Review · Lightweight rain shell
Rab Downpour Eco Review
A light, inexpensive recycled-fabric rain shell aimed at hillwalkers who want protection in a pack rather than a technical alpine layer.
Manufacturer specification
Published by the manufacturer — reproduced, not interpreted
- Construction
- 2.5L
- Waterproof membrane
- Pertex Shield
- Waterproof rating
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Breathability rating
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- RET
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- MVTR
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Air permeability
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- DWR finish
- Fluorocarbon-free DWR
- PFAS status
- Manufacturer states a fluorocarbon-free finish; confirm per season
- Seam construction
- Fully taped
- Main zipper
- Centre-front zip
- Pit zips
- Yes
- Other ventilation
- Pit zips
- Hood
- Adjustable roll-away hood
- Helmet compatible
- No
- Face fabric
- Recycled polyester
- Denier
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Fabric composition
- 2.5-layer recycled polyester with Pertex Shield membrane
- Weight
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Packability
- Packs into its own pocket
- Pockets
- Two zipped hand pockets
- Cuff adjustment
- Hook-and-loop
- Hem adjustment
- Drawcord
- Fit
- Regular
- Layering space
- Fits over a light fleece
- Sizes
- S, M, L, XL, XXL
- MSRP
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Warranty
- Lifetime warranty against defects
- Repair programme
- UK repair service
WaterproofJacket.com assessment
Our analysis — separate from every figure above
Waterproofing
Taped seams and a roll-away hood are appropriate for sustained rain; no figures are published, so we do not quote any.
Breathability
A 2.5-layer package with pit zips: use the zips early on climbs.
Durability
The limiting factor is the printed inner surface rather than the outer fabric.
Comfort and mobility
Light and unobtrusive in a pack; less pleasant against bare skin than three-layer shells.
Features
Sensible basics: two pockets, pit zips, packs into itself.
Value
Strong. Pit zips and taped seams at this price are not universal.
Research-based analysis
We have not physically handled or tested this jacket. No numerical score is given.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 2.5-layer jacket good enough for hiking?
For intermittent use carried in a pack, yes. For daily wear across years, a three-layer shell usually lasts longer because there is no printed inner surface to abrade.