Decathlon Quechua Bionnassay Softshell Jacket Review

If you're looking for a performance related, low bulk outdoor jacket then a wind stopper/ soft shell jacket needs to be at the top of your shopping list. A softshell jacket can offer the user protection from chilly winds and provide insulation for warmth to provide an activity jacket for whether lounging around at a campsite/ base camp, cross country skiing or on a winter hiking/ snowshoeing trip.

• Main fabric- 83% polyester, 10% polyurethane, 7% elastane Soft shell. Developed by Stratermic concept for Decathlon.
• Softshell has a Windproof membrane for protection
• Stretch fabric provides freedom of movement
• Fabric is also water repellent
• Longer length cuffs include thump holes
• Breathability provided by zipped side vents and mesh lined pockets to allow heat escape.
• Sizes available S to XXXL in Men's and Women's XS to XXL

While this jacket forms part of Decathlon's Quechua outdoor clothing range the Bionnassay tag denotes that its purpose is geared towards mountaineering. However as with a lot of outdoor clothing the mountaineering elements have a great crossover into other activities too.

The fit is a little closer to the body to ensure warmth however the stretch in the fabric counters this and means the jacket is great for activities involving your upper body. Having used the jacket for a spot of ice climbing I would say that this jacket definitely has sufficient stretch in the arms and shoulders for rock climbing and ice climbing.

The hood has a snug fit however no adjustment cords so it is recommended to try the hood before you purchase if you feel you will need to use the hood as part of your activity. I have found the snug fit and stretch fabric is fine for underneath a helmet for climbing.

A great extra the jacket has is extended cuffs which feature a stretchy fabric cuff. This helps to seal in body heat and also allows you to slide a glove over the top of the cuff for layering comfortably.

The jacket is best worn over a wicking base layer and is a great mid layer when coupled together with a good quality waterproof jacket.

At a price of £59.99 gbp / 69.95 euro this jacket is at least 2/3rds the price of the equivalent product in a softshell from a named outdoor brand such the The North Face or Mountain Hardwear.

An equivalent product from an outdoor brand would likely use a Gore Windstopper fabric as it's softshell fabric and this therefore would lead to a premium in the price due to the premium paid to Gore for the use of their fabrics.

For a review at this price this it an excellent value softshell jacket that performs well and looks good. It is ideal for hiking in cooler conditions, rock-climbing and ice-climbing, cross country skiing and personally I expect it to get some use downhill skiing on the piste as well as making my way around resort.