Rab Vapour-Rise Summit | Tested and reviewed

This is a technical, premium, ultralight jacket from Rab with a standout design. Unlike classic softshells – which all have that distinctive softshell outer material, made from a stretchy, sturdy and wind-resistant nylon or polyester – the Vapour-Rise Summit does things differently.

The outer is constructed from Pertex Quantum Air, a highly breathable, open woven fabric which prioritises air permeability above wind-resistance. This enables you to dump heat and regulate your temperature far more effectively during intense activity, while the inner - a fleecy brushed polyester lining that’s pretty thick and cosy – delivers a noticeable warmth boost when needed.

The overall ethos is to provide a two-layer system that replaces the need for two separate garments (such as a micro-fleece and windproof), and to create a micro-climate that works all day – “warm at the peak and comfortable during intense activity”, as Rab puts it.

Fabrics & Stretch

This softshell is made from two main fabrics. The outer is a 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air fabric, with a 47gsm (grams per square metre) grade and a PFC-free DWR treatment. The inner is a fleecy Vapour-Rise Warm lining with an 83gsm grade. This dual approach is designed to give the best of both worlds - wind and rain protection on the outside, toasty warmth on the inside.

The brushed, fleecy inner is genuinely very soft and cosy. It’s comfortable next to the skin and gives a good warmth boost. But it can feel too hot and clammy in some scenarios (the Vapour-Rise Alpine Light is a less-insulated alternative). The outer feels very high-tech, lightweight and well-designed, but it’s very thin and flimsy. It certainly feels more delicate and less durable than stronger, classic-style soft shell outers. There’s little to no stretch as well, because there is no elastane in the fabric.

Rab describes the Vapour-Rise system as follows: “Soft on the inside and protective on the outside, this fabric is warm, wicking and wind-resistant” with “efficient temperature regulation”. It is, therefore, “ideal for extreme environments, cold temperatures and all-mountain action”, according to the brand. We’d largely agree with that statement.

Rab’s excellent ‘Material Facts’ initiative - which lists the total recycled content (measured by weight) of every Rab product, in a bid for environmental transparency in an industry somewhat plagued by greenwashing - outlines that only 2% of the Vapour-Rise Summit is recycled. This jacket is not, therefore, at the forefront of Rab’s sustainability work, but it’s positive nonetheless to see exact figures presented in an easily understandable format.

Wind-Resistance & Water-Resistance

This jacket’s Pertex Quantum Air outer is wind-resistant and highly breathable. Pertex Quantum Air is a high-tech material with an “open woven structure”, which increases air permeability and ensures high breathability. The feathery, lofted inner lining is fast-wicking too, helping to further enhance moisture management and the all-round sense of breathability. But, despite this focus on breathability, the outer still retains wind-resistance, according to Rab, and will “protect against bitter winds”.

We’d suggest the Vapour-Rise Summit system delivers market-leading breathability, but at the cost of some wind protection. Beefier windproof softshells will block out the wind better, but - on the flip side - they won’t be as breathable.

Ultimately this jacket is, perhaps, more suitable for fast, dynamic movers in the mountains, rather than slow plodders, yet its versatility is a strength too. Rab suggests that “on stop-start mountain days where you’re ascending, pausing, and then on the move again, you need a do-it-all system which can respond to your output and changing conditions” - and the Vapour-Rise Summit is that do-it-all jacket.

The Pertex Quantum Air outer also has a DWR treatment, meaning it sheds rain quite well and copes fine with a light shower or two.

Fit, Comfort & Weight

The Rab Vapour-Rise Summit has a relatively athletic cut. It’s certainly not baggy or roomy, and instead has a snug fit that’s - by our judgement - true to size. For some body shapes, however, it may be a little on the tight side. Generally speaking, the Vapour-Rise Summit works better as a standalone outer layer, but it’s streamlined enough to be used within a layering system.

Comfort levels are high, thanks to the soft and cosy inner and the all-round lightweight build. The Vapour-Rise Summit feels way less stiff, boxy and rigid than some classic style softshells. For many hillwalkers this will be a positive; for others the Rab offering may feel a little too flimsy and not tough enough.

The men’s small of this jacket weighs 323g on our scales, which could fairly be classed as ultralight. The Rab Vapour-Rise Summit is far lighter than all of the hefty, classic style softshells we’ve tested recently. It’s 212g lighter than the Alpkit Resolute, 190g lighter than the Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Hybrid Softshell, 204g lighter than the Keela Hydron and 75g lighter than the Salewa Agner Durastretch. But it’s not the lightest on the market, clocking in at 44g heavier than the Mountain Equipment Aerotherm, for example.

Features: Pockets, Hood & Ventilation

You get all of the features you could possibly need with this jacket. The wrist cuffs are adjustable via hook-and-loop Velcro tabs, which have a robust design and create a precise seal. There are two zippered handwarmer pockets, positioned high enough to accommodate a climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. There’s also a mesh-lined zippered pocket for valuables on the left chest. At the waist hem, double drawcord toggles enable you to seal out the cold, when required, while the well–shaped, helmet-compatible hood has a wired peak and is adjustable via two internal toggles located at the neck. The main zipper has an excellent design, with a zipper “garage” at the top, an internal stormflap for sealing out the wind, and a fleece-lined chin guard. The zipper is two-way too, so you can unzip from the bottom for extra ventilation. All of the zippers are premium YKK zippers.

Verdict

A proven ‘put it on, leave it on’ layer combining a Pertex outer with a fleecy inner – but it priorities breathability over wind-resistance

About the author

James Forrest writes regular features and route guides for Trail and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s walking in his local fells.

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