Rab Downpour Alpine Jacket Review

Rab’s new Kinetic Alpine jacket toes the line between rain jacket and hardshell with a minimalist design specifically designed for climbing. It features a helmet-compatible hood and YKK Aquaguard zippers backed by storm flaps.

The Kinetic Alpine 2.0 uses Proflex fabric, a hybrid construction that blends hardshell and softshell fabrics in high-exposure areas like the hood and arms. It has a 10K waterproof rating and is competitively priced for hikers, backpackers, and climbers who prioritize weather protection.

Waterproof

As a sustainable brand, Rab uses recycled 2.5-layer Pertex Revolve fabric for the face and membrane of this jacket. It is treated with a durable water-repellent that is fluorocarbon-free, an essential feature in a rain jacket.

Despite its weight, it can withstand heavy rains with a hydrostatic head rating of 20,000mm. The jacket’s hood and hem are both adjustable for a secure fit. It also has YKK pit zips that help to vent body heat and water vapor.

Like their more expensive competition, Rab’s Kinetic Alpine 2.0 jacket is built for hikers, backpackers, and climbers who prioritize weather protection. The Proflex fabric is thin but tough, and the stretch helps it resist abrasions. It also has a helmet-compatible hood, velcro cuff adjustments, and thoughtful fabric reinforcements in high-wear areas.

Breathable

The jacket has plenty of ventilation to keep sweat at bay. It has pit zips, hip-belt-compatible pockets, and velcro wrist cuffs. It also has a human-sized helmet-compatible hood. The fit is a little snug, but that’s usually true with quality rain jackets.

As a 2.5-layer membrane jacket, the Rab Downpour is designed to handle harsh conditions. We tested it on a weekend hill walking trek and found it performed admirably, only getting slightly damp in the most exposed areas.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Rab Downpour is its construction. Rather than using conventional waterproof breathable face fabric, Rab has gone with a mono-material laminate that uses recycled polyester for both the face and membrane layers. This makes it much easier to recycle than a traditional multi-material waterproof. It also enables the Downpour to offer breathability that exceeds many other 2.5-layer waterproof jackets. It is a perfect option for those seeking an environmentally conscious yet high-performance rain jacket.

Comfortable

Designed for hiking, this rain jacket has all the features hikers need, like a human-sized, non-helmet-compatible hood and pit zips. It also has hip belt-compatible pockets and velcro wrist cuffs.

Its durable nylon face fabric is treated with ceramic print for added wear resistance. It also offers a high level of breathability for the price.

The Rab Downpour Alpine Jacket is excellent for soggy weekend escapades or mountain walks in the hills. The lightweight fabrics, helmet-compatible hood, and velcro wrist cuffs help it adapt to changing conditions while retaining comfort and mobility. The jacket has good waterproof protection for its price, and its eco-oriented design is a bonus.

Lightweight

If you take a chance on the weather on your next mountain hike, it pays to have an adaptable waterproof jacket that can adjust to what Mother Nature throws at you. Rab’s Downpour Eco aims to do exactly that with its light and packable design.

Like other Rab rain jackets, it uses a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield membrane to protect you from the elements. This fabric is also thin and pliable, making it super lightweight while providing good moisture-wicking performance.

Rab’s Downpour Eco includes several hiking-centric features, including a two-way adjustable helmet-compatible hood, pit zips, and velcro wrist cuff adjustments. The jacket is also built with thoughtful fabric reinforcements in high-wear areas around the shoulders and arms, where backpack straps can rub against the coat.

If you want even more lightweight protection, check out the Kinetic Alpine 2.0, which uses the same Proflex fabric and a similar design but streamlines the features that hikers love most (including a fewer-featherweight helmet-compatible hood). Or, for a hardshell option, consider Arc’teryx’s heralded Beta LT.