Rab are about doing things properly. About the tiniest detail and the simplest design. About serious, built-for-purpose outdoors gear that does exactly what it says on the tin.

The company was formed in the 1980s by Rab Carrington, a man who spent much of his life on groundbreaking expeditions. The company has been built around a deep understanding of what climbers and mountaineers need from their gear, and a commitment to serving those needs in as practical a manner as possible.

The Sharp Edge is the new waterproof alpine shell from Rab, and it fits that remit exactly.

Billed by Rab as “the ideal partner for ski mountaineering”, this is a coat to be worn on technical alpine climbs and steep descents.

“When you buy Rab, you know that you’re going to be getting detail and design that will serve you well on the mountain.”

When you’re up on the mountain you need to expect the unexpected. You could leave in blue skies and find yourself in the heart of a storm within a few hours, even if your weather forecasts say it’s going to be blue skies all day. This is a jacket which is built to accompany you through anything – whether it’s tough climbing, rough terrain or a bad turn of weather, the Sharp Edge won’t tear, it won’t give way, and crucially it’s as comfortable a coat as it is tough.

Made from flexible Pertex AP three-layer fabric, the Sharp Edge is waterproof, breathable, and designed to travel with your natural movements on the mountain.

The hood is incredibly impressive as well. As you’d expect from a hardcore mountaineering jacket, it’s helmet compatible, and it also comes with a wired peak, a lined collar and a roll down anti-snag Velcro tab. Everything you could ask for.