Page 43 - 2017 AMA Summer

Kit On Trial
Rab Top-Out Hoody
Reviewed by Sean Mackey
Rab’s new rock apparel has been released and I have to admit I am impressed with the styling and
attention to detail. Not only have the items been pretty well cut, but the materials are also fairly technical which makes them perfect for the crag and also for the high street.
Recently, I bought the new Top-Out hoody after seeing one at an outdoor shop in Llanberis. The fabric was the first thing that caught my eye. The drirelease® stretch fabric is thin, very breathable and is great to wear. Arcteryx have a similar midlayer in a similar fablic, but is over twice the price, which greatly influenced my decision to buy it.
The issue I have with most hoodies while climbing is the high neck, which does allow
for venting when you get hot after pulling hard on a route. The half zip is good for dumping heat and much easier to get on and off on cramped belay ledges. Although the fabric is clever and performs well it doesn’t look like a highly technical mid layer, which is one of my main issues with most ‘casual’ crag clothing. The fit looks good when grabbing a post climb pint or wandering into a café.
I have worn it a couple of times recently and it’s really good for cool summer cragging, where a tee shirt is just a bit too cold. The thin soft fabric also excels when part of a layering system as it holds heat but isn’t too bulky when another jacket is chucked on top. A great garment I will definitely be using and abusing over this coming season.
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phone: 01286 872222
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ARMY MOUNTAINEER 41