5 Rab Vapour rise Stretch Top Review

Reviewer: Christoffer Andersson, Falun   (21-11-2011)

This top is great for cold weather training. I have been using it mostly for running, and the concept of a softshell works really well when the weather is cold and wet, as the fleece lining wicks moisture quite fast and the wind resistant outer lets you keep a relatively comfortable micro-climate next to your skin.

It is quite warm, and I can’t see a better product for active use when the weather is cold. I suppose that any combination of a wicking base layer and a windproof would do nearly as good, but the quality of Rab products in combination with a competitive price would make this top a great choice for anybody.

If used with another (thin) layer underneath I believe that this top will work excellent even in extreme cold, and it will be thoroughly tested this winter in the deep and cold forests of Dalarna, Sweden.

4 Rab Vapour rise Stretch Top Review

Reviewer: Jon, Ambleside   (9-4-2011)

This is a fantastic garment: windproof (or near as damn it: cold wind can sneak in via the stretch panels), a great level of weather-resistance, a long front zip which is good for dumping excess heat, and a good, trim but stretchy fit. So given all that, why only give it four stars? Sadly, this particular star is eclipsed by something even more stellar: I find myself reaching for my Marmot Driclime jacket a little more frequently than the Rab top. It seems to boil down to the relative insulation levels: the Stretch Top is warmer, partly I due to it's trimmer cut. Because of this I find myself overheating in it more often than when I'm wearing the Driclime equivalent. It's often the case that I get hot enough to stop and take the Stretch Top off, only to regret it because I get chilled by the wind. It's not ideal to have to carry a second, uninsulated windproof to achieve the right comfort level. After all, weight is the enemy, isn't it?

This is a shame in that I prefer the design of the Rab garment compared to the Driclime Jacket: the Powerstretch panels really make you feel limber when scrambling and climbing. The vertical zip on the chest pocket of the Stretch Top is more useable too, for frequently used items like GPS / compass and munchies. I also prefer a pullover style to a full front zip, recognising that this is very much a personal preference. On a minor point, I'd caution folks about Rab's sizing, which can be quite a bit smaller than other manufacturers: I am a large in almost all other brands (6ft, 42 chest, 34 waist) but am definitely an XL in Rab's garments, and the Stretch Top is no exception. If anything, it's even more deliberately close cut than Rab's other Vapour Rise offerings.

To sum up, the Stretch Top is a cracking piece of kit and my favourite active winter softshell. For my metabolism though (and I do run a bit warm) I get most of the same functionality from my Marmot Driclime, and at a better comfort level for the other three seasons.

5 Rab Vapour-rise Stretch Top Review

Reviewer: Miles Falkingham, Leeds   (12-10-2010)

Awesome top!

Exceptionally breathable and wicking, it really is a do anything in top. Can leave it on day long, as the fabric maintains a really nice microclimate. The fleece lining is also great as a next to skin layer.

Highly windproof also, and the DWR finish allows it to resist the usual damp weather in the Cairngorms/Alps. The front zip allows good venting, and the cuffs keep the heat in.

The cinch and collar cord are highly usable for sealing the jacket up, and with the active fit it can fit under a shell in harsh conditions.

Great price for such a great jacket.

5 Rab Vapour-rise Stretch Top Review

Reviewer: Ben, Newcastle Upon Tyne   (23-9-2010)

A very versatile top. I wear mine going uphill ski touring and on colder days in the UK. I sometimes wear it next to the skin but often on top of a base layer. It is very breathable yet remains an exceptionally windproof and quite resistant to short light showers. It is very slightly cooler on a still day than a Powerstretch fleece but much warmer if its windy or damp.

Again a good fit with good length sleeves meaning your wrists remain warm. It washes well in Nikwax retaining its water repellence well. Though the Pertex can rip against sharp rocks it stitches up really well.

Overall a great jacket.