Quick Facts
- Materials: 3-Layer Toray® Soft Shell with a specialized waterproof/breathable membrane.
- Waterproofing: Rated at 20,000mm, featuring fully gasket-sealed zippers and a DWR finish that withstands prolonged exposure.
- Wind Protection: Laboratory and field-tested to provide 100% wind protection against sustained gusts exceeding 50 mph.
- Acoustics: High-performance soft shell face fabric engineered for silent movement, making it ideal for close-quarter stalking.
- Design: Women-specific athletic cut with asymmetrical cuffs and six terrain-specific camouflage patterns.
Introduction: The Holy Grail of Silent Weatherproofing
In my decade of reviewing high-performance outdoor gear, I have encountered a persistent trade-off that hunters have simply learned to accept: the "Crinkle Tax." Historically, if you wanted a jacket that was truly waterproof and windproof, you had to endure the metallic rustle of a hardshell. Conversely, if you wanted silence for a late-season stalk, you sacrificed weather protection for fleece or soft-pile fabrics that soak up rain like a sponge.
FORLOH’s AllClima Soft Shell Jacket arrives in 2025 as a direct challenge to this compromise. After extensive testing in some of the most unforgiving environments in the American West, I can confidently state that the AllClima is perhaps the best women’s hunting jacket of 2025 for those who refuse to choose between stealth and survival.
Is the FORLOH AllClima jacket waterproof? The short answer is a definitive yes. While many "soft shells" are merely water-resistant, the AllClima utilizes a 3-layer construction and gasket-sealed zippers that kept me bone-dry even when lying prone in wet grass and slushy snow for over an hour. It bridges the gap between a traditional rain shell and a quiet mid-layer, creating a "workhorse" category of its own.
Field Test Conditions: Montana Badlands to Pacific Northwest
To truly vet a piece of gear with this price point, a casual hike won't suffice. I took the AllClima through a gauntlet of environments ranging from the wind-scoured ridges of the Montana Badlands to the vertical, rain-drenched timber of the Pacific Northwest.
The jacket was subjected to 50+ mph gusts, sideways sleet, and the abrasive scrub of high-desert terrain. In these conditions, the AllClima ceased being a mere piece of clothing and became a critical component of my kit. This is a midweight shell designed for high-activity hunts where internal moisture management (breathability) is just as important as external protection.
Core Performance: Weather Resistance Meets Stealth
Moving from material to mechanics, the technical prowess of the AllClima is rooted in its 3L Toray® fabric. Most hunters are familiar with the "crunch" of a GORE-TEX hardshell; here, FORLOH has opted for a face fabric that feels more like a brushed knit but performs like a fortress.
100% Wind Protection
In my testing, the jacket acted as a high-performance windbreak. During a particularly brutal afternoon on an exposed ridge in Montana, the AllClima provided 100% wind protection against sustained 50+ mph gusts. While the wind was literally pushing me off my glassing point, my core temperature remained stable. This is where the AllClima separates itself from cheaper alternatives—the membrane doesn't just "resist" wind; it stops it entirely.
Waterproof Integrity
The "prone position" test is the ultimate decider for hunting gear. I spent 60 minutes lying in wet snow to glass a canyon. Thanks to the gasket-sealed zippers—which lack the bulky storm flaps that often get caught—water stayed out. The 20k/20k rating is not just a marketing number; it represents a level of hydrostatic head pressure that handles everything short of a tropical monsoon.
The Stealth Factor
Is the FORLOH AllClima jacket quiet enough for stalking? Beyond the fabric, the real surprise was the silence. The soft shell material is specifically designed to be silent during movement. Even when your arms brush against your torso during a rapid draw or a crawl through thick brush, the acoustic profile is negligible. It balances technical weather protection with the stealth required for archery or close-range rifle hunts.
Design & Ergonomics: Built for the Female Hunter
One of the most frequent complaints I hear from female hunters is that "women’s gear" is often just a downsized, pink-washed version of men’s patterns. FORLOH avoids this pitfall entirely. The AllClima is anatomically cut for a woman’s frame, providing room in the chest and hips without the "garbage bag" puffiness found in unisex designs.
Asymmetrical Wrist Cuffs
This is a standout feature that I initially dismissed as a gimmick. However, the asymmetrical design—where the cuff is longer on the back of the hand and shorter on the palm—is brilliant. It provides extra warmth and protection while keeping the palm area clear for a secure grip on a bow or rifle. It also makes field dressing much cleaner, as there is less loose fabric to get in the way.
Camo Versatility & Hood Mechanics
The jacket is available in 6 distinct camouflage patterns, engineered for diverse environments. During my tests, the 'Exposed' pattern excelled in rocky mountain terrain, while the 'Deep Cover' was indispensable in the dense greenery of the Pacific Northwest. The hood is equally well-thought-out, featuring a three-way adjustment system that allows it to move with your head rather than blocking your peripheral vision—a common flaw in heavy hunting shells.
Functional Pros & Cons: The Honest Verdict
No piece of gear is perfect, and my role is to provide a balanced analysis. While the AllClima is a top-tier contender, there are nuances to consider before investing.
The Highlights:
- Ventilation: The underarm vent zips are the "Goldilocks" length—not so long that they compromise the structure, but long enough to dump heat rapidly during a steep ascent.
- Hardware: The zippers are remarkably smooth, even when operated with gloved hands or when coated in light frost.
- Durability: After pushing through miles of buckbrush, there were no visible snags or pilling on the face fabric.
Room for Improvement:
- Pocket Dimensions: For users with an iPhone Pro Max or larger GPS units, the chest pockets can feel a bit snug. If you're wearing a binocular harness, access to these pockets can be slightly restricted.
- Interior Netting: While breathable, the interior mesh netting requires care. I found that Velcro from my mid-layers could occasionally snag the mesh if I wasn't careful when layering down.
How does the FORLOH AllClima perform in wind? It is, quite simply, a vault. If your hunts involve high-altitude glassing where the wind chill can turn a mild day into a dangerous one, this jacket’s ability to neutralize air movement is its greatest asset.
Technical Specifications & Comparison
For the data-driven hunter, the specs of the AllClima place it squarely at the top of the market. Here is how the technical details break down:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 3-Layer Toray® Soft Shell |
| Waterproof Rating | 20,000mm |
| Breathability Rating | 20,000g/m² |
| Wind Protection | 100% Windproof |
| Weight | Approx. 22 oz (Size M) |
| Patterns | 6 (Exposed, Deep Cover, Snowfall, etc.) |
| Country of Origin | Made in the USA |
When compared to the KUIU Guide Pro or the Sitka Fanatic, the FORLOH AllClima offers a superior balance of waterproofing. While the KUIU is exceptionally breathable, it lacks the full waterproof membrane of the AllClima. The Sitka is incredibly warm but often more specialized for stationary tree-stand hunting. The AllClima is the superior "all-rounder."
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
The FORLOH AllClima Soft Shell Jacket is an investment in your ability to stay in the field longer. At this price point, you are paying for the 3L Toray® technology and the peace of mind that comes with 100% wind protection.
It is best suited for the active hunter—the woman who is hiking four miles before dawn, glassing in the wind, and stalking through damp timber. It is a true midweight workhorse that replaces the need for both a dedicated rain jacket and a noisy windbreaker. From early-season elk in the high country to late-season stationary sits with proper layering, its versatility is unmatched in the 2025 market.
If you are tired of the "Crinkle Tax" and need a shell that works as hard as you do, the AllClima is, in my professional opinion, the gold standard for the modern female hunter.
FAQ
Can I use the AllClima for tree-stand hunting in sub-zero temperatures? Yes, but only as part of a layering system. The AllClima is a shell, not an insulated parka. For sub-zero sits, you should pair it with a high-loft down mid-layer (like the FORLOH 800-fill down) and a heavy wool base layer. Its windproofing will keep the heat trapped, but it doesn't provide the insulation on its own.
How do I wash the FORLOH AllClima to maintain its waterproofing? Use a technical wash (like Nikwax) and avoid standard detergents or fabric softeners, which can clog the membrane and strip the DWR. Tumble dry on low to "reactivate" the water-repellent coating on the face fabric.
Is the sizing true to fit? The AllClima has an "athletic cut," meaning it's designed to be streamlined. If you plan on wearing multiple thick layers underneath, I recommend sizing up. However, for a standard base layer and light fleece, your usual size should provide a perfect, non-bulky fit.
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