The Rab Vapour-Rise Summit is a versatile “3.5-season” jacket that blends softshell protection with the lightweight warmth of fleece. It has been my global go-to, performing reliably from Japanese summits and heli-skiing trips to slushy spring laps at Blackcomb and cool summer evenings in the alpine.

The Rab Vapour-Rise Summit Jacket, a Fleece Lined Jack of All Trades

Outer: 20D Pertex Quantum Air

Lining: VR Warm Brush Polyester Fleece

Weight: 378 grams for XL

Origin: China

Pertex Quantum Air: The Outer Shell

The outer shell is constructed from 20D Pertex Quantum Air. This fabric is an open-weave, lightweight, and breathable layer designed specifically for high-output activities in cold environments. This weave allows air to circulate from the inside while effectively blocking wind from the outside. While it lacks a heavy DWR treatment, it sheds light snow and light precipitation with ease; however, it is by no means waterproof.

The Vapour-Rise Summit handles moderate winds perfectly. If conditions turn truly gale-force, you will want to trade breathability for a hardshell. That said, its performance on the skin track is exceptional. I’ve worn this jacket on three-hour mid-winter ascents in the sun with ambient temperatures around -5°C and never felt the need to strip it off. It manages wind while keeping sweat to a minimum, provided you set a steady pace.

At 20 denier, the fabric hits a “Goldilocks” weight: it’s durable enough to handle a bit of abuse, yet thin enough that it never feels heavy or “crinkly” like a hardshell. It has a soft hand-feel, remains silent while moving, and has shown no pilling or signs of wear after a full year of use.

Vapour-Rise: The Inner Lining

The jacket is lined with Rab’s Vapour-Rise warm brushed polyester fleece. This is a medium pile fleece that looks similar to a polartec alpha but without the gaps. Much like the shell, the lining has a soft feel that remains comfortable even when worn directly against the skin over a T-shirt, though I typically layer mine over a merino long-sleeve base.

This fleece efficiently balances warmth with breathability. Because the VR insulation is so porous, it excels at trapping body heat in the loft of the fleece while allowing moisture to escape during exertion. Along the shoulders and top of each arm is a more open weaved for breathability. I was surprised this material did not run through the armpit. 

Rounding out the Rab-Vapour Rise Summit

• The Hood: The hood is fully helmet-compatible and features a stiffened peak and drawcord adjustment. A Velcro tab at the back allows you to pull the peak out of your line of sight if you aren’t wearing a helmet.
• Cuffs: The wrists feature hook-and-loop fasteners with a small amount of elastic. While I personally prefer a fully elasticated cuff on my mid-layers, these allow for a very secure seal.
• Zips & Pockets: The main zipper is two-way, a nod to Rab’s climbing heritage, allowing you to access a harness underneath. Paradoxically, the hand pockets are slung quite low; if you are wearing a harness or a heavy pack hip-belt, these pockets will be obstructed.
• Packability: There is a small chest pocket on the left that doubles as a stuff sack. Kudos to Rab for consistently including this feature.

The Rab Vapour-Rise Summit: From Yotei to Blackcomb

The first major test for this jacket was an ascent of Mount Yotei in Japan, a climb of roughly 1,600m. We started in the morning shade and finished in the glaring midday sun. I wore the Vapour-Rise as my sole outer layer the entire time. It kept me warm in the morning, breathed well at the summit, and provided ample wind protection on the descent. I was sold on it from that day forward.

Two weeks later I wore the Vapour-Rise Summit in Canada at -20°C. Predictably, it wasn’t warm enough to stand alone in those temperatures, but it served as an excellent, breathable mid-layer beneath heavier insulation.

During the spring season at Blackcomb, I used it as an outer layer in temperatures ranging from -2°C in the alpine to +5°C at mid-mountain. I rarely felt the need for more protection unless the sky opened up. When it rains, I throw a shell over the top and am as “happy as a marten in the kitchen.”

The Vapour-Rise has also been a staple for my summer adventures, serving as the perfect layer for crisp mornings departing high altitude huts and sunset watching. Additionally, it proved its worth for all-day use during autumn hikes in the Alps.

Who is the Rab Summit Vapour rise Jacket for? 

The Rab Vapour-Rise Summit is built for the ski tourer, mountaineer, or cool-weather hiker looking for a “set it and forget it” layer. If you want protection from wind and light moisture without sacrificing breathability, this is a fantastic choice. It is a jack of all trades and a pretty darn good one at that.

Looking to pick one up? Head on over to Rab, tell em BlackSheep sent ya! Rab Vapour-Rise Summit

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BlackSheep was provided a free sample of the Rab Cirrus Alpine 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.