Torque Jacket

Designed specifically for technical movement in the mountains, this softshell strikes a sharp balance between mobility, wind protection, and rock resistance. It targets climbers, ridge-scramblers, and alpine mountaineers who generate plenty of body heat and require outer layers tough enough to endure abrasive rock without impeding reach.

The core of the garment uses Rab's proprietary Matrix double-weave softshell fabric, delivering four-way stretch alongside solid wind-shedding capability and active breathability. Strategic reinforcement panels on the hood and elbows handle abrasion from pack straps and rough granite faces. A fluorocarbon-free DWR sheds light mountain mist and spindrift, but make no mistake: this is an active softshell, not a waterproof barrier, and its primary job is moving moisture vapor outward when you are working hard on steep grades.

At a sensible mid-range weight, it packs down easily into an alpine rucksack or onto a harness gear loop. Practical detailing like high-set, harness-compatible pockets and a helmet-ready hood with a wired peak show clear field-tested intent. Against competitors like the Arc'teryx Gamma or Black Diamond Alpine Start, the Torque trades ultralight packability for superior mechanical durability and better feature articulation at a very realistic price point.