Rab Clothing is a standout in the outdoor gear market for its commitment to rugged, high-performance products that deliver exceptional protection and comfort in harsh conditions. Founded in 1981 by Rab Carrington, a climber with years of mountain experience, the brand quickly gained recognition for its durable, practical designs—such as their iconic down jackets and waterproof gear—that are built to last.
Rab is very dedicated to sustainability, using cutting-edge materials, including recycled fabrics and fluorocarbon-free content, while also minimizing plastic packaging and reducing their overall environmental footprint. Whether you’re a casual outdoor enthusiast or a seasoned mountaineer, Rab’s gear is designed to withstand the elements and serve the needs of adventurers at all levels.
Essential Features of Rab Apparel & Accessories
High-Performance Materials: Rab uses premium fabrics like GORE-TEX, GORE-TEX Pro, Proflex™, and Pertex® Shield, which offer exceptional waterproofing and breathability, keeping you dry and comfortable in challenging conditions. The brand also integrates 3-layer fabrics and dual-weight construction for increased durability and abrasion resistance.
Insulation Options: Whether you prefer premium European down for lightweight warmth or PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation for reliable heat retention in wet conditions, Rab ensures your gear keeps you warm in even the coldest winter weather without compromising on mobility.
Active Fit and Design: Rab clothing is crafted with an active fit that promotes ease of movement. Features like refined sleeve design enhance mobility, while helmet- and harness-ready elements, such as a two-way front zip and helmet-compatible hood, ensure that the apparel meets the needs of climbers and mountaineers.
Practical Features: Thoughtful design features, like accessible pockets even when wearing a pack, make Rab gear practical and easy to use in the field. Additionally, down jackets pack down small, offering compact warmth that’s easy to stow and quick to deploy when temperatures drop.
Durability and Sustainability: Rab is known for making tough, hard-wearing gear that is built to last, focusing on repairability rather than replacement.
Benefits of Rab Women's Activewear
Rab women's activewear is crafted to provide optimal performance, comfort, and functionality across a wide range of outdoor activities. Here's what makes it stand out:
Warmth and Insulation: Rab's down jackets, designed with lightweight yet highly effective Hydrophobic Down, ensure warmth in the alpine air, keeping you toasty while you're adventuring all day and sleeping in your tent at night. The water-resistant down recovers quickly if it gets wet, providing consistent warmth without compromising performance. Try our
Kestrel Puffer Vest or
Kestrel Puffer Jacket.
Freedom of Movement: Whether you're climbing, hiking, or skiing, Rab apparel is designed with mobility in mind. Insulated jackets and activewear feature a tailored fit that allows for full range of motion, making them ideal for dynamic activities that require flexibility.
Breathability and Ventilation: Rab jackets are engineered with bonded front zips that help with venting and prevent chafing, ensuring breathability during high-intensity activities, like running or biking.
Durability: Rab clothing is built to withstand the toughest terrains and conditions, offering long-lasting durability for adventurers who push their gear to the limit.
Versatile Design for All Activities: Rab’s women's activewear is versatile and suitable for a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including climbing, hiking, mountaineering, trekking, skiing, biking, running, and even expeditions in high-altitude or polar regions.
Caring for Your Rab Activewear
To ensure the longevity and performance of your Rab activewear, follow these essential care tips:
Washing: Machine or hand wash Rab waterproof gear using a gentle cycle with a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. Avoid using regular detergents, fabric softeners, or conditioners, as they can damage the garment’s waterproofing and breathability. If you're out in the field, you can even hand wash your jacket when a washing machine isn’t available.
Reproofing: After washing, restore the water-repellent finish by applying a reproofing agent like Nikwax TX Direct. For optimal results, use a spray-on product, as it’s less likely to affect breathability. You can activate the reproofing treatment by tumble drying your garment on low heat for 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a tumble dryer, you can use an iron on medium heat with a clean tea towel between the garment and the iron.
Drying: While you can hang-dry your gear, tumble drying on low heat is recommended to maintain the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish and restore its performance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rab Clothing
What is the sizing like for Rab clothing?
Rab clothing typically has a slightly fitted design, with different fits depending on the activity level. For general outdoor use, a regular fit is common, while slim fit designs are used for more dynamic movement (e.g., climbing or mountaineering). For precise sizing, it’s always recommended to consult the detailed sizing chart.
Where does Rab source its materials?
Rab uses high-quality, durable materials, including Pertex for weatherproofing, ethically sourced down for insulation, and specialized fleece fabrics designed for different performance needs. They prioritize sustainability by sourcing materials responsibly and ensuring ethical production practices.
Are Rab products suitable for extreme weather conditions?
Yes, many Rab jackets and pants are built with highly weatherproof protection, including waterproof and windproof features, making them ideal for harsh outdoor conditions, such as mountaineering, trekking, or climbing in extreme climates.
