The RAB Namche is the best waterproof jacket I tested for year-round use as it’s substantial enough for severe winter weather but not too heavy or bulky for summer. It’s made with the new PFC-free Gore-Tex ePe membrane. It has a slightly softer feel than a jacket of similar weight with the old ePTFE membrane and a similar slight crackle. Breathability is much the same as ePTFE and I probably wouldn’t know the membrane was different if I hadn’t been told. The face and backing fabric are both 100% recycled polyester. In total the jacket has 50% recycled content.
TGO Magazine verdict
The Namche is the best jacket I tested for year-round use as it’s substantial enough for severe winter weather but not too heavy or bulky for summer.- Pockets
- Hood
- recycled fabric, PFC-free membrane & DWR
- None
RAB Namche Tech Specs
| Price | $350 | £290 |
| Weight | 450g (size UK L) |
| Materials | Gore-Tex 3-layer 75D recycled polyester with ePe membrane |
| Hood | wired and stiffened peak, rear and side adjusters |
| Front closure | one-way YKK AquaGuard with inner flap |
| Underarm/side zips | underarm |
| Pockets | two mid |
| Hem | elastic drawcord |
| Cuffs | hook and loop closure |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
| Women’s Version | Yes |
| Brand Website | https://rab.equipment/uk |
The design is minimalist and functional. I think it’s excellent. The RAB Namche is designed for hillwalking and hiking rather than mountaineering and doesn’t have a helmet-compatible hood, which I find a relief. This means the hood is easy to adjust for a good fit over your head, with or without a hat. It has an excellent wired peak too and moves with your head so you can look to the side.
How Chris Tested the RAB Namche
Chris tested this jacket on day walks and multi day trips in the Cairngorms in the autumn and winter of 2023/24. Conditions included heavy rain, soaking drizzle, blizzards, and ferocious winds. Weights were measured on Chris’s home digital scales.
There are only two pockets, but these are huge and easily hold maps and more. The bottom of them is just clipped by a pack hipbelt but they are still perfectly usable. They are angled slightly and comfortable to use for your hands. The RAB Namche has underarm zips for ventilation and these run easily, unlike some. The cuffs are wide enough to allow some ventilation and to fit over gloves. They can easily be cinched tight too.
Unless you need a helmet compatible hood or like multiple pockets the Namche is a superb jacket. I love the simple clean design.
