The Rab Downpour Mild is a minimalist, packable rain shell that punches above its weight for fast-and-light missions, every day commuting, and shoulder-season climbing. It trims nonessential options with out sacrificing the core wants: dependable waterproofing, first rate breathability, and a snug match that layers effectively. Weighing in at 7.7 oz, it’s lower than an oz heavier than the favored Out of doors Analysis Helium Rain Jacket, however a lot nicer, with hipbelt-compatible aspect pockets, velcro wrist cuffs, and a comfortable exterior material that’s rather more snug to put on.
- Weight: 7.7 oz in a Males’s L (Girls’s obtainable too)
- Kind: 2.5L Waterproof/breathable
- Hood Adjustment: One-way quantity adjustment
- Hip-belt suitable hand pockets: Sure
- Pit-Zips: No
- Velcro-Wrist cuffs: Sure
- Packable: Sure, it suits in a hand pocket, however the zipper isn’t reversible
- Sizing: Athletic, think about sizing
- Supplies: 20-denier Proflex 2.5-layer stretch membrane
- Execs: Very light-weight, hipbelt-compatible pockets, packs small, velcro wrist cuffs
- Cons: No pit-zips
Construct and supplies
The jacket makes use of a 2.5-layer Protex material (a PU membrane sandwiched between two layers of material) that retains weight and bulk low whereas offering strong waterproof efficiency. The face material feels comfortable and versatile somewhat than crinkly, so it’s quieter and rather more snug than many ultralight shells. The within has the standard printed half-layer sample to guard the membrane from clammy pores and skin and cut back stick. The seams are absolutely taped, and the DWR sheds gentle to reasonable rain successfully. In true downpours, it holds up, however you’ll finally really feel that “humid greenhouse” impact widespread to 2.5-layer shells; it’s the trade-off for protecting issues gentle and compressible.
Match and luxury
Rab’s match right here is athletic however not skin-tight. There’s sufficient room for a light-weight midlayer with out feeling boxy. Greater than that, and also you’ll wish to measurement up. The hem size is sensible—lengthy sufficient to maintain rain off the waistband, quick sufficient to remain out of the way in which when transferring rapidly. The articulated sleeves and underarm patterning permit full attain with minimal hem elevate, a element you respect on scrambles or when inserting poles. The tricot chin guard and comfortable inside print preserve it snug towards naked pores and skin.
Options
Because the title suggests, the Downpour Mild retains the characteristic set lean however considerate. Remember that Rab relies within the UK, the place they know find out how to make a good rain jacket.
- One-way adjustable hood with a laminated brim: It cinches in again effectively to measurement to your head, giving good peripheral imaginative and prescient. It’s not a helmet-compatible storm hood, and also you’ll wish to use it with a billed cap when you’ve got glasses.
- Two hand pockets with water resistant YKK Aquaguard zippers that sit excessive sufficient to overlook a hipbelt on most packs.
- Hem and wrist cuff adjustability: Easy drawcord hem and hook-and-loop cuffs seal out drafts.
- Most important zip: Water resistant YKK Aquaguard zipper with an inside storm flap. Operates easily with out snagging continuously.
Breathability and air flow
The Downpour Lite’s breathability is respectable for brisk hikes and mixed-output days. If you happen to’re path operating or pushing uphill with a heavy pack, you’ll wish to handle layers and crack the pockets for further airflow. The absence of devoted pit zips retains weight down however reduces dump-venting choices. If high-exertion breathability is your prime precedence, you could want a barely heavier shell with pit zips.
Weight and packability
The Downpour Mild disappears into its personal pocket or stuffs simply right into a pack lid. For journey and “just-in-case” climate insurance coverage, it’s wonderful. It’s additionally a powerful commuter piece, slipping over road garments with out feeling stiff or plasticky.
Sturdiness
As with most ultralight 2.5-layer shells, abrasion resistance is nice for its class however not rugged. Brush and occasional scrambling are high quality; sustained contact with granite or heavy bushwhacking will speed up put on or destroy it fully. Hold it for trails, city, and lighter above-treeline days.
Who it’s for:
- Runners and fast-packers who prioritize weight and packability over most venting.
- Hikers and vacationers who desire a dependable, compact shell for variable climate.
- Commuters needing a quiet, unobtrusive rain layer.
Suggestion
The Rab Downpour Mild 2.5-layer Rain Jacket balances price, weight, and efficiency extraordinarily effectively. Weighing simply 7.7 oz, it’s solely a smidge heavier than the OR Helium Rain Jacket however has hipbelt-compatible handwarmer pockets with YKK Aquaguard Zippers, which is an actual worth add within the pouring rain as a result of it means you possibly can hike together with your arms in your pockets or entry objects in them with out taking off your pack. The close-fitting hood will be adjusted round your crown and face with a single hand pull, and incorporates a entrance invoice in order that drizzle doesn’t prohibit your imaginative and prescient or soak a billed cap. Seal out the weather utilizing the low-profile velcro cuff changes, and the articulated sleeves permit a full vary of arm motion. It’s important to hand it to the Brits (England); they know find out how to make rain jackets.
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