The Rab Downpour Mild is a minimalist, packable rain shell that punches above its weight for fast-and-light missions, each day commuting, and shoulder-season mountaineering. It trims nonessential options with out sacrificing the core wants: dependable waterproofing, first rate breathability, and a cushty match that layers nicely. Weighing in at 7.7 oz, it’s lower than an oz heavier than the favored Outside Analysis Helium Rain Jacket, however a lot nicer, with hipbelt-compatible facet pockets, velcro wrist cuffs, and a gentle exterior cloth that’s far more comfy to put on.
- Weight: 7.7 oz in a Males’s L (Ladies’s accessible too)
- Kind: 2.5L Waterproof/breathable
- Hood Adjustment: One-way quantity adjustment
- Hip-belt appropriate hand pockets: Sure
- Pit-Zips: No
- Velcro-Wrist cuffs: Sure
- Seam-taped: Sure
- Packable: Sure, it suits in a hand pocket, however the zipper isn’t reversible
- Sizing: Athletic, contemplate sizing
- Supplies: 20-denier Proflex 2.5-layer stretch membrane
- Hydrostatic head: 20,000mm
- Breathability: 20,000g/m²/24 hrs
- Execs: Very light-weight, hipbelt-compatible pockets, packs small, velcro wrist cuffs
- Cons: No pit-zips
Construct and supplies
The jacket makes use of a 2.5-layer Proflex cloth (a PU membrane sandwiched between two layers of material) that retains weight and bulk low whereas offering strong waterproof efficiency. The face cloth feels gentle and versatile reasonably than crinkly, so it’s quieter and far more comfy than many ultralight shells. The within has the standard printed half-layer sample to guard the membrane from clammy pores and skin and cut back stick. The seams are absolutely taped, and the DWR sheds gentle to reasonable rain successfully. In true downpours, it holds up, however you’ll ultimately really feel that “humid greenhouse” impact widespread to 2.5-layer shells; it’s the trade-off for retaining issues gentle and compressible.
Match and luxury
Rab’s match right here is athletic however not skin-tight. There’s sufficient room for a lightweight midlayer with out feeling boxy. Greater than that, and also you’ll wish to measurement up. The hem size is sensible—lengthy sufficient to maintain rain off the waistband, quick sufficient to remain out of the way in which when transferring rapidly. The articulated sleeves and underarm patterning enable full attain with minimal hem raise, a element you recognize on scrambles or when inserting poles. The tricot chin guard and gentle inside print hold it comfy in opposition to naked pores and skin.
Options
Because the identify suggests, the Downpour Mild retains the function set lean however considerate. Needless to say Rab relies within the UK, the place they know the way to make an honest rain jacket.
- One-way adjustable hood with a laminated brim: It cinches in again nicely to measurement to your head, giving good peripheral imaginative and prescient. It’s not a helmet-compatible storm hood, and also you’ll wish to use it with a billed cap when you have glasses.
- Two hand pockets with waterproof YKK Aquaguard zippers that sit excessive sufficient to overlook a hipbelt on most packs.
- Hem and wrist cuff adjustability: Easy drawcord hem and hook-and-loop cuffs seal out drafts.
- Most important zip: Waterproof YKK Aquaguard zipper with an inside storm flap. Operates easily with out snagging often.
Breathability and air flow
The Downpour Lite’s breathability is respectable for brisk hikes and mixed-output days. When you’re path operating or pushing uphill with a heavy pack, you’ll wish to handle layers and crack the pockets for additional airflow. The absence of devoted pit zips retains weight down however reduces dump-venting choices. If high-exertion breathability is your prime precedence, chances are you’ll choose a barely heavier shell with pit zips.
Weight and packability
The Downpour Mild disappears into its personal pocket or stuffs simply right into a pack lid. For journey and “just-in-case” climate insurance coverage, it’s glorious. It’s additionally a powerful commuter piece, slipping over avenue garments with out feeling stiff or plasticky.
Sturdiness
As with most ultralight 2.5-layer shells, abrasion resistance is nice for its class however not rugged. Brush and occasional scrambling are effective; sustained contact with granite or heavy bushwhacking will speed up put on or destroy it fully. Maintain it for trails, city, and lighter above-treeline days.
Who it’s for:
- Runners and fast-packers who prioritize weight and packability over most venting.
- Hikers and vacationers who need a dependable, compact shell for variable climate.
- Commuters needing a quiet, unobtrusive rain layer.
Suggestion
The Rab Downpour Mild 2.5-layer Rain Jacket balances value, weight, and efficiency extraordinarily nicely. Weighing simply 7.7 oz, it’s solely a smidge heavier than the OR Helium Rain Jacket however has hipbelt-compatible handwarmer pockets with YKK Aquaguard Zippers, which is an actual worth add within the pouring rain as a result of it means you may hike along with your fingers in your pockets or entry gadgets in them with out taking off your pack. The close-fitting hood will be adjusted round your crown and face with a single hand pull, and incorporates a entrance invoice in order that drizzle doesn’t prohibit your imaginative and prescient or soak a billed cap. Seal out the weather utilizing the low-profile velcro cuff changes, and the articulated sleeves enable a full vary of arm motion. It’s important to hand it to the Brits (England); they know the way to make rain jackets.
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