by: Dave D’Abate
RAB Latok Alpine Jacket
The Rab Latok Alpine jacket is a lightweight three-layer hardshell that utilizes the eVent waterproof membrane from GE. eVent waterproofing technologies have been seen for a while in footwear and other apparel. The Rab Latok Alpine jacket includes fully-taped seams in conjunction with a durable water repellant finish to seal out the elements.
From Rab’s page about the Latok Alpine Jacket:
The Latok Alpine is a modern classic in Alpine styled waterproofs. Now in it’s 8th year in the Rab range the Latok Alpine is an award winning favoutrite amongst mountaineers, climbers and hill-walkers alike.
The Latok Alpine uses midweight eVent® waterproof fabric for optimum waterproof protection and breathability. The simple 2 pocket design and adjustable helmet compatible hood offer uncompromising performance in the harshest of environments. The Latok Alpine is designed for the Alpine climber – but this also makes it suitable for a range of activities and uses.
If you want one waterproof jacket for year round use – whether you are making a Winter ascent on ‘the Ben’, taking part in a multi-day backpacking trip or spending a week trekking to base camp – the Latok Alpine is the perfect choice.
The outer layer of the Latok jacket is a durable ripstop nylon that is exceptionally breathable and windproof. When climbing high on Ben Lomond ridge on snowshoes and the wind picked up, I tossed on the Latok jacket. It kept me protected from the spin-drifts and allowed excellent breathability as I climbed straight up the side of the ridge.
The Latok jacket also has a few awesome and functional features that I really love. The first being the embedded wire in the brim of the hood. It is awesome to be able to mold the shape of the hood to the specific weather conditions of the moment. It also gives a welcome rigidity in rainstorms and in high winds to keep the elements off you.
Second is the elevated front pocket location. The jacket was designed with the Alpinist in mind and keeps the pockets out of the way of any backpack straps and hip-belt. They are high up enough on the jacket so that you get easy access with a backpack and climbing harness on. The pockets provided plenty of room for storage, whether I was stuffing my gloves away to set up a tent or packing some snacks for the trek.
A few other smaller features I was also happy to see on the Latok jacket are pit zips for added breathability in warmer temperatures, low-profile draw cord closures, velcro wrap for the hood so you don’t have a baggy blob flapping behind your head, a storm flap over the zipper, and just the light weight of the whole package sitting at a nice 16oz. The Latok jacket is not overbuilt but still has all the necessary functions and features any Alpinist would look for in a hardshell.
Overall, the Rab Latok Alpine jacket is a fantastic feature-laden jacket that would be the perfect choice for everyone from the beginning climber all the way to seasoned Alpinists. The light weight along with the climbing harness and pack-friendly design will make this one of your favorite pieces in your gear closet. I have loved every minute I’ve been using the Latok jacket and I know you’ll love it too.
Rab Latok Alpine jacket provided for review purposes
Rab Latok Alpine Jacket -$275- rab.uk.com
The Rab Latok Alpine jacket doesn’t come with pit zips, as far as I can tell. According to their website, the Rab Latok jacket does come with them, but at the increased weight penalty of the heavier jacket (23-24 ounce vs 16oz). Correct me if i’m wrong.