Rab Ski

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which Rab jackets are best for high‑output ski touring when weight and breathability matter?

  For high‑output ski touring choose pieces from the Xenair line (Xenair Alpine, Xenair Alpine Light) for lightweight, highly breathable shells that prioritize venting and packability. For faster tours where you still want weather resistance, look for Pertex or lightweight GORE‑TEX constructions; save down‑insulated Latok or Microlight Alpine options for colder, lower‑output days.
• How should I size Rab ski jackets and pants to allow for layering and harness use?

  Rab uses an athletic, movement‑oriented cut—size for enough room to fit a midlayer like the Nexus fleece without excess bulk, paying attention to torso length and sleeve drop on the size chart. Choose jackets with two‑way zips and adjustable hems/hoods (helmet‑compatible) and pants with articulated knees and adjustable waists so you can layer and accommodate a harness comfortably.
• What’s the difference between Rab’s hydrophobic down and synthetic insulations like PrimaLoft in ski garments?

  Hydrophobic (e.g., Grangers‑treated) down used in models like the Latok Alpine offers superior warmth‑to‑weight and compressibility for cold, low‑activity situations but retains more loft when damp than untreated down. PrimaLoft and other synthetic fills perform more consistently when wet and dry faster, so they’re often used in high‑output or moisture‑exposed zones such as sleeves or in models like Downpour for mixed or wet conditions.
• How does the Latok Alpine Jacket compare to the Kangri GTX for big‑mountain skiing?

  The Latok Alpine is a down‑insulated shell focused on high warmth‑to‑weight and packability for cold belays and long days where insulation is needed on top of a shell. The Kangri GTX is a GORE‑TEX hard shell engineered for sustained waterproofing and durability in stormy, wet conditions and is better suited when you plan to layer actively underneath or expect prolonged exposure to snowfall and wind.
• Which Rab features matter most for backcountry powder, steep big‑mountain lines, and alpine ice climbing?

  Prioritize fully taped GORE‑TEX Pro or Pertex Shield shells for waterproof/breathable protection, adjustable helmet‑compatible hoods, and snow skirts for powder days, plus reinforced cuffs and two‑way zips for harness use. For variable exertion, look for body‑mapped insulation (hydrophobic down or targeted PrimaLoft), Proflex or stretchy midlayers like the Nexus, and ample pocketing and pit vents to manage moisture during long tours.