Rab Strata Hoodie.
A review for e-outdoors www.e-outdoor.co.uk/
By Andy Spink. Mountaineering Instructor Certificate [ MIC ]
and IML.
I have been testing the Rab Strata Hoodie over the last
month.
The Rab Strata Hoodie is a versatile and very useful garment.
I wore it on a variety of occasions whilst instructing or working on winter
courses for www.hebrideanpursuits.co.uk
The weather it was tested in ranged from dry sub-zero to
warm and very damp days.
The Jacket worked extremely well. I wore it both as a mid-layer
under a Gortex jacket and as an over jacket or belay jacket.
The jacket has a Pertex Outer and a zoned woven liner. It
has a large elasticated hood. Zippered hand warmer pockets and elastic wrist
cuffs.
Mid-layer usage.
As a mid-layer it was warm and it never felt too warm whilst
moving and climbing. When some moisture built up inside the jacket it dried
quickly and never felt clammy. Being slim fitting it was not bulky nor
obstructive as a mid-layer.
Over jacket.
As a belay or over jacket it performed well, keeping me cosy
and the wind off at all times.
Being very wind proof the outer Pertex fabric added an extra
element to the barrier against the elements and it shed the snow or rain well.
How water proof?
The jacket is not waterproof and is not designed to be.
However, it shed rain and snow well and even on an absolutely terrible days of
driving wind and rain it kept me warm, even when soaked through.
The hood.
Often hoods are too small to fit over helmets and if
designed to fit over them they are often too large and flap around when not
wearing a helmet.
The hood on the Rab Strata Hoodie work really well being
elasticated on its edging. Obviously someone has tested it in the field whist
designing the product.
Sizing.
I was asked to test a medium size. I found it true to size
and because I wore it both as a mid-layer or outer Jacket it’s slightly large
cut was ideal. I am 5’7” and stocky, so if you are of more athletic build I
would recommend a size down form your norm.
Conclusion.
The Rab Strata Hoodie is a
versatile and well-designed jacket. It does what it says on the tin. I would
recommend it for the whole gamut of mountain and cragging usage, from cold
evenings at the crag, winter mountaineering to alpine routes.
E-outdoor were so helpful and I have recommended
their online shop to a variety of clients. They provide a wide range of very
competitive priced equipment and clothing for the outdoor enthusiasts.
Here are a few ways of viewing their
products.
