Rab Women's Stretch Neo Jacket

Marketed as a waterproof hard shell-softshell hybrid, this jacket failed to keep the rain off two hours into a showery hike in the Alps. I'm not convinced by NeoShell as a fabric and I certainly would not recommend this as an outer layer for wet weather.

I bought this jacket as quite a sweaty person and was sold on the breath ability whilst still being waterproof thing. However, I find that the jacket soaks through quickly, even in light rain. Water does not bead on the outside, and my base layer was wet through after a wet weather hike in Scotland. It is certainly not a fully breathable, fully waterproof jacket and I would not recommend it for UK weather.

it is not very durable either. On a hike in gale force gusts in Scotland, I could feel rain hitting me through the jacket. Also if you brush past a bramble you risk it ripping, the fabric is very flimsy. 

That said, the jacket may be useful as a showerproof layer in an environment where you are not expecting too much rain, but wish to have a shell jacket. I am also going to give the jacket a shot as a lightweight outer layer whilst ski touring because the breathability is fantastic. It is also a very light jacket and easy to have in the bottom of a rucksack as a spare on a summer's day.

The pockets are also good because they are the perfect size for a map and, with the zips close to the middle and pockets extending towards your sides, easy to access. The hood fits over a helmet but otherwise, even though it can be adjusted, is still a little bit enormous and will fall over your eyes. 

This jacket is a jack of all trades, a master of none. If you want a soft shell, buy a soft shell that is designed to be a soft shell. If you want a waterproof, go for the good old Goretex or paramo. There is plenty else out there. Don't compromise by buying this jacket because you will waste money!