88% matchMammut
Swiss alpine outfitter with hardware plus down and shells
What changes: Adds climbing hardware and avalanche electronics; pricier
Brand profile
RAB
British maker of climbing and mountaineering gear, best known for down jackets, hardshells and expedition sleeping bags.
SheffieldOrigin
UnisexFocus
Gorpcore / OutdoorStyle
$$$Price
What to know about RAB
Down is the core competence
Rab's best-known pieces are down jackets like the Microlight Alpine and Neutrino, alongside sleeping bags and full expedition down suits.
Started with attic-sewn sleeping bags
Climber Rab Carrington hand-stitched sleeping bags in a Sheffield attic in 1981; the company now runs from Derbyshire under Equip Outdoor Technologies.
Mountaineering kit, not lifestyle outerwear
The range stays performance-led — waterproof shells, softshells, expedition gear — with work on responsibly sourced and recycled down plus repair programmes.
How RAB fits
Overall fit
slightly small
Most people find Rab close to true to size but cut slimmer than typical US outdoor brands, so broader or layering-focused buyers commonly go up one size.
Tip: Take your usual size if you wear it as an outer layer over a baselayer, but size up if you plan to layer a midlayer or fleece underneath.
Medium confidence · based on 18 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | slightly small | slim, midlayer-oriented fleece and grid hoodies designed to sit under a shell | Size up if you want a casual, relaxed hoodie fit rather than a technical midlayer. |
| Trousers & pants | true to size | slim to regular climbing and softshell cut with articulated knees and a fair amount of stretch | Stick with your usual waist size and check inseam options if you are over about 6ft. |
| Jackets | slightly small | trim, athletic cut; insulated pieces like the Microlight sit close to the body while waterproof shells and 'Alpine' versions allow a bit more room | Order your normal size for a technical next-to-midlayer fit, or size up if you want a fleece or heavier midlayer underneath. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly small | close-fitting technical tees and baselayers, cut narrow through the torso | Consider one size up if you prefer a looser everyday tee, as baselayer-style cuts run snug. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
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RAB fit questions
Does RAB run big or small?
RAB fits slightly small. Take your usual size if you wear it as an outer layer over a baselayer, but size up if you plan to layer a midlayer or fleece underneath. Most people find Rab close to true to size but cut slimmer than typical US outdoor brands, so broader or layering-focused buyers commonly go up one size.
How does RAB fit?
Most people find Rab close to true to size but cut slimmer than typical US outdoor brands, so broader or layering-focused buyers commonly go up one size. Overall shape: trim, athletic European alpine cut through the chest and waist, with articulated sleeves.
How do RAB hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
RAB hoodies & sweatshirts fits slightly small. Size up if you want a casual, relaxed hoodie fit rather than a technical midlayer. Shape: slim, midlayer-oriented fleece and grid hoodies designed to sit under a shell.
How do RAB trousers & pants fit?
RAB trousers & pants fits true to size. Stick with your usual waist size and check inseam options if you are over about 6ft. Shape: slim to regular climbing and softshell cut with articulated knees and a fair amount of stretch.
How do RAB jackets fit?
RAB jackets fits slightly small. Order your normal size for a technical next-to-midlayer fit, or size up if you want a fleece or heavier midlayer underneath. Shape: trim, athletic cut; insulated pieces like the Microlight sit close to the body while waterproof shells and 'Alpine' versions allow a bit more room.
Brand facts
Rab builds technical mountaineering kit: down jackets like the Microlight Alpine and Neutrino, waterproof shells, softshells, sleeping bags and expedition down suits. Scottish climber Rab Carrington started the company after hand-stitching sleeping bags in a Sheffield attic, and it now runs from Somercotes, Derbyshire under parent Equip Outdoor Technologies, which also owns Lowe Alpine. Current work centres on responsibly sourced and recycled down, repair and circularity programmes, and a five-year international growth plan launched in 2024 under CEO Richard Leedham. Positioning stays performance-led rather than lifestyle.
- Founded
- 1981
- Origin
- Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Made in
- China
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Gorpcore / Outdoor, Techwear