I’m finding myself drawn to these jackets in my search for the ultimate winter garment – warm/water resistant enough to wander around town over a T-shirt, breathable enough for a 25m uphill commute when running late.

My current favourite is a Surface Hoodie softshell, I have a Race Face Hoodlum which is a little too heavy, and a Montane primaloft which is too warm for any sort of exertion…how would the Rab compare?

I have one (stretch VR) that i use for a bit of commuting (dry so far) but i haven’t had the nerve to use one off road yet. Not sure how well they’d wash or how you’re supposed to look after them?

Will let you know after te weekend expedition to the hils, but using one for commuting has been good.

I’d be wary of the smock versions, the cut is kind of odd with very narrow shoulders, definitely one to try before buying. They’ve got an ace-looking contemporary Buffalo-type mountaineering version on the cards for next winter as well.

Mines a smock version and seem to fit perfectly? Agree with try before buying though, the stretch top i got is a different cut to the Baltero Guide jacket i have (smaller).

mine’s great – a base/mid layer under my paramo on really cold winter days or a cracking lined windproof thats also able to keep out all but the heaviest rain the rest of the time. Whenever I use it in really heavy rain I stay warm even if I get a bit damp

I echo the comments about try before you buy. The cut on the Vapourise didn’t fit me at all, but the Buffalo Techlite is spot on. It’s a great top too, keeping you at a decent temperature for a huge range of outdoor temperature, using a combination of the breathable material and the venting options.

How do people wash/care for VR tops?

Thanks all…can try a jacket one on nearby, am fairly skinny though with broad-ish shoulders. Fingers crossed re. end of season prices…

worth checking the montane sacrab as well – fits some better than others (and also half price at go-outdoors at the mo…)

neil853 – Member
How do people wash/care for VR tops?

Mine just gets washed. Never done anything else to it. Good enough for the ‘Puffer with just an IceBreaker merino T under it.

I’m looking for one of the stretch ones now.

Had mine for 6+ years and had loads of use winter munroe bagging and general hillwalking. Am amazed how warm it is. One of my favourite bits of kit
Reckon it could be too warm for riding tho. Although it’s superbly breathable. I tend to wash it in soap flakes. Cheaper than specialist outdoor kit cleaners

Mine usually ends up with the sleeves pulled up to my elbows even in very cold conditions.

thanks…sounds ideal for my purpose.