soft shell jackets such as the Patagonia Mixmaster ($299; www.patagonia.com) have a lot going for them. They re nearly impervious to wind, shed light rain and snow, breathe well, and offer a much ...

For an incredibly simple concept — keeping you dry — rain jackets have evolved into awfully complicated products. Air flow rates, water pressure resistance, durable water repellent coatings, hard ...

Bike expert Rob tests Castelli's newest softshell bike jacket, made to wow come 'Rain or Shine' as the moniker suggests.