What is it?
The Arc is designed to be a minimalist jacket that will take up little space in your pack but deliver reliable performance when the conditions turn nasty. It's the ideal piece to throw in your pack when you're not sure how the weather's going to pan out, but will also stand up to the rigors of multi-dauy backpacking trips in torrential downpours. All in all the Arc is an extremely well thought out jacket which can be used for a plethora of different activities.
What is it made of?
This lightweight, fully waterproof and breathable mountain jacket is made using stretchy Pertex Shield+ 3 layer fabric for durable and reliable performance and total freedom of movement . Pertex are a world leader in fabric technology and have worked closely with Rab to develop this high performance fabric that is totally waterproof and highly breathable. The 3 Layer construction adds a reassuring toughness to the Arc jacket and means that it is perfectly capable of coping with heavier rucksacks and regular "proper" mountain use.
What are the features?
Rab have given you two nicely sized A-Line pockets and a helmet compatible hood which makes this a great piece to keep in your bag and throw on when climbing or scrambling. If you are worried about water seeping through the zips then don't be; all zips are YKK AquaGuard water resistant zips which are the best water resistant zips on the market; you also get an adjustable hem and anti-snag Velcro cuffs to keep out the wind and rain.
How does it fit?
We are big fans of the Rab Women's Regular fit - it suits a lot of women's body-shapes and is still nicely tailored without being restrictive and to enable you to layer up underneath. The Arc also has a slightly longer back length to cover your bum.
Where does it fit in the layering system?
The Arc is primarily designed as an outer shell, which means it works well to protect you from strong winds on cold days, right up to torrential downpours.
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Pertex Shield + 3 layer fabric with stretch
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Helmet-compatible hood with wired peak and roll-down Velcro closure
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YKK AquaGuard front zip with dual internal storm flap system
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YKK AquaGuard zipped A-Line pockets with rain drain
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Anti-snag Velcro cuffs
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Hem drawcord with cord retainers
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Fit: Regular
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.