Outdoors Gear, Equipment, News, Reviews, Forums, Walking Routes and More at OutdoorsMagic.com

Waterproof Jackets

Rab Latok Mountain Gore-tex Pro | Review

Chosen for our Greener Gear Guide, this alpine shell from Rab uses the latest version of Gore-tex Pro. Here's how we got on with it.

This new jacket from Rab has a lot to like about it from a performance perspective, but there are also some very admirable aspects on the sustainability front too. That’s why it’s one of only a select few items this year to make it into our Greener Gear Guide

Rab Latok Mountain Gore-tex Pro: The Top Line

Rab know what they’re doing when it comes to waterproof clothing. This is a jacket that’s designed for very harsh conditions, but it’s also surprisingly light and packable too. It’s one of the first waterproof jackets out there to use the latest version of Gore-tex Pro fabric, which contains no PFAS chemicals. 

Pros: Durable and protective but still light and packable, good eco aspects, lots of mountain-focussed details.
Cons: Some might be disappointed by its lack of handwarmer pockets.

Buy the Rab Latok Mountain Gore-tex Pro:  £480 at Ellis-brigham.com

How I Tested It

I’ve managed to test this throughout spring and summer this year, wearing it during a number of forays into the Welsh mountains while surveying routes for a new guidebook I’m working on. I’ve also used it on wet walks around my local area and on a sunny trip to the Lake District’s fells where it was mainly the breathability that was tested and not the weatherproofing! 

I haven’t managed to test it out in harsh winter conditions yet, but I’ll come back and update this review when I have. My hunch is that it’ll be well up to the task there. 

Materials

A couple of years ago, Gore-Tex launched a big overhaul of their fabrics by developing new fluorine-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatments to maintain waterproof performance while eliminating toxic substances. This phasing out hadn’t reached the top spec Gore-Tex Pro fabrics – until now. Rab are in fact one of the first brands given access to the new fluorine-free Gore-Tex Pro membrane, thus marking a major step toward fully sustainable, high-performance waterproof gear.

OM editor Will using the Rab Latok Mountain Gore-tex Pro in the Lake District. Photos: Dave Macfarlane.

What’s the new Gore-tex Pro fabric like then? Well, the short answer is that it’s a bit different to the previous version. First of all, it feels lighter, less crinkly and rustly than its predecessor. It’s hard to give a quantifiable assessment of the durability, but I’d say it feels no less durable. I’d say the same goes for the weatherproofing as well – it’s a reassuringly bombproof layer to help you handle the nasty stuff. 

The main difference is in the levels of aftercare required. Things are about to get a bit nerdy here so buckle up.

Older versions of Gore-Tex Pro used powerful, longer-chain (C8) PFAS chemicals that helped waterproof jackets repel moisture more effectively and for longer periods. Over the last decade, the industry shifted to short-chain PFAS, specifically C6-based fluorocarbon compounds, which are generally less environmentally persistent while maintaining strong water-repellent performance.

Now, with Gore-Tex beginning to totally move away from using fluorocarbon compounds of any kind, we’re seeing garments that are more sustainably made, but that may require a bit more attention when it comes to maintenance. The new fluorine-free DWR treatments just don’t last quite as long without regular reapplication.

Fortunately, this is really easy to do at home using aftercare solutions from the likes of Nikwax, Granger’s, Storm and more. It’s generally recommended to do this after three or so months of regular use, or sooner if you notice water soaking into the outer fabric instead of beading.

Weight

At 496g, it’s not the lightest waterproof jacket out there by any means, but it’s still light for a Gore-Tex Pro jacket – especially one with such a comprehensive feature set (pit zips, storm-proof hood, two-way zips etc). The same can be said for its packability – I’ve found I can fold, scrunch or roll it down to about the size of a small honeydew melon.

Performance

I’ve found this to be a very protective layer. From the off, it beaded moisture away well and kept water fully out, even in the worst of conditions. After repeated use, some moisture did start to saturate the outer fabric, particularly around the shoulders, but this can be kept on top of with a good reproofing routine.

On particularly wet days, the storm-proof hood has performed well for me, and it pairs really nicely with a cap underneath it (it’s also helmet-friendly). The long protective cuffs add a touch of extra protection too, and so does the hem, which is slightly longer than you see on other alpine climbing-style jackets.

Breathability

The Latok uses the ‘most breathable’ version of Gore-tex Pro. I’ve certainly found the breathability levels to be good. I’ve been happy and comfortable keeping the jacket on during ascents in cold or cooler weather, helped in particular by the long zipped vents at the armpits. In milder or more humid conditions, those vents have proved essential for quickly dumping heat without letting in rain. The new Gore-Tex Pro membrane seems to manage moisture build-up just as effectively as the previous PFAS-based version, which is reassuring given the big change in chemistry. While no hardshell will ever match the airflow of a softshell, this strikes an impressive balance between protection and comfort, meaning you can keep it on through changeable conditions without feeling clammy.

Fit

I’m 5 foot 10 and have a reasonably average build. I usually wear jackets in a size Medium, which is the size I have this in, and it fits perfectly. I like that it feels very loose and well articulated, but it’s not overly baggy either. I’ve been able to wear it comfortably over my midweight fleece or over my synthetic insulated puffer.

There’s plenty of articulation, as you’d expect from a Rab jacket. Wearing it during a scramble in Eryri National Park, I noticed that I could comfortably reach up for holds without the hem lifting or any feeling of restriction.

Other Details

True to Rab’s mountain heritage, the Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Pro is kitted out with all the features you’d expect in a serious alpine shell. You get a fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood with a wired peak for shaping in high winds, water-resistant YKK Aquaguard zips throughout – which have glove-friendly zipper tabs – and there are two large chest pockets which are big enough for an OS map and are positioned high enough to stay accessible while wearing a harness or hipbelt. There’s also a smaller internal pocket for valuables (I‘ve found it to be ideal for keeping my smartphone safe) and there’s a dual-sided hem drawcord that can be cinched one-handed to seal out draughts quickly. The cuffs are wide enough to fit over chunky gloves, with Velcro tabs for fast adjustment.

A final detail I’ve appreciated is the little popper at the base of the main zip. This means you can fully open the jacket up for airflow without it turning into a superhero-like cape in strong winds. Oh, and a touch I almost missed because it’s so subtle: there’s a RECCO reflector located on the right arm.

Who Is the Rab Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Pro Best Suited To?

While it’s made with alpine mountaineers in mind, I’ve found it to be an all-round performer that really doesn’t look out of place as a three-season hillwalking shell or even as a casual day-to-day rain jacket. OK, it’s got a top-tier price, but you’re getting a cutting-edge fabric with impressive environmental credentials, excellent protection, and the sort of build quality that should last for years with the right care.

Verdict

I’ve found this to be a very well-made jacket with all of the right details that I’d expect from a mountain shell. It’s hardy and very protective, and it doesn’t skimp on features while still remaining reasonably light. With its recycled outer fabric, PFAS-free Gore-Tex Pro, and Rab’s overall credentials as a sustainability-focused brand (go check out their Material Facts initiative and also their product repair services), it’s well worthy of inclusion in this year’s Greener Gear Guide.

Price: £480
Weight: 496g (size medium)

Buy the Rab Latok Mountain Gore-tex Pro:  £480 at Ellis-brigham.com

Selected for our Greener Gear Guide
Newsletter Terms & Conditions

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.

Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions.

production