Ciss Outdoors

This jacket was provided by Keela Outdoors for review.

A protective softshell that works best in changeable shoulder-season conditions.

The Keela Hydron is a thicker softshell jacket suited to exposed, changeable conditions. I’ve been using the updated version across the Angus Glens, the Cairngorms, coastal paths, and on more casual days, in a mix of cold, windy conditions, milder spells, and light to moderate rain. It sits firmly in that spring and autumn space, where you want something that can handle wind and shifting temperatures, but it’s more than you’d typically need in hot summer conditions.

Fit And Layering

I tested a UK 12 after initially trying my usual UK 10. The 10 technically fit, but there was noticeable tightness across the shoulders. The fabric does have stretch and accommodates movement, but it sat closer than I prefer, particularly for a jacket I knew I wanted to be able to wear with layers underneath.

Sizing up resolved that immediately. It gave enough room for a base layer and a fleece without feeling restrictive, and it also slightly improved the overall length, which I appreciated at 5’11”. The scooped back adds useful coverage, particularly when moving or wearing a pack.

If you prefer a closer, more active fit for your softshell, your usual size will work. If you prefer more room through the shoulders or want to layer underneath comfortably, sizing up makes more sense with the Hydron.

Water Resistance

I’ve used the Hydron in light drizzle, prolonged light rain, and intermittent heavier showers, and in those conditions, it sheds water well. The water and wind repellent outer AirXtream Fusion fabric layer beads consistently, with water sitting on the surface rather than soaking in, making it easy to shake off as you go. I haven’t had the opportunity to use it in prolonged heavy rain, but for the conditions I’ve used it in, it performs as you’d want.

Temperature Management

For a thicker softshell, the Hydron manages temperature well. The AirXtream Fusion 3-layer fabric uses a matrix inner designed to move air and moisture away from the body. This is effective; the jacket doesn’t feel clammy when you’re active.

Most of the temperature control comes from how the jacket is used. With the Hydron fully zipped, the collar drawn in, and the cuffs secured, it deals with exposed, windy conditions without issue, helping retain warmth when you’re fully sealed in. The height of the collar and the way it closes around the neck make a noticeable difference, particularly when you’re standing still or moving into the wind.

Opening the main zip, adjusting the collar, and managing the hood and cuffs all have a more immediate effect on temperature than relying on the vents. The Hydron uses side torso vents rather than underarm vents. They sit along the side seams and run vertically for around 20cm, opening downwards. In practice, their position limits how effective they are. With a pack on, they are largely covered by the hip belt, and even when unzipped, they don’t open in a way that actively lets heat escape.

Without a pack, they are more reliable, but they don’t naturally splay open with movement in the same way armpit vents do. They provide some airflow, but they aren’t something I used as a primary way of regulating temperature.

Hood, Collar and Cuffs

The helmet-compatible hood is one of the strongest features of the jacket. It has a wired peak, a rear adjustment, and two front toggles that allow you to pull it in around the face. The adjustments are straightforward to use, including with gloves, and once set, the hood holds its position well.

At the back of the collar, there’s a separate strip of fabric alongside the hanging loop, which can be used to stow the hood. You roll the hood into itself and attach that strip to a Velcro point on the base of the hood, which keeps it in place. It’s a simple solution and works well to keep the jacket streamlined when the hood isn’t needed.

The cuffs use a Velcro adjustment rather than an elasticated finish. Elasticated cuffs can create a tighter seal, but they’re fixed. If they don’t suit your wrist, or if you’re wearing a watch, there’s no adjustment. Over time, they can start to feel restrictive. The Velcro cuffs on the Hydron allow you to set the fit to your liking. I prefer this approach.

Pockets And Zips

The addition of chest pockets on the updated Hydron v2 makes a noticeable difference. They are fully accessible with a pack on, large enough for a phone, and include internal D-rings attached to webbing, which can be pulled out slightly to secure items. That’s a useful detail when you’re carrying smaller items you don’t want to lose.

The hip pockets are a good size, but like the vents, they’re less usable with a rucksack hip belt. Without a pack, though, the jacket offers a generous amount of usable storage across the chest and hip pockets. Having enough space to carry essentials without needing a bag makes it a practical option for everyday wear, too.

The zips on the jacket are smooth and easy to use throughout, and the zip pulls make a noticeable difference here. They use a cord with a semi-rigid loop, which keeps them open and easy to grab, so in colder conditions or when wearing gloves, locating and opening them is straightforward. It would be useful if the main zip also opened from the bottom, but that’s a minor point within an otherwise well-executed setup.

Build Quality

The Hydron feels like a well-made piece of kit as soon as you handle it. The fabric is thick without feeling stiff, with a finish that sits comfortably whether it’s worn over a t-shirt or layered up. The overall construction reinforces that, with clean finishing throughout. After repeated use, including days under a pack, there are no signs of wear or abrasion, reinforcing the initial impression of durability.

Worn, the weight works with the jacket rather than against it, giving it resistance in wind and cooler conditions. At 524g for a UK size 12, it’s not something you forget about if it’s sitting in your pack all day. Where it makes most sense is on days when you expect to wear it for a good portion of the time, rather than carrying it purely as a backup.

Related reading:

KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof Review: Strong All-Round Hiking Boot With A Wider Fit

Keela Women’s Merino Hoody Review: An Essential Mid-layer