User Review: Rab Latok Jacket

Summary

Durable shell, great breathability! This product is made for people who USE their products, although stylish in town! Lots of adjustments, great underarm ventilation!

US Large fits perfect for 5'10"/160lbs.

I've finally found my dream jacket! I went with this for every reason... Being a veteran mountain backpacker, tough is an absolute must. Being a climbers jacket, it is slim (important for larger builds) and VERY abrasion resistant. Perfect fit wearing US Large, I'm 5'10"/160lbs. Not one tear from rocks, briars, steep decline slides!

The hood is very adjustable, with a wire brim for directing rain/wind. Hood rolls up and can be stowed with a velcro loop. (Not much experience with hood rolled, I ALWAYS keep my hood accessible. The tail of the jacket tapers down sufficiently, but the front is right where it should be, just below the waistline. Adjustable cuffs for proper fit with gloves, etc. that can still be relatively loose.

No concern raising arms overhead with or without wearing a backpack. Underarm ventilation is superb with very long zippers. When fully open, rain is guided down without any water intrusion. Two nice front zippers for maps/credit cards. Left inner zipper pocket about 4"x4", right inner pocket open at top, large enough to fit a 32oz. Nalgene bottle. 

I've NEVER gotten wet inside this shell for two years of regular use in rain/snow, zero F-80+ F rainstorms. This coat has never failed in two hurricanes, many blizzards. (Note: the manufacturer notes the front exterior pockets may allow rain in, plastic coating your maps is always recommended!) Never had any moisture in front pockets. Breathability is excellent, better than any Gore product I've owned (many). This is a shell, the warmth factor in my opinion is N/A. I recommend a lightweight, highly breathable mid-layer. This coat fits perfectly with a base layer, not too tight, but not much extra room! 

This shell has maintained well using Nikwax products, as specified from the manufacturer. I recommend air drying rather than dryer use!!! The zippers became smooth as glass after the first washing. I find the manufacturing quality second to none, still in like perfect condition, and I'm hard on gear. This coat contends with/surpasses some $500+ shells, extremely satisfied finding for $325.

On the whole, I'm not interested in any other shells (unless testing/none have surpassed), this one is a great mountain backpacker's upper suit of armor.