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Rab Size Guide
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Rab Size Guide — Clothing & Bags
Rab is a British brand founded in 1981 in Sheffield, specializing in technical equipment for mountaineering, climbing, and hiking. Globally recognized for its down jackets, technical jackets, and backpacks, Rab designs its products for use in extreme conditions.
Sources: official Rab guide (rab.equipment) official body charts.
Alpinstore Return Policy Tips
- Rab sizes according to British standards (UK sizing). INT sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) correspond to UK 8-16 for women.
- Mountaineering jackets and Expedition/Alpine fit: Rab cuts them slightly more generously to allow for layering of thick layers. Take your usual size, not the next size up.
- Down jackets and insulators (Neutrino, Microlight, Mythic): regular fit. Usual size. These models are designed as mid or outer layers over a thin outfit.
- Backpacks: base your choice on your back length (C7 — iliac crest), not your height. Many large volumes are available in ND (Narrow Dimensions) versions for smaller builds.
- Body measurements: all Rab charts are in body measurements, not garment dimensions.
1. Men's Clothing — Tops (jackets, t-shirts, mid-layers)
Body measurements (not garment dimensions). Base your choice on your chest circumference for tops. Source: official Rab chart.
| INT | Chest Circumference (cm) | Waist Circumference (cm) | Arm Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 86 | 68.5 | 81 |
| XS | 90 | 71 | 83 |
| S | 94 | 76 | 83 |
| M | 102 | 81 | 86 |
| L | 109 | 86 | 89 |
| XL | 117 | 91 | 91 |
| XXL | 122 | 96 | 91 |
Note on Rab men's fit: Rab uses point values (not ranges) for men's sizes, corresponding to the center of the range for each size. The actual range is about ±4 cm around this value.
Alpine / Expedition fit (e.g. Latok, Neutrino Alpine): slightly looser to allow for layering. Take your usual size even if you wear layers underneath.
2. Women's Clothing — Tops (jackets, t-shirts, mid-layers)
Rab uses UK sizes for women. INT sizes correspond to the indicated UK sizes. Base your choice on your chest circumference. Source: official Rab chart.
| INT | UK | FR/EU approx. | Chest Circumference (cm) | Waist Circumference (cm) | Hip Circumference (cm) | Arm Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 6 | 34 | 79 | 62 | 87 | 75.5 |
| XS | 8 | 36 | 84 | 67 | 92 | 77.5 |
| S | 10 | 38 | 89 | 72 | 97 | 79 |
| M | 12 | 40 | 94 | 76 | 102 | 81 |
| L | 14 | 42 | 99 | 81 | 107 | 84 |
| XL | 16 | 44 | 104 | 86 | 112 | 86 |
The FR/EU correspondence is approximate. Rab women's sizes follow the UK system. UK 10 = FR 38 (size M). Body measurements only — not garment dimensions.
3. Men's Clothing — Bottoms (pants, base layers, shorts)
For pants, base your choice on your waist circumference. The indicated inseam is the standard length. Source: official Rab chart.
| INT | Waist Circumference (cm) | Hip Circumference (cm) | Inseam (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 68.5 | 86 | 76 |
| XS | 71 | 90 | 78 |
| S | 76 | 95 | 79 |
| M | 81 | 100 | 80 |
| L | 86 | 105 | 81 |
| XL | 91 | 110 | 81 |
| XXL | 96 | 115 | 82 |
4. Women's Clothing — Bottoms (pants, leggings, base layers)
For women's pants, base your choice on your hip circumference. Source: official Rab chart.
| INT | UK | FR/EU approx. | Waist Circumference (cm) | Hip Circumference (cm) | Inseam (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 6 | 34 | 62 | 87 | 74 |
| XS | 8 | 36 | 67 | 92 | 75 |
| S | 10 | 38 | 72 | 97 | 76 |
| M | 12 | 40 | 76 | 102 | 77 |
| L | 14 | 42 | 81 | 107 | 78 |
| XL | 16 | 44 | 86 | 112 | 78.5 |
5. Understanding Rab Fits
Regular Fit
Neither fitted nor loose. Perfect balance between body shape and ease of movement. Recommended for hiking, trekking, and everyday use. E.g. Microlight, Xenon, Cirrus.
Slim / Trim Fit
Stretched silhouette, close to the body. Articulated seams and stretch fabrics for maximum freedom of movement. Ideal for climbing and mountaineering. E.g. Latok, Kinetic.
Expedition / Alpine Fit
More generous fit designed to be worn over thick layers in extreme conditions. Take your usual size, even if you wear multiple layers underneath. E.g. Neutrino Alpine, Latok Alpine.
Main Rab Ranges
Down Jackets: Microlight, Neutrino, Mythic, Positron, Cubit
Waterproofs: Downpour, Namche, Kangri, Latok
Softshells: Kinetic, Torque, Flux
Base Layers: Merino, Borealis, Forge
6. Rab Backpacks — Selection and Fit
6.1 Measuring Your Back Length
Unlike clothing, the size of a backpack depends on your back length, not your height. A tall person may have a short back and vice versa.
- Lean your head slightly forward. Locate your C7 vertebra — the bony bump at the base of your neck. This is the starting point.
- Place both hands on your hips, thumbs at the back. The iliac crest is the top of your pelvic bone (hips), where your thumbs naturally rest.
- Measure the distance from C7 to the iliac crest along your spine. This is your back length.
- Compare to the chart below to find your backpack size.
| Back Length (cm) | Back Length (in) | Harness Size | Indicative Height Correspondence |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 43 cm | < 17" | XS | < 160 cm |
| 43 — 48 cm | 17 — 19" | S / M | 155 — 175 cm |
| 48 — 53 cm | 19 — 21" | M / L | 165 — 185 cm |
| > 53 cm | > 21" | L / XL | > 180 cm |
Height correspondence is indicative. Back length varies independently of size. Always measure directly.
6.2 Rab Backpack Range — Usage Guide
| Model | Volume | Usage | Back System | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeon 20 / 27 / 35 | 20, 27 or 35L | Day hiking, light mountaineering | Ventilated back, single harness | One size |
| Latok 25 / 38 / 56 | 25, 38 or 56L | Mountaineering, alpine climbing | TRI-FLEX harness, adjustable | S/M or M/L |
| Muon 40 / 50 | 40 or 50L | Long trek, high mountain | TRI-FLEX, adjustable hipbelt | S/M or M/L |
| Khroma 22 | 22L | Ski touring, alpine skiing | Fixed back, 48 cm | One size |
| Escape 20 / 30 | 20 or 30L | Versatile multi-day hiking | Adjustable harness | S/M or M/L |
| Pulse Vest / Pack | 5 — 15L | Trail running, fastpacking | Adjustable vest, softflasks | XS/S, S/M, M/L, L/XL |
6.3 Adjusting Your Rab Backpack — 4 Steps
1. Hip Belt
The upper part of the belt should sit about 2.5 cm above your iliac crest. This is the belt that carries the weight, not the shoulder straps. Adjust it first.
2. Shoulder Straps
Pull the straps to bring the pack closer to your back. They should be adjusted without restricting your movements. They stabilize, they do not carry.
3. Load Lifters
These small straps connected at the top of the shoulder straps allow you to bring the weight closer to your center of gravity. Pull gently until you feel the weight transfer.
4. Sternum Strap
Buckle the sternum strap at chest height and adjust it slightly. It prevents the shoulder straps from slipping off your arms without hindering breathing.
ND (Narrow Dimensions) version: available on many large Rab volumes (Latok ND, Muon ND…). Same height, slightly narrower back. Ideal for women and those with narrower shoulder builds.
7. How to Take Your Measurements
Rab recommends having another person assist you for accurate measurements. Use a flexible measuring tape.
Chest Circumference
Wrap the measuring tape under your arms, around the widest part of your chest. The tape should be horizontal and in contact without tightening.
Waist Circumference
Measure at the narrowest point of your waist, just above the top of your hips. Do not suck in your stomach.
Hip Circumference
Measure around the widest part of your hips. Stand straight, feet together.
Arm Length
From the middle of your back, across your shoulder, following your elbow slightly bent, to your wrist.
Back Length (for backpacks)
From the C7 vertebra (nape) to the iliac crest (top of the pelvis), following the spine.
Rab Size Guide FAQ
Does Rab run large or small?
Rab sizes according to British standards, which may seem slightly generous compared to French or Italian standards. A Rab M corresponds to a chest circumference of 102 cm for men, which is standard for a European M. For mountaineering and expedition jackets, the fit is intentionally looser to allow for layering — take your usual size, not a size down.
What is the difference between a standard Rab backpack and ND?
The ND (Narrow Dimensions) version has the same height and volume as the standard version, but a slightly narrower back. It is designed for women and people with narrower shoulder builds. For an ND backpack, the harness size is chosen in the same way (back length C7 — iliac crest).
Can I wear a Rab down jacket directly over a t-shirt?
Yes, the jackets from the Microlight, Neutrino, and Mythic ranges are versatile enough to be worn alone or layered. The regular fit of these models is designed to accommodate both uses. If you expect to wear the jacket only over a t-shirt for a more fitted style, you can go down a size.
Which Rab range for which use?
Mountaineering and climbing: Latok (hardshell), Neutrino Pro/Alpine (down jacket), Kinetic Plus (softshell). Slim fit, maximum mobility. Hiking and trekking: Downpour Plus (rain), Microlight (down jacket), Xenon X (synthetic down), Torque (robust pants). Trail running: Pulse (light jackets), Flux (base layer). High altitude / expedition: Mythic Ultra (ultra-light), Kangri (loose fit).
Rab size charts based on the official Rab grid (sources: rab.equipment). Body measurements may vary by collection — the charts above represent the central values of each size. If in doubt between two sizes, prefer the larger one for jackets and hardshells intended for use with layers underneath.
