Testing fabrics here at Rab helps to ensure that we’re selecting the right materials. The true test however, is to take the garments to the places for which they are designed. Central to the relationship we have with all of our athletes is the regular testing of our products. Our prototype garments are taken to the most extreme places on the planet by people whose job it is to push outdoor equipment to it’s limits. Built for total protection in wet weather, the Kangri GTX pants are ideal for long mountain days in changeable conditions. They are made from robust and breathable 70D 3-Layer GORE-TEX with an outer fabric constructed from recycled material. They have a regular cut and versatile design that’s perfect for winter hillwalking and long-distance treks.

In addition to the exhaustive durability tests carried out by our fabric partners, we comprehensively test all of our designs both in the confines of Rab HQ and by sending them to some of the most extreme environments in the world.Our athletes understanding of what constitutes an industry-leading product and the insight they provide is vital to the design and testing process. They feature Rab's 'regular' fit and are available in different leg lengths (short, regular, long) for a varied selection of sizes and shapes. Thanks to this and the tab adjusters on the waist, these trousers should fit almost anyone. Starting from the inside, a soft polyester fabric sits next to skin and means you can use the trousers with or without baselayers comfortably. A Gore-Tex membrane sits between this inner fabric and the tough outer fabric to provide total water and windproofing whilst offering high levels of breathability. The membrane itself features millions of tiny holes which are so small that water can't pass through, but are only just big enough so that water vapour (sweat) can escape. Lastly, a tough 70D outer fabric offers protection against general mountain abuse and features a durable water repellent coating to prevent water soaking into the fabric and limiting the trousers' breathability. Starting at the top, a velcro tab adjustment on the waist allows you to fine-tune the fit, while full length two-way side zips can be used to ventilate or simply to get the trousers on and off more easily. An elasticated drawcord on the bottom of both legs seals the bottom of the trouser to prevent snow, mud or other detritus entering. Creating a waterproof fabric is one thing, but making sure it can stand up to the frankly ridiculous things our athletes and customers get up to is another challenge entirely.

The Kangri Pants are fully waterproof, windproof, breathable trousers using a Gore-Tex membrane, a 70D nylon outer fabric and a host of mountain-focused features which make them ideal for all year round use. The standard test for waterproofing is to build up water pressure on the surface of the fabric and measure how much it can withstand before it allows water to pass through. Imagine a very tall, open-ended laboratory test tube standing on the fabric and being slowly filled with water. As more water is added, the pressure on the fabric will slowly increase. When we talk about the level of waterproofness in a particular fabric, we are expressing the height of that column before the waterproofing surrenders e.g. 20,000mm. This measurement is known as the hydrostatic head. Keep your feet dry and your mind focused with our full-length Kangri GTX Gaiter. With 3-layer GORE-TEX fabrics and 300D ankle reinforcements, it provides the perfect mix of tough mountain protection and zero-sweat breathability.

Material Facts

Updated with recycled GORE-TEX fabrics, these waterproof pants balance protection and comfort with total wet weather protection in the mountains. Perfect for hillwalking and long-distance trekking. Built for total protection in wet weather, the Kangri GTX pants are ideal for long mountain days in changeable conditions. They are made from robust and breathable 70D 3-Layer GORE-TEX with an outer face fabric constructed from 100% recycled material. They have a regular cut and versatile design that’s perfect for winter hillwalking and long-distance treks.

An industry standard, the Martindale machine’s beauty is in its simplicity, subjecting a sample of a fabric to a repeated rubbing motion to simulate long term wear. At Rab we use our own modified, and arguably more extreme versions, of the standard tests for durability, abrasion resistance and snagging. I preferred my Berghaus Changste, with its tight, athletic fit, for lighter and faster hikes, but when the heavens really opened I often reached for the Rab Kangri. It was the durable, hard-wearing and high-performing waterproof I needed for such tough conditions. To complement the breathability of the material, Rab have included some good venting features. The underarm ‘pit’ zips are superb for ventilation when you are working hard on steep ground and, by chance rather than choice, are not something I’ve had on a hardshell before. I’m a convert now and think the sacrifice of a few grams and bit of bulk is a small price to pay. I even left them open during a light shower and didn’t really notice any water getting in. Additional variable venting is possible thanks to the two-way main front zip can be opened from the top down or bottom up, with the popper at the bottom helping to keep things tidy if you open the zip to vent heat.Updated for this season with a recycled outer fabric, the Kangri GTX is a robust and reliable hardshell built with 70D 3-Layer GORE-TEX. Designed with the avid all-weather adventurer in mind, the Kangri GTX is ideal for hillwalking, hiking, trekking and mountain scrambles.