Rab vs. Arc'teryx: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Rab is a British mountaineering brand celebrated for its high-performance insulated gear at a mid-to-high price point, while Arc'teryx is a Canadian company known for its premium, meticulously crafted outerwear that combines cutting-edge materials with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The key difference lies in positioning: Rab focuses on rugged, performance-driven value for serious climbers, whereas Arc'teryx is the undisputed leader in technical innovation and design, commanding a luxury price tag.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right outdoor brand for your adventures.

Rab: High-Performance Mountaineering Gear

Founded by climber Rab Carrington in 1981, Rab was born from a need for durable, effective gear that could withstand the harshest mountain conditions. The brand's identity is rooted in climbing and mountaineering, catering to serious outdoor enthusiasts who demand reliability. Rab is best known for its expertise in insulation, particularly with its high-quality down jackets and sleeping bags that offer exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios.

• Product mix: Specializes in technical gear for climbing and mountaineering, including category-leading down and synthetic insulated jackets, durable shell pants, and expedition sleeping bags.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-to-high tier. You can expect their core insulated jackets to start around $200, with specialized pieces and sleeping bags costing upwards of $300.
• Quality: Excellent and built for purpose. Rab is highly regarded for its insulation technologies, like hydrophobic down treatments, that ensure gear performs even in damp conditions.
• Style & Aesthetic: Function-first and utilitarian. The look is clean and understated, with a focus on performance features over flashy designs, though a muted color palette keeps it looking modern.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally fits true to size with a regular fit designed to accommodate layering. Some technical pieces can have a slimmer, more athletic cut, so checking size charts is a good idea.
• Sustainability: Strong focus on ethical and responsible sourcing, particularly its certified Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down. They are also moving towards more recycled materials in their products.

Rab delivers technical, reliable gear purpose-built for harsh environments, making it a top choice for outdoor athletes who prioritize performance and value over brand prestige.

Shop Rab: rab.com

Arc'teryx: The Apex of Performance & Design

Arc'teryx, founded in North Vancouver, Canada in 1989, operates at the intersection of obsessive design, material science, and meticulous craftsmanship. The brand is considered by many to be the gold standard in outdoor apparel. Known for pioneering waterproof construction techniques and its close partnership with material developers like Gore-Tex, Arc'teryx builds gear that offers unparalleled weather protection and durability with a clean, streamlined aesthetic that has gained a following from the mountains to city streets.

• Product mix: Offers premium outerwear, backpacks, footwear, and climbing equipment. Their Alpha, Beta, and Atom jacket lines are iconic in the outdoor industry.
• Price point: Positioned firmly in the premium segment. Hardshell jackets frequently start at $400 and can easily exceed $600-$700 for top-tier models.
• Quality: Widely regarded as the industry best. The attention to detail in their construction, from the micro-seams to the laminated zippers and fabric choices, is unmatched.
• Style & Aesthetic: Sleek, minimalist, and modern. Arc'teryx pieces are instantly recognizable for their sharp lines and subtle branding, making them a status symbol for both outdoor enthusiasts and fashion-conscious urbanites.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a precise, athletic, and often slim fit. The sizing is consistent, but those with broader builds or who want to layer heavily underneath may need to size up.
• Sustainability: Committed to environmental responsibility through the use of durable, long-lasting materials, a gear repair program, and increasing use of recycled fabrics and bluesign®-approved materials.

Arc'teryx is for the user who demands the absolute best in performance and style and is willing to invest in gear that is engineered to perfection.

Shop Arc'teryx: arcteryx.com

Rab vs. Arc'teryx Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference here. Rab offers high-performance gear at a more accessible, though still premium, price. It provides exceptional value for the level of technical specifications and materials you get, making top-tier insulation and weather protection available to a broader audience of serious users.

Arc'teryx occupies a higher stratum entirely. Their pricing reflects their investment in research, design, and industry-leading construction. While you are paying for unmatched quality and durability, you are also paying for the brand name and its perception as a luxury status symbol. Sales on Arc'teryx gear are rare and usually less substantial than what you might find from other brands.

Quality & Materials

Both brands represent the top tier of outdoor gear manufacturing. Arc'teryx is legendary for its build quality. Every detail, from the waterproof zippers to the perfectly sealed seams on a Gore-Tex shell, is executed flawlessly, leading to incredible durability and weather resistance that often define the market standard.

Rab also produces extremely high-quality and resilient gear, but its core strength lies in insulation technology. Rab's expertise in handling both ethically sourced down and advanced synthetic fills is second to none. They excel at creating pieces with industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratios, perfect for alpinists and backpackers counting every gram.

Style & Aesthetic

Rab’s design language is performance-driven and understated. The aesthetic is clean and functional, prioritizing ergonomic cuts and features that work in the mountains. While perfectly suitable for casual wear, its primary look is that of authentic, rugged outdoor equipment.

Arc'teryx, by contrast, leads with a sleek, minimalist philosophy that has earned it a massive crossover audience in fashion and streetwear. The precision-tailored fit, subtle logo, and modern color palettes give their gear a sophisticated feel that looks just as appropriate on a city commute as it does on a summit.

Fit & Sizing

Rab generally offers a more standard, "regular" fit designed with layering in mind. This allows more versatility for accommodating mid-layers without feeling restrictive. Some of their more technical climbing pieces will have a slimmer fit, but overall their sizing tends to be in line with other major outdoor brands.

Arc'teryx is known for its precise, athletic fit. Their garments are patterned to move with the body during dynamic activity, often resulting in a trimmer cut through the torso and arms. While this ergonomic design improves performance, it means shoppers on the edge of a size or with a larger build should consider sizing up, especially in their hardshell jackets.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies take sustainability seriously. Rab is a leader in ethical down, having been one of the pioneering partners of the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Their commitment ensures animal welfare is a top priority in their supply chain. They also run a repair service to extend the life of their gear.

Arc'teryx focuses on longevity as a core tenet of sustainability - creating a product that lasts a long time is better than creating a disposable one. They back this with a strong warranty and repair program. They also use a significant amount of bluesign® certified materials and are transparent about their efforts to reduce waste and environmental impact.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands are leaders in outdoor gear, but they serve different priorities and budgets.

Choose Rab if:

• You're a climber, mountaineer, or ultralight backpacker who prioritizes exceptional insulation and warmth-to-weight performance.
• Value is a major factor, you want expedition-grade features and reliability without paying a luxury premium.
• You prefer an understated, function-first aesthetic that screams "mountain-ready."
• You need gear proven to work in the toughest, coldest, and most demanding environments.

Choose Arc'teryx if:

• You seek the absolute best-in-class construction, materials, and weatherproofing available anywhere.
• A sleek, minimalist design that transitions seamlessly from outdoor pursuits to urban life is important to you.
• You value a precise, athletic fit that feels tailored and moves with your body during high-output activities.
• You are willing to make a significant investment in gear that is built to perform and last for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rab or Arc'teryx more expensive?

Arc'teryx is consistently more expensive across comparable product categories. Expect to pay a significant premium for the Arc'teryx logo, which represents its investment in unique construction techniques, materials, and top-tier design.

Which brand has better quality?

Both have exceptional quality, but they excel in different ways. Arc'teryx is generally considered the industry leader in overall construction, seam taping, and hardshell durability. Rab's quality is also outstanding, with a particular specialization in crafting high-performance insulated products.

Which brand is better for climbing?

Rab was founded specifically for climbers and mountaineers, and that heritage remains its core focus. Their gear is purpose-built for harsh alpine environments. Arc'teryx also makes some of the world's best climbing equipment, especially their harnesses and impenetrable hardshell jackets.

Does Arc'teryx sizing run small?

Arc'teryx sizing doesn't typically run small, but it does run slim and athletic. Their tailored fit is designed for performance, which may feel more restrictive than other brands. If you are between sizes or have a broader body type, sizing up is often recommended.

Is Rab a good brand for down jackets?

Absolutely. Rab is arguably one of the best brands in the world for down jackets. They are masters of insulation, using high-quality, ethically-sourced hydrophobic down to create jackets with superb warmth, packability, and weather resistance.

Is Arc'teryx worth the money?

For individuals who demand maximum durability, flawless weather protection, and leading-edge design, many argue that it is. The longevity of Arc'teryx products can justify the initial cost over the long run. For more casual users, the performance benefits might be more than what's necessary.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands have strong and transparent sustainability programs, making it difficult to declare one "better." Rab is a leader in ethical down sourcing with its RDS certification. Arc'teryx champions product longevity with a robust repair program and works extensively with bluesign®-approved materials.

Do Rab or Arc'teryx ever go on sale?

Both brands can be found on sale, but discounts on Arc'teryx are typically less frequent and not as deep. Rab products are more commonly discounted during seasonal sales at major outdoor retailers.