Rab Downpour Mountain Jacket – Technical Mountain Waterproof Jacket with Pertex® Shield 2.5L

Is it for you?

The Rab Downpour Mountain Jacket is for you if you're looking for a technical, compact, and durable waterproof jacket for real mountain use, with good ventilation, a protective hood, and a more robust fabric than an emergency jacket.

It might not be your best option if your priority is absolute minimum weight, where the Phantom Mountain Jacket would make more sense, or if you need a hardshell for severe alpinism and prolonged use in extreme conditions, in which case options like the Latok GTX should be considered.

Description

The Rab Downpour Mountain Jacket is a technical waterproof jacket for mountaineering, designed for those who need serious protection against rain and wind without the burden of an extreme alpine hardshell. Its construction with Pertex® Shield 2.5 layers combines waterproofing, breathability, and durability in a lightweight, compressible, and highly versatile format.

It is a particularly interesting garment for technical trekking, fast mountain activities, scrambling, and multi-day treks where the forecast can change quickly. Unlike a basic waterproof jacket, it incorporates details clearly oriented for real mountain use: more robust 40D fabric, underarm vents, an adjustable hood with a stiff peak, and pockets accessible even with a backpack or harness.

The result is a balanced mountain shell, capable of serving as a primary waterproof jacket for a good part of the year.

Real technical performance

The Downpour Mountain Jacket sits at a very smart point within the Rab range: more technical and durable than a lightweight emergency waterproof, but lighter, more comfortable, and more accessible than a Gore-Tex hardshell designed for severe alpinism.

Its Pertex® Shield 2.5L membrane offers a water column of 20,000 mm, sufficient for persistent rain, wind, and demanding mountain weather conditions. The breathability MVTR 20,000 g/m²/24 h, along with the underarm ventilation zips, allows for better management of internal moisture during ascents, changes of pace, or activities with a backpack.

The main 40D fabric provides more durability than ultralight options, maintaining a contained weight of 352.5 g in size M. It is a jacket designed for movement, protection, and longevity.

Quantitative Technical Specifications (Rab Equipment)

• Weight: 352.5 g / 12.4 oz (size M)
• Center back length: 78 cm / 30.7 in (size M)
• Waterproofness: HH: 20,000 mm
• Breathability: MVTR 20,000 g/m²/24 h
• Main fabric: 40D Pertex® Shield 2.5-Layer, 97 g/m²
• Outer treatment: Fluorocarbon-free DWR
• Membrane: Pertex® Shield waterproof and breathable construction
• Front zipper: YKK® AquaGuard® with chin guard
• Hood: adjustable, with stiff peak and designed for mountain weather
• Pockets: two A-line pockets accessible with backpack or harness
• Ventilation: underarm zippers
• Adjustments: extended adjustable cuffs and single-hand adjustable hem
• Fit: Regular
• Product code: QWI-11

Comparison within the range

Within the Rab waterproof collection, the Downpour Mountain Jacket surpasses the standard Downpour Jacket in technical focus, durability, and mountain functionality. It is a more robust option if you use a backpack, move through uneven terrain, or want a waterproof for frequent use.

Compared to the Phantom Mountain Jacket, it is less minimalist and more robust, making it more suitable as a jacket for continuous use. Compared to the Firewall Mountain Jacket, it is lighter and more compact, though less geared towards prolonged alpine conditions. Compared to a Latok GTX, it offers much more versatility and a better weight/price ratio for general mountaineering, although it is not designed for extreme alpinism.

Recommended use

Recommended for technical trekking, mountain hiking, fast hiking, scrambling, alpine traverses, outdoor travel, and general mountain use during three seasons. It is also a great option as a primary waterproof for those seeking a reliable, lightweight, and sufficiently durable jacket for frequent use with a backpack.