Reviews & Ratings for Rab Mantra Jacket - Mens — 2 reviews — Page 1

I had to submit a review for this jacket in response to the review above, because of the prior reviewer's complaints which I just strongly disagree with.

Rab primarily makes apparel for climbers, which is exactly where this jacket excels. The very features the prior reviewer didn't like are exactly why the jacket is good for climbers (and for bikers, for that matter). In list form:

The two-way zipper - this is great for climbers so that you can zip the jacket up above your harness while you are belaying.
The high pockets - these are specifically placed high so that you can access them while wearing a harness over the jacket.
The gigantic hood - it fits over a climbing helmet. Most rain jacket hoods don't.

It's also worth noting that these features make this a good biking jacket if you bike in the snow or rain often.

Overall the jacket is light-weight, probably a little less bomber than a 3-layer GoreTex shell but I have yet to use it in really heavy rain, so we'll see. I will say it's less breathable than a nice GoreTex or some of the newer fabrics like FutureLight or AscentShell; but the upside is that it's quite affordable for a waterproof, windproof shell.

It packs down quite small, but unfortunately doesn't include a stuff pocket, so I roll it up and stash it in the (very generously sized) hood.

The wrist cuffs are well-designed and allow you to wear even bulky gloves beneath hook-and-loop straps. A number of adjustment draw cords let you dial in the hem and hood ...
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Can't really recommend this shell (and returned it) as it has a funky zipper system (two zippers - one that zips up, the other down - and is left handed as well). Also pockets are much too high and since it's only a shell, it is way tight. I ordered large, 5'10" and 180# and there was no room to layer. Probably made to European specs, so if you're a slight build it may work, but again there are those too high side pockets.