Rab Geon Pull-On Review: The Perfect Midlayer for British Hill Walking
Standing on the summit of Pen y Fan at dawn with a bitter wind cutting across the Brecon Beacons whilst my Rab Geon Pull-On kept me perfectly warm beneath my Rab Cinder Downpour shell, I finally understood why this unassuming fleece has become my go-to midlayer for serious hill walking. After two years of putting this pullover through its paces across British mountains—from the windswept ridges of Snowdonia to the boggy plateaus of the Peak District—I can honestly say it’s transformed my approach to layering systems, though it’s certainly not the most exciting piece of kit in my pack.
This isn’t a first-impressions piece written after a gentle stroll around the local hills—this is extensive real-world testing, including some brutal conditions that taught me as much about this fleece’s capabilities as its practical limitations.
Why I Chose the Rab Geon Pull-On
The Problem That Started It All
In late 2022, I was struggling with a fundamental issue during my outdoor photography adventures. My base layer system was sorted—my Peter Storm Essential baselayer worked brilliantly—but I kept getting the midlayer wrong. I’d either overheat in full-zip fleeces that were too warm, or freeze in thin layers that weren’t substantial enough. Standing on Helvellyn’s summit with my Canon 5D Mark IV trying to capture sunrise whilst shivering in an inadequate midlayer, I realised I needed something that hit the sweet spot perfectly.
The breaking point came during a winter photography trip to the Lake District. I’d hiked for four hours with my Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III loaded with camera gear, finally reached the perfect spot for golden hour shots, and then spent the entire session too cold to operate my camera properly. My previous fleece—a budget option from a well-known outdoor retailer—simply wasn’t warm enough for static photography work in winter conditions.
The Research and Purchase
Here’s where it gets embarrassingly simple. I wasn’t even looking for a fleece when I spotted the Rab Geon Pull-On walking through Go Outdoors. Sometimes the best gear purchases are the unplanned ones—I just liked the look of it, tried it on, and it felt right. No spreadsheets, no endless online reviews, just old-fashioned instinct and a decent fitting room.
At £70, it wasn’t exactly breaking the bank, but as a Yorkshire lad, I still had to justify spending money on what essentially amounts to a fancy jumper. But here’s the thing about quality fleece—when you find one that works, it becomes absolutely essential to your kit. Plus, it cost less than my Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L lens, and that wasn’t keeping me warm on mountain summits.
What I Love About the Rab Geon Pull-On
Perfect Warmth-to-Weight Ratio: At 340g in medium size, it provides serious insulation without feeling bulky. The Polartec Classic 200 fabric hits the sweet spot for British mountain conditions—warm enough for static photography work, light enough for active hiking.
Quarter-Zip Versatility: The chest zip provides excellent ventilation control without the weight and bulk of a full-zip system. During steep ascents, I can dump heat quickly, then zip up again when I stop for photography.
Layering Excellence: The slim fit works perfectly under my Rab Cinder Downpour shell without creating bulk or restricting movement. The fabric doesn’t bunch up when sliding arms into outer layers—a common problem with cheaper fleeces.
Practical Pocket Design: The single chest pocket is perfectly sized for essentials like memory cards, batteries for my Canon 5D Mark IV, or emergency snacks. The zip closure means nothing falls out during active movement.
Durability That Impresses: After two years of regular use, including being stuffed into my Karrimor SF Sabre 75 expedition pack countless times, it shows minimal wear. The fabric hasn’t pilled significantly, and the seams remain perfectly intact.
Easy Care: Unlike down insulation that requires careful washing, this fleece goes straight in the washing machine and dries quickly. Essential when you’re using it regularly in muddy British conditions.
Breathability During Activity: The Polartec fabric breathes well during active use. Unlike synthetic insulation that can feel clammy, this fleece regulates temperature effectively when you’re working hard.
What Could Be Better
Limited Weather Resistance: It’s a fleece, so it offers zero wind or water resistance. In changeable conditions, you absolutely need a shell over the top. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, but it does mean you’re committed to a layering system.
Static Electricity Issues: The synthetic fabric generates static, especially in dry conditions. I’ve had it cling to base layers and generate small shocks when removing it—minor annoyance but worth noting.
Pocket Limitations: While the single chest pocket is well-designed, I’d appreciate a second pocket for organising small items. When carrying photography accessories, one pocket fills up quickly.
Hood Absence: Unlike some competitors, there’s no hood option. For me, this is actually a benefit as I prefer dedicated headwear, but some users might miss this feature.
Real-World Performance
Warmth in British Conditions
The Rab Geon Pull-On excels in typical British mountain conditions—those damp, windy days where temperature hovers around 5-10°C. During a recent dawn shoot on Snowdon, with temperatures around 2°C and a sharp wind, it provided perfect insulation under my shell while remaining comfortable during the ascent.
The Polartec Classic 200 fabric provides consistent warmth even when slightly damp from condensation or light moisture penetration. Unlike down insulation that collapses when wet, this fleece maintains its loft and thermal properties.
Breathability During Active Use
This is where the Rab Geon really separates itself from synthetic insulated jackets. During active hiking, the fleece breathes well enough to prevent overheating, whilst the quarter-zip allows fine-tuned ventilation control.
During a recent ascent of Helvellyn via Striding Edge, I could regulate temperature effectively throughout the climb. Open the zip during steep sections, close it during rest stops—simple but effective temperature management that keeps you comfortable.
Layering Performance
The slim-fit design layers beautifully with both my Alpkit Vayper base layer underneath and Rab Cinder Downpour shell on top. The fabric doesn’t create bulk at pressure points, and the cut allows full range of movement when scrambling or reaching for holds.
When temperatures drop significantly, I can layer my Rab Mythic Ultra Down Jacket over the top for static photography sessions. The fleece compresses well under additional layers without losing too much thermal efficiency.
Pack Performance and Durability
While not designed to be ultra-packable like down insulation, the Geon compresses reasonably well in my pack. During multi-day trips using my MSR Access 2 tent setup, it takes up about the same space as my Rab Mythic 600 sleeping bag stuff sack when compressed.
The Polartec fabric has proven remarkably durable. After extensive use being packed and unpacked countless times, dragged through gorse bushes during off-path photography, and general mountain abuse, it shows minimal wear patterns.
How It Integrates With My Outdoor Kit
The Rab Geon Pull-On has become the cornerstone of my three-season layering system. Combined with my Alpkit Vayper base layer and Rab Cinder Downpour shell, it handles 90% of British mountain conditions effectively.
For storage, it typically lives in the main compartment of my Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III, easily accessible for quick temperature adjustments. The fleece works seamlessly with my outdoor photography workflow—the chest pocket holds essential accessories whilst maintaining easy access to camera controls.
During winter wild camping near Buttermere using my MSR Access 2 tent, the fleece proved invaluable for camp tasks and early morning photography sessions. Combined with my Peter Storm baselayer, it provides sufficient warmth for most camp activities before adding the shell layer.
The quarter-zip design means I can adjust ventilation quickly when switching between hiking and static photography work. Essential when you’re carrying my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens and need to manage internal temperature whilst remaining mobile.
Alternative Options
Montane Allez Micro Pull-On (£60): For those seeking the absolute lightest option, the Montane offers impressive performance at approximately 210g. Utilizing POLARTEC® Power Grid™ fabric, it provides excellent thermal efficiency while maintaining superior breathability and moisture management. The lightweight fabric features a grid construction that is exceptionally fast-drying – potentially even quicker than the Geon. The deep YKK centre front zip with internal storm flap and chin guard offers better venting than the Rab. Additional features include a zipped chest pocket and shaped cuffs with thumb loops (which the Geon lacks) for additional coverage and warmth. While the materials don’t feel quite as robust as the Rab, it provides excellent performance for those prioritizing weight savings above all else. Available in multiple colourways, it’s particularly well-suited for long-distance trekking where every gram counts.
Berghaus Prism Micro Half Zip Fleece (£50): A reliable option from another British brand, the Prism offers excellent warmth with slightly higher weight. It’s designed with practical features including a secure zip chest pocket that’s larger than the Geon’s. The grid fleece fabric provides dependable insulation while maintaining good breathability for active use. Features include a higher collar than the Rab for additional neck protection and elasticated bound cuffs and hem. The fit tends to be more generous than the Rab, which might suit those who prefer a roomier midlayer for additional base layers underneath. It generally comes in at a similar price point but is frequently found on sale, making it a value-conscious alternative.
Mountain Equipment Micro Zip Fleece (£55): This lightweight alternative offers excellent technical performance, made from Pontetorto® Tecnopile® fleece that delivers an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. Weighing in at approximately 235g, it’s slightly lighter than the Rab while offering similar thermal properties. The flatlock seams throughout minimize bulk and eliminate chafing points when worn under a shell or with a heavy pack. Features include an active fit with articulated sleeves, zipped chest pocket, and a YKK front zip with internal baffle and chin guard. The microgrid structure promotes excellent moisture transfer during high-output activities. A key advantage over the Geon is the slightly longer front zip, offering better venting options on warmer days.
Conclusion
After two years of real-world testing across British hills and mountains, the Rab Geon Pull-On remains my go-to midlayer for three-season hiking and photography. The Polartec fabric delivers reliable warmth, the quarter-zip design provides excellent ventilation control, and the slim fit layers perfectly with my existing kit.
Bottom Line: If you’re a hill walker who needs a reliable, no-nonsense midlayer that performs consistently in British conditions and you’re willing to invest in proven quality, the Rab Geon Pull-On delivers exactly what it promises without any unnecessary complications.
The limitations are real—limited weather resistance, single pocket, and static electricity issues all niggle occasionally. But when I’m standing on Pen y Fan at sunrise with perfect thermal regulation whilst operating my camera effectively, those minor irritations fade into insignificance compared to consistent comfort and performance.
Would I buy it again? I actually own two already, and they’re so hard-wearing that it’ll be a while before I need another. Having a pair means I can rotate them during washing or extended trips, and at £70 each, they’re reasonably priced enough to justify the redundancy. When something works this well in your kit, having a backup just makes sense. Though I’m always looking to shave grams from my pack weight, so if there’s something significantly lighter with similar warmth I’d certainly consider that too. For hill walkers ready to invest in a reliable midlayer system, the Rab Geon Pull-On transforms your comfort in British mountain conditions in ways that budget alternatives simply can’t match.
Long-term Verdict: After all this testing, it’s become so essential to my kit that I rarely think about it—which is exactly what you want from a good midlayer. I can’t imagine tackling British mountain conditions without it.
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