Rab Sharp Edge Jacket and Pant

All vent zippers are YKK Aquaguard equipped, while the main jacket zip and all pocket zips use YKK AquaGuard Vislon zippers. Enhanced water resistance is achieved with the addition of a polyurethane laminated tape. 

The Sharp Edge jacket hood is large enough to be worn over a helmet and includes a wired peak. Peripheral adjustments are controlled with a cord lock located at the back of the hood, while the opening at the front is controlled with low profile cord locks on either side of the main zipper. A draft guard on the main zipper is lined with soft fleece at the chin; the same fleece can be found at the back of the neck. If the hood is not required, it can be rolled up and stowed by means of a small velcro strap found at the back of the collar. 

Two bellowed chest pockets are large enough to stash your skins, as are the two internal mesh pockets. There is also a small pocket on the left sleeve.

The Escape Artist pit zips are extra long vents that run from about mid-torso all the way to the wrist. These feature dual zippers so that the desired level of ventilation can be adjusted easily. 

The jacket has a removable powder skirt and a hem drawcord that is adjusted by cord locks on either side of the waist. The excess cord can be kept out of the way with press stud cord retainers.

The wrist cuffs can be adjusted with anti-snag velcro tabs.

The Sharp Edge pant cuffs are reinforced and feature Kevlar patches on the medial side of the pant legs. These increase durability in such high wear areas, and offer protection from crampons and ski edges. Removable ankle gaiters attach via a zipper on the inside of the cuff, and small eyelets offer under-boot cord attachment points. To facilitate boot and gaiter adjustments, the cuff interior can be accessed easily by means of a zipper on the lateral side of the cuff. Finally, a cord lock system allows the hem of the cuff to be tightened up. 

Knee articulation accommodates a natural fit, while long vents provide ventilation on the lateral side of the thighs. These vents have two zippers so that venting can be adjusted to achieve the desired air flow. Mesh on the interior of the vent means you can keep them open and not worry about your pants filling up with snow.

The pants have three pockets; two larger bellowed thigh pockets and one smaller pocket higher up on the right thigh. One of the two large pockets includes an internal mesh pocket and leashed clip to affix your transceiver too. 

The fleece lined waist is fastened with secure snap closure and a 2-way zippered fly. Keep the pants riding high by adjusting the velcro waist adjustments, belt loops, or removable suspenders. 

• YKK® AquaGuard® and YKK® AquaGuard® Vislon zippers.
• Pertex Shield® AP 3L fabric with stretch.

• Helmet-compatible hood with wired peak, lined collar, and roll down anti-snag velcro tab.
• Fleece lined chin guard and back of neck.
• Front zip with dual internal storm flap system.
• 2 zippered, bellowed chest pockets.
• Escape Artist pit zips.
• Removable powder skirt.
• Hem drawcord with cord retainer.
• Anti-snag velcro adjustable cuffs

• Fleece lined waist with velcro adjustments and secure snap closure.
• Hip pocket.
• Mesh-lined, 2-way thigh vents.
• 2 bellowed thigh pockets, one with internal mesh pocket and leash.
• Articulated knees.
• Internal Cordura crampon patches.
• Removable ankle gaiters.
• Ski mountaineering boot compatible hem with internal reinforcement and under-boot cord attachment points.

If you’re into ski mountaineering or just want a super light weight and compact kit, this gear is well suited to your needs. The Rab Sharp Edge Jacket and Pant is designed to withstand extreme conditions while remaining lightweight, stretchy, and breathable. The Sharp Edge keeps it simple but doesn’t skimp out on the features that count.

I really like how much detail that has been put into the pant cuffs. In my experience, the cuff is the first thing to get shredded. The added reinforcement coupled with Kevlar patches makes this high-wear area bomb-proof. Another great feature is not only the removable gaiters, but the easy access to them. 

While I like the colours and overall styling, the cut/fit are not my favourite. That’s just a personal preference, so hardly any points off there. Also, a matter of preference is the pocket situation; more pockets means more organization in my life and I miss the hand warmer pockets on the jacket and a few on the rear of the pants. On top of that, the thigh pockets are too low to comfortably accommodate your hands, while I appreciate simplicity in gear, I don’t like it in absence of convenience. 

All that said, if what you want is an effective kit that keeps things simple and light, the Rab Sharp Edge Jacket and Pant will keep you happy. This kit is comparable to the Mountain Hardwear Boundary Seeker kit but weighs less and comes in at a lower price.