2013 Outdoor Retailer Show - Rab

It’s hard to believe it’s been that long but the first time I came across the Rab line of outdoor clothing and sleeping bags was during a climbing trip to New Zealand in 1995. I specifically remember the sleeping bags and puffy jackets. They were super clean and the shell material was curiously lighter weight than what I was used to. Americans had no access to the brand since I’m nearly positive Rab had no market penetration in the states. But the products left an indelible impression on me ever since.

Over the last few years, I’ve seen a growing presence from Rab in the states. I don’t know when they committed to building the market here but they’re doing it with a fantastic line of super clean, stylish and, most important for me, light weight clothing for climbing and skiing.

One trip through any well-stocked gear store and it’s clear that there are too many choices for outerwear. All the major brands cover most needs for climbers and skiers. I frequently cruise the racks, handling the fabrics and occasionally trying stuff on just to keep current. God knows I don’t really need more clothes but one never knows, right? And invariably during the forays, my probing always seems to gravitate towards Rab.

The styling is cool so that piques my interest. Then the fit and feel of the fabrics cements my conviction. The fit is slim, for sure, so you better get off the beer recovery drink program if you want to don these togs. No room for your shameless gut. But your efforts will be rewarded with long-enough sleeves and a waist cut that’ll stay under a harness and keep snow out of your butt crack.

Rab stays up to date on current textile technology and applies it in unique ways, constantly updating designs and features of the line. They also seem to remain true to tested designs and simply expand the features rather than starting from scratch. This maintains a loyal fan base.     

After years of admiring from afar I finally stepped up and took my first hit of this clothing crack cocaine. I’m not sure if there are any Rab 12-step programs but I’m gonna need an intervention at some point. The monkey is clearly on my back.

First of all, I don’t want readers to be misled by my lightweight leanings. Rab covers me better than most in this department but also has beefier/warmer options for climbers moving more slowly in difficult terrain where chilly belays are expected. But this post will cover pieces more appropriate to my passion of high-output movement on moderate terrain. Check out all the goods here.

At the end of last season, when I was looking for a light shell to ski in during the warmer spring months, I came across Rab’s Boreas shell. I’d never come across anything quite like it. The light fabric had a stretchy, soft hand that I knew would be perfect for high output skimo. I’ve got a +3 ape index so sleeves are rarely long enough for me. But this shell had length in spades and a cool stretch at the cuff to push them up my forearms when I wanted less coverage. The Boreas has become my go-to shell for running and skiing.

Excited by this garment, I was interested in seeing their whole line up and was fortunate to spend some time with their Marketing Manager, getting a more in-depth scoop on the rest of their offerings. Each piece holds interest for me. Some very innovative fabrics and insulations are in play, a few developed and tested by military end-users.

My favorites are step-ups in protection and warmth from the Boreas. I tend to run warm even in cold weather and since I rarely stop, I dress lightly. That said, there were a few days in AK last year where I left the car in a puffy and even tried hand warmers in my gloves. That’s freakin’ cold!

First is the Zephyr (323 grams), which is basically a beefed up Boreas with a full-zip and stouter fabric on the wear portions of the sleeves and finished cuffs. A couple of slash pockets and a more fitted hood complete the picture. This adds 54 grams compared to the Boreas (269 grams).

Moving up the protection/warmth scale, the Strata Hoody uses different shell material and the innovative Polartec Alpha insulation and may be my go-to top for those cold days where a puffy is mandatory out of the car but quickly becomes too warm once out of the inversion. Polartec Alpha orients the fibers of the insulation in such a way that breathability is significantly improved giving the garment a much wider temperature range than traditional puffies of similar warmth. This versatility comes at a modest weight penalty, with the jacket coming in at 459 grams versus 351 grams for their other light puffy, the Xenon. Nonetheless, I can see skinning all day in the Strata on chilly North-facing aspects and then ripping skins and hitting the line without transitioning to another garment for the run.

So, these selections represent the best from Rab for light and fast travel in the mountains. Like I said before, they have a full line of more robust pieces appropriate for high abrasion climbing or simply more relaxed pacing. Whatever your goal, they’ve got you covered. And while you’re checking out that stuff, be sure to see the rest of their innovative sleeping bags, shelters and expedition equipment.