The Rab Mythic G epitomizes lightweight down warmth. With 1000fp of European goose down and svelte 7D outer and inner layers, it is hard to imagine a jacket being both this lightweight and warm. Not only is there the lightweight jacket, but the shorts don’t disappoint either. The Rab Mythic G jacket has accompanied me around the world and has proven itself to be a valuable companion albeit one that needs to be handled gently.
The Rab Mythic G Down Jacket Review
- Outer: 7D Atmos™ nylon ripstop (23gsm) with fluorocarbon-free DWR
- Liner: 7D ripstop nylon with Thermo Ionic Lining Technology (TILT) (23gsm)
- Insulation: 1000 FP Goose Down.
- Weight: 319 grams
- Made in: Indonesia
- Size Tested: XL
The Mythic G at a Glance
The Rab Mythic G is a premium ultralight down jacket. Packability, warmth and low weight are the name of this jacket’s game. 1000fp down is the lightest on the market and a 7 denier outer result in a premium ultralight backcountry companion that goes unnoticed when you don’t need it but provides fantastic warmth to weight when you do.
Lightweight Outer
The Rab Mythic G is not designed to be an outer layer, a fact made clear by its ultralight 7-denier Atmos™ nylon ripstop shell. One consequence of this thin fabric is that I lose a feather or two almost every time I put it on. While it’s a little disappointing to see the down escape, I haven’t noticed any meaningful loss of warmth after two years of use. It seems to be the literal “price of entry” for a jacket this remarkably light.
The zipper also demands respect; the delicate outer material catches easily if you’re in a hurry. I’ve snagged it several times now, though I’ve always been able to clear the jam without tearing the fabric.
While the Mythic G can shed a few stray snowflakes, it is definitely not the layer to reach for when a storm rolls in. It comes with its own matching 7D stuff sack, but I choose to store mine in a dedicated waterproof dry bag inside my pack at all times. After two winters of use without a single tear or pull, I might be being overly cautious—but with a jacket this specialized, I’d rather be safe. Ultimately, its purpose is maximum warmth for minimum weight rather than abrasion resistance, and on that front, it absolutely delivers.
Get Down X 1,000
The Rab Mythic G is filled with 127 grams of 1,000 fill power European Goose down. That’s not a typo, we’re talking 1,000. This is the highest loft jacket that Rab offers, and ties for the second highest loft on the market, though I think the difference between this and the highest at 1,010fp is negligible.
Rab utilizes Stitch-Through Baffles to keep that high-loft insulation in place. While this creates small “cold spots” at the needle points, it allows the jacket to breathe better when you’re moving and makes it significantly lighter and more compressible than box-wall construction. Since this is intended as a mid-layer or a “dry-cold” puffy, stitch-through is the correct choice here.
TILT lining
TILT lining (Thermo Ionic Lining Technology) is a heat retaining lining that works similar to an emergency blanket by reflecting heat back towards your body. It is reported that the lining can reflect radiant heat by up to 30%. If true, that is a fantastic amount of reflection. I have no way to test this so will have to trust Rab on this stat.
The TILT lining is found on the chest, back and shoulders. The arms are free of TILT lining.
Perhaps the biggest question is will the TILT lining affect transceivers. Rab’s own testing, and mine have proven that the lining causes no difference whatsoever.
Fit and Features
Fit: The Rab Mythic G features a refined, trim fit that feels tailored for movement. The sleeves are the classic “Rab length.” Long enough to keep the wrists fully covered even with arms extended overhead, yet tapered enough that they don’t drape over the hands. The slim silhouette isn’t just for aesthetics; it allows the jacket to layer comfortably under a shell while trapping body heat much more efficiently than a boxier cut.
Hood: The helmet-compatible hood features a stiffened peak that maintains its shape against the wind. It’s designed to move with your head, ensuring your peripheral vision remains clear whether you’re wearing a helmet on top or just a beanie. There are no toggles to customize the fit, however the elasticated sides keep the hood snug.
Pockets: The hand pockets are harness-friendly, meaning they are positioned slightly higher on the torso. This allows you to access snacks or gear even while wearing a climbing harness or a heavy backpack hip-belt.
Zipper: For the main closure, Rab uses a one-way YKK® front zipper.
Stuff Sack: The Mythic G comes with a stuff sack made of similarly svelte material as the outer shell. It is not water resistant nor is it rugged. I have ditched this stuff sack for a water resistant stuff sack of more substance. I can now comfortably empty my bag on the snow and not worry about getting my spare insulation layer wet. The Mythic shorts come with a stuff sack as well. If you have matching color shorts and jacekt you also have matching colour stuff sacks. This gets mighty confusing in a backpack.
The Mythic G Jacket in Use
I have the Rab Mythic G jacket with me almost every day in both summer and winter. I cannot imagine there is a jacket with a better warmth to weight ratio on the market. This means I can, for a 319 gram addition, have an exceptionally warm comfort layer for myself or a guest who has brought a layer that wasn’t as warm as they’d hoped. I have a back-up in case of an emergency as well.
On cold dry days I will use the Mythic G Down Jacket as my main insulation layer. It is the lightest warmth to weight jacket I own and I honestly do not know when I am wearing it, it is that light. If I am expecting much precip then I will opt for a layer that is designed for that.
The Rab Mythic G is a premium insulation piece tailored for the weight-conscious backcountry enthusiast. It is designed for year-round use by those seeking maximum warmth, provided they are mindful of keeping the jacket away from moisture.
Hit this link if you are interested in the Rab Mythic G Down Jacket. If you are looking for an equally light and warm pair of insulated shorts, read on!
Bonus: The Rab Mythic Shorts
The Rab Mythic Shorts share a name with the Mythic G Down jacket but differ slightly in construction, though they are no less dedicated to “svelteness.” These are specialized tools for the weight-conscious ski tourer or mountaineer.
Specifications
- Outer: Pertex Quantum Pro
- Insulation: 800 FP Nikwax Hydrophobic Down and PrimaLoft® Gold
- Weight: 240 grams as tested
- Made in: Indonesia
Mythic Durability
While the Mythic G jacket uses a 7D shell, the shorts move up to a 10D Pertex Quantum. It sounds like a small jump, but the difference in hand-feel and durability is noticeable.
Main insulation duties are now handled by 800 fill power Nikwax Hydrophobic european. Should the DWR treatment not hold out against the elements,hydrophobic treatment ensures the down retains its loft and warmth. As it is likely to get compressed, potentially often, the seat is filled with PrimaLoft® Gold. Primaloft’s highest warmth to weight ratio is made of a batting made of microfibers that trap body heat, maintain breathability, and repel water providing thermal insulation even when wet.
Side-Zip Juggling
To facilitate quick transitions in frigid temperatures, Rab equipped both legs with full-length side zippers. This allows you to don or remove them quickly without having to take off your skis or boots. Interestingly, the right side zips down from the top, while the left leg zips up from the bottom.
The Rab Mythic Down Shorts in Use
I intentionally sized up to an XXL in the Rab Mythic Down Shorts. My intention was always to wear them as an outer layer. My logic was thus: while I could technically fit the shorts under my shell and remove them using the side zips, I wouldn’t be able to put them back on without stripping down or at least dropping my trousers in the middle of a tour.
When putting them on without removing skis both zips need to be undone. Swing the pants between your legs and use the adjustable velcro waist adjusters to hold the shorts in place. Then, zip up each leg individually. This is where the opposing direction of the side zips gets me. I am too simple to remember which side goes up and which side goes down. For the slightly less directionally challenged, this shouldn’t be a problem.
I will typically remove one ski and then slide one leg through and only have one leg unzipped. The DWR treated shell handles a small smattering of snow from my boots and I do not have to remember which zipper goes which direction.
These are fantastic insulating shorts. They eschew just enough precipitation, are incredibly warm and light enough that they come with me on any trip where the mercury drops below -10.
Hit this link if you are interested in the Rab Mythic G Down shorts. For our readers in Canada, we recommend
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BlackSheep was provided with a free sample of the Rab Mythic Line for this review. This in no way affected our editorial stance. This post also contains affiliate links; if you choose to purchase gear through these links, we may earn a small commission which supports our independent testing at no extra cost to you.
