Rab is a brand that knows down very well, from its beginning in Sheffield in the 1980s up to know. So when those guys decide to move to PFC-free hydrophobic down we have good reasons to get excited.
While last year saw the introduction of hydrophobic down in all the mainstream gear collections, this year is about environmental impact. Manufacturers know there is demand for this type of product but also that customers are getting increasingly aware of the necessity to have gear that does no harm the nature they so want to enjoy.
At Rab, they decided to up the game for Fall Winter 2014/15 by partnering with Nikwax. Nikwax is pioneering PFC-free down and Rab is using it to upgrade all its down garments.
The word on the booth at ISPO was refining, not reinventing. Looking at the collection you’ll find few new items but a lot of small improvements like the use of the new down.
In the new, the highlight is the Neo Guide jacket and pants. Following on the successful Stretch Neo and its Polartec NeoShell membrane the Neo Guide outfit uses heavier weight fabric on keys areas. Front zip is the standard for FW 2014: the two-way YKK Aquaguard. 620g in size L for the Neo Guide jacket.
