Does this mean it's none of these or has even got a real purpose? Well think of it this way; it fills the gap between every single one of these. A big claim for such an odd item of clothing but let me explain. I've seen the Boreas labelled as a 'summer weight softshell' which it is, but it's so much more!
The actual product description on Rab's website is pretty vague for starters, saying how its simply a lightweight, stretch pull on offering protection in the mountains and how its won editors choice awards.
Let me help fill in the blanks and help make some sense of this thing.
First of all it isn't waterproof or resistant at all, nor does it claim or try to be. It doesn't even have a DWR coating, but really there's nothing stopping you proofing it yourself, which I must admit I'm kind of tempted to try myself with some Nikwax Softshell proofer.
It's not windproof, but wind resistant. The idea being that you get maximum breathability while removing the majority of wind chill. It's an idea that is being seen more often these days, but mainly because it works! It's perfect for when your working hard and coupled with a decent base layer you have a formidable combo for hard graft. Because of this I've found myself using it for running in, instead of using a pertex wind shirt. It's quieter and argueably more breathable and in my eyes comfier. The fit is typical Rab, with long arms, perfect for climbing and mountain biking when it's a little chilly for just your base layer but too warm to put a shell on.
The Boreas hasn't got a fleecy inner like most softshell jackets but is rated 50 for UV. Everyone has been caught out and got sunburnt when it's been breezy but too warm for a hardshell or a regular softshell. This is where the Boreas comes in to save the day. You have lightweight sun protection without feeling like a boil in the bag meal. Because of it's lack of insulation I've found myself using it on those days when you cant decide to use a lighter or heavier weight base layer. Coupled with a light base layer it feels cooler than wearing a lightweight fleece, especially when used as a midlayer , under a shell. Perfect for those inbetween days when you're cold in just a shell, but boil when you even stick a thin fleece on.
Or you can even try it the other way around, layering over a light fleece for when you want maximum breath ability in cold conditions. Plus I reckon it just looks cool and I've found myself using this combo when out walking the dog.
Feature wise the Boreas is pretty basic, sporting a chest zip for venting and a single chest pocket. I couldn't quite fit my large one into the chest pocket but that may have been me being useless as it was pretty close. The usual neat finished touches as you'd expect from Rab are there, like neat little zipper garages and flat seams. Everything just looks tidy.
The hood is made to fit under a helmet. I haven't used it in this capacity but I have worn it under a shell hood comfortably and it followed my heads movement with no problems.
The price for the Boreas is bonkers. It retails at a measly £45. That's base layer pricing, not softshell territory! In my opinion it's a massive bargain and I'm struggling to not buy one of every colour! At 300grammes too you'll hardly notice it in your pack. I've found myself using it all the time. It's one of those items that works with every bit of clothing you own and will make it just that little bit more useful. Be it a little more warmth, wind resistance, sun protection, breathability, this top will fit the bill. Think of all the times when you can't make your mind up what to wear and I guarantee the Boreas will be the answer! Just buy one, you can't afford not to have this future classic in your wardrobe!
Remarkably small pack size too. I carry one on long winter runs as an extra layer.
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