Rab Namche vs Kangri Gore-Tex jacket
Rab Namche vs Kangri GORE-TEX Jacket: Which Is Right for You?
Rab make two of the most popular Gore-Tex waterproof jackets you'll find in our store, and the question we get asked most often is straightforward: what's the actual difference between the Namche and the Kangri, and which one should I buy?
Both use 3-layer Gore-Tex construction. Both are built for hill use in very poor weather. Both will keep you dry on a wet Irish hillside with no argument. But they are not the same jacket, and choosing the wrong one means paying for performance you don't need — or buying something that's not quite up to the job you have in mind.
Quick Links to the Jackets
>Shop Rab Men's Namche GTX Jacket
>Shop Rab Women's Namche GTX Jacket
>Shop Rab Men's Kangri GTX Jacket
>Shop Rab Women's Kangri GTX Jacket
Here's a clear, honest breakdown.
At a glance
| Rab Namche GORE-TEX | Rab Kangri GORE-TEX | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric weight | 75D | 70D |
| Weight (size M) | 437g | 524g |
| Membrane | Gore-Tex ePE (PFC-free) | Gore-Tex 3-Layer |
| Hydrostatic head | 28,000mm | 28,000mm |
| Breathability (RET) | <13 | <9 |
| Hood | Adjustable, wired peak | Full mountain hood, wired peak |
| Pit zips | Yes | Yes (2-way) |
| Best for | Everyday hillwalking, general use | Demanding mountain conditions, year-round alpine use |
The fabric: 75D vs 70D — what does it mean?
The number refers to the denier of the face fabric which is essentially the thread thickness and, by extension, the durability of the outer shell.
A higher denier means a more abrasion-resistant face fabric. So counterintuitively, the Kangri's 70D fabric is actually heavier and more robust than the Namche's 75D. The difference is in the weave and construction: the Kangri uses a denser, heavier-duty outer that is designed to take sustained punishment from pack straps, scrambling on rocky ridgelines, and repeated heavy-weather use over many seasons.
The Namche's 75D Gore-Tex shell is no pushover. It is still a proper hardshell, but it is built to be lighter and more packable, trading a small amount of raw toughness for a more versatile everyday character.
If you're going out once a week in mixed conditions: the Namche is more than enough. If you're planning extended hill trips or mountaineering use: the Kangri's durability is definitely worth its extra weight.
Weight and packability
This is where the Namche makes its clearest case. At 437g for a size M (men's), it is noticeably lighter than the Kangri at 524g — nearly 90 grams less. That's a meaningful difference over a long day, and it makes the Namche a significantly more packable jacket.
The Namche folds down small enough to stash in the top of a day pack without taking up meaningful space. The Kangri is a chunkier proposition, more at home clipped to the outside of your pack or worn throughout the day rather than packed away.
If you're after something you can take on every walk regardless of whether the rain happens, the Namche's lower weight makes that an easier habit.
Breathability: RET <13 vs RET <9
Breathability is measured by Resistance to Evaporative Transfer (RET) — a lower number means more breathable. The Kangri's RET of <9 is meaningfully better than the Namche's <13, which reflects its intended use for more sustained, high-output activity in demanding conditions.
In practice, the difference becomes apparent on steep ground. On a hard climb in a heavy waterproof, a more breathable membrane keeps condensation down and comfort up. If you're doing multi-day routes, winter hillwalking, or high-effort scrambling, the Kangri's superior breathability matters.
For moderate hillwalking and everyday use, the Namche's breathability is perfectly capable. The pit zips on both jackets also do a lot of the heavy lifting for ventilation — both have full venting pit zips with YKK AquaGuard zippers, and opening those on the climb makes a substantial difference on either jacket.
The hood
Both jackets have a wired, stiffened peak hood with single-handed adjustment and concealed cord locks. The key difference is in the mountain readiness of the Kangri's hood.
The Kangri hood is a full mountain hood — it cinches more closely around the face, is built for use in severe weather on exposed ridges, and is designed to work well when you're hunched into the wind and can't afford any movement in the hood. It does not fit over a climbing helmet.
The Namche hood is well designed and more than adequate for hillwalking conditions. It adjusts easily, provides good coverage, and stays in place. For everyday and hill use, it performs exactly as you'd want.
If technical mountaineering or winter climbing is on your agenda, the Kangri's hood is the more capable piece. For everything else, the Namche will do the job without complaint.
Features they share
Both jackets include:
- YKK AquaGuard centre front zip with a fleece-lined chin guard for comfort when sealed up
- YKK AquaGuard hand pocket zips (2 external pockets each)
- Full venting pit zips
- Hook-and-loop cuff adjustment for a seal with gloves
- Rear hem adjustment with single-handed operation
- Sleeve articulation for freedom of movement
- Recycled backer fabric (solution-dyed on the Namche to reduce energy use)
The feature sets are similar. The difference is in the calibration of each jacket — the Kangri is dialled up for harder mountain use, the Namche is optimised for versatile everyday performance.
Gore-Tex ePE vs standard Gore-Tex: what's changed on the Namche?
The Namche uses Gore-Tex's newer ePE (expanded Polyethylene) membrane, which is fully fluorocarbon-free — no PFAS in the membrane itself. This represents Gore's move away from traditional ePTFE membranes toward a more environmentally responsible construction. The Namche also uses PFCec-free DWR on the face fabric.
The Kangri uses the more established Gore-Tex 3-layer construction. Both achieve the same headline waterproof rating (28,000mm hydrostatic head), but the Namche is the more environmentally progressive option if that matters to your buying decision.
Total recycled content on the Namche is 50%, with 100% recycled face fabric and 100% recycled backer.
Which jacket should you buy?
Choose the Rab Namche GORE-TEX if:
- You want a versatile waterproof for hillwalking, everyday use, and general outdoor activity
- Weight and packability matter — you want something small enough to carry without thinking about it
- You prefer the newer Gore-Tex ePE membrane and a more sustainable construction
- You're buying one jacket to cover most situations in an Irish climate
Choose the Rab Kangri GORE-TEX if:
- Your use extends to serious mountain conditions — winter hillwalking, multi-day trips, demanding scrambles
- You want superior breathability (RET <9) for high-output activity
- You prioritise raw durability and are prepared to carry the extra weight
- You need a jacket you can rely on in the harshest conditions you're likely to encounter in Ireland or further afield
The honest answer for most people browsing is the Namche. It is a highly capable 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket at a fair price, and it will handle everything a hillwalker is likely to throw at it across all four seasons. The Kangri is worth the step up if you know you push into harder terrain, worse weather or plan to be outdoors in the elements for longer— but for the occasional weekend walking and general outdoor life, it's more jacket than you need.
Shop the Rab Namche & Kangri Waterproofs for men & women below!
>Shop Rab Men's Namche GTX Jacket
>Shop Rab Women's Namche GTX Jacket
>Shop Rab Men's Kangri GTX Jacket
>Shop Rab Women's Kangri GTX Jacket
Both are in stock at Great Outdoors, available online with free delivery over €75, or to try on in our Dublin city centre store.
