Rab Namche GORE-TEX Jacket Review

Our Rab Namche GORE-TEX Jacket review walks through one of the best all-season waterproof jackets available today.

Rab Namche GTX Goretex Jacket in the Austrian Alps
Features9 of 10
9 of 10
Fit8 of 10
8 of 10
Performance10 of 10
10 of 10
Comfort8 of 10
8 of 10
Value8 of 10
8 of 10
Overall86%
86%
  • Recycled GORE-TEX 3-Layer construction
  • Wired and stiffened peak for increased weather protection
  • Fully adjustable hood, cuffs and hem
  • Venting pit zips with YKK® AquaGuard Zips
  • No helmet-compatible hood (for mountaineers)
  • Pit zips may be difficult to reach
  • Fit: Regular
  • Weight: 437g/15.4oz (Size M)
  • Centre back length: (Size M): 77cm / 30.3inch
  • Main Fabric: 75D Recycled GORE-TEX 3-Layer construction ePE waterproof technology with PFCecFree DWR (141gsm) 
  • Hydrostatic Head: 28,000mm/RET: <13

Rab Namche GORE-TEX Jacket Review

The Rab Namche GORE-TEX jacket is the choice for UK hillwalkers and hikers looking for a great all-rounder. 

Designed specifically with hiking and hillwalking in mind, the RAB Namche GTX offers everything you need on the trails, footpaths and mountains in the UK.

Rab Namche GTX Goretex Jacket Hood

One of the first features that you’ll notice about the Namche is that it does not have a helmet-compatible hood. Although commonplace on highly technical mountaineering jackets, the deliberate lack of helmet-hood is actually a huge pro for an all-around performer.

Instead, what we get is a two-way adjustable hood that offers a fit second to none. Wear the hood with or without a hat and be instantly shielded from the wind and rain. 

Concealed, internal quad locks provide millimetre-perfect adjustment in the front and a single-handed adjuster takes care of the rear. A wired structure and stiffened peak are great for increased weather protection. 

Rab Namche GTX Goretex Jacket Pockets

Further down the jacket, there’s a pair of roomy hand pockets with plenty of space for a map. These keep the wet stuff out with the YKK® AquaGuard Zips that we’re ever so impressed by.

There is, however, a lack of chest and internal pockets which means storage options are limited. It’s not a problem when hiking with a small rucksack, but it does make grabbing essentials just a little bit more difficult. 

The sleeves boast hook and loop adjustable cuffs and fit seamlessly over gloves. This structure is designed to prioritise articulation and it’s easy to tell. The jacket is uber comfortable with plenty of freedom to move.

Rab Namche GTX Goretex Jacket Pit Zips

One of our favourite features of the Rab Namche is the underarm “pit vents”. These have proved invaluable for those soggy, steep gradient climbs for keeping the core temperature at bay. These, like the hand pockets and the centre front zip, use the impressive YKK® AquaGuard Zips to keep the rain away. 

Adjustability is taken care of at the waist with dual-sided rear hem adjustment. Similar to the rear of the hood, this can easily be adjusted with a single hand, fantastic for when you’re facing the best of the British weather. 

Rab Namche GTX Goretex Jacket Landscape Hem Adjustability

Materials & sustainability

Sustainability is hugely important to the Rab team. The Namche GTX is not only built responsibly, it’s built to last. 

A fully recycled, fluorocarbon-free fabric is used to create a lightweight, packable, high-performing waterproof jacket. Rab also uses a solution-dyed backer, created with reduced energy consumption in mind, over traditional dying methods. This translates to a waterproof that’s not only great for the user, but the planet, too. 

Rab Namche GTX Goretex Jacket Material

The jacket is tough but surprisingly lightweight. A men’s medium weighs just 437g/15.4oz and easily packs into a hiking backpack. 

The lightweight feel doesn’t compromise on quality and the Namche is SUPER waterproof with a GORE-TEX 3-Layer technology that gives the jacket a huge Hydrostatic Head rating of 28,000mm. It’s also highly breathable with the Namche GTX scoring an RET Breathability score of <13 alongside the handy “pit zips”.

Rab Namche GTX Goretex Jacket with Hood Up

Final thoughts 

The Rab Namche GORE-TEX waterproof jacket is one of (if not the best) waterproofs for hiking and hillwalking in the UK.

It’s tough, lightweight and with a 28,000mm Hydrostatic Head, super waterproof. We’ve been (un)lucky enough to test this in some of the wettest weather the UK has to offer and were thoroughly impressed by its performance.

The Namche GTX is available in both men’s (S-XXL) and women’s (8-16) sizing with a variety of great colours (pictured colour: Footprint) to choose from.

Rab Namche GTX Goretex Jacket Overlooking the Austrian Alps

How we tested the Rab Namche

I’ve been using the RAB Namche as my go-to waterproof layer over the last three months. It’s done everything from its maiden voyage as a soggy Parkrun spectator to exploring the mountains of Innsbruck and Salzburg in the Austrian Alps. We’ve taken the jacket out of its (and my) comfort zone and have been incredibly impressed with its performance.

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Rab Namche GTX Product Image

FAQ

Have a question about the Rab Namche GTX? Check out our FAQ below.

Yes, the Rab Namche GORE-TEX Jacket is available in both men’s (S-XXL) and women’s (8-16) sizing.

The hydrostatic head (HH) of the Rab Namche GORE-TEX Jacket is a huge 28,000mm.

The Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE® offers a lightweight, packable alternative to the standard Namche GORE-TEX. 

The PACLITE® is lighter than the standard waterproof (364g vs. 437g) and, consequently, boasts a smaller packsize. The tradeoff lies in the protection from the elements, namely in the midsection. The PACLITE® pockets are mesh lined, doubling as vents, but compromising warmth as an all-season jacket.

If you’re looking for an unbeatable all-rounder, the standard Rab Namche GORE-TEX is hard to beat. 

However, if you’re looking for a lightweight, packable layer that’s perfect for summer adventures, the Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE® is the best option. 

Still not managed to solve your issue? Don’t be afraid to reach out and send us a message on one of our socials – we’re always happy to help!

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