Rab Borealis Jacket Review: A 300g Softshell for Fast Hikers

Introduction

The Rab Borealis is a lightweight softshell jacket aimed at people who move quickly in the mountains and want a layer that barely registers in a pack. It weighs around 300 grams, which is very little for a jacket with a hood, and the stretchy Matrix fabric gives it a soft, comfortable feel against the skin. This is not a do-everything shell. It is the layer you pull out when the temperature drops and you want to keep moving without overheating.

The jacket featured here is in aspen green, a distinctive rather than neutral choice. Rab offers the Borealis in a range of colorways, so there is usually something to match the rest of your kit.

Who This Jacket Is For

The Borealis is designed with climbers and hikers in mind, and it suits fast walkers in particular. Breathability matters most when you are working hard, and a lightweight softshell that lets heat escape is far more useful on a long ascent than a heavier, warmer layer that has to be taken off and stowed.

It also makes sense for anyone who wants a small, packable layer for changeable days. Folded down it takes up very little room, which makes it easy to stash in a pack and pull out the moment conditions shift.

Main Strengths: Lightweight, Breathable, Stretchy

Weight is the headline. At around 300 grams, the Borealis is light enough to carry without thinking about it and light enough to wear while climbing or walking uphill without feeling weighed down.

Breathability is the second strength, and it matters most for anyone moving at pace. The Matrix fabric is also stretchy, which helps the jacket follow your movement rather than restrict it, and it feels pleasant directly against the skin.

Water resistance comes from the durable water repellent finish applied to the fabric, which shrugs off light rain and damp conditions. This is not a fully waterproof shell, but as an extra layer on a showery day it adds useful protection without the weight or stiffness of a hard shell.

Fabric and Design Details

The Matrix fabric is the core of the design: stretchy, comfortable and light. The cuffs sit snug around the wrists, the neckline is close-fitting, and the hood is shaped so it can be worn under a helmet, which is a practical touch for climbers.

There are two pockets high on the chest. They function better as vents than as natural hand pockets, and there are no pockets lower down. That is consistent with a jacket built for active use rather than everyday wear.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The main consideration is price. At around £75, the Borealis is a lot of money for a jacket this simple and this light. It is worth watching for sale pricing, where the value proposition improves considerably.

The pocket layout is the other point to weigh up. Two high chest pockets and no lower hand pockets will suit some people and frustrate others, particularly if you like somewhere warm to rest your hands on a cold walk.

Fit and Sizing Notes

The Borealis is described as a slim fit, and it does sit close to the body. As a reference point, the jacket discussed here is a size small, worn by someone around 5 ft 8 in and roughly 70 kg. That gives a reasonable idea of how the sizing runs for a slim build.

If you prefer a looser layer, or you plan to wear it over a thicker midlayer, it is worth thinking carefully about which size to choose.

Buying Advice

The Borealis makes the most sense for fast hikers and climbers who want a breathable, stretchy, very light layer that can be carried just in case. It performs best as a stashable extra rather than a primary outer layer.

If the full price feels steep for what is a deliberately simple piece of kit, keep an eye out for discounts. Picked up in a sale, it becomes a much easier recommendation for anyone who spends long days on the move.

Conclusion

The Rab Borealis is a focused piece of kit. It is exceptionally light, breathable and comfortable, with a helmet-compatible hood and a stretchy fabric that works well during hard efforts. The trade-offs are a slim fit, a high pocket layout and a full price that asks a lot for a simple jacket. For the right user, moving fast in the hills, it is a genuinely useful layer to have within reach.