By their nature softshell jackets have a relaxed structure that makes them ideal as a casual outer wear garment. When you are spending your leisure time outdoors unless you are undertaking serious trekking or hill walking or suchlike you want a jacket that will keep you warm, protect you from showers and allow easy movement. Serious outdoor pursuits followers are prepared for any likelihood and are willing to adjust their clothing to suit their conditions. They would wear a fleece as an under layer for warmth with long length waterproof jackets and trousers to prevent getting wet. With backpacks to carry the equipment and clothing required for their exercise this is more sport than leisure. The exterior clothing is now often referred to as hardshell because it is impervious. As a leisure pursuit follower if weather turned nasty and the heavens opened with unrelenting rainfall you would probably call it a day and return to shelter. Softshell jackets will let you complete what you want to do as long as the conditions aren’t extreme as they provide a great compromise on wind proofing, shower proofing , breathability and insulation in a garment that doesn’t restrict movement and isn’t bulky to carry.