Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s Review

What Makes Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s Stand Out?

The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s is Rab’s bestselling multi-activity softshell, now crafted with recycled fabric. It promises unmatched breathability and wind resistance, vital for facing unpredictable elements. This hoody immediately piqued my interest as someone constantly seeking versatile, lightweight gear that can handle demanding outdoor pursuits. Its reputation for freedom of movement, quick-drying properties, and packability made it a serious contender to replace my current, bulkier softshell.

I was looking for a softshell that could bridge the gap between a windbreaker and a heavier jacket. Something that offered decent weather protection without sacrificing breathability during high-output activities. The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s seemed to promise exactly that: a lightweight, versatile layer capable of handling everything from windy ridgelines to cool rock faces.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the incredibly light weight. The fabric felt soft and comfortable against my skin, and the construction seemed solid. The simple, streamlined design was also a welcome change from some of the more over-engineered softshells I’ve used in the past.

Compared to the Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody and the Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody, the Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s felt like a more specialized piece. The R1 TechFace is warmer, while the Atom LT is more insulated. I opted for the Borealis because I valued its breathability and wind resistance over outright warmth.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s felt exactly as advertised: lightweight, packable, and ready for action. I was eager to put it through its paces in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s on a spring backpacking trip in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. The weather was predictably unpredictable, with sunshine, wind, and even a brief snow flurry. I wore the hoody while hiking, climbing, and setting up camp.

The hoody performed admirably in the variable conditions. It blocked the wind effectively, preventing chilling, and breathed surprisingly well during strenuous uphill climbs. I didn’t need any time to get used to it; it felt comfortable and natural from the get-go.

The only minor issue was that the hood tended to flap a bit in strong winds when not cinched down or worn under a helmet. This was easily remedied, though, and didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s has become my go-to softshell for a wide range of activities. I’ve worn it hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and even as a casual layer around town. It has held up exceptionally well.

The fabric shows no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to abrasion from rocks and backpack straps. The seams are all intact, and the zippers are still functioning smoothly. Cleaning and maintenance are also simple; I just toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and hang it to dry.

Compared to other softshells I’ve owned, the Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s truly shines in terms of breathability and packability. It outperforms my previous softshell in warmer weather, and its small pack size makes it easy to bring along as an emergency layer.

Breaking Down the Features of Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s

Specifications

• Fabric: The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s utilizes a Recycled Matrix stretch fabric. This provides both breathability and wind resistance, key to its versatility.
• Weight: Described as Midweight, the hoody strikes a balance between weather protection and packability. This ensures it won’t weigh you down on long treks.
• Fit: The Regular fit allows for comfortable layering without feeling too bulky. This is crucial for active pursuits where freedom of movement is essential.
• Zipper: A YKK VISLON front zip with a chin guard provides reliable closure. The chin guard adds a touch of comfort and prevents chafing.
• Hood: The low-volume hood is designed to fit seamlessly under a helmet. This is a major advantage for climbers and skiers who require head protection.
• Pockets: Two hand pockets offer quick-access storage. These are perfect for stashing gloves, a phone, or other small essentials.
• Hem: A low-profile hem adjustment allows for a snug fit under a harness. This prevents the hoody from riding up during climbing or other activities.
• Cuffs: Elasticated cuffs seal out the wind without adding bulk. This provides a secure and comfortable fit around the wrists.

These specifications are crucial for the Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s‘s overall performance. The recycled fabric aligns with environmentally conscious consumers. Its balance of weight, wind resistance, and breathability make it adaptable for many environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s excels at its primary job: providing lightweight wind resistance and breathability for active pursuits. It allows for comfortable movement without overheating. Its performance is exceptional.

The hoody’s strengths lie in its ability to regulate temperature effectively. It keeps you warm enough in windy conditions. It’s breathable enough to prevent overheating during strenuous activities. One area for improvement would be the addition of a chest pocket for storing a phone or GPS device.

The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s meets and even exceeds expectations. It offers a versatile, high-performance softshell that is well-suited for a wide range of outdoor activities.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s is excellent. The materials feel durable. The stitching is clean and precise. The hoody is incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s is designed to be user-friendly with no steep learning curve. The simple design is intuitive. The fit is comfortable.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s is constructed from durable materials. It’s likely to last for years with proper care.

The hoody is easy to maintain and repair. It can be machine washed and dried on low heat. Simple repairs, such as patching small tears, can be done with basic sewing skills.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Its design doesn’t lend itself to extensive customization.

However, the hoody can be easily paired with other layers. This includes base layers, mid-layers, and rain jackets. Its simple design makes it compatible with a wide range of outdoor gear.

Pros and Cons of Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s

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Who Should Buy Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s?

The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s is perfect for hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, and anyone who needs a lightweight, breathable, and wind-resistant softshell for active outdoor pursuits. It’s also a great option for travelers who need a versatile layer that can be packed down small.

Someone seeking maximum insulation or complete waterproof protection should skip this product. This hoody is designed for breathability and wind resistance, not for extreme cold or heavy rain.

A must-have accessory would be a lightweight, packable rain jacket. This can be used in conjunction with the Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s to provide full weather protection in wet conditions.

Conclusion on Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s

The Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s is a standout performer in the world of softshells. It provides an exceptional balance of breathability, wind resistance, and packability. It’s also crafted from recycled materials, making it a more environmentally responsible choice.

At $120.00, the price is justified by the hoody’s performance, durability, and versatility. It’s an investment in a piece of gear that will serve you well for years to come.

I would highly recommend the Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s to anyone looking for a lightweight, breathable, and wind-resistant softshell for active outdoor pursuits. It’s a versatile and reliable piece of gear that will quickly become a staple in your outdoor wardrobe. Don’t just take my word for it, grab a Rab Borealis Hoody – Women’s and experience the freedom of movement in the great outdoors!