Rab Firewall Guide Jacket AW26 – Pertex Shield 3L

🏔️ Description

The Rab Firewall Guide Jacket QWI-81 is a high-performance waterproof shell designed for guides, mountaineers, and climbers who need reliable protection during long days in exposed terrain. Its 40D Pertex® Shield 3-layer fabric combines waterproofing, wind resistance, and durability against abrasion from rock, backpacks, and technical gear.

With a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm and an MVTR breathability rating of 20,000 g/m²/24 h, it is built to perform in demanding weather conditions without sacrificing ventilation and mobility.

⭐ Mountain Group's Review

The Firewall Guide is a shell for those who prioritize protection and durability over minimal weight. Compared to a conventional trekking raincoat, it offers a much more specific configuration for mountaineering: a helmet-compatible hood, four external pockets accessible while wearing a harness or backpack, underarm vents, and RECCO® technology.

We recommend it for mountaineering, winter climbing, and users who spend many days in the mountains and need a jacket prepared to withstand intensive use.

⚡ Real technical performance

The 40D Pertex® Shield 3L fabric provides a 20,000 mm water column and an MVTR of 20,000 g/m²/24 h. Rab combines this protection with articulated sleeves and a configuration specific to climbing and mountaineering.

✔ Waterproofing: 20,000 mm.
✔ Breathability MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24 h.
✔ 40D Pertex® Shield 3-layer.
✔ RECCO® technology.
✔ Two-way underarm vents.
✔ Large helmet-compatible hood.

📋 Quantitative specifications

• Membrane/fabric: 40D Pertex® Shield, 3-layer construction.
• Waterproofing: 20,000 mm.
• Breathability: MVTR 20,000 g/m²/24 h.
• Center back length: 77.5 cm in size M.
• Fit: Regular.
• Rab code: QWI-81.
• Collection: Rab AW26.

🛠️ Functional details

• RECCO® technology to facilitate search and rescue operations.
• Large helmet-compatible hood, three-way adjustment, and stiffened protective peak.
• Four external pockets compatible with harnesses and backpacks.
• Internal storage pocket and internal zippered security pocket.
• Two-way underarm vents.
• Two-way YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® front zipper.
• Adjustable cuffs suitable for use with gloves.
• Dual hem adjustment.

🔍 Quick comparison within the Rab range

Firewall Guide: prioritizes maximum durability, protection, and functionality for guides, climbing, and mountaineering.

Firewall Mountain: more versatile all-mountain option for demanding hiking, scrambling, and mountaineering.

Namche GTX: GORE-TEX 3L more oriented toward trekking, hiking, and general use.

Latok Mountain GTX: technical GORE-TEX shell for mountaineering and severe conditions.

Downpour: lighter and more compact alternative for hiking and occasional protection.

🎯 Recommended use

• Mountaineering.
• Winter climbing and technical terrain.
• Mountaineering in demanding weather conditions.
• Professional use and long days in the mountains.
• Outer shell over thermal layers.

✅ Is it for you?

✔ Yes, if you need a robust waterproof jacket for intensive use.
✔ Yes, if you regularly use a helmet, harness, and technical gear.
✔ Yes, if you prioritize protection and durability over minimal weight.
✘ No, if you are looking for an ultralight shell for emergencies.
✘ No, if your primary use will be urban walking or occasional hiking.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is its waterproof rating?

Rab specifies a 20,000 mm water column.

What is its breathability?

The official spec sheet indicates an MVTR of 20,000 g/m²/24 h.

Does the hood fit a helmet?

Yes. It is designed to be worn over a helmet and features three-way adjustment.

Does it incorporate RECCO®?

Yes. It integrates RECCO® technology to assist in mountain search and rescue operations.