Rab Spring 2009 Kit Scoop!

Rab's new spring- summer 2009 kit is hitting the shops right now, so we thought you might appreciate a scoop look at what's new from the Derbyshire-based specialist mountaineering brand.

And what's new includes two lightweight eVent jackets and a new, lighter version of the excellent Vapour-rise system called Vapour-rise Lite plus a rather nice new range of baselayer tops.

Momentum Jacket - £160

Rab's Latok Alpine shell jacket isn't exactly heavy at a claimed 450 grammes, but the new Momentum Jacket undercuts that by 100 grammes at a claimed 340 grammes. That's bonkers light for an alpine shell with a helmet-compatible hood.


The Momentum uses a lightweight three-layer eVent fabric complete with new narrow seam tape on all non-critical seams, there are two Napoleon chest pockets with water-resistant zips and the hood as well as being helmet friendly also has a wired peak.


A drop-tail cut gives some extra butt protection but without compromising harness use. Finally although the jacket's designed primarily for alpine climbing, Rab's Neil Mcadie reckons that it could also cut the competitive mustard as a multi-sport jacket and work well for running, biking, adventure racing and lightweight walking.

We like the colour too...

Drillium / Women's Drillium Jacket - £160

The existing lightweight eVent Drillium Jacket has been totally overhauled for the spring and there's also a new women's version. The new jacket uses the same fabric as the Momentum which is less shiny than the previous Drillium and isn't quite as minimalist, though has the same narrow tape as used on the Momentum.


That means you get standard chest pockets - ideal for slouching - an inside pocket and a roll-away hood - it zips into the collar - which isn't helmet compatible, but still sports a wired peak for improved protection in UK conditions.


It's aimed as a lightweight walking and all-round bike and travel jacket, has water-resistant zips all round and, at 375 grammes for the men's version and 360 grammes for the women's - below - is only around 35g heavier than the Momentum.


Also new are the Drillium Pants, lightweight waterproof walking legwear using the same lightweight eVent fabric as the jackets, complete with calf-length zip and articulated knees. Weight is 275g and price £100.

Slipstream / Jetstream Jackets - £100

The Slipstream jacket and its women's version, the Jetstream aren't technically new, but since few retailers stocked them this winter, they may as well be. They're short, lightweight waterproof jackets made with 2.5 layer Pertex Shield fabric and weighing 255g and 295g respectively.


Pertex Shield is a waterproof fabric that's reckoned to be lightweight and durable. Despite the jackets' lightness, they feature a fixed hood with a wired peak, two decent pockets and ingeniously, each jacket comes complete with a mesh bum-bag that's large enough to take the jacket itself. macthing lightweight Off Limits Pants a hat and an energy bar or gels

Vapour-rise Lite Jacket - £100

Rab's Vapour-rise is one of our favourite soft shell type systems. It uses Pertex Equilibrium fabric which wicks thanks to its denier gradient weave and is wind resistant rather than completely wind proof, which makes it both better wicking and better breathing.


The new Lite version uses a lighter Equilibrium fabric teamed with a Polartec Powerdry lining rather than the micro-velour of the original. The result is a slightly more wind resistant garment that still wicks well thanks to the weave of the material and weighs 390g compared to 450g for the Vapour-rise trail jacket.

The twin pockets have mesh linings so they double as vents when needed.

Aeon Tee / Women's Aeon Tee - £20

Last but not least are the Aeon Tee and the Women's Aeon Tee - pictured in nice women's colours - which are simple base-layer tee shirts made from a lovely, silky fabric with flat-locked seams.


The silkweight polyester feels lovely against the skin, dries very fast because it's so thin and also wicks very nicely thank you very much. It's odour-resistant too and features reflective trim for night time safety. Simple but very, very nice. We've been using a prototype version since last autumn and it really is quite lovely.

More Information

Details of the full Rab range at www.rab.uk.com