We check out Rab's excellent technical cold weather Polartec Windpro mid-layer jacket.
Rab Shadow Hoodie-
Review
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Price:
£120
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Weight: 520
grammes (medium)
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Features: Hooded fleece made from Polartec
Windpro with Hardface technology, two external A-line pockets, 1
internal zipped mesh pocket, Lycra bound cuffs with thumb loops, double
exit hem draw cord, flatlock low bulk seams.
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What's It
For?
The Shadow Hoodie is an unashamed technical mountain fleece made from
closely woven wind-resistant Polartec Windpro fabric with an abrasion
resistant outer, it's designed to double as a outer layer in stiller
conditions or to function as an active cold condtions mid-layer worn
under a shell.
The Techy
Bits
What makes the Shadow Hoodie tick and incidentally, also makes it more
expensive than most fleeces, is the Polartec Windpro fabric with
Hardface technology. Windpro is a somewhat underrated fabric that
reminds us a little of ME's classic Ultrafleece. Because it's very
closely woven, it's significantly more wind resistant than standard
fleece, while still wicking and breathing well.
This version has the added bonus of 'Hardface technology' meaning that
the outer face of the jacket is made from a tough and stretchy Spandex
knit which renders it significantly more abrasion resistant than normal
fleece.
Finally, seams are flatlocked, like a baselayer, to reduce bulk at the
seams and increase comfort.
How It
Performed
The Shadow Hoodie is one of those bits of gear that's had disproportionate
amounts of use because, quite simply it works really well. Fit is close
fitting helped by the fabric's built-in stretch which means it works
well as a mid-layer under a neatly-cut shell jacket and also make for
more efficient insulation. Works well with a harness as well. Sleeves
are long with thumb-loops to add warmth and stop pulling up.
You'll either like or loathe mid-layer hoods, we like them - they're
great for adding insulation on cool days or for stops and the Shadow's
sits nearly under a helmet as well with the stretch meaning movement
isn't restricted.
We've been using the jacket both as a conventional mid-layer under a
wind or waterproof shell jacket, but the added wind resistance and
Hardface technology means you can also wear it as wind-resistant outer
layer on stiller days. It's wind resistant rather than windproof, but
it's a noticeable effect and adds versatility. On top of that, the
Hardface seems to cope with pack use and general wear and tear.
And as far as we can tell, there's no penalty in the form of reduced
wicking or breathability, in other words, it still works like fleece.
In warmth terms, it's a little snugger than PowerStretch, close to
200-weight fleece maybe, but the added wind resistance makes it more
versatile than either of those.
Big pockets sit above waist-belt and harness level and allow rapid
stashing of food and other incidentals.
The only minor issue we've had is with the stitching around the binding
at the cuffs coming loose on both sides creating a hole between the
Lycra and the fleece fabric. Slightly vexing but not terminal.
Really effective, close-fitting, stretchy, technical cold conditions
mid-layer top made more versatile by the wind and abrasion resistance
of the Polartec Windpro with Hardface technology fabric which allows
you to wear it for longer without a shell. Possibly our favourite ever
technical fleece.
Buy if
you're looking for a versatile, close-fitting, hooded, technical fleece
for all-round mountain use.
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Great fabric, effective, close cut, hood works well under helmet.
 Not much.
Stitching on cuffs iffy on our test jacket.
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Performance
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Value
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