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Men’s Cinder Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket
Perfect for hill walking and mountain climbing, this jacket has become my essential go-to defense when the rain hits unexpectedly. I purchased this Rab Cinder Downpour jacket because I needed reliable protection from sudden weather changes without carrying extra weight. Its lightweight, packable design means I can always keep it with me, and the rear ventilation zip lets me stay comfortable even during high-activity moments.
What I Love
- Excellent waterproof protection in harsh conditions
- Truly waterproof when fully zipped up
- Clever side vents for enhanced breathability
- Lightweight, breathable, and packable
- Large zip pockets
What Could Be Better
- Cuffs are surprisingly loose
- Front zip tends to snag on its own storm flap
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I purchased the Rab Cinder Downpour jacket because I needed reliable protection for hill walking and mountain climbing. It’s become my essential go-to defense when rain hits unexpectedly, offering the perfect combination of protection and comfort for outdoor adventures.
The lightweight, breathable, and packable design was actually my main reason for buying it. In the past, I’ve made the rookie mistake of buying cheaper, warmer coats that weigh roughly the same as a small child. Picture this: I’m halfway up a mountain, lugging my photography equipment, when the sun decides to make a surprise appearance. Suddenly I’m sweating like I’m in a sauna wearing a winter parka. Off comes the backpack. Off comes the coat. Now I’m carrying both while trying not to drop my camera or tumble down the hillside. Oh, and I’m also dying of thirst because of all this unexpected exercise, so I need to somehow grow a third arm to reach for my water bottle. The Rab solved my personal one-man circus act – it weighs practically nothing and packs down small enough that I no longer look like a confused sherpa when the weather changes.
The jacket features a well-designed hood with a single easy-pull adjuster and elasticated sides for better visibility in harsh conditions. I’ve found this hood design particularly effective during sudden downpours, with the peak stiffener keeping rain away from my face.
The cut is relaxed enough for comfortable layering, with arms long enough for full coverage during activity. I typically wear this over my Men’s Geon Pull-On as my outer base layer, which makes for a perfect combination in changeable conditions. I’m a huge fan of the zip on the front of the jacket and the two large hand pockets which provide ample storage. As a landscape photographer, there’s nothing more important than large zip pockets for easy access to snacks and batteries while out in the field.
Made from 2.5-layer Pertex Shield fabric, this jacket offers impressive waterproofing (20,000mm HH) and breathability (20,000 g/m2/24hrs). Weighing in at just 305g in Medium size, it’s remarkably light while still providing serious protection. The 20-denier Proflex woven nylon includes two-way stretch for freedom of movement and features a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that’s better for the environment. What I particularly appreciate is the soft inner face that feels comfortable against bare skin when I’m wearing just a t-shirt underneath. Rab has also focused on eco-credentials, with 48% recycled materials and a Fluorocarbon-free construction.
The thoughtful design elements really stand out – there’s a silicone gripper print inside the rear hem that prevents it riding up, reflective logos for visibility in poor light, and even a simple hanging loop (which more jackets should have!). One of my favorite features is that the jacket stuffs into its own rear pocket, making it incredibly easy to pack away when the weather clears. The side vents along the back are perfectly positioned for releasing heat when things warm up.
There are a couple of issues worth noting. The cuffs are strangely loose – I can fit two wrists in each with ease, which allows water to be forced up my sleeve in heavy rain. The front YKK Aquashield zip also catches its own storm flap regularly, making one-handed operation difficult.
Perfect for hill walking and mountain climbing, this jacket has become my essential go-to defense when the rain hits unexpectedly. Despite its minor flaws, the Rab Cinder Downpour (£185) offers excellent protection in various outdoor environments. If Rab could tighten up those cuffs and fix the zipper issue, it would be nearly perfect.
SCORE
Conclusion
After months of using the Rab Cinder Downpour in various conditions, I can confidently say it’s one of the best investments I’ve made for my outdoor photography adventures. I’ll admit, at the point of purchase I did find Rab equipment expensive – as us Yorkshire men are sometimes too tight to breathe out. But after months of wear, you do see the value in the initial cost.
It’s worth mentioning that part of what you’re paying for is Rab’s excellent warranty program – the Rab Promise covers repair or replacement of any garment that fails due to manufacturing defects during its usable lifetime. They even offer wash and repair services as part of their commitment to sustainability, which means this jacket is genuinely built to last.
The combination of lightweight design, reliable waterproofing, and practical features makes it ideal for unpredictable weather in the hills and mountains. While no jacket is perfect, the minor inconveniences of the loose cuffs and occasionally stubborn zip are far outweighed by the protection and convenience it offers. For anyone serious about landscape photography or hiking in changeable conditions, this jacket deserves a place in your gear collection. The RRP is £185, but click the link below to check Amazon’s current price, which is generally cheaper than retail. Quality and functionality make it worth every penny, especially when you can snag it at a discount.
Alternative Options
If you’re looking for other jackets in this category, here are three alternatives worth considering:
- Berghaus Paclite 2.0 Gore-Tex Jacket – A reliable option from another British brand, the Paclite offers excellent waterproofing with Gore-Tex technology. It’s designed with minimalist features to keep weight down to approximately 300g (medium size). The 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite fabric provides dependable protection against heavy downpours while maintaining good breathability for active use. Features include an adjustable hood with a stiffened peak, water-resistant zips, and two zippered hand pockets. The fit tends to be more generous than the Rab, which might suit those who prefer a roomier jacket for layering. Articulated sleeves offer good freedom of movement, and the whole jacket packs down into its own pocket for easy storage. It generally comes in at a lower price point, making it a value-conscious alternative.
- Mountain Equipment Men’s Frontier Softshell Jacket – This robust alternative offers excellent mobility and high breathability, made from EXOLITE stretch double weave soft shell fabric that’s highly durable and abrasion resistant. Weighing in at 530g, it’s significantly heavier than the Rab but offers exceptional thermal properties for colder conditions. The Mountain HC hood provides superior coverage across the mouth, forehead, and neck with adjustable drawcords for a customized fit in harsh conditions. Features include an active fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves for natural movement, over-locked and topstitched construction for durability, a 2-way YKK moulded center front zip for ventilation options, two zipped hand pockets, an inner zipped security pocket, and a Napoleon chest pocket with mesh back. Adjustable cuffs and dual tether hem drawcords complete the package, allowing for excellent weather sealing.
- Columbia Watertight II Jacket – For those on a tighter budget who still need reliable waterproofing, the Columbia offers surprisingly good performance at about half the price of the Rab. Weighing around 350g (medium size), it utilizes Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof breathable fabric with fully sealed seams to keep you dry. The attached, adjustable storm hood provides additional coverage when needed, while the drawcord adjustable hem helps block out wind and rain. Features include two zippered hand pockets, elastic cuffs, and a drop tail design for added coverage. The jacket packs into its own pocket for convenient storage. While it’s not as breathable or packable as the Rab, and the materials don’t feel quite as premium, it provides solid protection for occasional use or as a backup option. Available in multiple colorways, it’s a practical choice for everyday use when top-tier performance isn’t required.
