Rab Latok Review

Likes
The Rab Latok presents the best value in bombproof mountaineering hardshell jackets. This portable fortress offers complete weather protection regardless of the conditions. One tester commented that he felt like he "was wearing a tank."

Materials
The Latok is built with three layer eVent (arguably more brathable than Gore-Tex) and has a midweight ripstop nylon face fabric in the body and reinforced arms and shoulders.

Features
The Latok has the best expedition style pocket design of all nineteen hardshells tested!! This alone is a reason to buy the jacket; the two handwarmer pockets are set high (above a waistbelt) and are marvelously comfortable for your hands, and the crossover chest pockets are easy to open. The Latok's pocket design is something that should be copied by many other shells. We can't overstate how good it is.

Beyond the pockets, the Latok has a huge helmet compatible hood that's comfortable both when worn over a helmet and when not. The hood's adjustment cords cinch with one hand and tuck out of the way nicely. Though not as refined as the Arcteryx Alpha SV's hood, the Latok has one of the best hoods we tested.

Fit
The Latok fits like an expedition style jacket. It's cut longer than average, providing extra storm protection when you have your arms overhead, and there's plenty of space for layering up when the temperatures drop. The Latok has the longest cut of all shells tested.

Dislikes
The Latok has several significant drawbacks. First, at 24.1 oz. it's the heaviest hardshell we tested. 24 ounces is a lot!! For the same weight you could nearly carry one Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15 degree sleeping bag or two full length Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pads. The added weight is felt while wearing the jacket- it feels ever so slightly more restrictive than medium duty shells (~6 oz lighter)- and especially while carrying it. The Latok is also the bulkiest shell we tested.

The Latok's weight and bulk is a result of several unnecessary features (it's the only shell that has an exterior storm flap with velcro strips and two snaps) and also of its construction (welded construction with smaller seam allowances would be better).

Best Application and Value
The Latok is best suited to big mountain expeditions or extended trips into remote areas. It's a full $200 cheaper than our top rated expedition shell, the Arcteryx Alpha SV, and is therefore an excellent choice for budget conscious adventurers and mountaineers who want something super bombproof.