REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Great mobility
Effective hood seal
Offers solid water resistance for the price
REASONS TO AVOID
On the heavier side
Bunches slightly around the stomach
Rab Downpour Review
Comfortable rain jackets can be pricey, but this layer delivers a more affordable alternative to high-end options
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Rain Jackets for Men
Our Verdict
The Rab Downpour stands out as a budget jacket that punches above its price in comfort. The Downpour offers excellent range of motion, a relatively soft against-skin feel thanks to its Pertex Shield fabric, and solid water resistance for an inexpensive rain layer. Its hood design is easy to adjust one-handed and provides a decent seal when things get stormy. While it's not the lightest option at 13.3 ounces and has some minor fabric bunching around the stomach, the Downpour is a versatile choice for both urban and backcountry use, with a clean aesthetic not often found in a rain jacket.
Our Analysis and Test Results
This is an ideal rain layer for those seeking comfort from their rain gear and don't need something to battle intense storms. The clean style also makes it ideal for around-town use.
Whether on a jog around town or on a multi-day backpacking trip, the Downpour is comfy and is bound to keep you dry. Credit: Zach Lovell
Water Resistance
The Rab Downpour is a 2.5-layer rain jacket made with Pertex Shield fabric. After several weeks of field testing, we found this jacket to offer water resistance that was competitive with more expensive jackets. Though it's not the best choice for severe and prolonged storms, for most hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this jacket is likely all you need.
This fabric has a 50 denier construction, and the DWR treatment is made without PFAS ("forever chemicals", which are potentially harmful to people and the environment). This 2.5-layer jacket strikes a balance between weight/bulk and water resistance, offering decent protection for moderate storms and hours-long drizzles while still having some packability. If things get windy, it's also easy to form a tighter seal with the Rab Downpour, with effective drawstring systems in the hem and hood and classic Velcro adjusters at the cuffs.
When things start blowing sideways, you can easily batten down the hatches with the Downpour. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Rab Downpour beads water effectively, and we didn't have to re-treat the shell with a DWR treatment during our testing season. This model uses a storm flap to keep moisture away from the zipper, which worked well in most of the storms we braved in testing.
Overall, the Downpour can be relied upon in most stormy settings, with consistent beading and some well-designed sealing capabilities. Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
Overall, the Rab Downpour is a fairly breathable rain layer, with a painted liner that offered better venting than many of the other 2.5-layer models.
We typically find 2.5-layer jackets to feel clammy due to their rubbery liners trapping heat, but the Rab Downpour stands out with a softer interior that stays more comfortable on the move. It also includes pit zips for ventilation, though the pockets are not mesh, so they can't double as vents.
We loved the breathability of this budget layer, allowing us to enjoy some rainy runs without getting too sweaty. Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort and Mobility
The Rab Downpour has a casual and roomy cut and a softer skin feel than most 2.5-layer jackets we've tested. While we tested a few rain jackets that are more comfortable, they all also cost quite a bit more than the Downpour. This was the most comfortable jacket in this price range that we tested.
This jacket stands out for its unusually soft and supple feel, offering excellent mobility with enough room to layer a fleece or softshell underneath. While we noticed some mild bunching around the stomach, especially when sitting, it's overall a non-restrictive layer that moves well with your upper body.
This layer won't hold you back when it's raining, whether huffing up a big hike or simply enjoying a town jog. Credit: Zach Lovell
If you're only wearing a t-shirt underneath it, the against-skin feel is very good when compared to other jackets with a painted or sprayed interior.
The next-to-skin comfort was great around the arms, wrists, and neck areas. Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
If you aren't counting every ounce going into your bag, the weight of the Rab Downpour might not be a big deal, and it's at least packable. Having said that, this is not the lightest rain layer on the market and isn't ideal for those seeking an ultralight rain layer.
At 13.3 ounces, this model is still under a pound. Fortunately, its more supple construction allowed us to cram it more easily into tighter spaces, whether packing an overnight pack or a work commuter bag.
This isn't the heaviest rain jacket out there, but it's not our first choice for going light and fast. Credit: Zach Lovell
Construction Quality
Rab has long been a leader in mountain clothing, and the Downpour furthers that reputation as a high-value budget model. This is a layer that'll last a long time as long as you're mindful about moving through dense brush or scrambling over sharp rocks.
The middle and exterior layers of the Rab Downpour performed consistently throughout testing, and the liner was noticeably more resilient than the other budget spray liners. Whether that liner was rubbing against belt buckles or zippers from underlayers, it held up very well. The overall design of this jacket was also very well thought out. We could cinch the hood with one hand easily and the hem drawstring stayed tight while hiking.
From the hood's three drawstring adjusters to the drawstring hem, the features of the Downpour worked as well on the last day of testing as they did on the first. Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the Rab Downpour?
We strongly recommend this layer if you want versatility and comfort without totally breaking the bank. There are better jackets for severe weather or for going ultralight, but they'll cost you a pretty penny and might not offer as great a value. The Rab Downpour is a trustworthy companion for city rain walks or backpacking trips as long as the weather isn't too intense.
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?
The Helly Hansen Loke breaks the mold as a budget jacket that's substantially lighter. It doesn't have as durable a construction, but it's incredibly packable and quite weather-resistant for its weight. If you'd like something even more comfy than the Rab Downpour, check out the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket, which is softer and stretchier than most rain jackets on the market today.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Rab Downpour versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Comfort on a Budget |
|---|---|
| Price | $140 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | Comfortable rain jackets can be pricey, but this layer delivers a more affordable alternative to high-end options |
| Pros | Comfortable, great mobility, effective hood seal, offers solid water resistance for the price |
| Cons | On the heavier side, bunches slightly around the stomach |
| Rating Categories | Rab Downpour |
| Water Resistance (45%) | |
| Breathability (20%) | |
| Comfort and Mobility (15%) | |
| Weight (10%) | |
| Construction Quality (10%) | |
| Specifications | Rab Downpour |
| Number of Fabric Layers | 2.5 |
| Material and Waterproof Membrane | 2.5-layer Pertex Shield |
| Measured Weight | 13.3 oz |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand |
| Pit Zips | Yes |
| Pit Zip Length | |
| Stows Into Pocket | No |
| Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket | |
| Helmet Compatible Hood (Per Testing) | |
| Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets | |
| Additional Features | Adjustable hood with stiff peak, dual sided rear hem adjustment, internal storm guards |
—Zach Lovell
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