Rab Vapour-Rise Trail Smock

Imperial Dave
Reviewed: 12 March 2011

Great bit of kit let down by the materials

Nice fit (for me)
reasonably warm
relatively light
a good alrounder
price

not the lightest but then it is a pile/pertex combo
not waterproof
the outer material is VERY prone to bobbling
doesnt vent very well and can get sweaty

I do like the VR. Its fairly warm, lightish and reasonably priced. However, the outer material absolutely bobbled to death when worn under a rucksack. It is not waterproof and there is no venting which makes this a 3 season top (spring/autumn/winter). It fitted me well but I would suggest its on the small side with regards to sizing. I take a medium and this was snug on me whereas other manufacturers mediums give a nice amount of room.
Still its nice just not great

Nick Clark
Reviewed: 16 December 2009

OK BUT POOR BUILD QUALITY

Does what it's supposed to; resists water, windproof, comfortable in all but very warm conditions. Great for cycling and hill walking. Close fit; nothing wasted. Versatile. I got it in a sale for about £60.

The lining is seperate so it is difficult to put on over other layers as the microfleece stick to other fabrics and rucks up. The velcro on the cuffs fell apart the first time I wore it and then stitching across the chest came apart, and not under any duress really. Rab repaired but even so; a bit shoddy!

OK; a good jacket, but would be better with some stretch panels and the lining attached in a better way.

LaptopAcidXperience
Reviewed: 10 February 2009

GREAT DESIGN AND FIT, VERY POOR CONSTRUCTION AND FINISH

One of the best fitting jackets I've ever had, incredibly comfortable, good design particularly hood, very nice against skin unlike buffalo or montane extreme.

Poor construction - stitching coming out on both sleeves and hood on day of purchase, finishing poor all round, edges not cut cleanly. Returned to shop day after purchase and staff at Cotswold unsurprised and said quality of Rab had reduced considerably since production moved to China.

If Rab made this jacket for the same price but with double (or triple) stitching and vastly improved the quality control or moved production back to the UK i would buy another at the drop of a hat. I've looked at a couple of others since I had mine (Oct 08) and seen similar problems, disappointing for such a once great company.

Buck
Reviewed: 07 February 2009

ABSOLUTELY GREAT

Climate control is unmatched by anything else i've used. Fairly weather proof whilst maintaining fantastic breathability. Light weight and good pack size.

Chest pocket is hard to open with gloves on. Velcro on cuffs is too thin so you have to concentrate to ensure male and female velcro meet. Pretty minor points. I don't think the hood is fitted particularly well. By rabs standards it is especially poor as their hoods are usually great.

Great jacket. I used it all day today up in the lakes in Wasdale. Wore only the jacket and baselayer all day and was supremely comfortable, even at stops. Jacket shrugged off a;; the snow superbly. I dont get the impression it would cope with much rain however. All in all can't complain. Great buy!

Phil Walker 2
Reviewed: 03 January 2008

NOT BEST QUALITY

Breathable and windproof, quite light, great hood.

Fit is indeed tight and its too warm for all year round use, better for cooler months, loses a lot of water repellency after 1st wash

I have the 07 jacket. 1st jacket I had, fabric pilled badly near pockets, I sent it back to Rab, not happy with that after paying £90 for it.

Replacement better, but the innner peice of fabric that holds the drawstring in place came away after a couple of months, and I now have to send it back to them for repair, in the winter when I need it most.

Superbly water repellent until after first wash with Grangers, then not so good,

Not too impressed with the quality, and its a bit of a slur on Rabs otherwise superb name.