Rab Drillium Jacket

I bought this jacket before a summer of wilderness trip leading. I took groups of twenty on river trips, kayaking, and rock climbing trips. I wanted to have a rain jacket/shell that would pack light and breath. This jacket did the trick. I was very happy with it.

I ignored the directions to wash often, mainly because I didn't have access to a tech detergent and didn't notice any ill effects. 

I experienced many downpours. The river flooded several of the weeks that summer with a ten year record high. It kept me comfortably dry. I especially liked the hood. It is spacious and can be adjusted to move with your head so it never obscures vision. 

The only downside I experienced was that the sleeve closures only worked when I didn't have my hands over my head. When I reached up to adjust a tarp etc in the pouring rain, I had a bit of a trickle run down my arm. I believe that the only way to prevent this would be to have a neoprene seal, like a dry suit. Regardless, it kept me dry enough to be warm and comfortable, even in the pouring rain. 

An excellent choice for a lightweight, waterproof, wind resistant, breathable shell. Perfect for backpacking, hiking and anything that you want to have a little extra warmth (windbreaker)/rain gear. 

Initially was thrilled. Washed it in accordance with washing instructions on the inside of jacket. No longer waterproof.

Was recently advised that you should only wash with special washing products and make sure that before you wash that no powder or other detergent is in machine.

-maybe manufacturer should have suitable warning on jacket.