comredix.

Review · Fashion & style

Rab review

A British mountaineering brand whose Valiance parka uses 700FP down under a waterproof Pertex Shield shell.

By the Comredix review desk · Updated November 13, 2026

Quality (40%)
8.5
Experience (25%)
8.0
Value (35%)
8.8

Rab is the value pick for a waterproof down coat. The Women's Valiance Waterproof Down Parka costs $465 and, according to Rab, combines 700FP down in stitch-through baffles with 2-layer waterproof and windproof Pertex Shield fabric. It falls to mid-thigh in a regular fit meant to go over other layers, and adds a neck baffle, close-fitting inner cuffs, a two-point adjustable hood and a two-way zip. Rab lists a weight of 31 oz (879 g) in size 10, says the parka is fluorocarbon free with more than 75% recycled materials, and says it rebuilt the construction to be easier to repair. Rab's own ratings are honest: insulation 4 of 5, windproof 5 of 5, and waterproof 3 of 5, so it is not as storm-proof as a GORE-TEX coat. Stitch-through baffles also leave thinner spots along the seams. For women who walk or hike in winter, it is a strong coat at a fair price.

Who it is for

hikers who want a waterproof down parka under $500

Price

The Women's Valiance Waterproof Down Parka is $465.

Add to Cart - $465.00 Free shipping on orders over $50
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

  • 700FP down in low-bulk stitch-through baffles
  • 2-layer waterproof and windproof Pertex Shield fabric
  • Mid-thigh length and regular fit for layering
  • Neck baffle, close-fitting inner cuffs and a two-point adjustable hood
  • Fluorocarbon (PFAS) free, with more than 75% recycled materials

Strengths and weaknesses

  • Strength: $465 for a waterproof down parka, the lowest waterproof down price we found
  • Strength: Weight of 31 oz (879 g) in size 10
  • Strength: Rab says the construction was re-engineered to be more repairable
  • Weakness: Rab rates its own waterproofing 3 out of 5
  • Weakness: Mid-thigh length is shorter than the long coats here
  • Weakness: Built for hiking, so the look is technical rather than dressy

Key facts

  • Coat priced: Women's Valiance Waterproof Down Parka, $465
  • Fill: 700FP down
  • Shell: 2-layer Pertex Shield
  • Weight: 31 oz / 879 g (size 10)
  • Free shipping: Orders over $50

Where it ranks

Rab is No. 4 in our Best Winter Coat Brands verdict and No. 5 in Best Winter Coats for Extreme Cold and No. 2 in Best Winter Coats for Men.

Alternatives we scored

Visit rab.equipment · Questions or corrections: editorial@comredix.com