Rab Boreas

Hi. I was looking at the Rab Boreas as a lightweight outer layer and I was wondering how windproof it is. Obviously it won't be completely windproof (not always a bad thing) but I just wanted to know how much protection it offers. Thanks. 

I would say it was more wind resist than windproof.  It cuts out the worst of a strong wind so that it means say if you are wearing a baselayer/midlayer you will fell the effects of the wind a lot less.  Giving other fabrics as examples Pertex Equilibrium is more wind resist compared to the fabric used in the Boreas whereas Pertex Microlight and the like is windproof.  I would best describe it as a summer garment where you may want some protection from the climate wind and sun rather than a proper wind garment.  It is very breathable and the stretch properties make it comfortable to wear.

Agree with Ashley (though mine's the girly's Aurora); I tend to use mine as a baselayer when it's a bit breezy but too warm for a baselayer and a windproof. I also agree about it's comfort - it's soft, stretchy and loverly

I've worn it in a variety of conditions. I run fairly hot, so I find it works well as a mid layer and a base layer. Coupled with Rab's Aeon T underneath on a warm-ish day it's lush. On a slightly colder day I wear it with a Icebreaker long sleeved T and its very comfortable and ultra stretchy. The hood is also very voluminous and can accommodate a hat/helmet. I also wear it on the bike on it's own when it's 10 - 15 degrees. People tell me it's also great underneath a Rab Vapour rise jacket/pull-on when it's cold. Oh, I also couple it with Rab's Volt jacket for premium wind resistance.

Before you ask, I don't work for Rab.

It's wind resistant enough to take the chill off on days when a base layer alone isn't quite enough, but by no means wind proof, if that makes sense. On a scale of one to five for wind resistance I'd put it around 1.5 where 0 is an open weave fleece and 5 is fully windproof, if that makes any sense. It also has a little water resistance if DWR treated, but not a lot once its worn off.

I tend not to wear mine as a baselayer, fwiw. I think the elastane content - the reason it's so stretchy - means it's not so good next to skin, but I tend to run quite warm.

If you can afford it, the new version of Rab's VR Lite is spot on ime. Very light and significantly more weather resistant, but then again a different sort of beastie and a lot more expensive.

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OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

I agree with all of the above, just slightly wind resistant which is often just right if the temperature is above 10C (I've worn it below that temperature but it didn't seem to stop any of that cold, icy wind). In order of highest wind resistant first I'd go for:

Whatever the paramo fuera is made of.
Pertex
Pertex Equilibrium
Rab Boreas
Microfleece

The Boreas is great for many spring to summer conditions and the hood is nice too, giving great protection for the ears. If you run hot it's just about spot on, if you run cold you'd need something else. I got it because I liked the looks and the fit; after I wore it the first time I thought: "Why have I bought this? It's not wind resistant, not really a mid-layer, not really a baselayer." But after having worn it more in milder conditions you start to 'get it'.

can highly recomend it, soft stetchy and nice and light great for lightweight adventures and mtn biking

theoutdoorshop.com doinh them for £30 bangers in apple green & breaker blue

I found this on the Rab site:-


An update from Nils Nielsen who has been testing the Boreas Pull on and Sawtooth Jacket
Nils Nielsen has been testing the Boreas Pull-on and Sawtooth Jacket (both new products for March 2011).

“The last month I’ve been in the French and Swiss Alpes climbing and guiding. Almost every day I’ve been wearing the new Boreas top and Sawtooth jacket. Together it’s a perfect combo for both warm and cold days in the mountains. The Boreas is a thin pull on with a hood, it breaths well, but is still quite windproof. And the hood is super good when it’s windy. The stretchy fabric makes it fit good both with and without a helmet. And the small chest pocket also works well as a stuff pocket and is easily clipped to the harness on warm pitches in the sun. On colder days I’ve been using the Sawtooth jacket outside the Boreas for both climbing and guiding. The two napoleon pockets don’t conflict with the harness but still they are big enough for map and other essentials.”

Thanks for the replies. I'd had a look at it in a shop but it was hard to tell just from looking at it. It sounds ideal for those slightly cooler summer days.

I've found mine really useful. Worn in the preAlps either over a base layer, or with a montane feather lite on top has been great for most conditions I,ve encountered spring to summer. Really comfy, wicks well.

I got rid of mine as the sleeves were long and cuffs weren't adjustable but all in all it wasn't a bad 2 season top

A bit late to chime in but several of my mates swear by them. You can wear next to skin in summer, as a mid layer in winter or a top layer over a baselayer on warmer spring/ autumn days. I got one and like it but don't wear in summer as one of the ways to control temperature is to pull the sleeves up however on me they are a bit tight and only pull up a couple of inches. I would only say my forearms are slightly larger than average. I was also interested in a Sawtooth recently but again the sleeves were too tight. I got a Montane Sabretooth instead and now steer away from Rab only because of the weird arm fit.