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
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.
