RAB Latok Alpine Jacket
My first test was running during a rainy day winter day with just a wool t-shirt underneath. It was noticeably cooler as I got warmer and even by the end of my run I could not feel any real moisture condensation on the inside of the jacket. My next test was ski touring during a wet-snowy winter day keeping the jacket on during transitions from down to up. Again, I stayed cool and comfortable during the hikes up - at least as cool as can be expected by a hothead like myself chugging along. The real tell-tale came at the end of the day when I was changing back at the car and found that while I had been conscious of how dry my upperbody had stayed during the laps up and down, I hadn’t realized how wet my lower body had become in more of a typical non-eVent waterproof breathable Pant. It was truly like night and day. . . or wet and dry. My latest comparison came during a week long traverse in the Sierra, where out of seven guys, six wore predominantly softshell jackets for the days ups and downs, and I stayed in my eVent hardshell without feeling overdressed and enjoyed the extra protection from the dry wind that was chilling along ridgetops or passes. I thought it was saying something about the latok alpine jacket that it was standing up when compared to several softshells.
My conclusion along with several of the new proud owners of the Rab Latok Alpine Jacket is that it is the most breathable waterproof jacket I’ve ever worn. No doubt about it, this is an extremely versatile shell. And at 16 ounces even if it does sit in my pack it’s not adding significant weight. If there is one other consideration for changing over to an eVent shell, I’d say be ready to adjust your layering system as without the moist warm air trapped in the shell you feel cooler. I find I bring an extra 1/2 layer – vest, or medium weight shirt - to play with along the way or as the day demands.