Image by: @rab
The adventurous origins of RAB
In the icy wilderness of Patagonia, Argentina, a story unfolded that would mark the beginning of an iconic British outdoor brand: Rab. It was the year 1973 when Rab Carrington, a passionate mountaineer, participated in an expedition to this remote and rugged region, Patagonia in Argentina. However, upon arrival in Buenos Aires, his group discovered to their dismay that their essential climbing equipment had not arrived from Liverpool.
Determined not to let his dream fade, Rab stayed in Argentina for six months. During this time, he learned the art of making sleeping bags, among other things, a skill that would inspire him to create his own brand. Thus was born the Rab brand in 1980, from the mind of an adventurer determined to brave the wilderness and provide others with the gear needed to do the same.
Located in Sheffield, England, surrounded by the vast hills of the Peak District, Rab grew to become a big name in the outdoor industry. Led by experienced mountaineer Rab Carrington himself, the brand strived toward the top, with a clear focus on the most extreme conditions. Using down, a material that offers unparalleled insulation relative to volume and weight, Rab manufactured high-quality expedition jackets, warm mid-layers and alpine backpacks.
Rab's story is one of determination, passion of and for adventure. From the icy peaks of the Andes to the snowy plains of the Himalayas, With a heritage dating back to those first days in Patagonia, Rab remains committed to supporting adventurers in pushing their limits and discovering new heights.
Image by: @rab
Environmental friendly
Rab has just opened the doors to its 2021 European Service and Repair Centre, a milestone that underscores not only the brand's commitment to sustainability, but also its ongoing commitment to top-quality customer service. This state-of-the-art center offers high-quality repair and washing services for Rab gear, including waterproof shells, GORE-TEX items, insulated gear, sleeping bags and more.
By opening this center, Rab strives to help its customers make their gear last longer and thus have a positive impact on the environment. Through repairs and maintenance, customers can breathe new life into their beloved gear while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
In addition, Rab is committed to giving back to the community and the environment. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, 2021, a quarter of the European Service and Repair Centre's sales have been donated to conservation initiatives. This underscores Rab's commitment to protecting the wilderness we all hold so dear.
With the European Service and Repair Centre, Rab confirms its reputation as a brand that not only provides high-quality products, but is also a partner in sustainability and responsibility. Customers can now confidently get their gear repaired while making a positive impact on the environment.
Image by: @rab
Joey Thompson and Julian Carr: The Winter Sports toppers who embrace Rab
Joey Thompson and Julian Carr are among the absolute best in the winter sports world, with impressive performances and known for their fearlessness and passion for adventure. As dedicated athletes, they have braved the most challenging slopes and broken records at some of the world's most epic venues.
What unites these athletes, besides their boundless determination, is their trust in Rab as their equipment partner. Joey and Julian rely on the high-quality performance and reliability of Rab products during their most demanding descents and jumps.
Ddaring and fearless
Joey Thompson has broken countless records and conquered challenging slopes, with more than 20 World Cup titles to his name and a speed record of 254 kilometers per hour on his skis. Julian Carr is known for his fearlessness and guts, with pioneering jumps off breathtaking cliffs, including the legendary "Julian's Leap" over 30 meters high. As avid lovers of the mountains and all they have to offer, Joey and Julian rely on Rab for their gear during their most challenging adventures. They are proud to be part of the Rab family and to show the world what is possible with the right equipment by their side.
When you see Joey and Julian in action, know that they are not only pushing their own limits, but those of the winter sports world as a whole. And with Rab by their side, they are ready to climb even higher and ski even harder, knowing that their equipment is as robust and determined as they are.
Image by: @rab
Image by: @rab
Pioniers in Ethically Responsible Down Products
One of the most notable aspects of Rab's legacy is their pioneering work in ethically responsible down products. Rab was one of the first companies to market down products with a strong emphasis on ethical responsibility. But what does it really mean to use "ethical" down? For Rab, it goes beyond simply claiming to be ethical. They have committed to establishing their own standards for tracking the origin of the down they use, and these standards have become an integral part of their brand reputation.
But why is ethically sourced down so important? Down is often used in outdoor clothing because of its excellent insulating properties and light weight. However, the traditional method of down harvesting, in which geese and ducks are plucked alive or force-fed to produce a larger quantity of down, has led to serious ethical concerns about animal welfare. Rab understood these concerns and decided to take action.
Establishing their own traceability system allows Rab to track the origin of every piece of down in their products, from farm to finished product. This means they can control the production chain and ensure that the down comes from sources that meet strict animal welfare standards. This transparency means consumers can choose Rab products with confidence, knowing they are contributing to positive change in the industry.
Rab's initiative has not only improved the living conditions of the animals, but has also raised standards for the entire outdoor industry. Other brands have been inspired by Rab's commitment to ethical responsibility and have taken similar steps to improve their own supply chains. By choosing brands committed to ethical responsibility, we can all make a difference and contribute to a more sustainable future for the planet and all its inhabitants.
Image by: @rab
Innovative Warmth on the Piste: Rab's Advanced Technologies
When it comes to braving the cold and challenging runs on the slopes, the right garments are essential. Fortunately, Rab has built a reputation for providing innovative solutions that help skiers stay warm and comfortable, even in the most demanding conditions. Two of their most notable fabrics are Pertex Quantum and Thermic™, each offering their own unique benefits.
Pertex Quantum
An essential aspect of Rab their clothing line is the use of Pertex Quantum fabric, which excels in both windproofness and breathability. This fabric is formed by weaving fine nylon threads into a mini-waffle structure, resulting in a durable, tear-resistant fabric that can withstand heavy use. Despite its toughness, Pertex Quantum remains remarkably lightweight and feels silky smooth on the skin.
In addition, the fabric is very easy-care and easy-to-handle. Using a PFC-free DWR treatment, Pertex Quantum repels light rain and snow, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. These unique properties enable Pertex Quantum's insulation to function under optimal conditions, making it the perfect choice for outdoor apparel and gear that meets the demands of even the most demanding adventurers.
Image by: @rab
Image by: rab
Thermic™
What makes this fabric special is that it is warm, quick-drying, flexible, lightweight and breathable. The fabric is available in different constructions tailored to different activities.
At skistore Swing you will find a midlayer with the Thermic G fabric. This fabric offers excellent breathability allowing you to have a good balance in your body temperature, besides the breathability the fabric also dries very quickly. What makes the fabric unique is that it is very flexible allowing you optimal freedom of movement. These properties make the fabric suitable for mountain activities with high exertion, where the intensity varies and the weather can change quickly. The fabric of this midlayer is not only functional but also more than 90% recycled.