The Rab Arc Eco is a great, sustainable choice outside of deep winter conditions, says David Lintern.
The Rab Arc Eco won Gold in last year’s TGO Awards in the sustainability category. Let’s see what makes it such a great waterproof jacket.
The jacket’s face fabric, membrane and backer are all made up of a single polymer, which makes it much easier to recycle at the end of its life, whilst the impacts of production are also reduced.
I’ve been using it since that initial test in autumn last year, and I am still really impressed. The fully recycled fabric has so far resisted wear and tear, and the Pertex Shield, whilst sporting ‘only’ 20,000 hydrostatic head and 15,000 MVTR, has continued to keep me completely dry.
The Rab Arc Eco hood is adjusted at three points (with those at the neck situated well away from the face) and is part-wired. Crucially, it moves with the face. It would take a helmet, but at a push.
The cut of the jacket is quite long, and overly roomy at the chest, which at least allows for layering. The sleeves are Velcro-adjusted, and the hem adjusted by two toggles and elastic. There are two very large handwarmer pockets, situated just high enough to be useable whilst wearing a rucksack.
I’d prefer it to have at least one more pocket, perhaps internal. The main zip is one-way and has a stormguard, and there are pit zips to help cool things down.
The Rab Arc Eco isn’t as ‘full metal jacket’ as some others in this test; but it is lighter, simpler, cheaper and more environmentally friendly. For most hillwalking and backpacking outside of deep winter conditions, this is a great choice in waterproof.
Discover the best men’s waterproof jackets as tested by The Great Outdoors’ gear expert, David Lintern.
