Rab Outdoor Gear

The story of Rab begins with Rab Carrington, a passionate climber and mountaineer from Sheffield, England. In 1981, Carrington founded the company that would bear his name, driven by a desire to create high-quality outdoor gear that could withstand the harshest conditions. Having spent years climbing in South America and Scotland, Carrington had firsthand experience of the limitations of existing equipment and saw an opportunity to innovate.

Rab's initial focus was on down sleeping bags, which Carrington crafted by hand in his attic. His expertise in working with down, combined with his understanding of the demands placed on gear in extreme environments, allowed him to produce exceptionally warm and lightweight bags. Word quickly spread among the climbing community about the quality of Rab's products, and demand began to grow.

As the company expanded, Carrington maintained his commitment to quality and performance. He sourced the finest materials available and employed skilled craftspeople to ensure that every product met his exacting standards. This dedication to excellence laid the foundation for Rab's reputation as a specialist in insulation and technical outdoor gear.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Rab expanded its product range beyond sleeping bags. The introduction of the iconic Rab jacket marked a significant milestone in the company's history. These jackets quickly gained popularity among climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for their exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and durability. The Rab down jacket, in particular, became synonymous with high-performance insulation.

During this period, Rab continued to innovate and refine its products. The company invested in research and development, exploring new materials and manufacturing techniques to improve the performance of its gear. This commitment to innovation led to the creation of products like the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket, which combined the warmth of down with a lightweight, packable design.

Rab also expanded its range to include a wider variety of outdoor clothing and equipment. The company introduced technical fleece layers, waterproof shells, and versatile mid-layers, catering to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts. This broader product range helped Rab establish itself as a comprehensive outdoor brand, capable of outfitting adventurers from head to toe.

As Rab's reputation for quality and performance grew, so did its global presence. The brand began to make inroads into international markets, gaining recognition among outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. This expansion brought new challenges, but Rab remained true to its core values of quality, functionality, and innovation.

In 2003, Rab was acquired by Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd, a move that provided the resources and infrastructure needed to support the brand's continued growth. This acquisition allowed Rab to invest further in research and development, leading to the creation of even more advanced materials and technologies.

Today, Rab is recognised as a leading manufacturer of outdoor gear and clothing, with a particular focus on mountain sports. The brand's product range has expanded to include everything from technical mountaineering equipment to everyday outdoor wear. Rab jackets remain a cornerstone of the brand's offerings, setting industry standards for performance and durability.

Despite its growth and success, Rab has maintained its commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. The company has implemented initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of recycled materials and the development of more sustainable production processes. This commitment to responsibility has further enhanced Rab's reputation in the outdoor community.

At the heart of Rab's jacket range is its expertise in insulation. The Rab down jacket has long been a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts for its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Rab's down jackets use high-quality, ethically sourced down, typically with fill powers ranging from 650 to 800+. This premium insulation provides excellent warmth while remaining incredibly lightweight and compressible.

One of the most popular models in this category is the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket. This versatile piece combines 750 fill power hydrophobic down with a lightweight, wind-resistant outer fabric. Its popularity stems from its ability to serve as a mid-layer in extreme cold or as an outer layer in milder conditions.

For more extreme conditions, Rab offers jackets like the Neutrino Pro, which features 800 fill power European goose down and a robust Pertex Quantum Pro outer fabric. These jackets are designed to withstand high-altitude mountaineering and polar expeditions, showcasing Rab's commitment to creating gear for the most demanding environments.

Rab has also innovated in the realm of synthetic insulation. Jackets like the Rab Xenon use PrimaLoft insulation, which offers excellent warmth even when wet. This makes them ideal for unpredictable weather conditions or activities where moisture management is crucial.

Understanding the importance of staying dry in challenging conditions, Rab has developed a range of high-performance Rab waterproof jackets. These jackets utilise advanced waterproof-breathable membranes to keep the wearer dry from both external moisture and internal perspiration.

The Rab Firewall Jacket is a prime example of this category. It uses Pertex Shield+ fabric to provide excellent protection against rain and wind while maintaining breathability. This versatile jacket is designed for a range of mountain activities, from hiking to skiing.

For those seeking a lighter option, the Rab Downpour Jacket offers reliable waterproof protection without the bulk. It's ideal for hiking and everyday use in unpredictable weather. Rab also offers more robust options like the Rab Valiance Jacket, which combines waterproof protection with down insulation, perfect for cold, wet conditions.

Recognising the importance of properly fitting gear for all users, Rab offers a comprehensive range of women’s Rab jackets. These jackets are designed with women-specific fits and features, ensuring optimal performance and comfort.

The Rab women’s jacket range includes all the key categories found in the men's line, from down jackets to waterproof shells. Popular models like the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket are available in women's versions, offering the same exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio with a fit tailored for women's body shapes.

Rab pays careful attention to the design of their women's jackets, considering factors such as different heat zones in the female body and the need for adjustability in certain areas. This attention to detail ensures that women can enjoy the same high-performance features as their male counterparts, without compromising on fit or comfort.

What sets Rab jackets apart is not just their insulation or waterproofing, but also the advanced technologies incorporated into each garment. Rab uses a variety of high-performance fabrics in their jackets, including Pertex Quantum, which offers excellent wind resistance and durability while remaining lightweight.

Many Rab jackets feature YKK zippers, known for their reliability even in challenging conditions. Articulated sleeves and ergonomic designs allow for a full range of motion, crucial for activities like climbing and skiing. Helmet-compatible hoods are common in Rab's more technical jackets, enhancing their versatility for mountaineering and climbing.

Rab has also developed proprietary technologies to enhance the performance of their jackets. For example, their Hydrophobic Down treatment allows down insulation to maintain its loft and insulating properties even in damp conditions, addressing one of the main drawbacks of traditional down insulation.

The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of recycled materials in many jackets. For instance, the latest version of the Microlight Alpine Jacket uses 100% recycled fabric for its outer and inner layers, as well as recycled down insulation.

While Rab jackets may be the brand's most recognisable products, their range of technical trousers and legwear is equally impressive. Rab trousers are designed to provide comfort, durability, and protection in a variety of environments, from alpine peaks to woodland trails.

The Rab trouser range includes softshell options that offer a balance of weather resistance, breathability, and freedom of movement. These are popular among climbers and hikers who need flexibility and protection from wind and light precipitation. For more extreme conditions, Rab produces fully waterproof trousers that use similar technologies to their waterproof jackets, ensuring complete protection in heavy rain or snow.

For cold weather activities, Rab offers insulated trousers filled with either down or synthetic insulation. These are essential for high-altitude mountaineering and polar expeditions, providing crucial warmth for the lower body. Rab also produces specialised climbing trousers with reinforced knees and seats, as well as articulated designs for unrestricted movement on rock or ice.

The attention to detail in Rab's trouser design is evident in features such as integrated belts, multiple pockets for storage, and ankle zips for easy fitting over boots. Many models also incorporate stretch panels in key areas to enhance mobility, reflecting Rab's understanding of the demands placed on gear during outdoor activities.

Effective layering is crucial for comfort and performance in outdoor activities, and Rab's range of base layers and mid layers provides the foundation for a versatile clothing system. Rab's base layers are designed to sit next to the skin, wicking moisture away to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

Rab offers base layers in both natural and synthetic materials. Their merino wool base layers provide excellent temperature regulation and odour resistance, making them perfect for multi-day trips. For high-intensity activities, Rab's synthetic base layers offer superior moisture-wicking properties and quick-drying performance.

In the mid layer category, Rab fleece garments are a popular choice. Rab fleeces range from lightweight, breathable options for high-output activities to more robust, wind-resistant designs for colder conditions. The Rab fleece range incorporates advanced fabrics like Polartec, known for their excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and moisture management properties.

For additional warmth without bulk, Rab produces a range of insulated mid layers. The Rab gilet, or insulated vest, is a versatile piece that provides core warmth while allowing unrestricted arm movement. These gilets are available in both down and synthetic insulation options, catering to different needs and preferences.

To complement their clothing range, Rab produces a variety of accessories designed to enhance comfort and protection in the outdoors. These accessories play a crucial role in creating a complete outdoor kit, addressing the needs of every part of the body.

For head protection, Rab offers a range of hats and caps suitable for various conditions. The Rab beanie is a staple for cold weather, available in different styles and insulation levels to suit various activities and personal preferences. For sun protection, Rab produces caps and wide-brimmed hats designed specifically for outdoor use.

Hand protection is another area where Rab excels. The Rab glove range includes everything from lightweight liner gloves to heavily insulated mountaineering mitts. Many Rab gloves incorporate advanced materials like PrimaLoft insulation and Gore-Tex membranes, providing warmth and weather protection without sacrificing dexterity.

Rab also produces a range of gaiters, essential for keeping snow and debris out of boots during winter hiking and mountaineering. These gaiters are designed to be durable and easy to use, with features like front closures for easy on and off.

For post-activity comfort, Rab offers items like the Rab slippers. These insulated camp shoes provide warmth and comfort after a long day of outdoor activities, and are particularly popular among mountaineers and winter campers.

Rab's expertise in down products, which began with Rab Carrington's early sleeping bag designs, continues to shine in their current range of down sleeping bags. Rab sleeping bags are renowned for their exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, making them a favourite among backpackers, mountaineers, and polar explorers.

The Rab down sleeping bag range includes options for various temperature ratings and uses. The Neutrino range, for example, is designed for mountaineering and cold-weather camping. These bags use 800 fill power European goose down, providing excellent insulation in a lightweight, compressible package. The Neutrino 400, for instance, is suitable for temperatures down to -7°C while weighing just over 800 grams.

For more extreme conditions, Rab produces expedition-grade down sleeping bags capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -40°C. These bags feature additional insulation, draft tubes, and ergonomic hood designs to maximise warmth retention in the harshest environments.

Rab's commitment to sustainability is evident in their down sourcing practices. All down used in Rab sleeping bags is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), ensuring that it comes from birds that have not been subjected to unnecessary harm. Additionally, Rab treats their down with a hydrophobic coating, allowing it to maintain its loft and insulating properties even in damp conditions.

While down offers superior warmth-to-weight, synthetic insulation has advantages in damp conditions. Recognising this, Rab produces a range of synthetic sleeping bags that provide reliable warmth even when wet, making them ideal for unpredictable weather or humid environments.

The Rab Solar range exemplifies their synthetic offerings. These bags use Stratus synthetic insulation, which offers excellent warmth retention and quick-drying properties. The Solar 4, for example, is rated for temperatures down to -10°C, providing robust performance for three-season use.

For more moderate conditions, Rab offers the Ignition range. These synthetic bags strike a balance between performance and affordability, making them popular among backpackers and campers. The Ignition 3, suitable for temperatures down to -3°C, offers reliable performance for most three-season camping scenarios.

Rab's synthetic sleeping bags incorporate many of the same design features as their down counterparts, including ergonomic hoods, draft collars, and full-length zips for temperature regulation. The use of synthetic insulation also makes these bags easier to care for, as they can be machine washed without losing their insulating properties.

Rab incorporates several advanced technologies and design features into their sleeping bags to enhance performance and user comfort. One key feature is the differential cut, which uses a larger inner chamber than outer chamber, allowing the insulation to fully loft for maximum warmth.

Many Rab sleeping bags use Pertex fabrics for their outer shells, offering an excellent balance of weather resistance, breathability, and durability. The combination of these high-performance fabrics with Rab's insulation expertise results in sleeping bags that are not only warm but also resistant to wind and light moisture.

Rab's attention to detail is evident in features like the ergonomic hood design, which provides a close, comfortable fit around the head to maximise warmth retention. Internal collars and draft tubes along the zippers help prevent warm air from escaping when you move, while the trapezoidal baffle design keeps insulation in place for consistent warmth throughout the night.

For ease of use, many Rab sleeping bags feature two-way zips, allowing for ventilation options and making it easier to sit up in the bag. Some models also offer left and right-hand zip options, allowing bags to be zipped together for couples.

Rab also considers the importance of comfort in their sleeping bag designs. The foot boxes are shaped to allow natural foot position and provide extra space and insulation where it's needed. Many bags include internal stash pockets, useful for keeping small items like a headlamp or phone close at hand during the night.

While Rab may be best known for their clothing and sleeping bags, their range of Rab backpacks deserves equal attention. The Rab day pack range is designed to meet the needs of various outdoor pursuits, from short hikes to technical climbs. These packs combine comfort, functionality, and durability, reflecting Rab's commitment to high-performance gear.

The Skyline range exemplifies Rab's approach to day pack design. These lightweight packs are perfect for fast-moving mountain activities. The Skyline 30, for instance, weighs just 780g and features a body-hugging design for stability during technical scrambles or trail runs. It incorporates features like a removable waist belt, multiple attachment points for gear, and a hydration system compatible design.

For more general use, the Rab Aeon range offers versatile packs suitable for hiking, climbing, or everyday adventures. The Aeon 35 provides a good balance of capacity and features for day-long excursions. It includes a padded back panel for comfort, multiple access points to the main compartment, and external attachment points for trekking poles or ice axes.

Rab's day packs often incorporate technical features borrowed from their climbing heritage. Many models include rope attachment points, gear loops, and helmet carry systems, making them suitable for a variety of mountain sports. The use of durable, weather-resistant fabrics ensures these packs can withstand the rigours of outdoor use.

For longer trips and more demanding adventures, Rab offers a range of larger capacity backpacks. These packs are designed to carry heavier loads comfortably over extended periods, making them ideal for multi-day treks, mountaineering expeditions, and backcountry skiing trips.

The Rab Escape Tour range is tailored for trekking and backpacking trips. The Escape Tour 45+8, for example, offers a generous 45-litre main compartment with an additional 8-litre extension collar. This pack features Rab's Air Contour+ carry system, which includes a padded back panel and adjustable harness for optimal load distribution and comfort.

For more technical pursuits, Rab produces packs like those in the Ascent range. These packs are designed for alpine climbing and mountaineering, featuring a stripped-back design that prioritises weight savings and functionality. The Ascent 40 includes features like a removable bivy pad, multiple gear attachment points, and a reinforced ski carry system.

Following Rab's acquisition of Lowe Alpine, some backpacks feature this sub-brand. The Lowe Alpine Cholatse 65:75 is a fully-featured expedition pack suitable for extended trips. It incorporates Lowe Alpine's Axiom 5 back system, which offers excellent load transfer and adjustability for different torso lengths.

Rab's larger packs often include features like multiple access points to the main compartment, modular compression systems, and removable lid pockets that can be used as standalone daypacks. These thoughtful design elements enhance versatility and allow users to adapt their pack to different trip lengths and styles.

Rab incorporates several advanced technologies and materials into their backpacks to enhance performance and user comfort. Many Rab packs use MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) fabrics, which offer excellent weather resistance while remaining breathable. This helps to keep gear dry in wet conditions while preventing excessive heat build-up during high-exertion activities.

The back panels of Rab packs often feature thermoformed designs. These ergonomically shaped panels provide comfort and ventilation during extended wear, helping to reduce sweating and chafing. Some models incorporate aluminium frame sheets to provide structure and improve load transfer to the hips, particularly important in larger capacity packs.

Water resistance is a key consideration in backpack design, and Rab addresses this through the use of YKK Aquaguard zippers on many of their packs. These water-resistant zippers help to keep gear dry in wet conditions, providing an additional layer of protection beyond the pack's water-resistant fabric.

Most Rab backpacks are hydration system compatible, featuring internal sleeves and routing for hydration bladders. This allows users to stay hydrated on the move without needing to stop and remove water bottles from side pockets.

Rab's commitment to sustainability is evident across their product range, including their approach to materials and production processes. The company has made significant strides in incorporating sustainable materials into their products, reducing their environmental impact while maintaining the high performance standards for which they are known.

One key area of focus has been the use of recycled materials. Many Rab products now use recycled polyester and nylon, reducing reliance on virgin materials. For example, the latest version of the popular Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket uses 100% recycled outer fabric and lining, as well as recycled down insulation. This shift towards recycled materials extends across their product range, including backpacks, sleeping bags, and accessories.

Rab has also made a commitment to responsible down sourcing. All down used in Rab products is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), ensuring that it comes from birds that have not been subjected to unnecessary harm. This commitment extends to their supply chain, with Rab working closely with their suppliers to ensure ethical practices are maintained throughout the production process.

In terms of production processes, Rab is actively working to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes efforts to minimise water usage in dyeing processes, reduce energy consumption in manufacturing, and decrease packaging waste. The company has set ambitious targets for carbon reduction, aiming to align their operations with science-based targets for emissions reduction.

Rab is also transitioning to more sustainable water-repellent treatments. Many of their products now use PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments, reducing the environmental impact of their water-resistant gear. This shift reflects a broader industry trend towards more eco-friendly water repellency solutions.

Rab's commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass social responsibility and ethical manufacturing practices. The company is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, an independent organisation that works to improve conditions for workers in garment factories.

As part of their commitment to fair labour practices, Rab works closely with their manufacturing partners to ensure safe working conditions, fair wages, and opportunities for skill development. The company conducts regular audits of their suppliers to ensure compliance with their ethical standards and to identify areas for improvement.

Transparency is a key aspect of Rab's approach to ethical manufacturing. The company publishes information about their supply chain and manufacturing partners, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase. This transparency also helps to hold Rab accountable to their ethical commitments.

Rab's efforts in this area extend to the communities where their products are manufactured. The company supports various community initiatives in these areas, focusing on education, environmental protection, and economic development. This holistic approach to sustainability recognises the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues in the manufacturing process.

A key aspect of Rab's sustainability strategy is their focus on product longevity. By creating high-quality, durable products, Rab aims to reduce the need for frequent replacements, thereby minimising the overall environmental impact of their gear.

To support this approach, Rab offers repair services for their products. This allows customers to extend the life of their gear rather than replacing it when minor damage occurs. The company provides detailed care instructions for their products, helping users to maintain their gear properly and extend its usable life.

Rab also designs their products with repairability in mind. This includes using construction methods that allow for easier repairs and replacement of individual components. By making their products more repairable, Rab not only extends the life of their gear but also reduces waste and resource consumption.

In addition to repairs, Rab has implemented take-back schemes in some markets. These programmes allow customers to return old Rab gear for recycling or repurposing, further reducing the environmental impact of their products at the end of their usable life.

Through these various initiatives, Rab demonstrates a comprehensive approach to sustainability that considers the entire lifecycle of their products. From the sourcing of materials and manufacturing processes to product use and end-of-life considerations, Rab is working to minimise their environmental impact and promote responsible consumption in the outdoor industry.