Rab have updated their venerable Latok Bib salopettes for this season to make a fortress of protection for the worst and most extreme conditions. These gnarly salopettes are designed to shrug off the harshest abuse and laugh in the face of torrential rain and snow. All this is possible thanks to the superb three layer eVent DVExpedition fabric, the DV stands for Direct Venting and the Expedition bit means that it is as hard as nails! Unlike Gore-Tex which relies on a humidity differential to breathe effectively, eVent breathes all of the time thanks to its unique open pore construction. This means that no matter how wet and cold the conditions are your Latok Bib salopettes will strive to keep you comfortable no matter how hard you are working.
The face fabric of the Latok Bib is made from a tough nylon that can withstand constant abrasion and features Kevlar/Cordura reniforced crampon patches. Rab have used their many years of expedition experience to design the Latok Bib specifically to withstand extreme conditions. So starting at the top you get full chest protection from the Matrix softshell high bib, this fabric is hard wearing, stretchy and highly breathable and doesn't need to be fully waterproof as it'll be hideden inside your jacket if it's tipping it down. Fitted to the bib are a pair of adjustable and removable stretchy braces, they are attached in such a way as to allow full toilet duties without having to fully remove the salopettes. If it's only number ones, then a 2-way YKK Aquaguard zipper allows quick relief. A part elasticated waist provides a trim fit and helps to keep in the warmth and keep out spindrift etc. The bib features 2 YKK VISLON zipped chest pockets with a mesh lining to help with ventilation. You also get a YKK Aquaguard zipped, bellowed thigh pocket for those bits and pieces that you need to access easily on the move.
Full length YKK Aquaguard zips on the legs allow acess and removal without lifting youir feet and also provide ventilation options if you start to verheat. An "All Mountain" hem has a YKK zipped gusset to allow room for bulkier mountaineering/ski boots and also fits snugly around regular mountain boots. To stop the hems from riding up there is a feature to allow the attachement of underboot cords and internal gaiters with a lace hook to stop snow and wind driven rain from creeping up your trouser legs.
Freedom of movement is assured by fully articulated knees and a regular fit that isn't restrictive and allows room for layewrs according to the conditions. Pair these bad boys up with the Rab Latok jacket and you'll have a suit of mountain "armour" that'll protect you in the worst conditions.
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eVent Waterproof Technology. DVexpedition 3L fabric with grid backer
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Matrix fabric bib with adjustable and removable braces
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2-way YKK Aquaguard front fly zip
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2 YKK VISLON zipped mesh lined chest pockets
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YKK Aquaguard zipped bellows thigh pocket
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Full length 2-way YKK Aquaguard side zips with internal strom flap
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Part-elasticated waist with integrated webbing belt
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All Mountain hem with YKK zipped ankle gusset
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Knee articulation
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Kevlar/Cordura crampon patches
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Snap and velcro closure internal ankle gaiters
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Underboot cord attachment points
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Tethered drawcord hem
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Articulated secure lace hook
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Regular fit
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.