Ultra wind resistant and breathable, the Salomon XA WS Softshell Jacket makes a great outer layer to throw on for Spring activities. I was sent this softshell jacket for testing and have been wearing it on chilly morning hikes with Lola as well as for extremely windy and cold climbing at Red Rock Canyon.
The softshell jacket combines Gore Windstopper fabric with Salomon's breathable ClimaWIND stretch woven fabric in the areas you are likely to sweat the most, such as under your arms and upper back. Exo protection on the shoulders provides extra wear resistance and also helps to keep your pack straps in place while hiking.
The skin fit hood fits nicely under a helmet or even securely over a hat to add that little bit of extra warmth on a cold, windy day. If you don't want to use the hood, you can easily roll it down and secure it out of the way to a snap loop on the base of the neck.
Two zipped pockets and a zipped stash pocket offer ample room for holding those easy-access essentials. A front snap on the chest enables you to partially unzip your jacket and not worry about it flapping around in the wind as you run, climb or hike.
The softshell jacket is cut with an active fit but runs pretty true to size. If you would like to wear more than a base layer underneath or you are between sizes, you might consider ordering up a size. The medium fit me perfectly in the torso and as expected a tad short in the arms.
Bottom Line: The Salomon XA WS Softshell Jacket is a nice lightweight, highly wind resistant and breathable outer layer for Spring activities. The active fit and low profile make this jacket perfect for running, climbing or hiking.
The Salomon XA WS Softshell Jacket comes in both a men's and women's version and retails for $185