Hello New Rab Nexus Jacket

More about Rab’s new for autumn/winter 2013 kit shortly – we popped over for a preview the other day – but as a taster, here’s a quick look at the new Nexus Jacket made from Polartec’s impressively breathable NeoShell waterproof fabric and a bonus peak at a new colour option for the original Stretch Neo jacket.

The Nexus joins the lighter-weight Myriad jacket and the Strech Neo as Rab’s third NeoShell option. It’s a heavier-weight mountain shell with a helmet hood with tougher fabric use on the outside of the arms and shoulders for improved durability with packs.

Generous Cut For Layering

In some ways it’s similar to a Stretch Neo, but it’s non-stretch which ups breathability slightly. Cut is slightly more generous than full-on super technical shells so you can layer it over a substantial mid-layer if you choose and it’s very much pitched as an all-round mountain jacket.

The hood tabs down and has a wired peak, there are three external pockets – two harness-friendly ‘hand-warmer’ pockets, an external chest pockets and a neatly made internal pocket which bonded in place.

YKK Vislon Zip

Last but not least, the main zip is a plastic-toothed, water-resistant YKK Vislon of the type increasingly being used on top-end mountain jackets for their slick action and reliable toughness – the interlocking teeth are virtually waterproof, though there’s a storm flap too.

Like A Latok But In NeoShell

Claimed weights are 590g for the men’s version and 510g for the women’s variant. Rab’s Dan Thompson sums the jacket up as being a sort of NeoShell equivalent to a Rab Latok. So why would you buy the NeoShell? In a nutshell, improved breathability and a nice, soft feel to the fabric. The downside is slightly reduced durability thanks partly to that softer feel. 

Price is £260 and the Nexus is in the shops now. Good to seem more NeoShell options appearing, it’s a great fabric.

New Colour For Stretch Neo

Also in store is a new colour option for the Stretch Neo Jacket and Pants – see the image on the left. It’s called ‘spring green’ and it joins the more sombre blue and black variants.

More Rab info at www.rab.uk.com.