Softshell vs Waterproof Shooting Jacket: Which Is Best for Clay Shooting?
One of the most useful pieces of clothing you can own for clay shooting is a good jacket, particularly once the British weather starts doing what it does best.
But there is an important decision to make:
Should you wear a softshell shooting jacket or a fully waterproof shooting jacket?
They are not really competing products. They solve slightly different problems.
A softshell is generally about comfort, wind protection, warmth and freedom of movement. A waterproof jacket prioritises protection when the weather becomes properly wet.
For many regular shooters, there is a place for both.
The Quick Answer
If the forecast is cool, breezy or uncertain but largely dry, we'd generally favour a softshell shooting jacket.
If you're expecting persistent or heavy rain, choose a waterproof shooting jacket.
The important thing with either is that the jacket still allows you to mount the gun naturally without excessive bulk or restriction around your shoulders.
Softshell = everyday comfort and wind protection.
Waterproof = proper protection when the rain arrives.
What Is a Softshell Shooting Jacket?
A softshell jacket sits somewhere between a lightweight outer layer and a heavier weatherproof coat.
For clay shooting, this can be particularly useful because you generally want protection from wind and cooler temperatures without covering yourself in a thick, restrictive outer layer.
A good shooting softshell should allow comfortable movement through:
- the shoulders;
- the upper back;
- the elbows; and
- the chest during the gun mount.
It should also remain comfortable when worn underneath or alongside a shooting vest.
You can see the REISTO® Softshell Shooting Jacket here, or browse our complete Clay Shooting Jackets collection.
What Is a Waterproof Shooting Jacket?
A waterproof shooting jacket has a different priority.
Its main job is keeping you dry when conditions turn properly wet.
That sounds obvious, but shooting places slightly different demands on a waterproof jacket compared with ordinary outdoor wear.
You still need to be able to:
- raise the gun comfortably;
- rotate through the upper body;
- maintain a consistent gun mount;
- reach cartridges and equipment; and
- wear suitable layers underneath.
A waterproof jacket that keeps the rain out but feels like you're shooting in a cardboard box isn't much use.
For wetter conditions, see the REISTO® Waterproof Shooting Jacket.
Softshell vs Waterproof: The Main Differences
| Feature | Softshell | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Comfort, warmth and wind protection | Protection from rain |
| Breathability | Generally very good | Depends on construction |
| Freedom of movement | Usually excellent | Needs careful design for shooting |
| Light rain | Useful depending on fabric | Excellent |
| Heavy or prolonged rain | Not its main purpose | The better choice |
| Everyday shooting | Excellent | Best when weather requires it |
Which Is Better for Freedom of Movement?
This is particularly important for clay shooters.
Softshell fabrics tend to lend themselves very well to movement, which is one reason they're so popular for shooting clothing.
However, the word "softshell" alone doesn't guarantee a good shooting jacket.
The actual cut matters.
A jacket can use flexible fabric and still feel restrictive if it is too tight across the shoulders, too narrow through the upper back or badly shaped around the arms.
Whatever jacket you're wearing, you should be able to raise your arms and complete your normal gun-mount movement without feeling the fabric pull sharply across your body.
Which Is Better in the Rain?
If you're expecting sustained rain, a waterproof jacket wins.
A softshell may cope perfectly well with a brief shower depending on the material, but that isn't the same thing as being designed to keep you dry during prolonged wet conditions.
This distinction matters during competition.
If you've paid your entry fee, travelled to the ground and you're halfway through a round when the rain arrives, going home isn't always particularly appealing.
Having a proper waterproof layer available can transform a miserable afternoon into a manageable one.
Which Is Better in Windy Conditions?
This is where a softshell can be particularly useful.
Cold wind can make an otherwise reasonable shooting day feel considerably colder, especially while you're waiting between stands.
A softshell gives you an outer barrier without necessarily introducing the bulk of a heavier coat.
Combine it with a suitable base layer and you have a very flexible setup for autumn, spring and milder winter shooting.
What Should You Wear Under a Shooting Jacket?
Layering is normally better than wearing one enormous coat.
Start with a comfortable base layer and add warmth according to the conditions.
A simple cooler-weather setup might be:
- a long-sleeved technical base layer;
- a lightweight mid-layer if required;
- a softshell or waterproof outer layer; and
- your shooting vest depending on how you prefer to arrange your shooting clothing.
The REISTO® Performance Base Layer is one option for adding warmth without introducing the bulk of a heavy jumper.
You can browse the complete Clay Shooting Base Layers & T-Shirts collection.
Can You Wear a Shooting Vest Over a Jacket?
Yes, and plenty of shooters do.
The important thing is making sure the combination still fits correctly.
A vest that fits perfectly over a T-shirt may feel considerably tighter when you suddenly put a thick jacket underneath it.
That's why we recommend thinking about how you actually intend to use your shooting clothing when choosing sizes.
The vest should remain comfortable through the chest and shoulders and shouldn't restrict your mount simply because you've added another layer.
Read our guide on how a clay shooting vest should fit for more detailed fitting advice.
Should You Wear a Jacket Under or Over Your Vest?
There isn't one universal answer.
Some shooters prefer wearing their vest over a lightweight jacket because it keeps the cartridge pockets and shoulder panels in their familiar positions.
Others wear a dedicated shooting jacket as the outer garment and use its own pockets.
What matters is that the setup feels natural to you and doesn't interfere with:
- your gun mount;
- access to cartridges;
- shoulder movement; or
- your ability to add or remove layers.
What About Cartridge Pockets?
This is something worth considering when choosing shooting outerwear.
If you normally rely on the pockets in your shooting vest, wearing a large coat over the top can suddenly make them inaccessible.
Likewise, a shooting jacket with practical pockets may allow you to shoot without a separate vest in some conditions.
Think about your complete setup rather than viewing the jacket in isolation.
If you prefer a separate way of carrying cartridges, you can also use something such as the REISTO® Belt Cartridge Pouch.
Which Jacket Is Better for Competition Shooting?
The weather decides more than the level of competition.
On a cold but dry competition day, we'd generally prefer the freedom and comfort of a softshell.
If the forecast suggests several hours of rain, waterproof protection becomes much more important.
Competition shooting also involves considerable waiting around between layouts, so remember that the clothing which feels comfortable while you're actively shooting may feel quite different after standing around for twenty minutes.
Layering gives you more flexibility.
What Should You Wear for Autumn Clay Shooting?
Autumn is probably where the softshell really earns its place.
Temperatures become cooler, mornings can be cold and wind becomes more noticeable, but you're not necessarily facing persistent winter rain.
A typical autumn setup might be:
- technical base layer;
- softshell shooting jacket;
- shooting vest where preferred;
- comfortable outdoor trousers;
- supportive or waterproof footwear;
- shooting glasses; and
- hearing protection.
We've also previously written about autumn and winter shooting jackets if you want more seasonal advice.
What About Winter Clay Shooting?
Winter is where layering becomes particularly valuable.
You want enough warmth while you're waiting without making your shooting movement feel heavy and restricted.
Start with layers that trap warmth without excessive thickness, then choose your outer jacket according to the weather.
A simple REISTO cooler-weather setup
Base:
REISTO® Performance Base Layer
Cool, dry or windy:
REISTO® Softshell Shooting Jacket
What About Warm Weather?
Once temperatures rise, you probably don't need either jacket unless rain is forecast.
Move towards a lightweight technical top and breathable shooting vest instead.
Our guide to the best clay shooting vest for hot weather covers warm-weather shooting clothing in much more detail.
Do Beginners Need a Shooting Jacket?
Not immediately.
If you're attending your first lesson, normal comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather is normally enough.
There's no need to buy an entire specialist shooting wardrobe before you've even tried the sport.
As you begin shooting more regularly, however, dedicated shooting clothing becomes useful because it is designed around the movements and practical requirements of the sport.
Start with the items that solve a genuine problem for you.
If cold and wind are making shooting uncomfortable, consider a softshell. If you're regularly getting soaked, a proper waterproof layer becomes a more obvious priority.
Softshell or Waterproof: Which Should You Buy First?
If we had to choose one for general UK clay shooting, we'd probably start with a good softshell.
It can cover a large portion of the year:
- cool summer mornings;
- spring;
- autumn;
- milder winter days; and
- windy conditions throughout the year.
But if you regularly shoot regardless of the weather, a waterproof jacket is eventually worth having as well.
Think of the two as complementary:
The softshell is the jacket you wear because it's comfortable. The waterproof is the jacket you're glad you brought when the weather turns.
Quick Buying Checklist
Whichever type you choose, check:
- Can you raise your arms freely?
- Does the jacket pull across your shoulders?
- Can you complete a normal gun mount?
- Is there enough room for your usual layers?
- Are the pockets positioned sensibly?
- Will your shooting vest still fit if worn with it?
- Is it suitable for the conditions in which you actually shoot?
Final Thoughts
The choice between a softshell and waterproof shooting jacket isn't really about deciding which type is universally better.
It's about choosing the right tool for the weather.
A softshell is an excellent everyday shooting layer when comfort, warmth, wind protection and movement are the priorities.
A waterproof jacket becomes invaluable when staying dry is more important.
Whichever you choose, don't sacrifice your gun mount for weather protection. Shooting clothing still needs to allow you to move naturally.
Continue Reading
- What Should You Wear Clay Pigeon Shooting?
- Clay Shooting Clothing Checklist: What to Take to the Shooting Ground
- What Is the Best Clay Shooting Vest for Hot Weather?
- How Should a Clay Shooting Vest Fit?