There are times when the mountain seems to be against you, with conditions getting steadily worse, the wind pummelling you and the icy rain beating down onto you, while you're miles from a warm, cosy hut. This is what the Rab Latok GTX was designed for: those making prolonged ventures out into the exposed mountain conditions, especially in the unpredictable winter season.
To achieve this, Rab have utilised two of Gore Tex® Pro materials: 70D recycled "Most Breathable" and 70D recycled "Most Rugged", to create a jacket which is supremely waterproof, superbly breathable as well as tough where mountaineers might find themselves abrading frequently. The Rab Latok GTX Jacket rates a minimum Hydrostatic Head 28,000mm while remaining incredibly durable in the shoulders and cuffs, for instance.
The cut of the jacket also speaks to its use as a mountain piece. The volume of the jacket and sleeves suggests the use of warm layers below, yet retains that freedom of movement wanted for vertical mountain use. The hood, which is helmet compatible, has a three-way adjustment system meaning it can be securely cinched down when a helmet isn't being worn. It has a wire-brimmed and laminated peak that will hold up well against wind and rain, while also easily rolled away when not in use. The lower pockets, which are large enough that an OS map can be very easily stowed inside, are placed high enough up that they will not get in the way of your harness or pack waist belt. In addition, there are two Napoleon chest pockets, as well as an inner pocket and an inner elasticated glove stowing pouch.
The outer zips are all YKK® AquaGuard® (water resistant): the main zip and the Napoleon pockets are the large-toothed Vislon variety, and the pit zips and hand pockets are coil zips. The latter pockets are backed up with storm flaps for added protection from the weather.
The sizing seems fairly accurate, albeit as mentioned, the jacket probably wants warm layers under it. For best fit, as always, we recommend coming into the store to try it on if you can!
Features:
YKK® AquaGuard® Vislon front zip with internal storm flap
3-way fully adjustable helmet compatible hood, with wired and laminated peak, roll down hood tab and wind collar
Hybrid of new GORE-TEX® PRO membranes (Most Breathable reinforced with Most Rugged) provide enhanced levels of both comfort and toughness
4 external pockets (2x Napoleon/ 2x Hand) using YKK® AquaGuard® Zips
2-way fully venting pit zips using YKK® AquaGuard® Zips
Internal zipped and mesh pockets
Fully adjustable cuffs & hem
Centre Back: 80cm / 31.4" (Size L)
Main Fabric: Recycled 70D Gore-Tex Pro (Most Breathable), 160g/m²
Reinforcement: Recycled 70D Gore-Tex Pro (Most Rugged), 160g/m²
Composition: 100% recycled polyamide with ePTFE membrane and 100% polyamide backer
Weight: 579g