Preston Innovations Duratech Softshell

Essential Wind and Weather Protection for Cool Bankside Sessions

The Preston Innovations DuraTech Softshell Jacket is the ultimate versatile garment for cool days, changeable weather, and biting bankside winds. Engineered specifically for the active angler, this softshell delivers an ideal balance of warmth, breathability, and flexibility. Constructed from a durable, windproof, and showerproof fabric, it cuts out cold drafts entirely while easily shrugging off light rain showers and road spray, keeping you comfortably warm and dry without forcing you to wear a heavy waterproof suit.

Designed with practical match and coarse angling requirements in mind, every detail on the DuraTech Softshell serves a purpose. The elasticated cuffs fit snugly around your wrists, eliminating cold air ingress and stopping trickles of water from running down your arms when you raise your rod, feed, or ship out pole sections. An adjustable waistband and a fully adjustable hood provide a tailored fit, allowing you to lock out draughts completely on windy pegs or drop the hood back when conditions improve.

Practical storage is essential on the bank, and the DuraTech Softshell delivers with three secure, zipped pockets. These provide the perfect safe-haven for housing high-value essentials like your smartphone, keys, bite alarm receivers, or license wallet within easy reach. Whether worn as an outer layer during crisp spring and autumn days or used as an insulating mid-layer under heavy waterproofs in dead-of-winter conditions, this jacket is an indispensable addition to any angler’s wardrobe.

Detailed Specifications

Chest Sizing Guide

Examples of Where to Use

• Cool Spring & Autumn Match Sessions: Perfect for those brisk mornings when a simple fleece isn’t enough to block the chill, but heavy waterproof suits are far too warm.

• Active River & Canal Roving: Ideal for anglers on the move who need maximum freedom of movement, breathability, and draught protection while walking between swims.

• Off-Bank Wear: The sleek, modern styling makes it just as suitable for wearing to and from the fishery, running errands, or casual day-to-day outdoor use.

• Winter Mid-Layering: Wear it underneath your main heavy waterproof jacket or bib and brace on freezing winter days to act as a formidable wind-blocking insulating barrier.

Pro Tip

To preserve the softshell’s showerproof capabilities, make sure to clear off dried mud and bait dust with a soft, dry brush after every session rather than washing it constantly.

When it does require a wash, avoid using standard fabric softeners at all costs. Fabric conditioners coat the technical synthetic fibres, filling in the microscopic pores and severely degrading both the breathability and the factory-applied water-repellent finish. Wash it on a gentle cycle with a technical outerwear cleaner, and let it air dry naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the DuraTech Softshell 100% waterproof in heavy rain?

No, the DuraTech Softshell is specifically designed to be showerproof and 100% windproof. It easily handles light rain, drizzling fog, and short squalls, but for prolonged heavy downpours or day-long rainstorms, you should pair it with a dedicated 25,000mm outer suit (like the Preston DF Ultra).

Does this jacket have fleece lining inside?

The DuraTech Softshell features a brushed backing fabric that offers thermal insulation and comfort directly against the skin or over a base layer, providing immediate warmth as soon as you put it on.

Is there enough room to wear a hoodie underneath?

Yes, the sizing is tailored for angling, leaving enough room for a standard hoodie or fleece underneath. However, if you fall right on the upper border of a chest measurement size and plan on heavy winter layering beneath it, consider sizing up for maximum comfort.