Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Tailgate Industries
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2024-2025
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2023-2024
        • Gear of the Year Archives
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2024
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2024
          • Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Base Layers
          • MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
          • Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
          • Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
          • MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
          • Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
          • Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
          • Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
          • Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
          • MEC Northern Light Vest
          • Montec-Scope-Ski-Goggles
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
          • Arcade Atlas Belt
          • Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
          • Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
          • Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
          • Bootdoc Foot Warmer
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
          • DPS LastBag
          • DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
          • DPS Mission Quiver Roller
          • Dragon Amped sunglasses
          • Dragon DX3 Plus OTG photochromic goggle
          • Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback
          • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire Watch
          • Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
          • Hotronic Boot Dryer
          • MEC Aluminum Pot Set
          • Gnara Go There Pants
          • Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
          • Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
          • Le Bent Core Midweight Crew base layer
          • Leatherman ARC
          • Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
          • Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
          • Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
          • Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
          • Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
          • Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
          • Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
          • Smith Squad MAG Goggles
          • Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
          • Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
          • Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip & Wool Leggings
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
          • Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
          • Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
          • Paka Mountain Crew
          • Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
          • Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
          • Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
          • Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
          • Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
          • Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
          • MEC-Fireside-Fleece-Snap-Pullover
          • Montec Roast Mittens
          • Mountain-Hardware-Sunblocker-Hoody
          • MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
          • Tailgate-Industries-The Gondom-Goggle-Cover
          • Wild Country Rope Tarp
          • Bootdoc Race Merino PFI 50 Socks
          • Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
          • Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
          • Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
          • Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
          • Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
          • Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
          • Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
          • Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
          • Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
          • Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
          • Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
          • Norrona more flex1 Pants
          • Norrona Octa Zip Hood
          • Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
          • MEC Deluxe Pillow
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2023
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    Newsletter Signup

    TOP VIDEOS

      HOTTEST REVIEWS


      Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis Garmin inReach Plus Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro 130+ Top Ski Reviews Ortovox Ravine Jacket Scarpa Maestrale RS Boots

      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      Search
      • Home
      • »
      • Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket

      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket

      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket reviewRab has a new light weight soft shell jacket on the market called the Zephyr Jacket for him and the Rab Solar Jacket for her. Both are pretty much the same design but the Solar Jacket takes into account the a women's physique and their colour palette preferences. The men's Zephyr Jacket weighs in 120 grams more than the Solar Jacket but given the larger sizing this is only natural. Both the Rab Zephyr and Solar Jackets are relatively light and compact-able given they are a soft shell layer. They are essentially the little brother (and sister) to the Rab Scimitar jacket (and pants) which we reviewed previously here. They are more of a summer outer layer and spring, fall and winter mid layer given the diminutive thickness of the fabrics. Both the Rab Zephyr and Solar Jackets have full front YKK zips with storm flap and chin guard built in to keep weather out and warmth in. They both come complete with a non-adjustable under the helmet hood and thumb loops so you can keep the sleeves in place under layers or even a pair of gloves.

      So what's the big story with the Rab Zephyr and Solar Jackets you ask? It really comes down to the fabrics. The soft shell Matrix SWS and DWS fabrics offer up a great deal of stretch for those mountain activities that require a good range of motion. They are pretty light weight so they will cut the wind for you and also provide good protection from the sun with out warming you up too much. Rab produces a similar product called the Boreas Pull-on. The Zephyr and Solar jackets use the same Matrix SWS in the main body but Rab has added the more beefy Matrix DWS to the shoulders and outer arms for added durability. This all adds up to a really breathable piece that gives you some protection from the elements without taking up half the space in your pack like a full soft shell can. The quick dry capabilities of the fabric and it's natural wicking properties also make this an ideal layer for climbing, ski touring and just general wear. Rab didn't stop there though; they also added in a Polygiene anti bacterial treatment in the fabric so it won't stink up on you after a multi-day trip in the backcountry.

      The Rab Zephyr Jacket for him.
      Rab Zephyr Jacket Review

      The Rab Solar Jacket for her.
      Rab Solar Jacket Review

      Features:

      Fabric: Matrix SWS fabric for the body and Matrix DWS in shoulder and upper sleeve, both with Polygiene STAY FRESH odour control treatment 
      Zipper: YKK front zip, internal storm flap, chin guard
      Pockets: 2 YKK zipped A-line handwarmer pockets
      Hood: Under helmet hood
      Cuffs: Thumb loops
      Fit: Slim

      Mesh pockets allow heat to escape when it gets hot.
      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket Review

      Thumb loops on both the Rab Solar and Zephyr Jackets.
      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket Review

      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket Review

      A simple under helmet hood with no adjustments.
      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket Review

      Famous Rab pockets that are massive (this is a good thing).
      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket Review

      Zipper Garage with chin guard so things are comfy.
      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket Review

      Zipper and pockets on the Rab Solar Jacket are pretty much identical to those on the Rab Zephyr Jacket.
      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket ReviewRab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket Review

      Fabrics:

      Matrix SWS is made up of 86% Polyster / 14% Spandex and is 131g/m so it is relatively light compared to the Matrix DWS found in the shoulders and upper sleeves. It has a UPF rating of 50+ and has built in "active odour control" which is a Polygiene Treatment based on silver salt so it is environmentally friendly and is said to last the life of the garment. Thanks to the fabric's 75 denier (the mass of the fibre in grams of 9,000 meters) warp which is the lengthwise fibres and its weft (transverse fibres) of the same 75 denier, the fabric has an air permeability rating of 8-10CFM.

      The Matrix DWS on the other hand has a make up of 90% Nylon / 10% Spandex at 182g/m. This fabric is slightly thicker and hence has a Warp of 90d (or denier) and a Weft of 90d which provides an air permeability of 3-5CFM and a UPF of 30+. This fabric is also Bluesign certified which is an environmental certification for the textile industry to ensure things are done with the planet and the worker in mind.

      A close up of the flat seems and softshell Matrix SWS and DWS fabric on the Rab Solar Jacket.
      Rab Zephyr Jacket and Rab Solar Jacket Review

      Verdict:

      The last thing I need is another jacket or layer taking up space in my closet so naturally only those that truly work in the mountains find a place in my arsenal of outdoor clothes. The Rab Zephyr Jacket (and for the ladies the Rab Solar Jacket) has been a huge asset in a few of my spring outings thus far. I thought that the Rab Scimitar jacket was the only soft shell I needed… not so. It has not been replaced by the Zephyr but instead merely augmented by it. The Scimitar is the best soft shell jacket I own hands down but I would qualify the Rab Zephyr jacket as more of a shirt or ultra light shell in comparison. It's not an outer layer for when it's cold in the alpine like the Scimitar but rather a mid layer for high aerobic activities or an outer layer during the coming cool summer nights or warm spring and fall days. The Rab Zephyr Jacket has worked well on spring ski tours and mid spring hikes. When the weather gets warmer it will be ideal in the alpine for mountaineering and rock climbing since (as mentioned before) it is light, breathable, compact and protects you from the sun and light wind. The only areas of improvement in my mind for the Zephyr and Solar jackets (and both are very minor) is to include some sort of micro adjustment at the bottom hem as I like to cinch things up and keep out any snow or breeze. The second item is the thumb loops on the sleeves. These are orientated at right angles to your thumbs so they are somewhat restrictive. Not a biggy for me as I have never been a thumb-loop-user. On the flip side my favourite feature has to be Rab's legendary massive pockets as they are standard issue on both the Rab Zephyr and Solar Jackets. As well, the amount of stretch and weather protection these pieces offers up is pretty optimal given their weights. (Ok that was three things.) Oh, and the "active odour control" for those who stink on the trail… (not me of course).

      SPECS:

      Women's Rab Solar Jacket:
      Price: $110 CAN
      Sizes: 8-16
      Colours: Fuchsia, Turquoise, Beluga
      Weight: 225g / 9oz

      Men’s Rab Zephyr Jacket
      Price: $110 CAN
      Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
      Colours: Breaker, Mineral, Beluga
      Weight: 345g / 12oz

      PROS:

      - A light versatile jacket for a mid layer or outer layer
      - Simple design keeps it light
      - Under helmet hood when you need it for warmth
      - Full zip for easy on and off
      - Two massive hand pockets
      - Great range of motion for climbing, ski touring and hiking

      CONS:

      - No hem adjustment to keep it cinched in and the breeze out
      - A basic layer without any additional pockets or features
      - Thumb loop orientation is restrictive
      - Pockets are not totally pack and harness friendly but that's ok as I prefer a hand pocket

      Rating: 8/10

      Innovation         1.5/2
      Function            2/2
      Aesthetics / Fit  1.5/2
      Features            1/2
      Quality / Price   2/2

      buy backcountry skiing gear

      This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

      Back to the rest of the reviews. 


      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

      Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.