Lightweight, Packable & Ready for the Adventure
Written by Christopher Kennedy, Taunton Leisure’s Ecommerce Manager.
There’s something quite refreshing about a jacket that just works – no faff, no gimmicks, just solid protection where and when you need it. The Rab Downpour Mountain Jacket fits that bill. Whether I was hiking in the Scottish drizzle, finding my limit climbing Mont Blanc, navigating the wind and rain around Hadrian’s Wall, or standing soaked-but-smiling somewhere in the Lake District, this jacket did the job. And did it well.
I flew out to Geneva to catch up with friends and somehow found myself attempting part of Mont Blanc. It was a shock to the system – I live at sea level, so going straight up without any real acclimatisation was… bold. By the time we reached the point where the two glaciers meet, I was absolutely done in. I sat there feeling a bit sorry for myself, convinced I’d turn back.
But after a few deep breaths and a long internal negotiation, I pushed on – slowly, with many pauses to catch what little breath I had left- and finally reached La Junction. Completely worth it. And yes, the jacket came with me every step of the way. My friend snapped this photo of me at the top looking equal parts exhausted and proud.
Built for the Mountains, Hills, Lakes – Pretty Much Anywhere!
I’ve managed to put this jacket through more than its fair share of adventures recently. A solo loop through North Yorkshire, Glencoe, Loch Ness and pretty much everywhere in between. I was nursing a rib injury at the time – self-inflicted, after spinning my friend’s son around a bit too enthusiastically on a wedding dancefloor. Not my finest moment. It made the journey… let’s call it “character-building”, but the views more than made up for it.
The jacket first proved its worth in Glencoe, where I had to wrestle with my tent in the rain – up, down, and back up again. Proper sideways Scottish weather. Then September’s storm rolled through and really tested the Downpour to its limits. It handled the lot without fuss.
Rab’s Description
Rab designed the Downpour Mountain for mountain-ready protection without the bulk of a heavyweight shell. It’s made with a 2.5-layer Pertex® Shield fabric offering 20,000mm hydrostatic head and 20,000g/m²/24hrs MVTR breathability – enough to keep you dry on exposed ridgelines, but breathable enough when you’re working hard.
- Fabric: 40D Pertex® Shield 2.5-layer ripstop (fluorocarbon-free DWR)
- Waterproof rating: 20,000mm HH
- Breathability: 20,000g/m²/24hrs MVTR
- Weight: 352.5g (size M)
- Fit: Regular
Real-World Testing – From Downpours to Dry Packs
I also took this jacket to the Lake District in July, expecting mixed weather – and got exactly that. On one hike, I was dry for nine miles before the heavens opened with less than a mile to go. It was the perfect test: strong wind, full rain, uphill to the finish. The jacket kept me dry.
Waterproofing & Wind Protection: The 40D fabric feels sturdy for a 2.5-layer shell, and the YKK® AquaGuard® zip, combined with a snug-fitting hood (with wired peak) kept the rain off my face and off my glasses – a small but crucial win if you’re a specs wearer. Even after an extended shower, I stayed dry. Just remember to keep the DWR topped up over time.
Pit Zips: I don’t usually think about underarm vents much – but these ones worked a treat. The jacket dumped heat well during runs and climbs without me needing to wrestle them open.
Cuffs & Hem: The extended cuffs with Velcro adjustments are a highlight – they actually look good, not like an afterthought. No bunching, no weird flappy fabric. The dual hem adjusters are easy to tweak on the move too.
Hood Design: Rab has nailed this. The adjustable hood with stiffened peak stayed put in blustery conditions and gave good coverage without obscuring vision. One-handed adjustment is easy, even with gloves.
Storage: Two A-line chest pockets with storm flaps are surprisingly deep – they can hold a 1L bottle each or plenty of trail snacks, spare layers, or maps. They sit high enough for backpack or harness compatibility. I often keep my phone in one of them – and yes, I know some of you will shake your heads and mutter something about ‘real maps’. But my phone is my map.
It’s waterproof, full of trails, tracks my location, and yes – I carry enough power to charge it five times over. It’s not going to run out before I do. So unless my phone spontaneously combusts or falls off a cliff, it’s staying in that chest pocket. Let’s call it modern mountain confidence.
Everyday Use – From Trail to Town
I’ve tested this jacket hiking, running, and sightseeing – and it just works. The fit is great without feeling restrictive, and the fabric has a premium feel. No plasticky rustle, just a soft, technical outer with subtle style. I’ve worn it in the sunshine too (it packs small enough to carry just in case) and appreciated how light and breathable it felt when the weather didn’t warrant it.
Pros & Cons of the Rab Downpour Mountain Jacket
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly packable
- Excellent waterproofing and wind resistance
- Cuffs and hood are well designed and glove-compatible
- Breathable enough for high-output use
- Stylish without being flashy
- Made with recycled materials and PFAS-free DWR
Cons:
- No internal pocket (but front ones do the job)
- Zip collar can flap a bit when half unzipped with hood up
- Not a full storm shell – yet I never got wet when it did lash down!
Final Verdict – Is This Your New All-Weather All-Rounder?
For under 400g, the Rab Downpour Mountain offers a superb mix of protection, comfort, and function. It’s the jacket I now reach for when I don’t want to overthink it. Running, hiking, scrambling – it covers it all.
It looks smart, feels good, and delivers when it matters – even when you’re standing under a full-blown mountain waterfall (and yes, there’s photographic evidence coming). For anyone who wants a high-quality mountain shell without the bulk, this might just be your new jacket go-to.
Score: 8/10 Excellent, wet weather protection.
Shop the Rab Downpour Mountain Jacket now at Taunton Leisure or visit us in-store to try it on.
Need help finding your fit or comparing options? Email us at [email protected].
