Summer Softshell Round Up Reviews by Outdoors Magic

As an independent outdoor store, we are able to pick and choose what we believe to be the best stock for each season. It is always good when others share our enthusiasm for those products. Below are some of the Summer Softshell reviews that Outdoors Magic have done this May.

Haglofs Boa Hood
An updated version of last year's excellent Viper 2 - we liked it so much we actually bought one in our size - the Boa is made from Haglöfs own brand, tough and stretchy Flexable, non-membrane fabric, which is 90% Nylon and 10% Elastane for four-way stretch.
For us it's a near perfect mix of breathability and wind and rain protection and gets worn a lot. More breathable than membrane fabrics, the close weave gives good wind resistance without getting uber-sweaty. Cut is lovely and fitted in a Haglöfs way, the hood adds versatility for stops and blowy days and there are two handwarmer pockets too. Weight is a reasonable 460g and like other non-membrane fabrics, it also works under a waterproof.
Good for - all-round mountain use outside of winter conditions.


Mountain Equipment Arrow Zip T
Another new soft shell from ME, this time it's made using EXOlite 1 which is a mix of Polyester with 5% Spandex for stretch. It's a simple, close-fitting pull-on with a single chest pocket for storage and no adjustment at hem, collar or cuffs.
Like Rab's Boreas and the Haglödfs Lizard, it's one of those soft shells that you find yourself wearing incessantly for its combination of weather protection, wicking/breathability and lightness, though it's a little more protective than the Boreas, we think though not as windproof as ME's other new soft shell, the Orbital.
Very close fitting, the sleeves aren't rollable, which is a shame as it would be nice to be able to expose those forearms for a bit of extra cooling when moving fast. On the plus side, the inside of the cuffs is seam free to improve climbing-related durability.
Good for - pretty much anything where you want a bit of close-fitting protection but not too much insulation. Wicks and breathes well. Also available in less febrile colour options...



Haglofs Lizard Top
When it first appeared last year, we did the now familiar, 'what's it for' thing, but as with some of the other lightweight soft shells here, it's one of those tops that you end up using all the time for walking, running, biking, cragging.
It uses 4-way stretch Flexable for a good balance of mobility, breathabilty and weather protection with a very good DWR. Cut is a little less fitted than ME's very snug Arrow Zip-T and you get just enough give in the elasticated cuffs for a partial fore-arm roll up. There's a single, neat, laminated pocket and adjustable hem. Slightly heavier than similar options at 330g.
Good for - another balanced all-rounder that you find yourself using more than you'd think you will.

Also available for women - Haglofs Lizard Q Top


We love to get product feedback from our customers and each product on our website allows you to do that. Please also feel free to email us at info@campfour.co.uk if you have any feedback you would like us to take into consideration or perhaps share with other customers.

To see the full review by Outdoors Magic, visit http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-features/summer-soft-shell-round-up/8302.html.