What is a hardshell? - Everything you need to know
Hardshell is a durable, waterproof, and partially breathable fabric primarily used for producing outdoor clothing, including jackets and pants. This material is designed to protect against harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, or strong winds.
The hardshell material began to gain popularity in the 1970s when climbers and mountain enthusiasts searched for fabrics that could withstand extreme weather conditions. The breakthrough came in the 1980s with the introduction of Gore-Tex, a microporous membrane. If you want to understand exactly what hardshell is and why it's worth investing in, this guide is for you.
Hardshell – what does this term mean in the outdoor world?
Hardshell (from English "hard shell") is an external membrane used in clothing that is designed to effectively protect primarily against rain but also wind. Clothing made from hardshell, most often jackets and also pants, provides waterproofness and protection against adverse weather conditions while maintaining partial breathability, which helps regulate body temperature during exertion. It's worth remembering, though, that its primary goal is rain protection, so full ventilation and complete breathability are not always possible.
The secret to the effectiveness of hardshell jackets and pants lies in the use of a special vapor-permeable membrane. The microscopic pores in this membrane are up to 20,000 times smaller than a single raindrop, but also up to 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule. The most well-known waterproof membrane for years has been Gore-Tex – the legendary material that started the use of membranes in this type of clothing.
What does wearing a hardshell jacket really offer? In practice, it means that if, for example, you are heading to the mountains and get caught in heavy rain, a hardshell jacket will not soak through, and at the same time, to a certain extent, will wick away sweat during intense activity, preventing you from getting too sweaty.
What are the types of hardshell jackets?
In the descriptions of hardshell jackets on product pages, terms such as two-layer, three-layer, or 2.5-layer often appear. Below we explain what they mean:
- Two-layer (2L, bilaminates) – in these jackets, the membrane is bonded to the outer material, with a loose mesh on the body side. Practical and comfortable for everyday use, also suitable for short trips.
- 2.5-layer (2.5L, double-and-a-half laminates) – no loose lining, and the membrane is protected by a thin spray coating. Lightweight, packable, and practical, they are popular with tourists, runners, and cyclists.
- Three-layer (3L, trilaminates) – the membrane is permanently bonded to the external and internal material. The most durable and resistant to damage, with high waterproofness, ideal for climbers and mountaineers, as well as winter sports.
Hardshell vs softshell – what's the difference?
Simply put: hardshell protects against heavy rain, while softshell offers better breathability and similar wind protection. In what situations should you choose a softshell, and when is it worth going for a hardshell? We'll explain this with an example of jackets.
Choose hardshell when:
Hardshell is worth choosing when maximum protection against rain is needed. It serves well as a lightweight emergency jacket in a backpack, during activities in challenging and demanding conditions, as well as on multi-day treks when you will almost certainly encounter at least one major downpour.
Choose softshell when:
Softshell is suitable for windy, dry days and intense activities such as running, speed hiking, or skiing in winter (then it is worth pairing with a thicker insulation and thermal underwear). It also protects against light rain thanks to the DWR hydrophobic coating, although for heavy rainfall, a hardshell would be better. The water resistance of softshells usually does not exceed 5000 mm, and the effectiveness of DWR decreases over time, so it's worth re-proofing this type of jacket from time to time. Hybrid softshells are also available on the market – with a membrane in critical areas for better waterproofing while maintaining breathability and thermal comfort in other parts of the material.
Can a hardshell jacket be washed?
A hardshell jacket can be machine washed at 30°C on a delicate cycle, preferably only a few times a year to avoid damaging and weakening the material's waterproofness. It's best to use a specialized detergent designed for outdoor clothing, such as Nikwax Tech Wash for technical apparel.
Before washing a hardshell jacket, all zippers and Velcro should be fastened. After washing, the jacket should be air-dried, and if the membrane loses waterproofness, it is recommended to perform impregnation with an appropriate agent.
Is a hardshell jacket suitable for winter?
A hardshell jacket is suitable for winter, especially in the mountains or during outdoor activities in difficult conditions. However, it doesn't warm by itself, so it is best worn as an outer layer, together with warm clothing underneath, such as thermal underwear or fleece, to maintain warmth in cold temperatures.
Hardshell jackets available at Militaria.pl
At Militaria.pl, you can find many models of hardshell and softshell jackets that will be useful during any expedition, even when caught in heavy rain. We offer products from brands such as Helikon, Columbia, Texar, or Alpinus. The proposed jackets are available in various sizes, colors, and camouflage versions.
