The Difference Between a Fleece, Soft Shell & Hard Shell Jac

FLEECE

A fleece has fibres that create multiple air cells to trap warmth inside and give superior protection against cold. It has virtually no moisture retention and an excellant warmth-to-weight ratio. It has various weights (100, 200, 300) indicate specific insulating thickness. A fleece is perfect for layering when on outdoor activitties, and acts as the middle layer trapping the warmth inside to give you superior protection.

SOFT SHELL

The soft shell combines the benefits of a Hard Shell and Fleece in one. Soft Shells are made from stretchy fabric that fit like a glove without constricting, stretch fluidly with the body without resisting, and allow moisture to escape from inside without letting it penetrate from outside. A Soft Shell jacket is a great choice for an all-round weather condition jacket.

HARD SHELL

A Hard Shell has full water resistant properties and "breathes," meaning it allows vapour from your sweat to escape from the shell while disallowing water from rain or snow to penetrate your jacket. A Hard Shell jacket is not as breathable as a Soft Shell jacket, but repells 100% water and is designed for extreme sporting activities.

TECHNOLOGY GUIDE: FLEECE, SOFT SHELL & HARD SHELL FLEECE

• Polartec offers body-hugging four-way stretch with moisture management using two unique surfaces: the durable non-pilling outer surface resists abrasion, while next-to-skin the soft velour pile wicks perspiration, keeping you dry and comfortable.

• Dura Shield: This hard faced fleece fabric has excellent warmth and wear properties. Made from micro fleece fabric, it will keep you warm without extra weight. The hard face wears well over time, ensuring you look great while you conquer your own personal mountain.

• Firestorm Micro Fleece: These fleece fabrics are made of the highest quality denier yarn. Their fibres create multiple air cells that trap warmth inside and give superior protection against cold. No moisture retention, excellent weight to warmth ratio and a velour finish which ensures good washability and abrasion resistance. We offer this in a variety of weights.

• First Ascent Light Speed Series is a selection of products that have been specially developed for moving fast and light. Fabrics are lightweight and packable. Designs are minimalist and great for "done in a day" activities and weekend adventures, like adventure racing and alpine style ascents.

SOFT SHELL

• The products that bear the Edge Series logo are a collection developed for the most serious athlete. Products feature our advanced propriety technology, incorporating the best materials and designs available.

• Soft-Shell fabrics combine the insulation benefits of a soft fleece with the water & wind repellent benefits of a hard shell. Fusion Soft-Shell fabrics are research inspired fabrics developed to move fast and light and simplify your wardrobe. Fabrics are lightweight, durable, easy to wear and for the most part out perform a traditional hard shell, except in extended rainy conditions.

HARD SHELL

• eVent fabrics get their unique properties from a propriety and patented waterproof membrane. Its unique composition allows millions of tiny pores to breathe at their full potential. Sweat vents directly to the outside of the fabric in one easy step. We call this Direct Venting Technology. Its genius is hidden in its simplicity. eVent fabric is the most breathable 100% waterproof material.

• The products that bear the Edge Series logo are a collection developed for the most serious athlete. Products feature our advanced propriety technology, incorporating the best materials and designs available.

• Thermo-Shield is a micro-filament insulation and is the next generation of synthetic insulation. It is softer, lighter and warmer than other leading insulations. Incredible warmth to weight ratio, make for unbelievable packability. Soft filaments collectively trap the heat that the body emits. Thermo-Shield is easy to care for and is hydophobic, so has the ability to keep you warm even when wet.

• Microtex: This waterproof and breathable fabric has a coating adhered to the Microtex outer. The jackets shelled with Vapour-Tex have minimum specs of 5000mm of Waterproofness, 5000g/m /24hrs breathability.

• Firestorm Micro Fleece: These fleece fabrics are made of the highest quality denier yarn. Their fibres create multiple air cells that trap warmth inside and give superior protection against cold. No moisture retention, excellent weight to warmth ratio and a velour finish which ensures good washability and abrasion resistance. We offer this in a variety of weights.

• First Ascent Light Speed Series is a selection of products that have been specially developed for moving fast and light. Fabrics are lightweight and packable. Designs are minimalist and great for "done in a day" activities and weekend adventures, like adventure racing and alpine style ascents.

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