Rab Vital Hoody - Men's Review

The Vital Hoody, a long-standing favorite of our testers, has seen some slight modifications in its newest form – some good and some more annoying. The most noteworthy update is that Rab designers have swapped a basic, 20-Denier nylon for their proprietary Atmos woven nylon that sports a fluorocarbon-free DWR coating. Unfortunately, Rab has dropped the internal pocket that used to provide so much additional storage. Most unfortunately, designers have decided to swap a zippered-storage pocket for a stuff sack. We would happily accept an additional fraction of an ounce for an added zipper to avoid the annoyance of having to keep track of this tiny stuff sack – or have it take up pocket space.

Performance Comparison

Wind Resistance

This is one of the more wind-resistant jackets we tested. Rab designers employ super-fine yarns in the 20-denier weave of their proprietary Atmos fabric, providing more wind protection than your average nylon. Zipping around on bikes, we particularly appreciated how the Vital Hoody employs several features to block the wind. A storm flap behind the zipper helps block a piercing wind, and a fully elastic collar keeps wind from running down your chest and the hood from flapping around.

We backed up our bike commute findings by taking the Vital Hoody to the top of a high pass in the southern Rockies and tested it in a strong, wintry wind. Beyond a tight weave that keeps the air from flowing through the jacket, we also appreciated how effectively the hem drawcords closed. The half-elastic cuff easily slides over another layer and keeps the sleeves in place. Together, these seal you off from the wind very effectively.

Breathability and Venting

This is where the Vital Hoody comes up a bit short compared to the top contenders in our lineup. In side-by-side tests while hiking and biking uphill, this hoody held more moisture than other similarly constructed windbreakers when fully zipped up.

With no vents or mesh backing on the pockets, even if you unzip it, it isn't possible to achieve good airflow. Additionally, the Vital Hoody's pockets are lined with an extra layer of nylon. This keeps your sweat from getting to the pocket contents — a thoughtful touch — but it also reduces your venting options.

The snap closure across the chest is an unconventional and extremely useful feature to help improve breathability. The snap closure lets you keep the jacket in place, even when fully unzipped. Although it looks like a cape, we appreciate this feature because it allows you to dump a lot of heat all at once without losing your jacket to a strong breeze.

Weight and Packability

At a weight of 4.8 ounces, our size medium is impressively light compared to many other shells out there but still is about 20% heavier than the lightest windbreakers in this review.

The most unfortunate consequence of the recent update to this jacket is that designers dropped the internal zipper to turn one of the hand pockets into a storage pocket. Instead, they opted to include a small, separate stuff sack. While this stuff sack allows the Vital Hoody to pack down smaller than a standard Nalgene bottle, the annoyance of having to keep track of this tiny stuff sack is not worth the minimal weight or space savings.

Fit and Functionality

We tested a size medium and found that the overall fit aligns with its purpose as a tech-hoody for alpine climbing or mountain biking. In contrast to some other tighter-fitting jackets, this one is long enough in both the sleeves and hem. It also provides enough space underneath for a puffy layer on colder days, proving that it works well as an outer shell.

While the updated Vital Hoody lost a useful internal pocket, a few other notable features remain that are worth pointing out. Already mentioned is the snap button across the upper chest, but we also loved that a simple velcro tab adjusts the hood. This tab has the double purpose of allowing you to roll the hood up and velcro it tight if you choose not to use the hood on a windy day. Flapping hoods are annoying, and this simple addition — plus the fully elastic collar — helps keep the hood from slapping you in the face.

Water Resistance

The most notable addition to the newly streamlined Vital Hoody is the addition of a DWR finish. An exciting trend in technical clothing is the shift away from fluorocarbon-based water repellents. Rab has opted to integrate a PFC-free DWR treatment into its proprietary Atmos woven nylon.

Although the ultralight Vital Hoody is still nowhere near a full-fledged rain jacket, the improved water repellency puts it on par with the most water-resistant windbreakers we've tested. While all lightweight jackets will eventually begin to soak through in places – particularly through the shoulders – our 'laboratory' shower test reveals that the new fabric of the Vital Hoody beads and sheds water better than ever.

Should You Buy the Rab Vital Hoody?

When it comes to overall performance, the Vital Hoody is more than worth the price tag. It is a technical, lightweight jacket designed for alpine endeavors, that is equally home at the bottom of a commuter pack. All things considered, this jacket strikes a nice balance right down the middle of our best scorers — it is a highly valuable jacket for the athletically inclined, just as long as you aren't consistently pushing hills while running or riding.

What Other Windbreakers Should You Consider?