The clue is in the name. The Rab Downpour Jacket is designed to be stuffed in the bottom of your backpack and forgotten about until it starts pouring down. It’s lightweight so you won’t even realise you’re carrying it around, and it packs away inside its own pocket, taking up next to no space in your backpack. And, when it does rain, the Pertex fabric and storm-guarded zips are going to keep you dry.

But it gets better. Not only is it made from 100% recycled materials, but it also has also been designed in such a way that it has the potential to be 100% recycled again at the end of its life.

Add that to the fact that the Jacket performs exceptionally well and can be found at a really competitive price and we’ve got a jacket that needs to be shouted about.

Tech and Spec

• Recycled 2.5-layer Pertex® Revolve fabric – polyester outer and membrane
• Waterproof and breathable
• Fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment
• Non-helmet compatible hood with a flexible polymer peak
• Front and rear hood adjustment
• YKK zipped front opening with storm guard
• YKK zipped pockets with storm guard
• YKK pit zips with storm guard
• Brushed tricot chin guard
• Fully adjustable drawcord hem
• Velcro adjustable cuffs
• Jacket stuffs into hand pocket
• Main – Recycled 50D polyester 2.5L with polyester membrane / Pertex Shield/ 98gsm/ HH: 20,000mm/ MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24 hrs/ fluorocarbon-free DWR

Features of the Rab Downpour Jacket

The sustainability element is going to put this jacket leagues ahead of some of the alternatives for those who are environmentally conscious about the gear they choose. This mono-polymer jacket has the potential to be fully recycled when it does reach the end of life, a feature that very few other waterproof jackets can boast.

As with any waterproof jacket, there is always a question about breathability, particularly with jackets designed specifically for hiking. The Pertex fabric does have moisture-wicking properties, designed to move perspiration away from the body, and to further aid ventilation the jacket features large under-arm ‘pit zips’.

The jacket also features an adjustable, peaked hood. However, this is not helmet-compatible there will be better options in the Rab lineup for climbers and mountain bikers.

A great feature of the Rab Downpour jacket is that it folds away inside its own pocket, making it ideal for carrying in your backpack at all times, whether you’re expecting a downpour or not. And at just 320 grams, you’re not going to be complaining about the additional weight.

Is the Rab Downpour Jacket Waterproof?

You might think that with the eco credentials, the light weight and the competitive price point that there is a compromise to be made when it comes to the waterproofing of the Rab Downpour jacket. But that isn’t so.

The Pertex fabric performs exceptionally well and offers an impressive 20,000mm HH, which in layman’s terms means that it’s going to keep you dry in those downpours.

The Bottom Line

The Rab Downpour jacket is incredibly good value at around the £125 mark that it sells for. However, if you’re a fan of the brighter colours that this jacket comes in, you can often find these on sale for much cheaper.

The jacket performs really well, it will keep you dry and it’s durable enough to last for many, many years of adventure. Add that to the fact that the eco credentials of this jacket are fantastic and you have a jacket that you really should be considering.

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