The Rab Rivelin Hoody is designed as an all-around base layer, built for comfort and versatile use across a range of mountain activities. However, looking at the spec sheet, thumb loops, a generous hood, using it as a dedicated sun hoody was an inevitability for me. While Rab might categorize it as a base layer, its feature set and fabric weight make it an ideal candidate for those days when you need more protection than a standard T-shirt, but don’t want the fragility of a true ultralight sun shirt.
The Rab Rivelin Hoody Review
- Main Material: Dryflo Active (83% recycled Poly, 12% Lyocell, 5% Elastane)
- Panel Material: 86% Poly, 14% Elastane
- Weight: 333 grams
- Country of Origin: India
- Size Tested: USA XL
- Tester Size: 187cm, 92 kg
What is a Rivelin?
As is always the case, I had to first find out what a Rivelin is. It turns out that Rivelin is the name of a valley and its river near Sheffield, England which happens to be the home of Rab, the company and the man who started it. Interestingly, the valley has evidence of human occupation back to the Neolithic period and is now home to the Fox Hagg Nature reserve.
Dryflo Active
The Rivelin Hoody is constructed from Rab’s new Dryflo Active fabric, a sophisticated polyester blend that incorporates Lyocell. Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from wood cellulose. The wood used in this process is certifiably sustainably sourced, and the manufacturing follows a “closed-loop” system, which recycles water and solvents to minimize waste and the use of hazardous chemicals.
This process creates a material prized for its eco-friendly footprint as well as its exceptional softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. To ensure the shirt can handle the demands of climbing and hiking, Rab added Elastane (often known as Spandex) to provide the high-degree stretch required for mountain movement.
The result is a shirt that feels incredibly soft against the skin, which is rare for a garment made primarily of synthetic fibers. Despite the fabric having a bit more heft or weight than a typical paper-thin sun hoody, it breathes remarkably well. This temperature regulation is improved by specialized underarm vent panels made from a much thinner polyester and elastane blend. This secondary fabric features a micro-ripstop weave, a cross-hatch pattern that prevents tears, ensuring maximum airflow in high-heat zones without sacrificing durability.
Fit and Function
The Rivelin I tested is tagged as a USA/UK XL. It’s billed as having a relaxed fit, and it certainly is. I could easily hang out on the couch in this shirt and be comfortable. In a rare move for a European brand, which typically runs slim, I actually wondered if I could have gotten away with a Large. I suppose it means there’s more room for Schnitzel and Weissbier.
The hood is large, loose, and protrudes quite far forward. While this is excellent for blocking peripheral sun glare, it does create a bit of a “horse blinder” effect. Without a hat to provide structure, tunnel vision definitely kicks in. However, for those who wear their hair in a high bun, the extra volume is a welcome feature; the bun pulls the fabric back just enough to clear your line of sight. At the neck, the hood features a clever crossover design, with the left side utilizing a highly breathable mesh insert for better airflow.
The use of Raglan sleeves ensures there is no seam friction under backpack straps, which should significantly extend the lifespan of the shirt. To keep the extra-long sleeves in place, Rab opted for sewn-in thumb loops.
I much prefer this design over traditional thumb holes, which often sit so off-line that the sleeve has to twist uncomfortably to accommodate your hand. The Rivelin’s loops are perfectly positioned. They offer slightly less sun coverage on the back of the hand than a full thumb hole however they keep the sleeves locked at the wrist without interfering with trekking poles or reaching for holds.
Overview
The Rab Rivelin is a great choice for shoulder season conditions, when mornings are brisk and afternoons are spent out in the sun on cooler mountain days. It is notably thicker than most sun hoodies, offering a light level of insulation while maintaining full upper body coverage. If your day involves bouldering or hiking through constant transitions between deep shade and intense alpine sun, this is the layer you want.
At 333g (XL), its thickness and heft go largely unnoticed while being worn, but they do stand out in a pack. It is a far cry from Rab’s ultralight offerings like the Force or Sonic hoodies; however, what you “pay” in weight, you gain in sheer durability.
If your pursuits involve rubbing up against granite all day, mashing through dense bush, or any other suitably rough mountain activity that would shred a lighter garment, the Rivelin is the workhorse you’ve been looking for.
Hit the Rab Rivelin Hoody link if you are looking to pick one up from our Canadian friends at VPO.
Hit this link if you are looking to pick up the Rab Rivelin Hoody from outside of Canada.
…
BlackSheep was provided with a free sample of the Rab Rivelin Hoody 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.
