REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly breathable
Excellent fit
Great packability
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Less ideal weather protection
Minimal adjustability
Rab Borealis Review
This well-fitting option is one of the most breathable softshells available today, also weighing less than much of the competition
Credit: Zach Lovell
Our Verdict
The Rab Borealis is a lightweight softshell that's among the most breathable options we've ever tested in this category. With two mesh-backed chest pockets, we could even increase our ventilation on the go, making this a layer we could wear all day long in variable conditions. Whether backpacking or climbing, our testers loved the fit and easy mobility of this jacket, even though they noted it can only be adjusted at the hem. The Borealis doesn't offer much water resistance or warmth, so it needs to be paired with other layers when things get stormy or cold. Fortunately, if this jacket does get soaked, it dries quickly. This high-scoring garment belongs in your shopping cart if you're hunting for a breathable softshell on a budget. Don't miss our article on the top men's softshell jackets to check out other options worthy of your consideration.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Rab Borealis | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best Buy on a Tight Budget | |||
| Price | $115.00 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $155.00 at REI | $73 List $54.98 at Amazon | $69.95 at Backcountry | $40 List $38.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A well-made, lightweight softshell that prioritizes breathability above all else | This breathable option from Outdoor Research offers a wonderful range of motion, though it's heavier than others in its class of softshell | This option offers dependable weather protection and many features at the expense of being very heavy | This offering from Columbia boasts a clean style and top-notch heat retention for more casual use in the outdoors | A casual softshell jacket that offers warmth at a very accessible price |
| Rating Categories | Rab Borealis | Outdoor Research Fe... | TACVASEN Special Op... | Columbia Ascender | Amazon Essentials W... |
| Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (30%) | |||||
| Mobility (25%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Versatility (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Rab Borealis | Outdoor Research Fe... | TACVASEN Special Op... | Columbia Ascender | Amazon Essentials W... |
| Measured Weight (Size) | 9.7 oz (medium) | 13.5 oz (medium) | 29.4 oz (medium) | 19.9 oz (medium) | 24.1 oz (medium) |
| Number of Pockets | 2 exterior chest zip | 2 exterior hand zip, 1 exterior chest zip | 2 exterior hand zip, 2 exterior arm zip, 2 exterior rear zip | 1 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip | 1 exterior chest zip, 2 exterior hand zip |
| Breathability Test (In-Use Absorption) | 18 sq in | 19 sq in | 41 sq in | 43 sq in | 47 sq in |
| Warmth Test | 21.55 min | 29.17 min | 34.33 min | 41.52 min | 43.82 min |
| Water Retention Test (1-Min Soak) | 340 sq in | 417 sq in | 17 sq in | 230 sq in | 332 sq in |
| Drying Test | 6.08 min | 11.47 min | 31.72 min | 34.83 min | 41.17 min |
| Fabric Weight Class | Lightweight | Lightweight | Heavyweight | Midweight | Heavyweight |
| Material | Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch (85% nylon 6, 15% elastane) with DWR | 86% nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop | 100% polyester shell, fleece inner | 100% polyester | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| Insulated | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hood | Yes, under helmet with Lycra binding | Yes, over helmet hood with rear hood adjustment | Yes, helmet compatible, adjustable | No | No |
| Unique Features | Chest pockets become ventilation, packs inside chest pocket | Reinforced material around high-wear areas | Tactical-focused design, additional rear hip and bicep pockets | Great next-to-skin fleece feel | Top-tier heat retention |
| Layering Capabilities | Can be layered over or under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Best worn over other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers | Can be layered over or under other layers |
| Adjustable Cuffs (Material) | No (fixed elastic cuffs) | No (fixed elastic cuffs) | Yes (Velcro cuffs) | Yes (Velcro cuffs) | Yes (Velcro cuffs) |
| Available Sizes | XS - 2XL | S - 3XL | S - 2XL | S - 2XL | XS - 5XL |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Rab Borealis is a highly versatile option that can be worn all day, even as temperatures fluctuate. While it needs to be paired with other jackets for better weather protection, it's easy to layer in various ways. Best of all, this softshell comes at a more approachable price than much of its competition.
Performance Comparison
We spent weeks in the field testing the Rab Borealis, ensuring we left no stone unturned.
Credit: Rainbow Weinstock
Weather Protection
Weather protection is worth 30% of the total score of the Borealis. We tested this metric by spending weeks in the field with each product, taking detailed notes related to warmth and wind/water resistance. Then, we performed a series of objective tests, starting with a 1-minute shower test and measuring the surface area of wet spots on the layer underneath. We also boiled water, put it in a bottle, tucked it into the jacket, and measured the time it took for the water to dip below 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The Borealis came in towards the bottom of the pack in this metric, among the least protective.
During our shower test, we got soaked. It almost felt like we didn't have a jacket on at all towards the end of the 1 minute. We were grateful this option dried so quickly, and it still offered some decent wind protection in field testing. And given its lightweight and breathable traits, it wasn't a surprise when this jacket only kept the water bottle above 170 degrees for 21 minutes. At the end of the day, this option offers a minor amount of protection from the elements, but not a lot. Fortunately, it layers well with other garments that can add warmth and water resistance.
We got soaked in the shower test and in the field during more intense rain storms. Fortunately this layer is fast-drying.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
Breathability is one of the reasons a softshell will be chosen over other types of jacket, so we gave it 30% of the total score of the Borealis. We examined this metric first by spending weeks in each option across many different outdoor sports, taking detailed notes of our findings. Then, we performed a 45-minute cardio circuit with each jacket on, measuring the surface area of the sweat spots that appeared on the underlayer by the time we were done. This softshell came in at the front of the pack in this metric, demonstrating breathability as one of its greatest attributes.
The Borealis is made with the thin, Matrix single weave fabric from Rab and excels at breathability. Outside of the hottest days of summer, we could keep this jacket on all day in mountainous environments, simply adding an extra layer if we got cold or if the weather turned stormy.
We could hike or climb for hours on end without getting wet from the inside out.
Credit: Rainbow Weinstock
The two large chest pockets are mesh-backed, allowing for incredible ventilation on higher output missions. During our objective sweat spots test, we only had 18 square inches of wet areas on our underlayer, further placing the Borealis at the top of the pack. This jacket belongs in your shopping cart if ventilation and breathability are your priorities.
Mobility
If you can't move freely in your garment, what are the odds you'll ever wear it? We gave mobility 25% of the total score of the Borealis. To test this metric, we first spent dozens of hours in each layer, noting our mobility findings. Then, we performed a specific list of movements in a controlled environment, measuring the jacket's waist lift and noting any restrictive areas. We also took note of any excess fabric bunching, as that can get in the way of many activities. The Rab Borealis came in at the front of the pack in this metric.
The Borealis strikes a great balance between slim fit and range of motion, offering excellent freedom of movement without excess bunching. However, the only adjustability one can make in this garment is at the hem, so if this jacket doesn't quite fit you, another option may be a better choice. Also, the hood of this softshell fits underneath the helmet, which can be an acquired taste. Besides a few considerations, this is an excellent option for mobility.
This layer fits incredibly well, even around the helmet or hat area.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
We gave this metric 10% of the total score of the Borealis. We simply tested this metric by placing each softshell on the scale and recording our findings. This option came in near the lightest weight options in the lineup.
The Borealis is an excellent layer if weight is a concern. At 9.7 ounces, this is a layer you're unlikely to feel in your backpack or while you're wearing it. This option also boasts great packability and can even zip into one of its chest pockets, allowing one to clip the layer to their harness or backpack.
This jacket was incredibly easy to pack, and we loved how it fit inside its own pocket.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Versatility
Versatility is worth 5% of the total of the Borealis. We simply investigated the various activities and seasons each layer could be used for. We also examined how well one could fit a layer under or over the Borealis. This option showed impressive flexibility in use.
While the Borealis isn't the most weather-protective, it can handle warmer days and easily accommodates other layers if the season or weather gets cold and stormy. Thicker softshells can't be made lighter, potentially limiting their versatility, while lighter softshells offer flexibility when it comes to layering. This garment also has a decent, clean aesthetic for around-town hangouts.
This aesthetic layer also packs down incredibly small, making it even more versatile for various applications and seasons.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the Rab Borealis?
With top scores in multiple metrics, this jacket offers a significant amount of value, especially when considering it's twice as inexpensive as some of the competition. Rest easy knowing the Borealis carries your hard-earned cash very far. This option boasts excellent breathability and mobility, making for an incredible companion to your mountain adventures.
What Other Softshell Jackets Should You Consider?
The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is one of the lightest softshell jackets you'll ever find. With decent performance across all metrics besides weather resistance, it's a worthy alternative. We also recommend the Rab Kinetic 2.0 if water resistance is a priority. It adds only a few ounces of weight compared to the Rab Borealis but dramatically levels up the weather protection.
—Zach Lovell
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