Rab Upslope Jacket and Pants

When the main zipper is fully closed into its zipper garage, a large collar protects your neck and chin from the cold mountain air.

The helmet compatible hood has a drawstring at the rear to keep it secured at the crown and a flexible polymer peak/brim allows you to adjust around your brow for variable weather conditions.  When your main YKK zipper is closed and inside its zipper garage you will find a comfortable micro fleece lining the inside of a high collar. Using the pull-tabs located above the two chest pockets, you may cinch a drawstring around your face to stop the elements from getting in. Hidden release mechanisms sewn between layers at either side of the hood will set you free.

The crown adjustable draw cord will keep the hood secure around your head and/or helmet. 

Aside from two extremely spacious chest pockets there are two more extremely spacious hand warmer pockets, one shoulder pocket and an internal chest pocket, all using YKK zippers. The latter two are large enough to carry a wallet, cell phone, and trail maps. You can also use the security clip on the inside of your right chest pocket to ensure your keys won’t disappear on you.

Velcro at the cuff makes them adjustable to keep the wind and elements out. Assisting with this task are the hem draw cord and internal storm flap at your main zipper.

The Rab Upslope Jacket and Pants are available for both men & women in a variety of colours and sizes and they work well paired together or on their own. The pants, like the jacket, are made from a Matrix 2-layer bonded soft-shell fabric with a stretch nylon face and high gauge knit back. It is comfortable and functional with all the right features.

The elasticated braces or suspenders are comfortable and adjustable, but if you don’t like them they are easily removed. You could simply rely on the adjustable webbing belt with a low profile buckle at the waist, or remove that too by releasing some hidden Velcro. A double snap waist closure above a two-way opening, YKK zipper fly will keep you sealed inside. Both sides of the leg sport large, expanding thigh pockets with a hip pocket on your right.

The diamond gusset and articulated knees give you the freedom of movement with great comfort down to your built-in draw cord adjustable gaiter at the ankle. The inside of either leg is reinforced with kick patches to protect your instep from a ski edge or other abrasion.

Both suspenders and belt are adjustable and removable, but are still comfortable and low profile. A jacket easily protects the single hip pocket.

• Matrix 2-layer soft-shell (85% nylon / 15% spandex)

The stretch of this soft-shell series is evident in the shoulders, back and legs as your strides take you higher or further into the backcountry. 

Upslope Pants 

• Stretch nylon face with slick high gauge knit back
• Double snap waist closure with 2-way opening YKK zipped fly
• Removable webbing belt with low profile buckle
• 2 YKK zipped expanding thigh pockets
• 1 YKK zipped hip pocket
• Diamond gusset and articulated knees for freedom of movement
• Reinforced kick patches on instep
• Internal adjustable snow gaiter
• Security clip in right thigh pocket
• Includes removable elasticized suspenders

Upslope Jacket

• Stretch nylon face with slick high gauge knit back
• Helmet compatible hood with flexible polymer peak
•  YKK VISLON front zip with internal storm flap
• 2 YKK zipped chest pockets
• 2 YKK concealed zip hand-warmer pockets
• 1 YKK zipped arm pocket
• 1 YKK internal chest pocket
• Security clip in right chest pocket
• Velcro adjustable cuffs, hem draw-cord

Initially, I found the Rab Upslope series comfortable and unquestionably stylish. The fabric has a nice feel on the inside and out. In this review, I am wearing the medium size jacket and it looks/feels great, but without more room in the armpits, I am only able to wear a base layer underneath. The snug fit does have its advantages when turning this jacket into a mid layer, but the armpits are a little tight for my torso (and I am 6ft, 175lb).

This aside, the apparel excels at what it was designed for: the upslope. Whether you are ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or engaged in other aerobic activity the jacket and pants will do the trick. Mountaineering or downhill skiing may require additional layers, an outer hard-shell or inner down/insulation layer, for example, as the pants are not the warmest either. But the series itself and its features check all the boxes of what you want in an upslope kit. I would recommend checking the sizing before ordering.