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This hooded soft shell uses Polartec Power Shield and Schoeller fabric that gives you a stretchy, comfortable fit that also offers superior breathability when you start to heat up. [$379; arcteryx.com]
This minimalist soft shell gets the job done while you’re out skiing corn on warm spring days and at only $83 it’s one helluva bargain. [$83; columbia.com]
The versatile Higgins jacket uses a three-layer soft hard-shell fabric with a traditional hard-shell lining to create a jacket that’s both waterproof and breathable. And the hood will fit over your helmet, which is nice. [$260; flylowgear.com]
Made 100 percent from recycled plastic water bottles, the Recycler features stretch fabric in the shoulder, a helmet-friendly hood, and two oversize chest pockets. [$300; hellyhansen.com]
ROM stands for range of motion, meaning this is a comfortable, giving soft shell. It also uses breathable Gore Windstopper fabric to keep the wind out as you bootpack up a peak or cruise down some corn snow. [$175; marmot.com]
Merrell’s Reliance Fade jacket is a waterproof/breathable shell with fully taped seams and mesh-lined pit-zips. Plus, it has a cool gradient print that disappears at a distance. [$169; merrell.com]
This superlight soft shell is ideal for spring backcountry tours. It’s wind-resistant, extremely breathable, and has a low-profile fit. [$175; mountainhardwear.com]
Patagonia’s lightest three-layer shell, the minimalist M10’s waterproof/breathable ripstop nylon will keep you dry and comfortable. And the fleece-lined collar and pit zips don’t hurt. [$399; patagonia.com]
![What looks like a plain old hoody is actually a technical soft shell that's great for spring park sessions. [$140; sessions.com]](https://cdn.skimag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/session-suburban-stripe.jpg?width=730 "Session Suburban Stripe")
What looks like a plain old hoody is actually a technical soft shell that’s great for spring park sessions. [$140; sessions.com]
Named after the trio of fabrics used, the Tribrid soft shell has super stretchy soft-shell material under the arms for maximum mobility. And if you get caught in an unexpected spring storm its water-resistant and wind-resistant body will keep you warm. [$149; thenorthface.com]