Something of a stalwart of the Rab range, the Kangri GTX is another well-established hillwalkers’ favourite when it comes to waterproof jackets that are built for the rough stuff.
With its 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric, array of technical features and robust build, this is a jacket that will easily see you through three-season use, even in the UK’s most challenging mountain ranges. In fact, it’s a jacket that would work well year-round provided you’re a hillwalker rather than a mountaineer or climber.
We've been testing the Kangri GTX Jacket in late autumn and early winter in Snowdonia to give it a proper field test and understand why it's such as popular choice among avid hikers.
LFTOwww.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Pros
- Comfortable
- Protective
- Robust
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Not the most packable or breathable
Features
The Kangri GTX is designed for hillwalking, hiking, trekking, and easier mountain scrambles – basically, anything that doesn’t require a climbing helmet. That’s because it features Rab’s smaller mountain hood, which is designed to fit over a bare head or beanie rather than a helmet. It has three-way adjustment and a stiffened brim, which cinches in securely but still permits good vision and adequate head-turn.
Aside from the lack of a helmet-compatible hood, all technical features are present and correct. So, you get laminated pit zips with two-way zippers for ventilation, plus a two-way YKK AquaGuard Vislon front zip with an internal storm flap and a soft microfibre chin guard.
When it comes to pockets, there are two zipped hand pockets that remain accessible when wearing a rucksack, and an internal secure zipped pocket that will fit a phone or GPS unit.
The hem can be quickly adjusted one handed via dual drawcords, while the sleeves have chunky Velcro cuff tabs for a weatherproof seal around the wrists. Unusually, there’s also an internal rear drawcord to cinch the jacket in at the waist.
Fit
Rab describes the fit as ‘regular’. It fits true to size but is cut a little more generously than some shells to accommodate at least a couple of layers underneath, reflecting this jacket’s all-season capabilities.
It also has ample length in the arms and body to ensure a full-coverage fit, including a slightly scooped tail for added rear protection and extended sleeves that cover the backs of the hands. Mobility and articulation are very good, despite the fabric’s stiffer feel and lack of in-built stretch. Our tester Ellie was able to bend over and reach upwards without any hem lift.
Fabric
Though the Kangri has been around for several seasons now, for the first time it has been updated with a fully recycled face fabric, made from 70D nylon. This is bonded to an ePTFE Gore-Tex membrane, with a soft tricot inner forming a classic 3-layer construction. This ensures greater comfort and durability compared to a 2- or 2.5-layer shell, whilst also improving wicking performance.
The 3-layer Gore-Tex Performance fabric has a waterproof hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm and a breathability rating of Ret <9. So, we found it is very waterproof, even in torrential conditions, and reasonably breathable given the thicker and more robust fabric construction.
Sustainability
Rab acknowledges that sustainability is complicated. In an effort to help consumers make more informed choices about their products, the brand has recently introduced a straightforward ‘Material Facts’ graphic for each product. You know the nutritional data that you get on food packaging? It’s basically that, but for clothing and equipment.
This reveals that the Kangri contains a fully recycled face fabric, though once you factor in the membrane, backer, zips and trims, this only accounts for 22% of the product as a whole being made from recycled content. The Gore-Tex membrane isn't the new, more sustainable ePE, but ePTFE based, which currently contains PFCs, as do the zips and trims.
Though this may not sound too impressive, it is at least fully transparent – far more so than other brands. Rab is also a Fair Wear Foundation member with ‘Leader’ status, and 2024 marks its fourth year as a climate neutral company. The brand has made a pledge to be fully Net Zero by 2030.
Price and performance
Ellie tested the Kangri GTX in the hills and mountains of Snowdonia throughout October and November. It’s undeniably a well-built, protective jacket – well suited to cold and wet days. It didn’t leak in any conditions, even in some torrential North Wales downpours.
In fact, we think this shell is overkill for late spring and summer use, particularly since its extra heft and bulk takes up a fair bit of room in a daypack. It’s one you really want to wear rather than carry.
On the other hand, you can use this jacket in cold or foul weather year-round, rather than needing a dedicated, heftier winter waterproof. So, as a ‘quiver of one’ shell, it’s a compelling option.
Breathability is fine for moderate activity but starts to struggle a little when you pick up the pace. That’s to be expected given the thicker 70-denier fabric, which stands up very well to buffeting in high winds and offers excellent resistance to general wear and tear. Fortunately, the pit zips help to dump excess heat and general fug pretty quickly too.
The price is fairly high but comparable to other 3-layer Gore-Tex jackets on the market. Build quality is excellent, as is the cut and the range of features, so we think it still offers plenty of value.
How we tested
Our Snowdonia-based tester Ellie Clewlow tested the women's version of the Rab Kangri GTX Jacket during late autumn and early winter in her mountainous backyard.
Verdict
The Rab Kangri GTX Jacket is very sturdy and the most robust waterproof on our latest group test. This is a well-built, fully featured hillwalking jacket for more challenging conditions when a superlight shell just won’t cut it.