Rab's New Waterproof Insulation Range
Nov 02, 2026
Warmth & Waterproof Protection in One Jacket
Cold and wet conditions are difficult to dress for. A conventional insulated jacket provides warmth, while a waterproof shell keeps the weather out, but combining the two normally means wearing multiple layers.
Rab’s waterproof insulation range takes a different approach, pairing down or synthetic insulation with 2-layer Pertex Shield waterproof fabrics to provide warmth and weather protection in a single jacket. The range stretches from the lighter Microlight Shield through to the expedition-focused Batura, with the Xenon Shield and Valiance sitting between them for different levels of warmth and protection.
Here, we look at the technologies behind the range and how each jacket differs.
2-Layer Pertex Shield
Rab’s partnership with Pertex® dates back to the 1980s, with Rab's founder playing a pivotal role in developing the industry-first Pertex® fabrics used in their earliest designs.
The 2-layer Pertex Shield variant is typically engineered for use in insulated pieces such as down or synthetic jackets as a lightweight option that keeps weight to a minimum and allow insulation to fully loft.
Unlike 2.5-layer (which uses a protective print) or 3-layer (which adds a full inner fabric backer) typically used in non-insulated waterproof jackets.
Grangers’ Down Defend®
Grangers Down Defend® is a bluepass approved hydrophobic down treatment that helps keep down lofted in damp conditions. It gives the down over 375x more durability than untreated down, extending the lifespan of your product. It achieves a shake test result of at least 2000 minutes for recycled down and 15000 minutes for virgin down. It also improves the fill power of the down by up to 5%, overall keeping you warmer, for longer.
This treatment helps the down maintain its loft, so it can continue trapping warmth when moisture is present. The result is a rainproof down jacket that continues to provide warmth in damp and wet conditions.
Rab's Waterproof Insulation Range
Rab's Waterproof Insulation Compared
● Men's Microlight Shield weighs 634g (medium) & Women's Microlight Shield weighs 598g (UK12)
● 700FP recycled down with Grangers hydrophobic finish (146g men's medium)
● 20D Pertex® Shield 2-Layer construction waterproof technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR (68g/m²)
● HH: 20,000mm/MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24hrs
● Men's Xenon Shield weighs 793g (medium) & Women's Xenon Shield weighs 734g (UK12)
● Main Insulation: 133gsm PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation
● Sleeve Insulation: 100gsm PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation
● 40D 2-Layer Pertex® Shield Waterproof Technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR (95g/m²)
● HH: 20,000mm/MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24hrs
● Men's Valiance weighs 850g (medium), Women's Valiance weighs 798g (UK12) and Women's Valiance Down Parka weighs 919g (UK12)
● 700FP recycled down with Grangers hydrophobic finish (205g men's medium)
● 40D Pertex® Shield 2-Layer construction waterproof technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR (104gsm)
● HH: 20,000mm/MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24hrs
● Men's 2026 Batura weighs: 1172g (medium)
● 800FP European Goose Down with Grangers Fluorocarbon-Free Hydrophobic Finish (425g men's medium)
● 40D 2-Layer Pertex® Shield Waterproof Technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR (95gsm)
● HH: 20,000mm/MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24hrs
At 634g (Medium), the Microlight Shield combines 146g of 700FP hydrophobic recycled down with a 20D Pertex Shield outer, giving you both insulation and proper waterproof protection in one jacket. The 20,000mm hydrostatic head and AquaGuard zips make it much better suited to prolonged cold, wet conditions than a conventional down layer.
The longer 78.5cm cut, adjustable hood, and articulated sleeves provide good coverage without restricting movement, while the Regular fit leaves room for a baselayer or light fleece underneath.
The main trade-off is flexibility: because the waterproof shell and insulation are permanently combined, you cannot shed warmth while keeping the weather protection. For consistently cold and wet conditions, though, I think the all-in-one design makes a lot of sense.
Features
● Optimised mobility with smaller nano baffles down the sides and under your arms.
● Larger micro baffles offer greater down loft and heat retention where you need it most.
● When a storm rolls in, take shelter in the adjustable hood with integrated peak to keep the rain off your face.
● Allows unrestricted movement with fully articulated sleeves.
● Heat up numb hands in the two hand pockets, which sit behind the baffles for maximum warmth.
● Additional space for snacks or a map in the zipped chest pocket.
● Seal out the elements using the drawcord adjustable hem and internally elasticated cuffs.
● YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® front zip with insulated zip baffle.
We all know the days: temperatures drop, rain lashes the mountainside, and windchill cuts through your layers and saps away warmth. When staying both warm and dry is critical, this waterproof synthetic insulated jacket offers the ultimate versatility. It’s lightly insulated with body-mapped PrimaLoft® Silver, giving you warmth and unhindered mobility where you need it, and ensuring the Xenon Shield feels less like a bulky insulated jacket and more like a shell that’s warm without trapping too much heat. Waterproof protection is provided by 2-layer Pertex® Shield to deflect everything from drizzle to driving rain. Fully featured and equipped with high levels of sleeve articulation, it’s the ideal insulation for active days, from mountain hikes to winter mountaineering.
Features
● When the storm hits, take refuge in the two-way adjustable hood with a stiffened peak to keep the rain off your face.
● Expel heat on the climb using the YKK® AquaGuard® pit zips.
● Two hand pockets and a chest pocket provide easy-access storage, while the inner stuff pocket swallows up gloves and the security pocket is ideal for valuables.
● The protective extended cuffs with hook-and-loop adjustments fit seamlessly with gloves or mitts.
● Trap the heat where you need it with the dual-sided rear hem adjustment, easily used with one hand.
● YKK® AquaGuard® centre-front zip with chin guard for comfort.
A welcome sanctuary from lashing rain or a flurry of snow, this warm and waterproof down jacket is crafted for everyday outdoor use throughout the coldest months. Combining 700FP down in low-bulk stitch-through baffles with 2-layer, waterproof and windproof Pertex® Shield fabric, it is built to keep the wearer warm and dry on wild winter hikes. Rab has re-engineered its construction to make it more repairable than ever, and packed it with heat-retaining details such as a cosy neck baffle and close-fitting inner cuffs. With a longer length and regular fit for throwing on over other layers, the Valiance gives a reassuring, protective feel for striding out beneath the darkest skies.
Features
● Traps warmth with the snug, synthetic-insulated neck baffle.
● Cosy hood with a two-point adjustment so you can fine-tune the fit.
● Plunge cold hands into the two zipped hand pockets with baffles in front for extra warmth.
● Additional stash space in the internal zipped security pocket.
● Seal out draughts with the soft, stretchy inner cuffs and dual-sided hem adjustment.
● YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® front zip with insulated zip baffle.
The Batura is built to withstand seriously tough and cold conditions. Easily deflecting wind, snow, and spindrift with a robust Pertex® Shield ripstop outer, this waterproof down jacket is a match for some of the most challenging environments on Earth. It’s powered by 800FP down in strategically positioned boxwall baffles that allow it to fully loft, plus a heat-reflective TILT lining to minimise radiant heat loss. This unbeatable combination ensures it will keep users warm when operating in freezing temperatures, from polar expeditions to daily wear in the world’s coldest regions. With a dropped outer fabric making the jacket more repairable and durable than ever before, the Batura is the obvious choice for staying dry and comfortable in hostile conditions.
TILT Scrim Technology
The 2026 Batura Down Jacket features a new TILT Scrim Lining. TILT is a heat-reflective fabric treatment designed to retain warmth without adding extra weight, bulk, or sacrificing breathability. The TILT scrim consists of a fine mesh layer treated to reflect heat, positioned as close to the body as possible. This design reduces radiant heat loss by up to 15%
What is Built-in TILT Technology?
Otherwise known as a ‘scrim’, this is where we use aluminium particles to coat an ultra-thin, gauze-like layer that is part of the gear’s construction. It is positioned as close to the body as possible, sitting just behind the lining, to improve its efficiency.
Features
● 2-layer Pertex® Shield for added protection in unpredictable weather
● Body-mapped boxwall baffle construction with dropped outer fabric, optimising down loft and heat retention
● Mountain helmet-compatible 2-point hood offers superb protection and excellent visibility without feeling bulky
● 2-way YKK® VISLON® centre front zip with external hook-and-loop storm
guard
● 2 YKK® AquaGuard® zipped chest and hand pockets
● 2 large internal mesh storage pockets
● Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs lined with Pertex® Shield for protection
● Dual-sided rear adjustment and dropped hem improves warmth on lower back
Rab uses their expertise in technical shells and insulated outerwear to create jackets that perform in changing weather conditions. Waterproof down jackets combine down insulation with waterproof outer fabrics for warmth and protection in cold, wet conditions. This makes them a practical option for winter walking, hiking, travel, and everyday outdoor use. Rab use 2-layer Pertex® Shield outer fabric in their waterproof down jackets, helping to shield wearers from rain, snow, and cold winds while remaining breathable enough for active days outdoors. The DWR treatment helps water bead and roll off the fabric.