Daniel L. from United States, WA Public Profile

I am a big fan of Outdoor Research due to good attention to detail and quality of construction of many of their products. The Phosphor Mitt is a great mitt -- construction is very good and sturdy; not a loose seam or thread anywhere. I like the well placed pull-on loops for ease of entry. I have not had them in a downpour or snowy slush, but I do not expect them to be waterproof since the stated Gore-Tex material is "Windblocker". However, they do seem water resistant in light rain. They are definitely warm down to 20F and for the pairs I purchased there is enough room to use a palm based heat pack for more warmth. For size, the top measurement across my hand is 9 inches, so I can reasonable fit into the Large or XL. Due to sale quantities, I purchased two pairs, one Large, the other XL. Both fit well, and I do not really notice the size difference.

I have not spent a lot of time in Rab or this specific Torque Jacket, but enough to know I like the fit and finish. Sometimes, EU garments have unusual fit characteristics. For me, at 170 lb, 34"W, 5-11, and 41" chest, sometimes medium fit is small-- in this particular jacket it is just right. Good to know, as this was my first Rab jacket.

As for use, it is relatively thin soft shell, not so much for insulation but as a general all purpose jacket whether wandering around in the woods or just walking outside. The DWR resisted a full blown rain without getting soaked through, and shook dry. The reinforcements on the sleeves have some harder Cordura on the elbows combined with more flexible-durable fabric extending around the same--making for a more rugged appearance as well has having functionality if brushing around on the trail in the woods (or climbing rocks). Same for the hood, those reinforcements help with hood rigidity and there are enough adjustments for custom fit.

So far so good. The color is electric. Keeper!