Rab Boreas Pull-on review

Some years ago I recall hearing the economist Alvin Hall talking (from a strictly fiscal point of view) about clothing. He said something like, 'I have never knowingly worn polyester'. He would rather pay a bit more for quality and bought suits made only from wool as he considered them the best value for money. He was advising someone on a TV show that they should expect the item of clothing they were musing over in a shop to last so well, that by the time they were done with it, it would equate to £1 per wear.

Looking at things from a lightweight angle (as I am want to do), the Rab Boreas Pull-on at 240g cost me just over 16p per gram. 'And why does that matter?', I hear you ask. I haven't got a clue. What I am certain of however, is that the RRP of £40 for this garment represents great value for money. I must have had it down to less than £1 per wear in the first two months and that's not something I could claim with many other bits of my outdoor gear.

The reason for this regular use is that it manages to be so many different things. It's made from a lovely, soft and stretchy material that blocks most of the wind but allows just enough through to offer good ventilation. That means it can be an effective wind shirt, a very light soft shell, or a protective base layer for walking, climbing, running or biking. As someone who always struggles to maintain a comfort zone whilst doing any of the above, the Boreas has been spot on so often that I now find myself looking for opportunities to wear it, then basing other clothing around that.

Features wise it has almost nothing to say for itself. But that's the genius of it - it's so simple! There are no elasticated openings at the cuffs or hem (just well finished stitches) which assists the fabric in letting in enough air to maintain an equilibrium. There's no brushed fleece on the inner collar (the fabric's soft enough anyway). And (shock horror), no brand name on the fabric - whatever next?...

It's main features are a zip, a small chest pocket and the hood - all perform well. The zip is a decent length, has a good positive feel to it and makes for easy on/off and venting. The pocket is big enough to fit a snack/compass/buff in, and the hood really takes the chill off when moving fast in low temperatures. It's designed to fit under a helmet and it works well, the fabric stretch meaning that even when the hood's clamped to your head under a lid, you loose no freedom of movement as the neck fabric stretches with you. Arm length and articulation is - as always with Rab gear - spot on.

Love it. It's the best 16p per gram I've ever spent.