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Look, we need to talk about rain gear. If you’re tired of getting soaked on dog walks, abandoning hiking plans because your jacket is basically a soggy dishcloth, or arriving at work looking like you swam there, this rab women’s firewall jacket review is for you.
I’ve spent three months testing this 3-layer Pertex Shield beast through Scottish downpours, foggy hill climbs, and annoying drizzly commutes per this rab women’s firewall jacket review.
Table of Contents
Description
This waterproof jacket for women weighs just 15.5 ounces, packs down ridiculously small, and actually delivers on that “breathable waterproof” promise most jackets fail at.
Designed for serious hikers and climbers but practical for everyday use, it features articulated sleeves, pit zips, and a hood that stays put in wind. At $240, it’s not cheap—but after months of testing through genuinely horrible weather, I understand why serious outdoor folks swear by Rab.
Here’s everything about whether this hiking kacket is worth your money.
Test Results
This rab women’s firewall jacket review covers real-world testing through brutal Scottish weather—torrential rain, thick fog, nasty wind, and cold drizzle that finds every gap in lesser jackets. I wore it for hill walks climbing 1,200+ feet, commutes through sideways rain, and outdoor events.
The Firewall performed exceptionally as a women’s winter jacket for active pursuits per this rab women’s firewall jacket review testing. Where it impressed was during steep climbs in miserable weather—I stayed dry outside while not drowning in sweat inside. That’s the holy grail most jackets fail.
I also wore it casually for dog walks. It’s definitely a technical jacket first. The athletic cut and mountain features are brilliant for hiking but maybe overkill for errands. That said, I grabbed it constantly because I knew it would keep me dry.
Warmth
Let’s be clear: this is a shell jacket, not an insulated winter coat. It provides zero insulation. Think of it as a waterproof, windproof shield you layer over fleece or down. This is actually an advantage—you can use it year-round by adjusting what’s underneath.
In testing, I wore it over just a base layer in mild conditions (50-60°F) and stayed comfortable. In colder weather (30-40°F), I layered fleece underneath and it worked perfectly. The windproofing is genuinely impressive—brutal gusts didn’t penetrate at all.
The warmth strategy:
- Spring/Fall: Base layer + Firewall = perfect
- Winter hiking: Base + fleece + Firewall = toasty
- Summer rain: Just a t-shirt works fine
The pit zips are brilliant. When climbing hills, you dump heat instantly without removing the jacket. These are proper long vents that make genuine difference.
Outdoor Test
I tested this womens waterproof jacket through various scenarios to see how versatile it really is.
Hill walking/hiking: Where the Firewall shines. Articulated sleeves allow natural movement scrambling rocks. Hood stays secure in wind, peaked design keeps rain off face. Breathability during climbs is exceptional—no clammy sweat feeling.
Commuting: Works brilliantly. Quick to throw on, packable to stuff in bags. Length provides good coverage (just below hips). Athletic cut doesn’t look too technical for urban settings.
Dog walking: Perfect. Pocket placement works with leashes, quiet fabric doesn’t spook dogs. Staying dry on soggy morning walks genuinely improves quality of life.
Casual use: More than capable. I’ve worn it to outdoor markets, weekend errands, casual dinners. Looks good—clean and sporty. Colors: Black, Mulberry, Tempest Blue.
Weather Resistance
Here’s where this warm rain jacket women’s category winner proves its worth. The 3-layer Pertex Shield with 20,000mm waterproof rating is genuinely impressive. During testing, I got absolutely hammered by an Alpine thunderstorm—sideways torrential rain. When I got indoors, I was bone dry underneath. Not damp. Completely dry.
The YKK AquaGuard zippers keep water out, and storm flaps work properly. The DWR coating beads water effectively, though it’ll need refreshing eventually.
Weatherproofing features:
- 20,000mm waterproof rating (excellent)
- 20,000 g/m²/24hrs breathability
- YKK AquaGuard waterproof zippers
- Internal storm flaps
- Adjustable hem and cuffs seal weather
- Robust peaked hood protects face
Wind resistance is exceptional—tested in 30+ mph gusts, zero drafts. The Pertex Shield fabric blocks wind completely while breathing.
Only minor limitation: in absolutely prolonged deluge (hours), eventually it’ll wet out. But we’re talking extreme conditions most won’t encounter.
Comfort
If you’ve worn crinkly, noisy waterproof shells, the Firewall will surprise you. The Pertex Shield fabric is softer than typical hardshells—quiet, not crunchy, comfortable against skin even with just a t-shirt.
Comfort highlights:
- Lightweight (15.5 oz) – barely notice wearing it
- Soft fabric – no crunchy plastic feeling
- Articulated sleeves – natural arm movement
- Extended cuffs – cover wrist gaps
- Athletic fit – not loose, not restrictive
- Packable – stuffs into own pocket
The fit is excellent. I tested UK size 8 (US XS), perfect for my 5’9″ frame. Room for fleece underneath without bulk, neat enough not to be annoying. Sleeves are long enough to cover hands if I forget gloves.
The hood is genuinely excellent—adjusts easily with one hand, cinches tight, peaked design keeps rain off face. It’s also helmet-compatible.
One note: runs slightly small.
Between sizes and want layering room? Size up.
Prefer neat athletic fit? Stick to usual size.
Versatility
This warm rain jacket women’s winner is impressively versatile. Since it’s just a shell, you adapt it to any temperature by changing what’s underneath.
Where it excels:
- Year-round hiking and hill walking
- Scrambling and light climbing
- Trail running in rain
- Bike commuting in wet weather
- Dog walking and casual outdoor use
Where it’s less ideal:
- Extreme cold without proper layers
- Fashion-focused urban settings
- Budget-conscious buyers
The pit zips transform this from three-season to genuine four-season. Summer rain? Unzip for airflow. Winter? Zip up for maximum protection.
Style
Let’s be honest: this is a mountain jacket first. But it looks really good. The cut is athletic and modern, not boxy. Color options are tasteful—I tested Mulberry (bold burgundy) which improved visibility in fog.
Length hits just below hips, providing coverage without looking like a poncho. Minimal branding keeps it understated. For stylish winter jackets in the winter jackets for women category, this qualifies—assuming style leans sporty/outdoorsy.
Quality
Construction quality is genuinely impressive. The 3-layer Pertex Shield fabric feels durable—I’ve scraped it against rocks and it shows zero damage. YKK AquaGuard zippers are smooth. Stitching is clean throughout.
After three months including rough treatment, no signs of wear. No delamination, zipper issues, or torn seams. DWR coating still working well.
Rab offers repair service to extend garment life. For $240, you expect multiple seasons—everything suggests it will deliver. The Pertex Shield fabric strikes a nice balance—robust (40D denier) while comfortable and packable.
Related: Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka Review
Should You Buy the Rab Women’s Firewall Jacket?
This rab women’s firewall jacket review recommends buying if:
- You hike, climb, or scramble regularly in wet weather
- You want one versatile shell for year-round layering
- Breathability during active pursuits matters
- You value quality construction and durability
- You’re tired of cheap jackets that wet out
- You need something packable for travel
Skip it if:
- You want an insulated jacket for standing around
- Budget tops out under $150
- You need maximum pockets for gear
- You want fashion-focused urban rain coat
This solves one problem exceptionally: keeping you dry during active outdoor pursuits in wet weather.
Final Verdict
After three months, this rab women’s firewall jacket review concludes it’s one of the best winter jackets for women who actually use them outdoors. The combination of genuine waterproofing, excellent breathability, and thoughtful features creates a jacket that just works.
Yes, $240 is expensive. But performance justifies it—you’re buying something that keeps you dry without turning you into a sweaty mess. Lightweight packability means you’ll actually carry it, and versatility means you’ll use it constantly.
If you hike, climb, or spend serious time outdoors in wet weather, the Firewall is an investment paying off immediately. Quality construction suggests it’ll last years, spreading cost over dozens of soggy adventures.
Is it perfect? Almost. Only complaint is limited pocket space. But that’s minor for a jacket excelling at its primary mission.
Rating: 8.7/10 for exceptional waterproofing, breathability, and versatility, losing half a point only for limited pockets and premium pricing.
Disclaimer: Review based on 3 months testing in Scottish and Alpine conditions. Experiences vary based on climate and activity level.