REVIEW: BE-X Softshell Parka

A few years ago there were only warming sweaters and jackets. They were made of wool, fleece, or similar materials. To prevent them from getting damaged during tough outdoor activities and to protect against rain and snow, a rain jacket, or "hardshell" for short, was worn over them. Softshells are meant to be a cocktail in between. A "hybrid" of warming and durable materials. It is logical that the softshell is not as warm as a fleece jacket and not as water-repellent as a rain jacket. However, it is a perfect partner for moderate weather and less vigorous activities, just like the Softshell Parka from BE-X that we are looking at today.

The BE-X Softshell is a relatively inexpensive jacket. You won't find anything comparable for 80 euros in sports stores. With the major sports brands (like the one with the prehistoric hairy elephant), you'll only get a measly smile and a jacket that doesn't even deserve the name "Shell" for under 100 euros.

The jacket, shown here in Tan, is of a more rugged type. Finally a jacket where you don't have to worry about branches, abrasion from stones, or sparks. The breathability, like with all softshells, is quite modest. To address this, BE-X offers four ventilation openings, equipped with zippers (l. below) and inner mesh (in the armpit). This works well, providing a nice breeze when all are opened.

The jacket is water-repellent for a short time—able to keep you dry during light drizzles. However, it reaches its limit in heavy snow or rain. We recommend a softshell treatment.

One awesome feature of the BE-X jacket is the amount of storage it offers. With so many large and small pockets, it almost replaces a small backpack. Four easily accessible front pockets (top right), two on the sleeve, and a huge tunnel pocket on the back (bottom right). For professionals, there is also the option to unzip the jacket at the hips (bottom right) wide enough to carry a holster, an excellent feature. The regular side pockets are lined with fleece, allowing you the option to warm your hands. Additionally, the two sleeve pockets are externally equipped with Velcro where badges or reflectors can be attached (we recommend a SPARTANAT patch). A small reflector is already sewn onto these, although it can be covered. There are Velcro strips on the chest, left and right, for name tags, ranks, etc. The zippers are extended with cords, enabling you to operate the jacket perfectly with gloves on.

Also well-designed is the hood of the BE-X Softshell Parka. It has a sufficiently large wind and rain shield so you won't get the whole stormy weather in your face. You can even wear a climbing helmet underneath. It is also size-adjustable via a drawstring.

There are Cordura reinforcements on the elbows, protecting the jacket from weather conditions during crawling or targeting. This also means that the material under the reinforcement stays damp longer, but one would have to go to great lengths to end up drowning with the elbows.

CONCLUSION: After an outdoor weekend of digging snow caves, building igloos, and snow hiking, we are pleasantly surprised by this affordable jacket. The fit is finally long enough. When you raise your arms, you don't have the jacket riding up in a bikini style at the chest. The water repellency is sufficient (a softshell is never "waterproof"), so you may want to treat it yourself. The material is extremely comfortable to wear, making you feel good with the fabric. Using the waist and hip drawstring, you can adjust the BE-X Softshell Parka nicely to your body proportions. For the price, you won't find anything better.

You can find the BE-X Softshell Parka in Olive, Black, and Tan directly at Begadi for 79.90 euros (excluding shipping).