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Rab’s New Gear For Spring 2015: Everything You Need to Know

It's a one-stop layering shop from Rab as it unveils new kit right across its range...

New Rab Clothing For Spring 2015

Latest in our series of previews from the recent OutDoor 2014 show is a scoop look at what’s new from Derbyshire-based Rab for next spring 2015. In the words of super model and marketing supremo Dan Thompson, ‘it’s a one-stop layering shop’ with new clothing across the range including shell, insulation, base layers and more.

So what’s new? Here are a few highlights from the range:

New Windveil Jacket – Light, breathable mountain windshell

Rab reckons the Windveil Jacket – see the main picture above – is the most breathable windproof it’s ever produced thanks to the use of Pertex Microight fabric which is also treated with a SuperDWR water-repellent finish, which should make it useable in light rain as well.

The ‘super’ bit is that not only does it work better, but it’s also reckoned to be considerably more durable than most equivalent treatments, cue less re-treating of the fabric, which in turn is good for both your wallet and the environment. Dan reckons a proto is still working well after around 12 months of use…

Weight is just 165g, which given that it has two large pockets a hood, storm-flipped zip and an all-mountain sort of cut, is decently light too. Has the look of one of those relatively low-key garments that turns into a wardrobe essential along similar lines to the excellent VapourRise Lite kit.

Oh, and it includes a press-stud high up on the neck, so you can open up the main-zip for venting, without the top of the jacket billowing outwards, nice touch.

Cindercone Pants – stretchy softshell legwear

Cindercone Pants – good, honest mountain all-round legwear is the brief.

While the Windveil is designated as ‘light alpine’ the new Cindercone Pants are more ‘all mountain’. They use Rab’s proven Matrix double weave soft shell fabric and come in at just 275g with a simple list of features including a snap waistband closure with integrated webbing belt, two YKK zipped hand pockets and one thigh pocket, also zipped. Knees are mildly articulated, but there’s enough stretch that mobility really shouldn’t be an issue full stop.

We reckon soft shell legwear of this ilk is brilliant stuff with an ideal balance between weather protection, great mobility thanks to built-in stretch and ongoing comfort because they simply breathe well enough to stop you getting hot and sweaty.

Should work for cragging, walking, scrambling, trekking and general gallivanting about on mountains. Oh, if you want a more fitted take, there’s also the Fulcrum pant, which does a similar gig, but with a closer fit.

Torque Jacket – soft shell gets technical…

Torque Jacket – technical soft shell with three different types of Matrix fabric adapted to areas where they’re most effective and saving weight along the way.

You’d suspect the Torque Jacket was technical as soon as you checked out the bright orange and black colour scheme, not really hiking orientated, and you’d be right. Another ‘all mountain’ garment, the jacket’s a melange – great word – of three different types of non-membrane, Matrix soft shell fabric.

The idea is that you get reinforcement in areas where it’s needed – forearms and shoulders for example. Protection in other zones like the hood and stretchy mobility in still other places. It’s a classic-looking Rab shell, but manages to be the lightest in their range – 520g – despite big pockets, full helmet-friendly hood with wired peak, internal storm flap and chin-guard and adjustable, drop-tail hem.

Looks like a good mountain all-rounder that won’t break your scales…

Vapour-rise Flex Pull-On – Vapour-rise gets lighter for spring…

Not flashy, but the new VR Flex Pull On is down to 250g in weight with stretchy side panels for closer fit without loss of mobility. Looks ace.

We’re massive fans of Rab’s Vapour-rise Lite, even if we can never quite remember how to spell either part of its double-barrelled name and the new VR Flex uses the same lightweight concept with the feathery Pertex Equilibrium outer fabric combined with a lightweight drop liner.

What makes the Flex different is that it also has lightweight stretch panels at the side and under the arms to improve mobility and reduce insulation slightly for fast movers. It weighs just 250g, yikes and, if it works as well as existing VR-Lite should be a killer blend of breathable comfort and just the right level of protection.

It will sell for 90 quid, it says here, and there’s also a full jacket version for those who don’t feel the pull-on love… and it comes in both men’s and women’s versions.

Flashpoint Jacket – super-lightweight waterproof shell

The Flashpoint jacket – super breathable and waterproof but weighs just 180g…

The Flashpoint uses the lightest 3-layer fabric Rab has ever employed with – if you’re interested – both 7D inner and outer fabrics. It also has a hydrostatic head of 20,000mm and a 40,000 MVTR figure. In real world speak that means it should be both very waterproof and very, very breathable…

All that from a garment that weighs only 180g in a size large despite having a mountain fit, a helmet hood, and a single chest pocket. Dan characterises it as ‘a retreat piece’, a lightweight waterproof that stays unnoticed in your pack while you move in your technical soft shell, but gets taken out when the heavens open and you really, really need more protection.

It uses clever cutting to minimise panels and save weight plus minimalist micro tape to slash more grammage into the bargain. All that for £200.

More Information

That fabric is the lightest 3-layer material Rab has used with minimals seams and skinny seam tape helping to slash weight further.

Buckets of additional images from the range below. The gear here will go on sale in early 2015, but you can find full information about the current Rab range at www.rab.uk.com.