Not one other Rab jacket overview ! I do know I do know I can not cease getting them however as I’ve stated earlier than, every jacket serves a really particular function so right here we go once more.
The Objective
So what was I actually searching for ? I wanted a hardshell jacket which was 100% waterproof & breathable solely to maintain me dry, easy proper ?
Nicely, this is the issue with that, there’s waterproof and there is 100% waterproof and the distinction in between these two descriptions is huge to say the least.
To offer you an thought any garment could be described as waterproof if it passes a degree of 1500 mm on the hydrostatic head take a look at, This primarily means it would face up to a 15 cm column of water of roughly an inch sq. for an allotted time frame with out letting any water in.
Sounds fairly spectacular proper ? properly let me inform you a Gore-Tex PRO membrane has a hydrostatic head score of over 28,000 mm so you may see there’s a reasonably large distinction.
The extra waterproof an merchandise is mostly the much less properly it breathes, and thats the large situation.
Gore-tex PRO solves that.
I additionally wished to have a 3 layer jacket which was laminated collectively to make it extra comfy to put on and higher performing than the standard 2 layer jackets with a drop liner and mesh backing.
How waterproof is Gore-Tex Professional ?
I’ve tried all manor of “Waterproof” merchandise through the years starting from hydrostatic head scores from 10,000 to twenty,000 and whereas they had been excellent, I could not say they had been 100% waterproof and would hold me dry in each state of affairs it doesn’t matter what.
Gore-tex will, its that easy.
I’ve hiked in a few of the worst circumstances conceivable, with heavy again packs slicing into my jackets throughout 50 mph winds with torrential rain coming in sideways, biblical circumstances actually and Gore-tex has by no means failed me, I belief it like nothing else.
And so do Gore, they provide you a “Assured to maintain you dry” promise on the lifetime of the garment and within the uncommon occasion a Gore-Tex product leaks, They may exchange it with out hesitation, now an organization who’s keen to face behind its merchandise like that will get my vote and fills me with confidence.
For my hardshell jackets & trousers and boots actually its the one factor I’ll use, thats how extremely I fee it.
What’s Gore-tex ?
There is a lengthy technical clarification or a reasonably brief easy one, so we are going to begin with that.
Gore-tex is not the skin materials as its typically mistaken for, its a white membrane that lives contained in the jacket and is in both in a drop liner format or the higher possibility in my view, really bonded to the within of the garment.
This membrane is stuffed with micro perforations which might be extremely tiny and never seen to the human eye however they do one thing very intelligent, they cease water from coming by it however permits vapour to cross by, vapour on this occasion is perspiration.
So briefly it retains the rain out however permits your perspiration to cross by the jacket making it breathable.
One thing all of us want with a view to keep a degree of consolation and efficiency.
Now Gore makes many merchandise, some just like the Infinium vary which is windproof however not waterproof, so I’ll solely deal with the unique Gore-Tex & Gore-tex PRO that are the waterproof membranes.
Which is healthier ? Gore-Tex or Gore-Tex Professional ?
There may be a whole lot of similarities between these two membranes, however they don’t seem to be the identical
They’re each 100% waterproof (each 28,000 mm hydrostatic head score), breathable and windproof however they do that differently and to totally different ranges.
Commonplace Gore-Tex is a Polyurethane membrane that may are available 2 layer or 3 layer choices, Gore-Tex PRO is barely ever out there in 3 layer choices and makes use of a micro-grid backer which is lighter and has higher breathability in addition to a more durable outer face cloth.
Gore-Tex PRO Membrane
Gore-tex is cheaper and suited to a wider vary of actions, however Gore-Tex PRO is healthier for actions that require extra sturdiness and a more durable outer shell.
Gore-Tex will likely be greater than sufficient for 90% of individuals for many actions, Gore-Tex PRO is for the ten% who demand the hardest and most technical materials out there and it actually fits quick paced actions the place breathability is examined to the restrict however it’s dearer than customary Gore-Tex.
So is it higher ? sure & no, it simply is dependent upon your wants from the garment.
Gore-Tex Commonplace Membrane
Why The Rab Latok Mountain GTX PRO Jacket ?
So the jacket I made a decision on was the Rab Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Professional, this was right down to numerous components and this is my standards.
• Wished it to be Rab just because I belief the model and model ethics
• Needed to be Gore-Tex for the waterproof, breathability & windproof qualities
• Needed to have pit zips for straightforward warmth dumping
• Needed to have a napoleon pocket (for utilizing my microphone)
• Needed to be a 3 layer development
• Needed to have a hood
• Needed to be gentle, foldable and be capable of carry in a rucksack
• Needed to be straightforward to maneuver in
• Needed to be sturdy as a result of rocky scrambles i am all the time doing
• A real 4 season jacket I may use all yr spherical topic to layers
Now there’s a number of jackets within the Rab Latok GTX Professional vary, the Mountain, The Excessive & The Alpine, these differ in worth by round £60 and primarily are the identical however have totally different weight outer supplies used and a few have further pockets and so forth…
The Alpine being a 40D materials whereas the Excessive was 80D, the place the mountain actually scored was it was a mix of each supplies, 40D for the physique of the jacket and with 80D within the areas that actually want it, shoulders, arms and so forth to deal with heavy rucksack put on and scrambling on tough craggy mountains, to me it appeared like one of the best of each worlds and was really the cheaper of the three which at £420.00 RRP cannot be classed as low-cost, fairly the other actually.
The face cloth of all of the Rab Latok GTX Professional vary is definitely recycled and thats one thing I’m actually drawn to as all of us must play our half the place we are able to, and as acknowledged earlier than I like Rab’s ethics and dedication to being a internet zero firm.
The Mountain is out there in a selection of 6 color methods, whereas the Alpine solely has 3 and the Excessive solely has 2.
I like a reasonably impartial color jacket so I opted for the Graphene/Black combo as I do not actually like the brilliant color methods as generally I’ll take part in wildlife images so brilliant colors aren’t actually a good suggestion.
The Options
The Rob Latok is designed to be totally purposeful whereas carrying a backpack and the two chest pockets and single Napoleon pocket are simply accessible whereas carrying a pack with waist & chest straps with out having to take away the pack.
There may be an inside pocket which is appropriate for a big telephone and so forth whereas the outer pockets are simply massive sufficient for a map and compass or different objects you want common entry too.
Beneath the arms are two very beneficiant size pit zips which make it a cinch for dumping warmth rapidly and these are fitted with haptic pullers to make it simply identifiable which of them go which means with out trying, a easy however efficient function.
Useful Pit Zips with Haptic pullers
The primary zip is a two means YKK VISLON zip which has a popper fitted to the within backside to cease it by accident opening or using up and is fitted with a storm flap beneath to cease any moisture getting by, however curiously sufficient no entrance storm flap ? However this does make the profile of the jacket look nicer to be truthful.
The opposite zips are YKK Aquagaurd zips to maintain the rain out however no storm flaps however the jacket is totally appeared taped with Gore-Tex PRO tape all through to verify completely nothing will get by any space the place cloth meets.
The hoods on Rab jackets can typically be enormous, I imply they’re designed to be appropriate with a helmet in order that they should be besides they actually do appear over sized however im delighted to say this one is completely implausible and could be adjusted with a single puller on the again and even additional with the 2 entrance facet pullers.
This now completely suits on the crown with loads of flexibility to show your head with out ever being cumbersome, a extremely good hood !
There’s a stiffened wire peak on the hood too which may have presumably been a bit larger however does the job.
The chin is fitted with a pleasant tender fleece cloth to keep away from rubbing across the chin or mouth and once more it really works very properly.
What actually impressed me is the peak the entrance zip will do as much as and together with the hood pullers you will get this to to so shut across the face its simply your eyes seen, actually nice for when the rain is howling in.
The hood could be rolled away for compact becoming with a small flap and Velcro to carry it in place to cease any undesirable flapping round though I’ve by no means had to make use of this as far as the hood pullers hold it properly in place however its a superb function to have if wanted.
Roll away hood is a pleasant contact
The texture of the jacket is kind of good and skinny, particularly throughout the 40D areas and it presents excellent articulation and is simple sufficient to maneuver round in.
The match is a “common” match and a very nice lower that fits my physique form properly and with an inexpensive degree of consolation, pretty much as good as you will get with a hardshell sort jacket.
The cuffs are fitted with Velcro hook & loop adjusters which work properly and are very straightforward and quick to regulate dependant on circumstances and the cuff opens as much as a extremely good dimension in case you need to use it as additional air flow on the jacket or eaten down the hatches in excessive climate with greater than sufficient room to suit gloves beneath it if wanted.
Easy straightforward adjustment on the cuffs
Double hem adjustment makes sealing this jacket up very easy even whereas carrying gloves due to its single pull loop system on each side of the jacket, tremendous quick and environment friendly one handed operation.
One handed hem adjustment for complete closure
at 505g its not the lightest Gore-Tex jacket on the market however equally its not heavy or cumbersome and feels good when on.
This jacket packs down fairly properly, once more not the smallest however its merely not the identical jacket as actually small packers.
This can be a rugged hardshell providing most safety and sturdiness and if you have a look at it like that then the pack down dimension may be very cheap.
However equally I discover this jacket is comfy sufficient to be on all day and management the temperature with the pit zips & entrance zip if wanted.
How Did It Carry out ?
The Rab Latok Mountain jacket has been given a brutal testing over the previous few weeks in all types of circumstances, the one exception is low temperatures.
I have never had something beneath about 5 levels and whereas such a jacket is not designed to maintain you heat, extra to be a part of a layering system it has saved me comfy whereas carrying it both as a stand alone jacket with a base layer prime or with the Rab Superflux hoody.
How Waterproof is the Rab Latok Mountain GTX PRO ?
First up the first use, how waterproof was it ? properly I’ve to say it did not skip a beat right here, I’ve been out in some completely horrific climate not too long ago with torrential rain for hours on finish and loopy excessive winds and never a drop of water has bought previous it.
The outer pockets have remained 100% waterproof too which is all the time a worrying space on most jackets however the Rab Latok Mountain jacket has been spot on.
Water beads up very properly on the outer due to its DWR coating on the outer layer and if it does get any additional it’s blocked by the Gore-Tex Professional membrane which to this point appears faultless, all in all its been good.
How breathable is the Rab Latok Mountain GTX PRO ?
Subsequent is the stumbling block for many waterproof jackets, was it breathable ?
The Rab Latok Mountain GTX Professional has a breathability score of <6 so it places it at an excellent degree.
I’ve to say once more I discovered it excellent, I by no means felt any construct up of moisture even with lengthy uphill slogs and I do perspire with these however the switch time is fast and so long as you are carrying a base layer with good wicking properties then the jacket handles it with ease.
I have never examined it above temperatures of 20 levels, and in very humid circumstances to this point however it’s dealt with that properly so I do not foresee any issues, once more prime marks.
How Windproof is the Rab Latok Mountain GTX PRO ?
The following space was how windproof was it ?
I would sound like a damaged report once more right here however it dealt with it completely and there was by no means any level I actually felt the wind even as much as 50 mph, the jacket simply kinds a protecting shell spherical you that seems like climate simply cannot penetrate it.
I’ve had a reasonably first rate scramble on this jacket over craggy rocks and some slips which examined the material however to this point its been nice, no rips or harm even with the proprietor being fairly clumsy over rocks.
I are likely to brush previous a whole lot of bushes too when out searching for new areas and these have precipitated no issues both so the sturdiness is superb.
The texture of the jacket is fairly good to be truthful, its no soft-shell however for a tough shell jacket I used to be fairly impressed by the texture of it and the way supple it was however that acquainted crinkle if you stroll remains to be current all be it in a barely extra muffled tone than a whole lot of different Gore-Tex jackets that I’ve tried.
Is the Rab Latok Mountain jacket for you ?
Now solely you may actually reply this, however I’ll pose you a number of eventualities with it.
If you’re searching for a water-resistant jacket for traditional strolling days out that retains you dry and performs properly and packs small and you do not want the sturdiness of Gore-Tex Professional then you might be in all probability higher off with the Rab Zenith Gore-tex and save your self a bunch of money
If like me you insist on a 3 layer development however once more do not want the sturdiness of Gore-Tex Professional then the Rab Zanskar will do what you want for a less expensive worth.
If nonetheless you insist on a jacket that can completely snicker within the face of any climate, will carry out on the absolute peak degree and deal with any quantity of scrambling and naturally you may afford it, then the Rab Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Professional jacket is completely for you.
This jacket is a no compromise jacket, you get the very best steadiness of efficiency and sturdiness and if thats what you are searching for then I feel you can be exhausting pushed to discover a extra appropriate jacket.
Whereas the preliminary worth outlay is kind of excessive I feel this jacket will final me for lots of years, and if you divide the price up over say 5-10 years then its really fairly cheap for the extent of safety you get and the backup of not solely Tabs guarantee however the Gore-Tex guarantee too.
Make no mistake, The Rab Latok Mountain Jacket is the very prime finish of efficiency and options and that prices, however one of the best all the time does.
Simply make sure that it is not overkill in your meant use.
Would I alter something ?
The Rab Latok Mountain jacket has only one Napoleon pocket, however the Alpine & Excessive have two, Personally I really feel just like the mountain ought to have two as properly and really feel its just a little low-cost to remove a pocket for a easy £20 distinction, contemplating the Alpine has it however its a full 40D jacket so does not have the additional sturdiness within the areas I want it.
I’d additionally prefer to see the addition of forearm zips on future jackets to assist with warmth dumping in addition to pit zips, its not important however can be good.
Aside from that the jacket is just about good and these are very small gripes.
Scores
Waterproof 10/10
Breathability 09/10
Sturdiness 10/10
Consolation 08/10
Worth 07/10
Whole 44/50 88%
Ultimate Ideas
The Rab Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Professional has been nice in each standards for me and its a extremely strong jacket, the one space I discovered to be just a little little bit of a stumbling block is the value, it’s fairly steep at an RRP of £420.00 however with just a little little bit of looking round I used to be capable of finding it for £336.00 which I used to be really very comfy with for what I really bought.
With Black Friday & Cyber Monday coming prime too I am certain there will likely be some first rate offers out there.
That is doubtless one of the best waterproof hardshell I’ve owned thus far and I’d haven’t any hesitation in recommending it to anybody however would ask one easy query, do you want this jackets degree of sturdiness and efficiency ? Or would a less expensive possibility swimsuit you higher ?
This jacket was paid for by my very own money and I’m by no means affiliated with Rab or another enterprise. Trustworthy and unbiased overview.
Daniel Wretham
The Rab Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Professional jacket could be seen by clicking the hyperlink to RAB
Video Overview of the Rab Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Professional
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