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A warm, windproof pile jacket that prioritises cold-weather protection over low weight.
Rab says:
This warm, durable high pile fleece is a Rab classic, and a staple at climbing walls and watering holes. Built with recycled Sherpa fleece and a fully windproof lining, it provides throw-on warmth at blustery crags and around the campfire.
Our Verdict
At 735g (Medium), the Original Pile Jacket is a substantial layer, combining a 320g/m² Sherpa fleece outer with a fully windproof Pertex lining. That construction gives it far more protection from cold wind than a conventional fleece, while the thick pile provides plenty of warmth for lower-output use.
The double-pile collar can be cinched around the neck, while the adjustable hem helps seal in warmth. Two zipped handwarmer pockets keep the design simple and practical.
For 2026, the pile has moved from the previous 352g/m² polyester/acrylic fabric to a lighter 320g/m² all-polyester construction, trimming weight without changing the jacket.
It is undeniably bulky and heavy, but that feels like an accepted part of the design rather than a flaw. The combination of thick pile and a windproof lining makes it a reassuringly straightforward layer for cold, exposed conditions.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Berber high pile fleece outer
- Pertex® recycled polyester windproof lining
- Double pile collar with shockcord adjustment
- YKK® VISLON® front zip with Matrix™ stormflap and roll-over chin guard
- 2 YKK® VISLON® zipped handwarmer pockets
- Drawcord adjustable hem
Specifications
- Small weighs: 722g
- Medium weighs: 735g
- Large weighs: 742g
- XLarge weighs: 762g
Material & Construction
- Sherpa fleece 320g/m²
- 100% Polyester Knitted Jacket Mens
