Review – Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
Rab Equipment have years of knowledge and experience from creating the finest mountaineering, mountain running and skiing kit. This year, with the launch of the Rab Cinder collection they introduce versatile bikepacking apparel – designed to 'give riders freedom and confidence to take on whatever lies in their path.'
I have been testing the Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket and the Rab Men's Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Pants; two pieces of outerwear that promise to keep you riding even when the heavens open and you are battling against the elements.
To put the apparel to the test, I took them on my West Country Way Adventure – a four day journey of five hundred kilometres – over challenging terrain and in some of the worst early season weather that North Devon and Exmoor could throw our way.
Review – Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket
Tim Fish, Design Director at Rab, said, "Off-road biking adventures require immense versatility in apparel; one moment you're too hot, then too cold; it is windy, and you are always dealing with moisture." To address similar conditions that Rab encountered in mountaineering and mountain running pursuits, the company introduced Proflex…
Proflex is a unique Rab fabric innovation, made by sandwiching a bespoke PU hydrophilic membrane between two high gauge soft knit fabrics. The construction allows Rab to make 'softshell' jackets with the waterproof protection of a traditional hard-shell; the result is a stretchy, robust, fully waterproof, and highly versatile layer – perfect for bikepacking.
The Cinder Kinetic Jacket is engineered for days in the saddle. It features a longer back for added protection against rear wheel spray, and a silicone gripper to keep the jacket in place when you are riding. A large over-helmet hood can be easily adjusted using the inbuilt cinch system, and the stiffened peak provides improved protection. Extended cuffs with elasticated hems offer a good junction with waterproof cycling gloves (such as the GripGrab Polaris 2), and a duo of a zippered chest pocket and an expandable zippered rear pocket provide ample storage for ride essentials.
Soft to the touch, but durable, protective and feature packed – the Rab Cinder Kinetic Jacket offers superb comfort and weather protection.
Review – Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Trousers
The ideal pairing for the Cinder Kinetic Jacket is the Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Trousers; featuring the same Proflex material, they offer equal protection, breathability and comfort for your legs.
The highly breathable stretch waterproof fabric is used throughout the waterproof cycling trousers; with bike-specific features including an articulated cut, reinforced seat and inner thigh, and a driveside hem protector pad for added resilience to drivetrain abrasion.
A zipped ankle allows for a more tailored fit on the lower leg to reduce the chance of fabric snags; while offset inseams reduce the chance of uncomfortable rubbing. Low-profile thigh vents can help heat escape as you work hard out on the trail, and they double up to provide access to your cargo shorts below. Two further zippered pockets allow extra storage.
Stretchy, comfortable and impressively breathable – the Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Trousers are some of the best cycling-specific waterproof trousers I have used to date, and an invaluable asset on multi-day tours in changeable and unpredictable weather.
Summary
The new Cinder collection from Rab demonstrates that the brand has successfully been able to take their years of knowledge and experience in the outdoor clothing industry and employ it well in the world of bikepacking and adventure cycling.
The two Kinetic waterproof pieces are superb companions to have, ready to deploy when the weather unexpectedly turns for the worst; they will keep you riding in comfort hour after hour.
Disclaimer: Rab supplied a set of Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket and Trousers for test and review on Life In The Saddle
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