ProView – Rab Photon Pants

For two weeks I brought the Rab Photon pants to South America’s tallest peak: Aconcagua. At 22,841’, it is the tallest peak outside the Himalaya. The mountain is large and has a wide variety of environmental conditions. At lower elevations on the trek to basecamp, it is HOT; temperatures can reach as high as 85 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit near the entrance to the park. Up near 20,000’ though, it is polar; temperatures on the summit, with the wind chill, can dip below -20 F. 

For this expedition, I needed clothing that was lightweight and packable, but most importantly, warm. I would be spending multiple days at higher camps acclimatizing, sitting idle, and I would need clothing to keep me warm during these times. Cold is one of the fastest ways the body loses energy, burning up valuable calories just to stay warm. 

On Aconcagua, the wind is the fiercest element, consistently above 50 mph. Only for brief periods of time does the wind ease and allow climbers to reach the summit. Not only would I need warm clothing, but I would need wind-cutting layers as well. 

Fit/Comfort

A warm hug is the simplest way to describe the feeling of putting on the Photon pants for the first time. The Photon pants are lined with Pertex Quantum and filled with 100 g/m^2 of Stratus recycled insulation, so they both feel incredibly comfortable and are amazingly warm for their weight. 

In terms of fit, I was pleasantly surprised at how well I fit into the size Medium pants. Normally I struggle to fit into “sized’ (S/M/L) pants, rather than pants with a waist and inseam length. I stand 6’2’’ but have a 31/32 inch waist, so normally I need a longer inseam and slimmer waist. The size Medium Photon pants fit perfectly, though, especially with mountaineering boots on. They were not too short that they felt like “floods”, but also not too long that they were dragging against the ground or interfering with my boots. 

Look/Style

The Rab Photon pants have a simple look: clean lines with little distractions. For the most part, they are one solid color; the reinforcement material on the knees shows slightly, but other than that, they appear to be a simple pant. On the mountain, in puffy clothes and other technical equipment, the Rab Photon fits right into the “mountain uniform.”

Features

The best part of the Rab Photon pants is the zipper design. The pant includes a full-length zipper design that allows for both removal and added ventilation without having to take off your boots. When temperatures are frigid and you are moving up the mountain, this is an incredible luxury, if not a necessity. The top and bottom of the zipper feature clips that allow for added security, ensuring that the pants do not fall off if you have them zipped open.

Additionally, the Photon pant has deep pockets that can easily fit a cell phone, camera battery or two, granola or protein bar, headlamp, etc. I appreciated having these pockets on the summit climb, as I stashed my phone in the pocket so it could stay warm and close to my body. I barely noticed the presence of the phone as well. The pockets include a zipper closure, so what you put in won’t fall out. 

Weight/Packability

At 19 ounces total packed weight, the Rab Photon are incredibly light for their warmth, and with a dedicated stuff sack, pack down small for volume and weight-conscious missions. The Rab Photon disappeared into my XXL North Face duffel bag, along with other gear, exactly what I needed for a long, expedition-style climb like Aconcagua. For similar-style climbs like Denali, Everest, and other base-camp missions, the Rab Photon will pack down small and require minimal space and weight. 

Function/Performance

On summit morning, I zipped up the Rab Photon and headed on up the mountain, and they performed beautifully. In the pre-dawn cold they kept my lower body warm and loose; once the sun began to peak over the horizon, I partially unzipped the legs for added ventilation. Functionally, I was able to adapt with the Rab Photon to a variety of conditions: high wind, low wind, severe cold, intense sun. 

Durability/Construction

The Rab Photon pants are reinforced in areas of high wear: on the knees, the inner foot (for crampons), and on the “seat” (butt). The abrasion resistance of the Pertex Quantum outer is impressive; even when slipping or dragging across the rocky ground or when sliding out of the tent, the Photon never snagged, tore, ripped, or even got caught. I am notoriously rough on my gear, but the Rab Photon pants are strong enough to withstand even my abuse. 

Additionally, the Rab Photon pants are filled with recycled Stratus insulation, not feathers, and I did not once notice any insulation leaking from seams. 

Friendliness to the Earth

Rab prides itself on its sustainability and is very conscious of its environmental impact, as is evident in the construction of the Photon pants. The Rab Photon pants are filled with 100% recycled polyester Stratus insulation, just one of the many ways that Rab goes the extra mile to ensure its environmental responsibility and sustainability: 

Per Rab’s website:

• “In line with the legislation, we only use fluorocarbon-free DWRs or shorter chain PFCs (C6) DWRs, but we are committed to removing these from our products.” Rab realizes that DWR coatings and PFCs are environmentally harmful, and is dedicating resources to research alternatives.
• Rab is a member of the “Microfibre Consortium an industry led body which aims to address the microfibre challenge though activities in strategy, integrity, research, and product development.” 
• Rab follows the “Responsible Down Standard”, ensuring that “every stage from farm to factory is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS).”

The Final Word

I am in love with the Rab Photon pant; I might even wear them around the house they are that cozy. In the alpine, they perform beautifully: lightweight, wind-resistant, repel water splashes, and have great features including deep pockets and strategically placed zippers. They are durable and reinforced in areas of high wear and slip on easily over other layers.

Rab has been trusted by dedicated alpinists for years because of their craftsmanship and high-quality products, and the Photon is certainly one of them. The best part: Rab is a company that you can be proud to support. They are environmentally conscious and are constantly searching for ways they can reduce their environmental impacts. 

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