Rab Downpour Jacket – Lightweight Pertex Shield Waterproof Jacket for Hiking and Mountain

Description

The Rab Downpour Jacket is a lightweight, multipurpose waterproof jacket designed for hiking, trekking, travel, and everyday use in rainy conditions. It aims to offer reliable protection without forcing you to carry a heavier or bulkier alpine shell.

It is made from 50D Pertex® Shield 2.5L, a recycled waterproof fabric that is soft to the touch and easily compressible. It is a garment especially suitable for keeping in your backpack and using when the weather changes.

Real technical performance

The Downpour combines a 20,000 mm water column with 20,000 g/m²/24 h MVTR breathability. These are very balanced figures for a jacket geared toward general hiking and mountaineering: it offers serious protection against sustained rain while providing adequate moisture wicking during activity.

Underarm vents allow for the quick release of excess heat during climbs. The hood is adjustable with one hand and incorporates a stiffened visor to improve face protection when rain or wind increases.

Its 2.5-layer construction favors compressibility and keeps the weight down. It is not intended as an extreme mountaineering shell, but as a versatile waterproof jacket that works especially well for hiking, trekking, the Camino de Santiago, and active travel.

Technical specifications (Rab Equipment)

• Fit: Regular.
• Weight: 377 g (size M).
• Center back length: 75 cm (size M).
• Main fabric: 50D Pertex® Shield, 2.5-layer waterproof construction with fluorocarbon-free DWR.
• Fabric weight: 122 g/m².
• Waterproof rating: 20,000 mm water column.
• Breathability: MVTR 20,000 g/m²/24 h.
• Hood: One-hand adjustable with a stiffened visor.
• Front zip: YKK® with internal and external storm flaps and a snap closure for easy ventilation.
• Ventilation: Underarm openings.
• Pockets: Two hand pockets.
• Cuffs: Adjustable via hook-and-loop closure.
• Hem: Dual-sided rear adjustment manageable with one hand.
• Product code: QWI-06.

Key features

• 20,000 mm waterproof protection for heavy rain.
• 50D Pertex® Shield 2.5L: good balance between strength, weight, and compressibility.
• Axillary vents for better temperature control during exertion.
• Protective hood that is easy to adjust even while on the move.
• Simple and versatile design that allows for use in the mountains as well as for travel or daily wear.

Quick comparison within the Rab range

• Downpour Jacket: The most multipurpose option for hiking, trekking, and daily use, with an excellent balance between protection, weight, and price.
• Downpour Mountain Jacket: A more mountaineering-focused approach, with details designed for technical use and greater compatibility with a backpack or harness.
• Firewall: A step up for those who prioritize a more technical construction and frequent use in demanding mountain conditions.

Recommended use

• Hiking and trekking.
• Camino de Santiago and multi-day routes.
• Fast hiking and mountain excursions.
• Adventure travel and active tourism.
• Backup waterproof jacket for the backpack.
• Everyday use in rainy conditions.

Mountain Group review

We believe the Rab Downpour Jacket is one of Rab's most balanced waterproof jackets for the user who does not need a specifically alpine shell. Its 20,000 mm waterproof rating and 20,000 g/m²/24 h MVTR are very serious figures for a garment of this type and allow it to be used with confidence on routes where rain can persist for hours.

Its main advantage is versatility: it is lightweight, takes up little space, and is not excessive for activities like hiking, trekking, or travel. For mountaineering, climbing, or continuous use in very harsh conditions, we would opt for a more technical shell, but for the majority of mountain users, the Downpour offers a difficult-to-beat combination of protection, functionality, and price.

Is it for you?

• ✔ Yes, if you are looking for a reliable, lightweight waterproof jacket that is easy to always carry in your backpack.
• ✔ Yes, if you go hiking, trekking, do the Camino de Santiago, or travel in variable climates.
• ✔ Yes, if you want 20K/20K protection without paying for or carrying a higher-end alpine shell.
• ✘ Not the priority option if your main activity is technical mountaineering, winter climbing, or intensive use in extreme conditions; in that case, we recommend considering the Downpour Mountain, Firewall, or higher Rab ranges.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Rab Downpour Jacket really waterproof?

Yes. Its Pertex® Shield 2.5L fabric offers a 20,000 mm water column, a figure suitable for facing heavy and prolonged rain in mountain activities.

Is it breathable enough for hiking?

Its MVTR index is 20,000 g/m²/24 h and it also incorporates underarm vents. This combination allows for good heat management during climbs and moderate or intense activity.

Is it suitable for the Camino de Santiago?

Yes. Because of its waterproofing, light weight, and ease of storage in a backpack, it is a particularly suitable option for the Camino de Santiago and other multi-day routes.

What is the difference between the Downpour and the Downpour Mountain?

The Downpour prioritizes versatility and simplicity for hiking and general use. The Downpour Mountain takes a more technical mountain approach, with construction and details oriented toward more demanding activities.