Are softshells just $300 Champion jackets with a better agent?

My buddies all swear by their softshells.  I've looked into them and tried a few on, and I can't but think they're kind of a gimmick.  The "technical" ones at least.  I have a cheap Champion jacket that is made of 88% polyster, 12% spandex.   It is lined, sort of warm, stretchy, 90% windproof, but breathable.  Basically, it is the same in every way as a $300 softshell.  It is missing a hood, but I typically wear a head-and-neck gaiter plus a knit hat, so I'm not too concerned about that.  Although for the record, you can get Champion jackets and similar with a hoody, for about $40.

So, am I crazy, or are softshells really just up-marketed versions of a very basic and cheap piece of clothing?  

I think most softshell a have a water repellant treatment. Nicer jackets also have much nicer cuts and materials -> harder seams to sew -> higher cost. That being said I only buy stuff on sale or used so my softshells have been bought more for around the 60-120$ mark.

A little of both, I think. They're partly climbing-specific with some unique features for that purpose, and partly grossly over-priced gimmicks in a booming niche market.

Zach, if you're not familiar with Andy Kirkpatrick, have a look at his blog and run a search for textiles- he's written a bunch in the past about 'performance gear' and layering/shell systems in terms of what the materials themselves are and has a lot of information on the topic if you're wondering more. I learned quite a bit about layering systems and what materials to look for from manufactures from his write ups.

I personally use a champion gear running shirt thing for a synthetic base layer (cheap from Target), because it works...and I can't bring myself to pay more for a base layer that is 95% the same thing.

There's a lot you can buy but in my opinion it's good that you're thinking about what you actually have/need to be comfortable. If your shell works for you, save the dough you'd sink. Live the crusty dream.

I am not familiar with Champion, but in my experience with soft shell, they are not particularly good at anything but stretch. Poor as rain gear, poor in wind resistance. I do use a $100 one from REI when not expecting extreme conditions and love the comfort. 

Yes.

If you are satisfied with your gear then that is what matters. But it seems like you just want us to confirm that you're very clever?

I personally think a shell jacket with a lining/insulation is not very versatile. I definitely don't want additional warmth for summer mountaineering, it will be too hot. Less packable, heavier. Just the fabric, please. And I would never buy a shell jacket without a hood.

Right now with zero search effort I can get a proven piece like the OR Ferrosi directly from the manufacturer's website for $77. The price difference is what the average person who can afford to have hobbies that require softshells would pay for a plate of farm-to-table tacos and a craft beer. So for me it seems silly to buy a Champion jacket. If you're happy with it though it certainly won't cost you a summit. People were getting up proud climbs with a bunch of wool sweaters before we had all this fancy shit.

I think softshell jackets are kind of pointless. They don't provide much in the way of water resistance and are less versatile than a wind shell/fleece combination that usually comes in around the same weight and in combination does the same job as a heavy softshell. I do however like softshell pants. It's harder to add/shed layers over the legs, and softshell pants provide warmth and wind resistance while retaining some breathability. I have yet to find a pair that stands up to anything more than a light drizzle, however. 

Regarding several comments above: softshells are not intended to be water/rain proof. They're also not meant to be windproof in high winds. They are however much more breathable, even when lined with Gortex or similar, thus they're great when you're alternating between doing nothing and high intensity activity; skiing being the perfect example.

BTW, for the past 5 or more seasons, Costco has had a very good softshell with a super thin polyester fuzzy lining for $25. I don't wear it in winter, but it's fantastic for spring skiing.

John Penca wrote: To me, softshells are a no go.  No real insulation, no real water resistance, no real wind protection.

There's a huge difference between just a lightly lined softshell and one that has a Goretex or similar layer.

^^ deleted my post you quoted for that very reason.  There are a wind range of softshells; my post was too generic.

A little while ago I went on a hunt for my “perfect softshell”. I ordered/tried/bought about 20-30 total. I liked 3 enough that to actually use them, and use 2 of them to this day.  Fabric is really just one of many many factors in what makes a jacket.

Kinda like anything, there is the law of diminishing returns. The get that extra 10%, you pay an extra 100%. To get that extra 1%, you pay another 100%. Etc. (Walk over to the locked glass case of your wine market to see this 10 fold lol)

In the end, were there any downright bad options I tried? Not really...except the First Ascents.

edit: this thread reminded me, I have an extra softshell from my experiment that I never used. If somebody wants a $300 jacket for 1/3rd the price, here you go!

1 - another vote for the Kirkpatrick blog about layering. https://www.andy-kirkpatrick.com/articles/view/the_truth_about_breathable_waterproofs
2 - Yes your Target jacket was cut and sewn very much like its more expensive cousins. The only real difference are the textiles used. Your Target (Champion) garment is made from generic versions of fabrics that drive the softshell garment category, i.e. technical fabrics from someone like Schoeller. The Asian fabric mills imitate these successful (and expensive) fabrics and produce a range from very good textiles to cheap and nasty ones. Target (as well as Costco in particular) is a mass retailer that uses a better class of contract manufacturing in Asia. Their factories are usually a cut above because of their volume and willingness to pay a few cents more for better quality (good factories prefer making good product). Target sees the outdoor apparel being sold in the general market and the success of companies like Columbia and TNF. Their teams come to the Outdoor Retailer Show where they see what's new and meet the fabric and trim vendors that make the materials involved. They are very much on the bubble when it comes to trend and innovation. Target, through their house brands, then mimics the market and develops their own product. The short answer is; your jacket is very similar to your friend's branded garments. You'll find yours a little heavier, a little less this or that, but it is perfectly suitable for everyday use. There is an entire category of 'good enough' technical outdoor wear coming from maker-retailers (Uniqlo, GAP) workwear makers (Dickies, Carhartt) and athletic companies (Nike, UA).
3 - the term 'softshell' is now so broad, it has little meaning. It now refers to an outerwear fabric that is not a 'hardshell'. Softshell fabrics can be stretch woven, circular knit, warp knit, and/or laminated and cost from a few dollars/yard to more than twenty bucks per yard. ( an expensive softshell jacket will have more than $50 worth of fabric in it)
4 - if water-rain-mist is an issue buy and use a DWR spray (ReviveX). They work pretty well.

jdejace wrote: But it seems like you just want us to confirm that you're very clever?

I personally think a shell jacket with a lining/insulation is not very versatile. I definitely don't want additional warmth for summer mountaineering, it will be too hot.  I would never buy a shell jacket without a hood.

 I can get a proven piece like the OR Ferrosi directly from the manufacturer's website for $77.