March 18, 2025 - Starting out as an ultra-durable and highly technical sleeping bag company, Rab has grown to become an in-demand tech clothing brand.

Launched back in 1981 by Rab Carrington, a mountaineer and climber, he began hand-stitching sleeping bags with the aim to design gear that he would want to use.

Over the years, the Rab brand has grown to include jackets, tights and packs among other outdoor clothing pieces. Yet with 58 models of sleeping bags in their line up, Rab is still very much a company true to its roots.

We were excited when the opportunity arose to test some of the Rab collection this winter amidst some extreme conditions. Facing minus twenty-five Celsius degree temperatures outside our test items, a VR Summit Jacket and Talus Windstopper Tights, did not disappoint.

VR Summit Jacket
VR, short for Vapour Rise, is a softshell jacket with lightweight VR Warm lining along with a wind-resistant Pertex Quantum Air shell that does a great job to block the wind. The breathable thin inner lining provides a great barrier to the outer shell and thus helps keep the cold away from you.

The jacket is perfect for the cool days when hiking or cold days xc skiing. The lining also helps move away any moisture to the highly breathable shell which allows you to stay dry while pumping out a good workout.

The Summit jacket comes loaded with features. The hood is helmet compatible with a stiffened peak to keep the elements off your face. The pockets are located so you can access them while wearing a pack and they’re zippered as well to keep valuables safe. There is also a pocket on the chest that is perfect for sunglasses.

The bottom of the jacket has a well-designed draw string, as does the hood. The hood has hidden locking buttons that are so easy to use and it releases the tension with the push of the button. Even the zipper is well designed with dual direction zips and storm flap to stop the wind from getting through.

For more information please visit here.

Talus Windstopper Tights
Rab’s Talus Windstopper Tights are one of those pieces of gear that everyone should have – a lightweight tight that performs well even in cold conditions. With Gore-tex Infinium panels on the front that include Gore Windstopper technology, the Talus tights really do stop the cold from freezing the front of your legs. The wind stopping material extends for the entire front of the tights. The front panels have a soft feel on the inside and can be worn next to your skin and also wick any moisture away.

A mix of double-weave Matrix fabric across the seat and back of the thighs offers reinforcement and durability, while lightweight, high-stretch Flexile 100 fabric at the waistband and behind the knees, provide flexibility and a great snug fit.

The wide waistband is constructed without any seams to avoid any digging in, and a flat drawstring provides even more comfort. Plus, there’s an integrated rear zippered pocket at the waist that’s perfect for your phone or keys. An additional mesh back pocket sits over the zippered pocket and allows for quick storage items like gels.

The legs have zips at the bottom including storm flaps, and a few subtle reflective accents top off these tights allowing you to be seen yet still look stylish while hitting the coffee shop.

For more information please visit here.