Rab vs. Patagonia: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Rab is a specialist brand for serious mountaineers and climbers, focusing on high-performance technical gear designed to withstand extreme conditions. Patagonia, while also offering excellent outdoor equipment, appeals to a broader audience by blending performance with a foundational commitment to environmental sustainability and a more versatile, casual style.

Let's break down the details to help you choose the right brand for your adventures.

Rab: Built for the World's Toughest Climbs

Rab is a British outdoor brand born from the needs of climbers in the world's most demanding environments. Founded in 1981 by mountaineer Rab Carrington, the company built its reputation on down jackets and sleeping bags that deliver exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios. Their target customer is the serious adventurer who requires gear that is functional, durable, and reliable in unforgiving alpine conditions.

• Product mix: Specializes in technical apparel, including high-performance insulated jackets (down and synthetic), waterproof shells, climbing harnesses, and expedition-grade sleeping bags. Their range is tightly focused on activities like mountaineering, climbing, and skiing.
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects their technical focus. Expect to pay $200 to $400 for a down jacket and upwards of $300 for a performance sleeping bag.
• Quality: Known for outstanding construction using ethically sourced high-fill-power down and leading technical fabrics like Gore-Tex for its waterproof shells. Durability is a core feature, as their gear is designed to perform in harsh, abrasive environments.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size with an athletic or "alpine" fit. This means it's more streamlined and tailored closer to the body to improve thermal efficiency and allow for layering without excess bulk.
• Sustainability: The company is making significant strides in sustainability, using Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down and increasing its use of recycled materials. However, its primary brand identity revolves around performance rather than advocacy.

Rab is the choice for serious adventurers needing specialized, high-performance gear that will not fail in extreme conditions.

Shop Rab: rab.com

Patagonia: Performance Gear That Protects the Planet

Patagonia is an American outdoor brand that has become as famous for its environmental activism as it is for its high-quality gear. Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, its mission is centered on building the best product while causing no unnecessary harm. This philosophy guides everything they do, attracting eco-conscious consumers who need reliable equipment for hiking, skiing, climbing, and everyday life.

• Product mix: Offers a much broader range of products than Rab, spanning technical outerwear, backpacks, casual sportswear, fleeces (like the iconic Synchilla), and even food products. Their gear is designed to be versatile enough for both outdoor pursuits and daily wear.
• Price point: Also positioned in the premium market, with prices comparable to Rab. Their popular down jackets run from $250 to $450. Frequent sales and their Worn Wear second-hand platform can make their products more accessible.
• Quality: Focuses on durability to extend the life of a garment and reduce waste. Patagonia is a leader in using sustainable materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and Fair Trade Certified sewing without compromising performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size with a more relaxed, "regular" fit compared to Rab's athletic cut. This allows for comfortable layering and gives their apparel a more casual feel suitable for a wider range of body types and activities.
• Sustainability: Environmental and ethical practices are core to Patagonia's identity. They donate 1% of sales to environmental causes, advocate for public lands, and are transparent about their supply chain.

Patagonia is ideal for the eco-conscious user who needs dependable, versatile gear for a range of activities and wants to support a brand with a strong environmental mission.

Shop Patagonia: patagonia.com

Rab vs. Patagonia Comparison

Price Comparison

Both Rab and Patagonia operate in the premium outdoor gear space, and their prices largely reflect that. You'll find their flagship down jackets and technical shells are similarly priced, often within the $250-$500 range depending on the model.

However, Rab's highly specialized expedition gear, like 800-fill power down parkas, can reach higher prices due to their niche technical features. Patagonia's broader product line includes more accessible casual and lifestyle items, and they tend to have more frequent seasonal sales, which can offer better opportunities for discounts.

Quality & Materials

Quality at both brands is exceptional, but their material philosophies differ slightly. Rab is focused on peak performance in the harshest conditions. This means they leverage best-in-class materials like Gore-Tex Pro and extremely high-fill-power, RDS-certified Nikwax Hydrophobic Down. The priority is maximum weather protection, warmth, and durability for activities where gear failure is not an option.

Patagonia emphasizes durability through the lens of sustainability. They pioneered the use of recycled polyester made from plastic bottles and have developed innovative materials like NetPlus, which is made from recycled fishing nets. While they still make high-performance technical gear, their main goal is to create long-lasting products that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing necessary function.

Style & Aesthetic

The visual identity and aesthetic of each brand is a clear differentiator. Rab's aesthetic is utilitarian and function-driven. Their color palettes are often more subdued, and the designs are minimalist, with every feature serving a technical purpose. It looks like what it is: serious gear for serious mountains.

Patagonia combines outdoor performance with a timeless, casual style that has made it popular far beyond the trails. Their pieces, like the Retro-X fleece or a Torrentshell jacket, are just as common in the city as they are on the trail. They offer a wider range of colors, including vibrant and new palettes each season.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is a critical point of comparison. Rab clothing generally features an "alpine" or "athletic" fit. It's more tailored and cut closer to the body to minimize bulk, prevent heat loss, and allow for efficient movement while climbing or skiing. If you are between sizes or prefer a looser feel, sizing up may be a good idea.

Patagonia typically uses a "regular" fit, which is more forgiving and relaxed. This provides more room and comfort for a wider variety of body types and is often better suited for casual wear or less technical outdoor activities. Their sizing is consistent and generally considered true to size.

Sustainability & Ethics

While both brands are committed to responsible practices, Patagonia has made sustainability and environmental advocacy its central mission. Through programs like 1% for the Planet, Worn Wear, and vocal political activism, Patagonia leads the industry in corporate responsibility. Their entire business model is built around minimizing their environmental footprint.

Rab is also an ethical company, using RDS-certified down, eliminating fluorocarbons from their products, and being transparent about their manufacturing. They are a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified. However, their brand messaging is more focused on performance and reliability in the mountains, with sustainability positioned as a vital component of - but not the core of - their brand identity.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands represent the best of the outdoor industry, but they cater to slightly different priorities and user profiles.

Choose Rab if:

• You are a climber, mountaineer, or serious alpinist who needs mission-critical gear.
• You prioritize the highest levels of technical performance for extreme weather and cold.
• You prefer a streamlined, athletic fit for active pursuits.
• Function, durability, and a minimalist design are more important to you than style.

Choose Patagonia if:

• Supporting a company with a deep commitment to environmental activism is a top priority.
• You need versatile gear that performs well for hiking, skiing, and also looks great for everyday use.
• A more relaxed, comfortable fit is more appealing to you.
• You value sustainable materials, extensive repair programs, and corporate transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rab or Patagonia more expensive?

Both are premium-priced brands, and their price points for comparable items (like a mid-weight down jacket) are often very similar. Rab's most technical expedition-level gear can be more expensive than anything in Patagonia's line, while Patagonia's frequent sales may offer better regular discounts.

Which brand is warmer, Rab or Patagonia?

For ounce-for-ounce warmth, Rab often has the edge, particularly in their expedition-focused pieces that use very high-fill-power down (800-1000fp). Both brands offer exceptionally warm jackets, but Rab specializes in building insulation for the most extreme cold on earth.

Does Rab use Gore-Tex?

Yes, Rab frequently uses various Gore-Tex fabrics, including Gore-Tex Pro, in its high-end waterproof shell jackets and pants to provide maximum weather protection and breathability.

Is Patagonia a sustainable brand?

Patagonia is widely considered a leader in corporate sustainability. They use a high percentage of recycled materials, promote fair labor through their Fair Trade Certified program, donate 1% of all sales to environmental nonprofits, and actively campaign for environmental causes.

How do Rab and Patagonia sizes compare?

Rab typically has an athletic, trimmer fit designed for layering and active use. Patagonia generally has a more relaxed, "regular" fit that is often more generous and versatile for casual wear.

Which brand has a better warranty?

Patagonia's famous Ironclad Guarantee is a core component of their brand identity. Their repair program is also very simple and encouraged, no matter the issue. Rab also has a solid guarantee backed by an excellent in-house repair center. They are committed to fixing gear rather than having customers replace it.

Is Rab a UK or US brand?

Rab is a British brand founded in Sheffield, England. Patagonia is an American brand from Ventura, California.

Which brand is better for hiking?

Both are excellent for hiking, but the answer depends on the type of hiking. For day hiking and general trails, Patagonia's versatility and comfort are hard to beat. For more technical, multi-day treks in challenging mountains, Rab's technical focus and durability provide an extra level of confidence.