World's lightest eVent waterproof top plus sleeping bags scientifically redesigned.
Latest in our series of
spring
2010 previews from this year's OutDoor trade show in
Friedrichshafen covers the guys from
Rab and what's new
from them including completely redesigned
sleeping bags and
some very neat clothing including the
lightest eVent waterproof top
we've seen.
Sleeping Bag Revolution
Not content with sitting on their laurels as one of the
top sleeping bag brands in the world, Rab has been looking hard at
improving their bags resulting in a completely revamped construction.
The company worked with the boffins at Leeds University to determine
the best baffle size and volume for optimal down lofting.
Not only that, but further research has determined the best orientation
for certain baffles, like the slanted ones across the chest area - spot
the orange bits. The scientific input means, say Rab, the best sleeping
bags yet from the Derbyshire-based company.
Visually you can see how plumped up the bags look, apparently because
the chambers are sized exactly so that down isn't either compressed or
struggling to fill the baffle. Nice to see science helping to improve
kit performance. Prices range from £100 to £440.
Nice colours as well if you like bright.
Lightweight eVent Top
We reckon this one's going to have a lot of fans. It's a
280-gramme, lightweight eVent smock called the
Demand Pull-on and
we think it's going to be the lightest eVent shell out there, full
stop. It's made from ligthweight eVent three-ply fabric, has a deep YKK
chesty zip. single Napoleon pocket and - get this - a helmet-compatible
hood with Rab's new 'Exoskeletal' hood drawcord system reducing weight
and bulk but giving a good fit. Reminds of the Haglofs LIM hoods and
has apparently gone down well with testers. Price will be
£165.
The Demand is also available in jacket form called the
Demand Full-on -
geddit - with the same basic features including a single Napoleon
pocket and the helmet-compatible hood, but with a full-length
front-zip. Weight is just 20 grammes more than the Pull-on at a claimed
300g.
Also on the eVent front there's a women's-specific version of the
impressive eVent lightweight alpine
Momentum
Jacket - see our
review
of the men's Momentum - weighing a claimed 310 grammes and with all the
same features as one of our favourite lightweight shell jackets
including three-ply eVent fabric, helmet hood and two big Napoleon
pockets. Nice colour too.
And if the Demand Pull-on isn't light enough for you,
there's also the
Positron
Pull-on, which is made from lightweight Pertex Shield
waterproof fabric and has similar features to the Demand including the
Exoskeletal helmet-compatible hood but weighing just 200 grammes.
Other interesting new stuff includes he 260-gramme
Alpine Smock, made
from high-wicking and weather-resistant Pertex Equilibium fabric, the
same stuff used on the outside of Vapour-rise kit. Speaking of which,
there's a
women's version
of the new for 2009
Vapour-rise
Lite jacket and a ridiculously light
75-gramme windproof
pull-on called the Sirrus, which is made from Pertex Quantum and packs
down into an absolutely tiny package for discreet stowage.
All the above available in early 2010. You can find more information
about Rab at
www.rab.uk.com
