Depending on where you do most of your climbing whether it in the UK, Europe or further afield you'll undoubtedly come accross those clad in full waterproofs, softshells or a mixture of the two. Many outdoor clothing companies these days are catering for the ever developing demand for kit that is fit for any and many purposes.
Below is a generic lowdown of what's out there and my ideas about suitability. Everyone has their own preference and experiences which may side them towards one more than the other (usually getting drenched or sweating their body weight). I wont go into huge detail about the construction of each type as i'll be here all day and suspect it would be quite boring for most. So simply: I'll name only a few and keep it short!
So what is the difference between a 'Hardshell' and a 'Softshell'?
Hardshells tend to have a laminate or membrane behind the outer material of the clothing. These would be known to most as 'Goretex', 'Event' and the like with many others made by the well known brands such as The North Face 'Hyvent' (a PU laminate). Whilst Goretex and Event are membranes that aid in the expulsion of body moisture (sweat) and keeping water out externally; Cheaper laminates are not as effective at one or both of these jobs. The expuslion of sweat from the interior to exterior of the garment is known as the 'breathability'. Nowadays manufacturers are introducing stretch membranes into their garments to follow along the lines of the more versatile softshells.
The construction of these, along with the outer clothing material will dictate the breathability, durability and weight of the garment.
Waterproof and Weatherproof?
A waterproof will have a hydrostatic rating which relates to the amount of pressure the material can cope with before leaking. A garment that doeas not have a sufficient rating to be designated 'waterproof' would normally be called 'weatherproof'. Remember this as it may save you from making a bad descision.
Softshells rely on the technical fabric and proofing for its ability to stay weather proof. They do not have membrane or laminate technology and therfore have far superior breathability than waterproofs (99% of the time. Schoeller is one of the market leaders in softshell technology along with one of my other favorites; Pertex. Tight nylen weaves, material coatings and treatments are to anem but a few of the ways these companies achieve their top quality products. You may have seen pertex on not only jackets but also sleeping bags too. Shoeller is one of the great examples of why certain softshells have such a strong place in the active outdoor market. They have designed garments with a high degree of stretch and flexibility allowing the user to gain maximum comfort and freedom of movement.
So what do i use?
I tend to use a mix throughout the year. In the UK i believe we are more at the weathers mercy as it tends to be a lot more changeable here that on the continent. This means that as we all know things can get a lot damper here! I have garments with both Event and some with Goretex and find them equally excellent performers. I would not but a cheaper PU Laminate mainly due to the comprimise in performance for price. I have my favorites and they get used more than others depending on the time of year. If the worst happens and i'm wearing a softshell when the heavens open then i would happily put a hardshell over the top as i'm not comprimising too much breathability. Why carry a hardshell if softshells should see off all but the worst weather? Well i have a lightweight and heavier duty jacket for walking and climbing and the light jacket only comes in at 450grams.
In conclusion: make your own mind up. It may take a couple of purchases and numerours days out on the hill but you'll find what works for you ar a close comprimise. However; don't skimp on the essentials to find yourself in a downpour with only your stylish looking stretch softshell that may only be designed to hold out some of the impending torrential downpour (been there, done that)...
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