Rab Khroma Diffuse GTX Jacket

🏔️ Description

The Rab Khroma Diffuse GTX Jacket QWI-59 is a mountain ski hardshell designed to tackle a full season of skinning ascents, deep snow, and alpine descents. It uses 3-layer GORE-TEX Performance Products with an ePE membrane and a durable 70D outer fabric, offering a stated waterproof rating of 28,000 mm HH.

Its design combines protection, durability, and ventilation with a ski-specific configuration: a longer cut, removable powder skirt, helmet-compatible hood, two-way underarm vents, and pockets sized for gloves or skins. It also incorporates RECCO® to provide an additional localization tool in emergencies.

⭐ The Mountain Group Opinion

The Khroma Diffuse is a particularly well-balanced choice for those who want a technical and robust ski jacket without stepping up to the more extreme approach of a Khroma Latok. Its 558 g weight and 70D fabric make it clear that it is not intended to be a minimalist shell: it prioritizes protection, resistance, and functionality during full winter days.

We highly recommend it for mountain skiing, freeride, and big mountain, including for users who alternate between skinning ascents and deep snow descents. The underarm vents are key during the ascent, while the powder skirt, extra length, and extended cuffs provide protection when the descent begins.

⚡ Real technical performance

Rab uses a 70D 3-Layer GORE-TEX Performance Products fabric with an ePE membrane and PFCecFree DWR, with a weight of 133 g/m². The water column is 28,000 mm. Rab rates this jacket 5/5 for waterproofness, 5/5 for wind resistance, 4/5 for durability, and 3/5 for breathability within its category.

✔ GORE-TEX 3L ePE.
✔ HH 28,000 mm.
✔ 70D fabric / 133 g/m².
✔ Integrated RECCO®.
✔ Two-way underarm vents.
✔ Removable powder skirt.
✔ Ski helmet-compatible hood.

📋 Technical specifications

• Membrane: 3L GORE-TEX Performance Products with ePE membrane.
• Waterproofness: HH 28,000 mm.
• Fabric: 70D 3-Layer GORE-TEX Performance Products with ePE membrane and PFCecFree DWR.
• Fabric weight: 133 g/m².
• Weight: 558 g in size M.
• Center back length: 81 cm in size M.
• Fit: Regular.
• Safety: RECCO® technology.
• Rab code: QWI-59.
• Rab Activity: Ski.

🛠️ Functional details

• Longer cut with removable powder skirt to limit snow ingress.
• Ski helmet-compatible hood, adjustable with one hand and featuring a stiffened peak.
• Two-way underarm vents to quickly evacuate excess heat.
• Extended cuffs with velcro adjustment compatible with gloves.
• Multiple exterior pockets and large interior pocket for gloves or skins.
• Two-way YKK® VISLON® front zipper with fleece-lined chin guard.
• Articulated sleeves for ease of movement and arm lifting.
• Mitten-friendly rear hem adjustment.

🔍 Quick comparison

Khroma Diffuse GTX: balance of robustness, protection, and functionality for mountain skiing and big mountain.

Khroma Converge GTX: more robust and warmer construction, with warm backer, for those who prioritize protection and thermal comfort.

Khroma Latok GTX Pro: the superior and most technical option in the family for alpine terrain and particularly demanding conditions.

🎯 Recommended use

• Mountain skiing.
• Freeride.
• Big mountain.
• Skinning ascents and technical descents.
• Winter days with snow, wind, and adverse weather.

✅ Is it for you?

✔ Yes, if you are looking for a ski-specific shell to use throughout the season.
✔ Yes, if you combine ascent and descent and need large vents.
✔ Yes, if you value resistant fabric, a powder skirt, and a snow-specific configuration.
✘ No, if you are looking for an ultralight and minimalist jacket.
✘ If you are looking for the highest technical level of the Khroma range, the Khroma Latok GTX Pro is one step above.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is its waterproof rating?

Rab declares a water column of 28,000 mm.

Is it suitable for mountain skiing?

Yes. It is designed specifically for skiing and combines underarm vents for ascents with protection for descents.

Does it have a powder skirt?

Yes, it includes a removable powder skirt.

Does the hood fit a helmet?

Yes, it is designed to be compatible with a ski helmet.

Does it incorporate RECCO?

Yes, it integrates RECCO® technology as additional support for location in an emergency.