For most days on the water, choose a softshell: it blocks the wind, breathes while you work and sheds light spray. Choose a light rain jacket when showers are likely, because it is made for wet weather and packs down small. Neither one is full foul-weather gear. If you are heading out for hours in real rain, you need proper technical sailing oilskins. This guide helps you pick between the two for coastal and day sailing.
What a softshell is
A softshell is a soft, stretchy, breathable jacket built for wind and light weather. The Stortex softshell jacket has three layers: a hydrophobic outer face, a breathable middle layer and a soft micro-fleece lining. Its finish is windproof and water-repellent, and it has a high double-layer collar with a chin guard and an elastic drawcord hem.
"Water-repellent" is the key phrase. Outdoor brands such as Mammut explain that softshells carry a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that helps shed light moisture, but they are not meant to replace a waterproof hardshell in heavy rain. In return, softshells are generally more breathable and more comfortable to move in.
What a light rain jacket is
A rain jacket is a shell made to keep wet weather out. The Sarbon hooded rain jacket is a lightweight hooded shell with a water-resistant, windproof outer and a soft dark mesh lining. It has an adjustable hood with a drawcord, velcro cuffs, two zipped hip pockets and a hidden inside pocket, and it packs down small.
Be precise about the wording. The Sarbon is water-resistant, not a sealed foul-weather suit. Real offshore oilskins add features such as taped seams and a waterproof membrane. For an afternoon sail with a chance of showers, a light hooded jacket is ideal. For a long passage in heavy rain, it is not the right tool.
Side by side
| Question | Softshell (Stortex) | Rain jacket (Sarbon) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Wind, spray, cool dry days | Showers and changing weather |
| Wind | Windproof finish | Windproof outer |
| Water | Water-repellent finish | Water-resistant outer |
| Warmth | Micro-fleece lining, warmer | Mesh lining, lighter |
| Hood | High collar with chin guard | Adjustable hood with drawcord |
| In the bag | Bulkier | Packs down small |
| Feel | Soft and stretchy | Light and slim |
How to choose for your day
- Cool, windy, dry day. The wind is what chills you most on the water, and a softshell stops it while the fleece lining keeps your heat in. Pick the Stortex.
- Forecast with showers. A hood makes a big difference when rain arrives sideways. Pick the Sarbon and keep it in your bag.
- Cold morning, warming up later. Wear the softshell, and carry the rain jacket as your second layer for the afternoon.
- Working hard on deck. Breathability matters when you are trimming sheets. Softshells are generally the more breathable of the two.
- Long passage or heavy weather. Neither. Use technical sailing foul-weather gear.
Where they fit in your layers
Both go in the outer layer of the system we describe in what to wear sailing: a quick-dry base, a mid layer such as the Sogilet stretch vest, and then the jacket that suits the day. Before you pick, check the marine forecast. Our Beaufort scale guide explains what each wind force means.
The lifejacket always goes on top of everything, so choose a jacket that lets you put it on and adjust it properly. You can see every jacket we offer in the outerwear collection.
Details that matter on a boat
- Collar and hood. A high collar keeps wind off your neck when you are steering or sitting still. A hood is better when rain or spray comes at you. The Stortex gives you the first, the Sarbon the second.
- Hem and cuffs. An adjustable hem and cuffs stop wind from creeping up your sleeves and under the jacket. The Stortex has an elastic drawcord hem with a toggle, and the Sarbon has velcro cuffs.
- Pockets. Both have two zipped hip pockets, so your phone and keys stay put when the boat heels. The Sarbon also has a hidden inside pocket.
- Weight and bulk. A jacket you leave at home does not help you. If space in the bag is tight, the lighter, slimmer shell is the one that actually comes along.
Fit: leave room for a mid layer
Try the jacket on over the layer you will wear under it, not over a thin T-shirt. You want to raise your arms to haul a line or turn the wheel without the hem riding up. Each product page has a size chart in centimetres, from M to SG, so you can compare the length and chest measurements with a jacket you already own and like.
Two common mistakes
- Dressing for the dock, not the water. It is always colder once you leave the harbour and the wind builds. Take the outer layer even if it feels warm when you cast off.
- Trusting a shower jacket in a storm. A water-resistant shell is great for showers. If the forecast says sustained rain and strong wind, stay ashore or use proper foul-weather gear.
Care in short
Follow the care label on each garment. A quick habit that helps: after sailing, hang the jacket up to dry in the air and keep it out of a damp bag. The label is always the final word on washing and drying.
Common questions
Is a softshell waterproof?
No. A softshell is water-repellent, which means it sheds light spray and drizzle, but it is not meant to replace a waterproof hardshell in heavy rain.
Is the Sarbon waterproof?
The Sarbon is described as water-resistant and windproof. It is a light shell for showers, not a sealed offshore oilskin.
Which is warmer?
The Stortex, thanks to its micro-fleece lining and high collar. The Sarbon has a lighter mesh lining and relies on the layers underneath.
Which packs down smaller?
The Sarbon. It is made to fold small and live in your bag until the sky changes its mind.
Can I wear both?
Yes. On a cool day with a chance of rain, wear the softshell and carry the rain jacket. The Sarbon can also go over a mid layer when the forecast turns.
In short: softshell for wind and cool dry days, rain jacket for showers, and proper oilskins when the weather is serious.