Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket Review

Publication date: 24 Jul 2025

GearRain jackets

The Rab Downpour Trail Light will keep you dry and block the wind on tough days, and it will do it well. This waterproof layer is designed to be light, packable, and straightforward. It’s something you grab when the sky turns and you want to keep moving. It is super lightweight, has almost no pockets, but is reflective, and I found it to be a perfect addition to my pack.

I like this jacket a lot for backup, especially when I head out on a trail that has a clear forecast. Because I will always take a rain jacket (and one that works!) as backup, but I don’t always want to carry the weight of a hardshell if I don’t see myself using it. And the Downpour Light is great for this. It works well in rainy conditions, but can also be used as a windbreaker or as a layer after diving into an alpine lake.

Editor

Elmar Teegelbeckers

Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.

Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.

You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.

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Testing the Rab Downpour Trail Light

I tested the Downpour Trail Light on the GR221 in Mallorca, where the weather didn’t hold back. We had long stretches of rain and plenty of wind, and this jacket stayed on the entire time.

It blocked out water without turning into a sauna. And even with a pack on, I didn’t notice any real sweat buildup. The pit zips helped regulate heat on longer climbs, and the full zip let me cool off when I needed it.

inside material of the RAB Downpour Trail light jacket

On the trail, the wind picked up often, especially along exposed ridgelines on the coast, but I never felt cold. The jacket sealed well around the wrists and hood, and I didn’t deal with flapping or cold air sneaking in. It fit over my midlayer easily and moved with me instead of against me.

Packing it down was quick, too. I stashed it at the top of my pack and didn’t think about it until the clouds rolled in again. It dried fast and didn’t hold onto the wet smell that some jackets do.

About Rab

Rab started in the UK in the 1980s, built by climbers who wanted better gear for wet and cold conditions. They focus on technical mountain clothing: things that work in rough conditions without extra fluff.

They now operate globally but keep their identity rooted in performance. Rab pushes toward more sustainable production too, including using recycled materials and offering repair services for their gear. They don’t overpromise—they just build equipment that gets the job done.

About the Downpour Trail Light

The Downpour Trail Light uses Pertex Shield, a 2.5-layer fabric that’s waterproof, windproof, and breathable. A high percentage of the jacket is also made from recycled materials. The jacket keeps weight and features minimal, which helps it pack down small and stay light.

It includes an adjustable hood, YKK front zipper, and ventilated underarm zips. The fit is tailored enough to wear over a base or midlayer without excess bulk. It’s not meant to replace a full alpine hardshell, but it’s perfect for fast hikes, trail runs, or backpacking in unpredictable conditions.

The fabric held up well against brush and rock, and I had no tears or scuffs. The DWR coating repelled water all day in steady rain. When things cleared, it dried out fast and went back in the pack without soaking everything else.

Specifications

RAB Downpour Trail Light
Fabric	2.5-layer Pertex® Shield
Weight	186.5g (Size M)
Fit	Slim
Center back length	71cm (Size M)
Front zipper	YKK AquaGuard front zipper with chin guard
Chest pocket	Doubles as an integrated storage pocket
Reflective details	Reflective Rab logo and rear print

pro's

Solid waterproofing: It held off rain for hours without leaking.

Lightweight and packable: Easy to carry without bulk.

Good ventilation: Pit zips and full zip helped regulate body heat.

Wind protection: Kept out gusts without needing a heavier shell.

con's

Not built for abrasion: Thin fabric can wear out with heavy use.

Minimal features: Fewer adjustability options.

Slim fit may not work for layering: Bigger midlayers might feel tight.

DWR needs maintenance: Will require reproofing over time.

Conclusion

The Rab Downpour Trail Light is simple, dependable, and does exactly what it needs to do. It kept me dry and focused on the trail, not the weather. For anyone who wants a functional rain jacket without the extra weight or fuss, this one’s worth keeping in your pack.

Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket Review

About the Downpour Trail Light

Specifications

Conclusion

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