When facing the harshest alpine environments, having the right gear can make all the difference. The RAB Latok Alpine GTXJacket is designed with extreme conditions in mind, featuring a 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric that gives waterproof protection and breathability. Engineered for demanding mountaineers, this jacket has a helmet-compatible hood, harness-friendly pockets, and durable, lightweight construction—perfect for high-altitude ascents and unpredictable weather.
Whether you’re navigating ice-clad peaks or braving stormy ridgelines, the Latok is built to deliver high-level performance. But does it live up to its reputation in real-world conditions? Deen put the Latok to the test over four weeks of mountaineering in the European Alps and an additional month of rugged hiking in Norway, pushing the jacket to its limits across varying terrains and climates. Here’s what he discovered during those adventures.
Deen & Alette | Hikaholics
Deen and Alette, from Hikaholics, originally started hiking for their mental health and haven’t stopped since. They are outdoor filmmakers on YouTube where they share the beauty of long-distance trails, give information about backpacking trips, and talk about outdoor gear. After multiple well-known European long-distance trails, it is time for their next big adventure which soon will be released!
The RAB Latok Alpine GTX Jacket is built for demanding alpine and mountaineering environments. Constructed with 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro materials, the jacket has a robust waterproof and windproof barrier while still maintaining a level of breathability. It features a helmet-compatible hood with a stiffened peak for maximum visibility in stormy conditions and a dual-adjustment system for a secure fit.
The jacket’s main zipper is a YKK AquaGuard® Vislon, which is great for water resistance, while the internal storm flap adds an extra layer of protection. It even has a fleece-lined chin guard for comfort. For easy access during technical climbs, the Latok includes two large, harness-compatible A-line pockets. Inside, a zippered chest pocket is additional storage for small essentials.
Underarm pit zips offer ventilation to regulate body temperature during intense activity, while adjustable cuffs and a drawcord hem help seal out the elements. The Latok is constructed from a 40D recycled nylon fabric, making it both lightweight and durable. Reinforcements on high-wear areas enhance the jacket’s resilience against abrasions from rock or ice.
Weighing less than 500 grams, the jacket balances protection with packability. Designed for serious mountaineers, it offers freedom of movement with an articulated fit, making it suitable for technical ascents, long alpine climbs, and multi-day expeditions.
About RAB
Rab Equipment, founded in 1981 by Scottish climber Rab Carrington, is a brand known for its high-performance outdoor clothing and equipment. Rab has a reputation for creating durable, functional gear that performs in extreme environments. The brand’s ethos is rooted in Carrington’s own experiences in the mountains, and every product is designed to meet the demands of mountaineers, climbers, and adventurers who push their limits in unpredictable conditions.
Rab’s commitment to innovation is evident in their use of advanced technologies, such as GORE-TEX, Pertex, and their other fabrics, which are a balance of durability, breathability, and weather protection. They’re known for sustainable practices, incorporating recycled materials and ethically sourced down, and have been certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
Over the years, Rab has expanded its product range to include hardhells, insulated jackets, sleeping systems, and other technical equipment for outdoor adventures. Despite this growth, the brand remains true to its roots in the UK, with a focus on creating gear for the harshest environments.
Testing the RAB Latok Alpine GTX
Deen put the RAB Latok Alpine GTX Jacket through an extensive testing period over the summer, pushing it to its limits in both alpine and rugged hiking environments. His testing began with several mountaineering tours in the European Alps, led by UIAGM mountain guide Jelle Staleman. These expeditions covered a range of conditions, starting with the Grossglockner ascent, where the jacket faced cold winds and occasional snow as they climbed Austria’s highest peak. Deen also wore the jacket during the Chamonix beginner’s alpine course, navigating mixed terrain of rock, ice, and snow, where protection from unpredictable mountain weather was critical.
Next, the Gran Paradiso ascent in Italy was a test of endurance at high altitude. Here, the Latok jacket was used during glacier travel and summit day, where colder temperatures and strong winds showed the importance of the jacket’s breathability and weatherproof features. During these expeditions, Deen experienced long days in the elements, requiring gear that was not only protective but also light and comfortable for extended wear.
The jacket faced its most rigorous alpine test during the Monte Rosa 7 summits expedition, a multi-day adventure across some of the highest peaks in the Alps. With constantly changing weather, the Latok’s ability to resist wind, water, and snow was vital for safety and comfort. The helmet-compatible hood and articulated fit were especially useful during technical climbs and made sure that Deen’s movements were unhindered while the jacket maintained its protective qualities.
Following the mountaineering adventures, Deen embarked on a month-long journey in Norway, where he explored Jotunheimen, Breheimen, Trollheimen, and Rondane mountain areas. One of the highlights of this trip was the multi-day Trekanten trail in Trollheimen National Park. On this challenging trail, Deen encountered a mix of rain, wind, and even occasional sunshine, testing the Latok jacket’s versatility. During long hikes, the jacket’s breathability was crucial in maintaining comfort, preventing overheating during ascents, and shielding from the cold when the wind picked up on exposed ridgelines.
The conditions in Norway varied from the colder, high-altitude alpine environment of the European Alps to the wet and unpredictable weather in Scandinavia. In all these settings, the jacket needed to provide reliable waterproof protection while remaining lightweight and packable enough for a multi-day hike. Whether scrambling across rocky passes or navigating through foggy, rain-soaked valleys, Deen found himself relying on the Latok jacket’s robust construction and GORE-TEX technology to keep dry and comfortable.
Throughout these months of rigorous mountaineering and hiking, the RAB Latok Alpine GTX Jacket was subjected to some of the harshest conditions in Europe. The combination of alpine and Norwegian wilderness provided a thorough test of the jacket’s capabilities, from high-altitude summits to wet, rugged trails.
Specifications
Rab Latok Alpine Gore-Tex Pro
Fit
Regular
Weight
465g/16.4oz (Size M)
Hydrostatic head
28,000mm
Breathability (RET)
<6
Main fabric
40D Recycled GORE-TEX Pro Most Breathable 3-Layer construction with Gore DWR (120gsm)
pro's
Exceptional Weather Protection: The 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric offers reliable waterproof and windproof performance, making it ideal for harsh alpine conditions and wet hiking environments.
Durable Yet Lightweight: With reinforced high-wear areas and a lightweight 40D recycled nylon face fabric, the jacket strikes a balance between durability and packability, perfect for multi-day expeditions.
Functional Design for Mountaineering: Features like the helmet-compatible hood, harness-friendly pockets, and articulated fit provide ease of use and freedom of movement during technical climbs.
High-Visibility Color: The vibrant orange color of the Latok jacket adds visibility for safety in low-visibility conditions.
con's
Limited Ventilation: Despite the underarm pit zips, the jacket may feel a bit warm during intense activity in milder conditions, especially on long ascents.
Zippers: The zippers of the jacket get stuck occasionally and especially the bottom main zipper is hard to open and close.
Price: As a premium technical jacket, the cost is on the higher side, which might be a barrier for casual hikers or those on a tighter budget.
Conclusion
The RAB Latok Alpine GTX Jacket proves itself as a reliable companion for serious mountaineers and adventurers tackling harsh environments. With its 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro construction, the jacket has exceptional waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection, making it a solid choice for high-altitude climbs and rugged hikes. Features like the helmet-compatible hood, harness-friendly pockets, and articulated fit cater specifically to mountaineers, while the vibrant orange color offers increased safety.
While the jacket’s ventilation could be improved for warmer conditions, and the price may deter casual hikers, its durability, functionality, and superior weather resistance make it a worthwhile investment for those regularly venturing into challenging environments. After testing it across months of mountaineering in the Alps and a month of hiking in Norway, Deen found the Latok Alpine GTX Jacket to be a dependable asset in extreme and varied conditions.
About the RAB Latok Alpine GTX
About RAB