So often with waterproof jackets we find ourselves testing superb but frighteningly expensive models, or cheaper options that don’t quite cut it. Those that have the Goldilocks combination of value, performance, and sustainability are few and far between. But in Rab’s Arc Eco, we’ve found it.
Rab describes its Arc Eco jacket as ‘durable, versatile and signals the next generation of lower impact outdoor gear’. Central to this, the Arc Eco is the first Rab jacket to use 3-layer Pertex Shield Revolve, which is fully recycled, PFC-free, and designed to be more easily recyclable.
A 3-layer waterproof jacket from one of the most respected high performance outdoor gear brands for less than £250 is certainly an enticing prospect. So, we were keen to find out if the Arc Eco was as impressive on the hill as it is on paper.
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Pros
- 3-layer construction
- Sustainable
- Versatile
- Many colours
Cons
- You may want a more athletic fit
Design and features
In terms of weight, packability, breathability, and durability, the Arc Eco sits as part of the mid range for Rab, with the brand stating it’s designed for hill walking and general use. However, with its waterproof rating of 20,000mm HH, it’s already ahead of most non-Gore-Tex waterproof jackets designed for general hillwalking and hiking.
The Arc Eco also has a decent selection of features, some of which you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see on a sub-£250 jacket.
One of these is the 3-layer construction, but others are the addition of underarm zipped vents that boost ventilation, and handwarmer pockets positioned higher up the torso so not to be obstructed by a rucksack hip belt. There is also a fully adjustable hood with a wire peak, which you normally only see on more technical hardshells.
But the rest of the jacket's design is quite conventional: one-way main zip, Velcro cuffs, and drawcord hem.
We previously mentioned non-Gore-Tex. Indeed, the Arc Eco doesn’t use a Gore-Tex membrane. Instead, it uses Pertex Shield Revolve, using fully recycled 50D polyester. The three layers of the jacket (face, membrane, and backer) are all made of a single polymer, which Rab says makes the Arc Eco a lot easier to recycle.
Performance and comfort
Despite Rab calling the Arc Eco a midweight waterproof, at about 430g (men’s M) we thought it actually felt pretty lightweight. Using polyester rather than nylon helps with this too, as the polyester fabric isn’t as stiff and crinkly as nylon.
The fit is quite relaxed and certainly not the most flattering jacket to wear. Although, the flip side of the relaxed fit is that it’s very easy to layer underneath – we even managed to get a reasonably thick down jacket underneath.
We found the jacket’s weatherproofing is quite impressive. That waterproof rating performs reliably in downpours, and the Arc Eco has decent coverage. The sleeves have good length; the main zip goes all the way up to the nose; the hood cinches in close, and its wire peak works nicely. It doesn’t have much of a dropped hem, though.
Breathability is absolutely fine for most hiking scenarios – it was only when taking on a steep climb that we began to get warm but the underarm vents are a desirable touch.
All in all, we found the Arc Eco to perform well in most scenarios year round. It’s got ample weatherproofing but is light and packable enough to be carried into a smaller daypack too. Where we’d recommend something a bit tougher or more hardy would be when venturing into the mountains in winter on challenging routes.
Sustainability
Merely having the word ‘Eco’ in its name doesn’t automatically make the Arc Eco sustainable. But we were impressed at the genuine sustainability effort Rab has made, not only with this jacket, but as a company more generally.
Starting with the jacket, its face and backer fabrics are fully recycled, while the membrane is 75% recycled. The Arc Eco is also PFC-free, and Rab says that use of the same polymer for the face, membrane, and backer makes the jacket easier to recycle at the end of its life.
Regarding Rab as a company, it is a Fair Wear Foundation member with ‘Leader’ status, meaning it applies ‘best practices in complex areas such as living wages and freedom of association’. Rab is also certified climate neutral.
Crucially, Rab also has gear repair and rental services, which combat consumption, increase the longevity of gear, and is more economic for customers.
Price and competition
At the time of writing, the Rab Arc Eco is priced at £235. Given the 3-layer construction, the features, and how well this jacket performs, we think that’s very good value indeed.
We consider the Arc Eco to be one of the best buys of the moment. It does, however, have rivals. One is the Jack Wolfskin Highest Peak 3L Jacket. In a game of Top Trumps it’s near impossible to split the two. They match each other on everything from price to waterproof rating to underarm zip vents. Jack Wolfskin even has ‘Leader’ status from the Fair Wear Foundation as well.
But the Highest Peak’s pockets are positioned lower down and can be obstructed by a rucksack hip belt.
Another rival is the Finisterre Stormbird. It’s heavier than the Rab and misses out on some features. But we like how comfy it is and it too can boast excellent eco credentials.
Verdict
We’ve not come across many waterproof jackets that are as well-rounded as the Rab Arc Eco. It’s not a technical mountain hardshell but that’s not what most people need. Instead, it’s a high performing, well priced, and sustainable waterproof that performs very well year round in hiking and hillwalking conditions.
How we tested
Our tester of the Rab Arc Eco jacket was Chris Williams. Chris has been testing gear for us since 2021, and has journalistic, outdoor industry, and basically his lifetime's worth of hiking experience to bring to his gear reviews.
He's been using the Rab Arc Eco for about 18 months in all seasons, from milder British autumn hikes to mid-winter walks in Central Europe.