Chris Townsend reviews the Mountain Equipment Rupal – a straightforward waterproof jacket for year-round use.
The Mountain Equipment Rupal is a straightforward jacket suitable for year-round use. It’s made from a robust-feeling 3-layer Gore-Tex that isn’t quite as soft as some of the other fabrics reviewed but still feels comfortable. The hood is excellent – Mountain Equipment have had some of the best hoods for many years. It’s helmet compatible but can be easily reduced in volume without too much bunching of the fabric. It fits closely round the face, moves with the head, allows good side vision, and has a big stiff wired peak for great protection. The chest pockets are big and easily hold maps and a stretch inner pocket for a phone or other small item. The chest pockets are Gore-Tex so if the water-resistant zips leaks – there’s no flap over them – rain won’t get through to your inner garments.
The weight is reasonable for a jacket suitable for the worst weather and the cost is good for a Gore-Tex jacket. There’s nothing really to fault in the Mountain Equipment Rupal and it was almost my Best Buy. The Berghaus Athunder just pipped it due to the double front flaps. Find out How to look after your waterproof jacket to make sure that it lasts longer.
See more waterproof jackets with our guide to the Best waterproof jackets and if you’re on the lookout for something a bit lighter then we have a guide to The best lightweight waterproof jackets
