What are the Latok Bib's?
The Latok Bib's are Rab's toughest, most protective pieces of legwear available. Using a mixture of 70D and 300D fabrics and featuring a Gore-Tex Pro membrane, they're ideal in cold, wet environments.
What are they made of?
The bulk of the trousers are made from a tough 70D nylon with a durable water repellent coating; this essentially prevents the water soaking into the fabric and limiting its breathability. Ultra durable 300D reinforcements are added to the insteps of the trousers to resist crampon strikes and general abuse. Underneath this, a fully waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex membrane ensures you stay dry and comfortable.
What are the features?
Starting at the top, the braces are fully adjustable, removable and feature a 'drop seat' feature, meaning you can unclip one of the straps for the braces, unzip the sides of the trousers and drop the seat away when you need to answer the call of nature. A velcro tab adjuster on the waist of the trousers lets you fine-tune the fit. Other features include a large bellowed thigh pocket with an internal securing clip and electronics pocket, full length two-way side zips to make getting in and out of the Latok's easier, ankle gaiters with a secure lace hook and silicone grippers, underboot cord attachment points and finally an elasticated cuff drawcord.
How do they fit?
The Latok Bib's feature a 'regular' fit, meaning you can fit plenty of layers underneath on cold days, yet they still fit well with just a baselayer on underneath. Articulated knees and a relatively straight cut means you're never left feeling restricted.
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Waterproof and windproof
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Elasticated cuff drawcord
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Underboot cord attachment points
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Internal ankle gaiters
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300D reinforcement crampon patches
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Full length 2-way side zips
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Adjustable, removable braces
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Gore-Tex membrane
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70D nylon outer fabric
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.