Waterproof Jackets

Rab Firewall Light | Review

Highly technical, lightweight, and supple waterproof jacket made for walking hills in a mixed range of conditions

The Rab Firewall has been a popular jacket with hillwalkers, hikers, and mountaineers thanks to its fuss-free, versatile design. Now, Rab has developed the design to produce a version of it that’s lighter and more packable.

The Firewall Light weighs 313g compared to the original’s 429g, so there is a considerable weight saving but, as I’ve found, without a loss of performance and comfort. The Firewall Light is packable, highly protective and comfortable to wear. It is made from a 3-layer Proflex waterproof shell which is hardy against the elements and makes this jacket the ideal companion for hitting the trail in mixed conditions.

Our tester using the Firewall in the Welsh hills. Photos: Dave Macfarlane

Comfort, lightweight and performance are top priorities, and I found the Firewall delivers on all aspects. The jacket comes in sizes 8 to 16 and in four different colours including this Tuscan Red as well as Green Slate, Tempest Blue and Anthracite.

Materials

The Rab Firewall Light jacket is made from Rab’s own 20 denier 3-layer Proflex fabric which is both versatile and highly protective. Constructed from a highly flexible hydrophilic membrane, the fabric is breathable, with a MVTR breathability rating of 20,000, and combines the performance and protection of a hardshell with the stretch and feel of a softshell.

The key to its performance and comfort is the combination of a high gauge knitted softshell outer fabric and a high-wicking knitted lining. The inner wicks away sweat and moisture while the outer protects from the elements. The fabric also has a fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent which has a 20,000m hydrostatic head rating, so it doesn’t use harmful ‘forever’ chemicals in its waterproofing and can withstand heavy rain.

Features

The jacket’s weight-saving design means it has all the key features for a robust, streamlined, and durable waterproof jacket. The hood has a stiffened peak and a single-handed hood cinch to shield away the elements and for a closer fit in wild conditions.

There are two external zipped hand pockets which are positioned so they are easily accessible when wearing a backpack, and the centre front zip has a lined chin guard for added comfort.

The zips are YKK AquaGuard which I found successfully blocks any water getting in. The sleeves are also noteworthy as they are articulated, which means there is extra fabric where you need for excellent freedom of movement, particularly when scrambling.

The extended cuffs also help provide additional coverage, and are adjustable for added wind protection while the dual-sided rear hem adjustment optimises the fit and keeps the wind out.

Verdict

I tried a size L and am a tall size 12 woman and found the jacket to be the perfect fit. It is comfortable, flattering and cut in all the right places, the arms are a decent length and the various adjustable mechanisms make it easy to tweak the jacket’s fit where necessary.

I would like an inner pocket for valuables, but I’m being picky because ultimately the Firewall Light jacket is incredibly useful and it’s become a firm staple in my wardrobe. If you are looking for a robust, breathable, and lightweight waterproof jacket, the Rab Firewall Light would be a worthwhile investment.

What I liked: Lightweight, comfortable and stretchy fabric, good hood
What I didn’t like: An internal pocket would be useful.