Rab Downpour - Women's Review

The Rab Downpour is a high-performing option on a budget. The fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment works well, and the recycled 2.5-layer Pertex Revolve fabric is flexible and soft, moving well with the body while offering excellent breathability.

Water Resistance

Our tests found this jacket's water resistance to hover around the middle of the pack. The softer, more flexible fabric takes up water a bit sooner than some of the more hardshell-type jackets. In the shower test, the Downpour kept us dry in a consistent torrent of water before starting to soak through.

While testing the water resistance of the zippers, we found they were not waterproof. However, the coverage of the zipper flaps is adequate, and during our paper towel test, the flaps kept the paper towels in the hand pockets dry for longer than many other jackets we tested. Although not the best in terms of overall water resistance during prolonged precipitation, the Downpour provides adequate performance.

Breathability

Breathability is where the Downpour really shines. The 2.5-layer Pertex fabric wicks moisture better than most. During our controlled uphill testing, our team noted the ease of breathability, even with the main zipper and pit vents fully closed.

While the Downpour excels in breathability even with all the vents closed, the 14-inch-long pit vents easily dump excess heat. Our team especially appreciated this breathability during a damp backpacking trip on the coast when the temps were moderate, but the consistent precipitation meant we wanted to keep a water-resistant layer on. If affordability and breathability are high on your list, the Downpour performance will exceed your expectations.

Comfort and Mobility

The Downpour scored high across the board during our comfort and mobility test. The Pertex Revolve fabric is quite flexible and moves well with the body, offering a full range of motion, regardless of the activity. This made the Downpour one of our top choices, especially during activities like trail running or biking, when we knew we would be moving around a lot.

The fabric on the cuffs and neck feels smooth against the skin, while the neckline fits comfortably beneath the chin. We found the overall fit and cut of this jacket to be both flattering and easy to move in. The hood is also comfortable and provides great coverage for the face. While some testers found the pit zips to be an awkward length, ending right at the elbow, this seemed to only be an issue for those with shorter limbs while wearing t-shirts beneath the jacket. We also noticed this issue less and less as the material of the jacket softened and felt more broken in. Overall, this budget-friendly design offers excellence in mobility and feels great next to your skin.

Weight

The Downpour weighs in at a respectable 10.6 ounces for a US women's size small, thanks to its lightweight fabric. This is a decent choice for those conscious of keeping bags light while traveling.

When not needed on an outing, the Downpour easily and conveniently stashes into one of its own hand pockets. Although the long and narrow shape is a little unusual, it does pack easily into a full bag. The lightweight design, along with packable features, makes this a no-brainer for those seeking water-resistant performance on the go.

Construction Quality

We ran the Downpour through our lab tests and meticulously inspected the garment before and after to identify signs of wear and tear and assess quality. Overall, the exterior fabric held up well, and the drawcord components are very high quality.

One minor complaint is that the main zipper can easily catch the storm flap, especially if you're in a rush to zip the jacket at the onslaught of bad weather. While this caused some annoyance, we found that it only happened on occasion. Furthermore, a tiny portion of the seam-seal tape around the pit zip at the elbow started to peel, which began to feel a little scratchy, raising concerns about the jacket's durability. That said, this is an affordable design that forgoes some quality features in order to strike a price point that doesn't break the bank.

Should You Buy the Rab Downpour?

The Downpour is a great active-use rain jacket that's available for an affordable price. It is an excellent choice for those who plan to move in weird and wonderful ways while working up a sweat and are after a water-resistant layer to keep them protected from light rain. It is appropriately priced, with an intersection of excellent breathability and mobility often missing in your average rain jacket design, while still offering decent protection from a drizzle.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

For those looking to spend extended time outdoors in a deluge, this may not be the ideal choice. The Outdoor Research Aspire 3L is made of less breathable fabric, but its full-torso pit zips offer excellent venting, and it's much more water resistant. The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic offers a little better breathability than the Downpour and a touch more range of motion, making it our top pick for those looking to use a jacket for the most active endeavors. And if you're curious what a premium design is all about, check out the top-performing Arc'teryx Beta SL, but it will cost you. If affordability is your jam, there are other options available, like the Marmot PreCip Eco and the The North Face Alta Vista.