The Women’s Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE® Jacket from Rab is a fantastic mix of durability, lightweight design, and weather protection, perfect for the outdoors. Made to handle tough mountain weather, this jacket uses advanced GORE-TEX technology to keep you dry and comfortable. While there are a few minor issues like the fit and length, they aren’t a big deal compared to the overall benefits. Whether you’re hiking in the rain or braving strong winds, the RAB Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE has you covered.
Review
Gear review: RAB Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE
Publication date: 29 Oct 2024
Mathilde Fox
Meet Mathilde, a nature lover born and raised on Réunion Island. She knows the island’s mountains like the back of her hand and always has her white dog, Moka, by her side. When she’s not soaking in the views, she’s training for her next trail running competition. Splitting her time between Réunion and Brussels, Mathilde loves exploring Europe’s hiking trails, especially the Alps, her absolute favorite. You can find her on Instagram @fox.mathilde
About the RAB Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE
About the RAB Namche GORE-TEX PACLITEThe Rab Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE® Jacket excels in providing waterproof and breathable protection. The GORE-TEX PACLITE® fabric is both lightweight and highly packable, making it perfect if you need reliable weather protection without adding too much bulk. The jacket has a two-way adjustable hood with a laminated peak, which means excellent coverage and visibility during downpours. The full-length YKK AquaGuard® front zip is a secure closure and prevents water from sneaking in.
The jacket’s fit is designed to accommodate layering, so you can adapt to changing weather conditions easily. Articulated sleeves enhance mobility, while adjustable cuffs and hem offer a customizable fit to seal out the elements. The jacket also includes two large, zipped hand pockets for storage that can also be used as vents when needing some extra breathing room! It provides excellent protection against wind and rain, and its overall design and functionality make it my top choice for outdoor activities.
About RAB
About RABRAB, founded in 1981 by Scottish climber RAB Carrington, has established itself as a leading brand in outdoor clothing and equipment. Known for their high-quality, durable products, RAB specializes in gear designed for extreme conditions and demanding environments. The brand’s origins in Sheffield, UK, are rooted in Carrington’s extensive mountaineering experience, which informs the designs and performance of RAB’s gear.
RAB’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of recycled materials and ethical sourcing practices. They adhere to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), ensuring that their down products are sourced from farms with high animal welfare standards. This dedication to quality and ethical manufacturing has earned RAB a strong reputation among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. With a focus on creating reliable gear for the most challenging conditions, RAB pushes the boundaries of outdoor clothing technology, making them a trusted choice for adventurers worldwide.
Testing the RAB Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE
This jacket does exactly what is expected from it without any compromise. First, it is highly waterproof with 28,000mm, which is the least to ask from a rain jacket. The 2.5-layer Gore-Tex PACLITE plus technologies do a wonderful job, and with its PACLITE fabric, it stays lightweight (358g) and easily packable. An extra detail that adds to the positive aspects: the fabric is 100% recycled.
On top of being excellent at keeping you dry, the breathability is noteworthy, with an RET breathability score below 6.
Let’s dive into the jacket’s shape specificities: the hood is fully adjustable with an easy-to-use adjustment at the back and two elastics on both sides in the front so that the hood comes close to the face and avoids water coming in. On top of the hood, you will find a stiffened peak that works almost like a cap to provide extra protection.
There is no way that water can come in from the YKK zips, and one detail I am happy about: the top of the zip has a fleece-lined chin guard for comfort. The same waterproof YKK zips are found on the two large pockets. The pockets are doubled with a mesh lining inside so that they can also be used as vents for better body temperature regulation when in use during physical activity.
I also appreciate the flexibility of the fabric and the fact that the sleeves are designed for freedom of movement. At the bottom of the jacket, a rear hem adjustment allows you to tighten the bottom of the jacket. This is specifically useful when layering the Namche GORE-TEX jacket on top of the Alpine Down Jacket, as this second one is longer, and needs to be well tucked under to prevent it from getting wet.
pro's
Lightweight and Packable: GORE-TEX PACLITE technology makes the jacket extremely light (358g) and easy to pack, perfect for outdoor activities where space and weight matter.
Highly Waterproof: With a hydrostatic head of 28,000mm, the jacket offers excellent waterproof protection, essential for staying dry in heavy rain.
Breathability: The RET breathability score below 6 ensures that the jacket allows sweat and moisture to escape, keeping you dry and comfortable during intense activities.
Durable: Despite its lightweight nature, the GORE-TEX PACLITE fabric is designed to be tough and durable, capable of withstanding harsh outdoor conditions.
Adjustable Features: The hood, cuffs, and hem are all adjustable, which means a customizable fit that enhances comfort and protection against the elements.
con's
Limited Storage Options: The jacket lacks chest and internal pockets, which limits storage options and can make accessing essentials a bit more difficult.
Length Issues: The jacket is shorter than its counterpart layer, the Alpine Down Jacket, making the layering more difficult as extra attention needs to be paid to having the down jacket well tucked under.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the RAB Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE® Jacket is a fantastic choice for staying dry in tough weather. It’s light and packs easily, with great waterproofing and breathability thanks to the GORE-TEX PACLITE® fabric. This jacket is perfect for anyone who needs reliable gear for rainy, windy, or changing weather. It keeps you dry, comfy, and ready for any adventure, and its nice look and fit make it a good choice for everyday life in rainy weather.