What Rab say: Our lightest weight, hoodless Matrix softshell jacket, combining wind resistance, high breathability and a small packsize. Ideal for active use in varied conditions
What we say: Ok, we need to talk about softshells! They are far and away the most usable piece of kit for our climate in Britain, in our opinion. They keep the majority of weather out, so they keep out wind and protect you from light drizzle. By shielding you from the wind they keep you warm, but they don't restrict your body's ability to breathe and cool it's self like a waterproof can. If it's raining hard we get it , you need a waterproof, but if you know the weather is going to be ok, or you are spending your day in town and likely to be in and out of shops, pubs, the car etc then a softshell should be your choice of jacket. Rab have made the Borealis Tour at a fantastic price so we can all afford to keep a softshell and a waterproof to hand.