There are days when the weather is windy but not wet, or it’s cool but not too cold. That’s when a lightweight windstopper jacket comes in handy. Some people might call a windstopper jacket a softshell, or perhaps a windstopper shoftshell jacket or simply a softshell jacket. Basically, a softshell or windstopper jacket is made of a lightweight and breathable fabric that is good at keeping out a chilly wind but is not too heavy. For example, a thick down jacket will obviously create a good wind barrier but it is also a bit thick and warm for summer conditions. In the summer months, it’s a bonus to have a lightweight jacket that is good at keeping out the wind. In winter, you might wear the windstopper as a mid-layer underneath a waterproof jacket.

3 great windstopping shoftshell jackets

Berghaus Cadence Windstopper softshell jacket [caption id="attachment_12356" align="alignleft" width="225"] Berghaus Cadence jacket[/caption] A new jacket for men and women (there are two fits to suit the different physiques), the Cadence is made from Gore® Windstopper® softshell fabric. It has also been treated with a DWR (Durable Water repellent) treatment to cope with light or intermittent rain. The jacket has a well-designed panel construction to offer a four-way stretch so you can move freely. The fabric is also highly breathable and weighs just 260g. Extra features include two zipped front pockets, stretch bound cuffs and a single pull cord adjustable hem. The jacket is very easy to wear, whatever you are doing, from walking and cycling to climbing. Thanks to the stretchy fabric, the fit is nice and neat but also has excellent freedom of movement. I like the simple style of jacket and the does-what-it-says-on-the-label technology. This is a good all-year-round jacket for a price tag of £100. See Berghaus jackets. The women’s Cadence comes in black, pink or green. The men’s Cadence comes in black or blue. Keela Lynx jacket [caption id="attachment_12351" align="alignleft" width="213"] Keela Lynx jacket[/caption] A technical softshell that is made from Keela’s StretchTec advance fabric so it moves with your body when you want to be active. The fabric also offers windproofing but without the sweat, thanks to excellent breathability. It's water repellent and highly durable. I also like the cut of this jacket with a scooped back so you can use it for cycling as well as walking. Other features include: • Neck baffle with soft finish • Full-length zip with back stormflap • Adjustable Velcro cuffs with elastic • Underarm zipped ventilation from mid arm to hem • Two large zipped chest pockets • Retro reflective piping on pockets for extra visibility. The men’s Keel Lynx jacket comes in black, hi-viz or Persian blue priced at a very reasonable £74.95. A similar Keela softshell jacket for ladies is the Liberty also priced at £74.95. Arc’teryx Epsilon softshell jacket [caption id="attachment_12350" align="alignleft" width="300"] Arc'teryx Epsilon jacket[/caption] Arc’teryx create beautiful and technically advanced jackets. You do pay extra for this but their jackets last a long time and do a fantastic job. The new series of softsell Epsilon jackets offer a mid and lightweight version and with or without a hood. They also come in male and female fit. Windproof, breathable and very durable against abrasion, the Epsilon also offers water resistance, a structured “ScubaHood” and a longer length for increased coverage on colder days. Other features:

• Anatomical shaping for better fit
• No-lift gusseted underarms
• Stretch wrist gussets
• Laminated chin guard
• Full-front zip with chin guard
• Adjustable hem drawcord
• Laminated sleeve pocket with zip
• Two hand pockets with zippers

This is a lovely jacket and one that would be a great addition to your walking or cycling wardrobe. It’s the priciest of all three in this article but you get a lot for your money and a lovely design.  £150 from www.arcteryx.com