More than twelve months on since I asked – What if Carlsberg made outdoor clothing? – my initial assessment and review of the RAB Vapour-rise Guide Jacket is proving to be one of those posts that turned out to be another – ‘I told you so’ moment…

Rab say the jacket is  “a winter weight softshell that really works” – I have to wholeheartedly agree. Hardly surprising when it’s whether protection and supreme breathability comes from fabric technology originally devised by Rab Carrington himself.

Don’t be ashamed to admit if you’re not completely clear about the gear industry’s last big layer invention, many still aren’t. For those unfamiliar with the softshell concept, although I can’t think there can be many these days, some may be asking; what is a soft shell jacket? You can find a useful soft shell buyers guide clothing at outdoorsmagic.com.

Rab are committed to making outstanding gear for climbers and mountaineers who take it to the extreme in the world’s harshest environments…(RabUK)

The Vapour-rise range of clothing from Rab® was jointly developed with Pertex® and features Pertex Equilibrium fabric. It is designed to provide a 2 layer system that offers windproof breathable, high wicking and quick drying performance clothing.

Outdoors Magic: What’s it like? Well, if you think pile/Pertex for the 21st century, you won’t go far wrong…(full review)

Pertex Equilibrium – Summary of benefits…

• Extremely breathable, fast wicking and quick drying
• Highly wind and weather resistant
• High durability/abrasion resistance for its weight
• Comfortable, lightweight and packable

About the only thing it won’t do is climb the mountain for you! (Cotswold Outdoor)

I have to say after more than a year of wear, in all manner of conditions, the jacket has surpassed my initial but favourable expectations!

Related articles

• Rab Baltoro Guide soft shell jacket (gearflogger.typepad.com)