Reviews & Ratings for Rab Zenith Jacket - Men's — 2 reviews — Page 1

I have used this jacket a few times for when I ascend up past treeline where wind is screaming. Recently used it in rocky mountain national park where perspiration from ascend rapidly evaporates from cold windy dry colorado air. This jack keeps my heat but lets me dry out naturally. It's keeps snow off me of descent and is flexible and athletic. Only recommendations is for a right-hand drive zipper and I could do without the stuff sack that will inevitably fly away at the transition from wind. I would prefer integrated stuff pocket.

I was stoked to see all of the features of this jacket and interested in checking out the Rab brand. As I live in the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. I am always looking for new brands and good outdoor gear. I read about the company and appreciated the roots so I decided to give it a try. Upon opening the package I was excited. The color was great, it had pit zips, Velcro on the cuffs, awesome good wire to keep the hood off the face and a zip string around the waist.
I live in Portland, Or where it rains an average of 252 days a year and I spend most of my time in the mountains or on the river so a good rain jacket is essential. I nabbed this advertised $180 Zenith jacket for $90 and thought I got a steal but even with all its features after the first heavy rain I knew it wasn't going to hold up to the wear that I would put it through. The material is very thin and the water was soaking into it after an hour out in the rain. I have had the jacket for 3 months now (missed the 60 day return, unfortunately) and the shoulder, where it sits under my PFD is rubbing through already. I'll be lucky if I get a year out of the jacket.
This is a light jacket for light rain on a day hike. I wouldn't wear this with a heavy pack or on a heavy rain day. I will be going back to REI E1, which is what I had before and it held up beautifully for three years under the heavy use I put it through.