Ludo from our Bristol Store recently had the opportunity to test out the all-new RAB Firewall Light! But will it become a permanent part of his waterproof arsenal?
I have always really liked Rab waterproof jackets. I own several of them, Phantom pull-on, Firewall, and the Latok Alpine. So I was really excited when I was given the opportunity to test the Firewall light. Rab describes it as a comfortable and packable waterproof hiking jacket and I totally agree with it.
I wore it for the first time during our recent trip to Dartmoor. Luckily for test purposes, the rain was on hand! I wore the Firewall light for roughly half of the trip. Partly as a waterproof jacket and also a windbreaker with a fairly heavy backpack. At no point did the jacket fail me. When not worn it packed down well in one of the external pockets of my Rab Muon 50 Rucksack. In addition, I have been impressed with how well the jacket managed to wick away the sweat and humidity.
The jacket is made using Rab’s own 20-denier 3-layer Proflex™ stretch woven nylon with fluorocarbon-free DWR. With a hydrostatic head of 20,000mm and a breathability of 20,000g/m2/24 hours. Because of the knitted backer fabric, it’s really soft on the skin which makes it really comfortable to wear over a tee-shirt.
One of the most significant advantages of the Rab Firewall Light is its weight and packability. I haven’t weighed my size large but a size M is 313g, it is remarkably light for a waterproof jacket. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-day trips where every gram counts.
The jacket packs down small, fitting easily into a backpack or even a large pocket, ensuring that it is always on hand when the weather turns. It’s stretchy and quiet to wear compared to a conventional hardshell. It’s more like wearing a soft-shell jacket. The features have been stripped to the minimum compared to some of the jackets I am used to, but it has been done well.
No chest pocket or internal pocket. Only two external hand pockets, that is high enough to be accessible when wearing a backpack as they sit above the hip belt. The hand pockets are big enough to fit a map in them and use a mesh backing fabric to be used as a vent. The zippers are equipped with pull tabs, making them easy to operate even with gloves on. Sadly it doesn’t feature a zip under the armpit for additional ventilation.
There is an adjustable mountain hood with a flexible stiffened peak. Single-handed hood cinch with combined crown and face adjustment. Sleeve articulation for freedom of movement. YKK® AquaGuard® centre front zip with lined chin guard for comfort. The extended cuffs have a low profile hook and loop adjustment to optimise fit and hand warmth. Dual-sided rear hem adjustment with anti-snag tether.
In the RAB range it fits in between the Downpour 2.0 and the Namche Gore-Tex Paclite. In my opinion and experience the jacket is true to size. I usually wear size L for jackets and found a size L for the Firewall light fit me perfectly.
Since the Dartmoor trip, the jacket has been following me in every one of my outdoor adventures -some hiking, long gravel bike rides and even a very rainy run- either on my back or in my bag the Firewall has become my ultimate companion. Every time it’s used it performs extremely well and I like every aspect of the jacket. It’s comfortable to wear. I feel well protected and it’s highly breathable. The only feature I feel is missing is a two-way zip as it would make the jacket harness friendly.
Obviously, every jacket has its limitations. Due to the weight and durability of this particular jacket, I wouldn’t use it for mountaineering or winter climbing. However, The firewall light jacket will now be part of my kit from spring to late autumn.
In summary, the Rab Firewall Light Waterproof Jacket would be a brilliant choice for those seeking a lightweight, durable, and highly functional waterproof jacket. Its combination of comfort, excellent waterproofing, breathability, and practical design features make it a standout option in the crowded offer of waterproof jackets.
Whether you’re embarking on a challenging hike, a multi-day trek or just need a reliable jacket for everyday wear (in unpredictable weather), the Rab Firewall Light is a worthy companion.
