Rab Waterproof Jackets

Rab is a renowned British outdoor clothing and equipment brand founded in 1981 by climber Rab Carrington. Based in Derbyshire, England, Rab has over 40 years of experience designing performance apparel and gear for mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. Rab is known for its innovative, functional designs using cutting-edge fabrics and technology to create durable, weather-resistant garments. One of Rab's most popular product lines is their range of waterproof jackets. Rab Carrington designed his first waterproof jacket in the 1970s using a cotton Ventile shell. Ventile was one of the first fabrics engineered specifically for weather resistance outdoors. Rab continued to experiment with new waterproof fabrics and membranes from companies like Gore-Tex and Pertex throughout the 80s and 90s. Key innovations included adding insulation for colder conditions and optimising jacket designs for mountain climbing and alpine pursuits. Rab released early successes like the Ridge Raider jacket in the 1980s and the Latok Alpine jacket in the 1990s. Both became acclaimed alpine shells. In recent decades, Rab has continued improving waterproof breathability, stretch, and environmental sustainability. The Neutrino Endurance Rab waterproof jacket released in 2009 was an award-winning lightweight fully waterproof alpine shell. The Bergan and Myriad jackets introduced more renewable fabrics using Pertex Shield+ and Rab's Proflex treatments. Rab keeps innovating waterproofing for the optimal balance of protection, breathability, mobility and comfort across its outdoor jacket range.

Rab Waterproof Jackets' Fabrics and Technologies

Rab waterproof jackets incorporate a range of proprietary and partner fabric technologies engineered to balance breathability with weather protection, including:

GORE-TEX

GORE-TEX fabrics and membranes are the gold standard for guaranteed waterproofing combined with breathable performance. They are used across Rab's hiking, mountaineering and alpine jacket models to provide reliable moisture protection and comfort. GORE-TEX membranes have over 9 billion pores per square inch, each 20,000 smaller than a water droplet, allowing perspiration vapour to exit while preventing exterior moisture from entering. Rab frequently uses GORE-TEX Pro and GORE-TEX Active for more lightweight designs. GORE-TEX Pro provides the maximum ruggedness and weather protection required for extreme alpine conditions and challenging expeditions. GORE-TEX Active offers a thinner, softer fabric that maintains waterproofing while enhancing packability and mobility. Across wet, high-energy activities, Rab trusts GORE-TEX technology to keep wearers shielded from external dampness while enabling interior vapour to escape.

Pertex Shield+

Pertex Shield+ is Rab's proprietary waterproof breathable fabric utilising a microporous coating that allows moisture vapor from sweat and respiration to escape outward while reliably preventing external water and wind from penetrating inward. This enables excellent breathability ratings that prevent interior condensation and clamminess during strenuous activity in wet conditions. Pertex Shield+ is used across Rab hiking and mountaineering jackets when reliable weather protection must be balanced with ventilation and freedom of movement. It manages moisture well for aerobic pursuits like fastpacking, peak bagging, and alpine rock climbing. The lamination process also gives Pertex Shield+ a soft, quiet feel against baselayers. Importantly, Rab's application process and fabric treatments create a high level of breathability and weather resistance without using harmful PFCs (perfluorinated compounds), supporting Rab's strong commitment to sustainability. For all-around weather protection with strong eco-credentials, Pertex Shield+ is an ideal choice.

eVent

The eVent membrane fabric used in Rab's Latok Alpine jacket and other technical alpine shells provides guaranteed waterproofness paired with an air-permeable membrane that allows constant outward airflow. This enables superior breathability and ventilation essential for vigorous activity in harsh weather. eVent scored over 20,000 g/m2/24hr in breathability testing compared to 5,000-10,000 for standard waterproof fabrics. This level of airflow prevents interior water vapour from accumulating into sweat and condensation. eVent's three-layer construction sandwiches the eVent membrane between a durable water-repellent treated outer layer and a protective inner lining. This optimises weather resistance exteriorly while wicking moisture from the inside. Articulated patterning preserves mobility. Rab uses eVent in garments like the Latok Alpine jacket designed for severe alpine storms, climbing frozen waterfalls, or other highly aerobic activities where keeping the wearer dry inside and out is critical. For these intense pursuits, eVent sets the benchmark for breathable waterproof performance.

Polartec NeoShell

Polartec NeoShell represents the state of the art in highly breathable waterproof fabrics. This unique material achieves unmatched air permeability through a patent-pending electrospinning process. Instead of laminating NeoShell under pressure or using glues, the individual fibres are spun into a unified fabric. The gaps between these fibres act as microscopic pores for continuous airflow, enabling extreme breathability. However, the fibers integrate into a cohesive weatherproof barrier keeping external water and wind out. Rab uses NeoShell selectively in garments engineered for the most aerobic mountain activities where humidity management is paramount. For example, the minimalist Rab Velocity jacket employs Polartec NeoShell fabric combined with stretch panels to create an unrestrictive shell layer ideal for alpine running and peak ascents. By combining NeoShell with strategic ventilation openings and athletic patterning, Rab makes waterproof jackets that maximise airflow for high-energy training and climbing in wet environments.

Proflex

Proflex is Rab's proprietary waterproof breathable fabric incorporating eVent air permeable membrane technology for elite performance. Proflex was engineered to provide the ultimate balance between guaranteed weather resistance and incredible breathability critical for aerobic alpine sports. The Proflex material enables Rab to tune membrane placement, adhesive methods, face textiles and laminate construction for optimised results. Unique Proflex fabrics like Proflex ECO use recycled and bluesign-approved materials to pair high-functioning performance with sustainability. Proflex LT incorporates elastane and innovative patterns to create exceptional stretch and mobility while retaining waterproofness. Rab uses Proflex across their mountain apparel when alpine athletes need protection from the elements paired with incredible airflow and unrestricted movement. Pieces like the Rab Torque jacket with Proflex LT fabric provide perfect weatherproof breathability for rock climbers, mountaineers and backcountry skiers who need reliable environmental barriers without sacrificing ventilation or flexibility. Through total control of material sourcing and assembly, Rab's Proflex enables the highest levels of breathable waterproof function.

Durable Water Repellant (DWR)

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent, a chemical treatment applied to the exterior layer of waterproof breathable fabrics like those used across Rab's waterproof jackets. This specialised formula causes water to bead up into droplets atop the DWR-coated surface rather than soak in. This enables the outer face textile to shed rain, snow, sleet and moisture rather than becoming saturated and compromised. DWR enhances water resistance and breathability by preventing external moisture absorption while still allowing internal perspiration to evaporate outwards. However, DWR finishes are gradually depleted with abrasion and laundering. As the DWR layer wears off, exterior moisture will begin wetting through rather than beading up and rolling off. Once this occurs, it's important to restore DWR performance. Rab recommends using specific DWR revival products compatible with waterproof breathable fabrics. Reapply a DWR treatment whenever exterior moisture absorption occurs. Restoring DWR performance will extend the lifespan and weather resistance of your Rab waterproof outerwear.

Leading Rab Waterproof Jacket Models

Alpine Shells

• Latok Alpine Jacket → This award-winning Rab waterproof jacket provides robust 3-layer weather protection for mountaineering and climbing. Using eVent membrane fabric, the Latok offers guaranteed waterproofing along with extreme breathability. The helmet-compatible StormhoodTM seals out wind and weather while climbing or belaying. Articulated Polartec Power Shield Pro sleeves allow flexibility. Dual adjustable hem drawcords and Velcro cuff tabs seal in warmth while the high collar protects from wind. Durable YKK AquaGuard zips maintain water tightness. Available for men and women.

• Neutrino Endurance Jacket → The Neutrino Endurance jacket is an iconic award-winning Rab lightweight waterproof shell. Pertex Shield+ fabric allows exceptional waterproof breathability ratings for this minimalist layer. Fully adjustable helmet-compatible hood, collar, and hem seal out spindrift while climbing hardware-friendly pockets and loops secure gear. Athletic trim fit for alpine pursuits. Packs down small to stash until needed. Available for men and women.

Hiking and Trekking Jackets

• Bergan Jacket → This Rab waterproof jacket is an eco-friendly, highly breathable waterproof shell for hiking, trekking and urban use. Utilising Pertex Shield+ fabric, the Bergan has a reduced environmental impact while providing exceptional waterproofing and breathability. The lightweight fabric allows easy packing into its pocket. A relaxed fit gives room for layering along with mobility. The wired hood is helmet-compatible and the YKK AquaGuard zips keep water out. Men's and women's versions are available.

Insulated Technical Shells

• Muztag GTX Jacket → This fully insulated GORE-TEX shell provides heavyweight warmth and weather protection for frigid, icy environments. The brushed backer fleece liner adds insulation. Reinforced shoulders and hood brim hold up to abrasion and packs. PrimaLoft synthetic insulation traps heat while remaining compressible. For severe winter expeditions, the Muztag GTX delivers reliable GORE-TEX waterproof breathability beneath thick insulation. Men's and women's versions are available.