For those who want a jacket with premium warmth and style, Canada Goose is our recommendation, if you have the budget. For technical performance at better prices, RAB is our choice.
But why?
In this Canada Goose vs RAB comparison, we’ll put against each other these two brands, one Canadian and the other British.
We’ll particularly focus on their jackets to help you make the best decision for your next coat.
Let’s get started!
Contents:
1. Canada Goose Jackets
History of the Brand
Canada Goose official website: Men’s Langford Parka Heritage
Canada Goose has established itself as an important name in North America, for its durable and premium down jackets and winter parkas. The company originated in Toronto, Canada, in 1957 under the name Metro Sportswear Ltd., later rebranding to Canada Goose upon expanding into the European market.
While initially focused on crafting raincoats and woolen clothing, Canada Goose diversified its product line to include various practical outdoor wear.
In the 1970s, the brand unveiled its first down jacket, quickly gaining widespread attention. Renowned for its winter apparel, Canada Goose sets itself apart by delivering exceptional insulation, attributed to its use of top-tier natural down insulation, widely regarded as the finest available.
Read also: Jacket Brands like Canada Goose: 10 Alternatives for Winter
Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Canada Goose coats are mainly manufactured in Canada and go through an extensive 13-step procedure to guarantee that the end product is a comfortable, weather-resistant, and perfectly insulated coat. The brand places significant dedication to quality and makes sure that all items meet their rigorous standards.
The coats are made from high-quality materials like Polyester, Nylon, and Cotton, which can be used as they are or as part of the brand’s exclusive fabrics like Arctic Tech.
To prevent the down insulation from becoming wet, the coat shells are regularly treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) materials because wet down loses its loft and insulating properties.
Canada Goose obtains its down from Ducks and Geese and ensures that it’s ethically sourced and adheres to the Responsible Down Standard guidelines. Canada Goose down’s fill power is very high in many of their coats.
Many Canada Goose jackets also include natural fur trim to protect the face from cold winds, particularly during storm blizzards. But, in recent years, the brand has been moving away from real fur by removing it or using faux fur.
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Don’t miss: Canada Goose vs Woolrich Jackets: Which is Better?
Recommended Products
Canada Goose Women’s Expedition Parka Heritage
Image: canadagoose.com
Check it out at CanadaGoose.com
The Women’s Expedition Parka Heritage is a timeless, mid-thigh length parka crafted for severe weather conditions, inspired by the requirements of researchers in Antarctica. This Canadian-made coat is practical and resilient, featuring an adaptable down-filled hood with a detachable fur ruff to endure harsh winds.
The chin guard is lined with soft fleece, and the interior backpack straps enable hands-free transport. The parka prioritizes warmth and comfort, with an interior drawcord at the waist and recessed rib-knit cuffs to retain heat. A snow skirt and a placket with Velcro® closures over the 2-way zipper offer added protection against the elements.
Emphasizing practicality, six exterior pockets deliver ample storage. Constructed from Arctic Tech® fabric, a blend of polyester and cotton, the parka is water-repellent and built for longevity. It’s insulated with 625 fill power down, for warmth in the harshest climates.
The parka’s design and materials show Canada Goose’s dedication to quality and functionality in extreme weather gear.
Read also: Canada Goose vs Columbia Jackets: Which Brand is Better?
Canada Goose Men’s Lawrence Puffer
Image: canadagoose.com
Check it out at CanadaGoose.com
The men’s Lawrence Puffer jacket by Canada Goose is a classic piece designed for everyday use, offering outstanding protection. Constructed from Recycled Enduraluxe, a durable water-resistant material with a luxurious feel, this jacket seamlessly combines functionality with style.
It includes a quilted body, an adaptable hood, and a two-way front zipper for enhanced mobility and airflow. The long back hem provides extra coverage, and a reflective double-stripe grab strap is located on the back.
Additionally, it boasts two exterior fleece-lined pockets and three interior pockets. This jacket is insulated with 750 Fill Power Responsibly Sourced Duck Down and is produced in Canada.
Read next: Canada Goose vs Patagonia Jackets: A Comparison
Prices
Canada Goose winter jackets’ prices vary from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the specific style of jacket or coat you choose. Although the price of these premium winter coats may appear excessive, the real consideration is whether the investment is worth it!
Are Canada Goose jackets worth the price?
In our opinion, Canada Goose jackets are a good investment if you live and work in a very cold place. Few items can rival the warmth, quality, and functionality of Canada Goose, and the attention to detail is great.
We think that the price is worth it also because a Canada Goose coat tends to have a long life (years of use), avoiding frequent replacement purchases.
Learn more: Why is Canada Goose so Expensive and Popular? Is It Worth It?
2. RAB Jackets
History of the Brand
RAB official website
RAB‘s history starts in 1981 when Rab Carrington, a Scottish mountaineer, established the brand in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, using his own name. His passion for nature, climbing, and adventure led him to gain recognition as a prominent figure in the mountaineering community.
During a period of being stranded in Buenos Aires in 1973 due to a UK strike, he learned to craft high-quality sleeping bags thanks to his friend, Hector Vieytes.
This experience motivated Rab Carrington to create Rab, a company with a motto that reads “by climbers for climbers” and has produced numerous iconic products for mountaineers and climbers.
In 2001, Rab entered into a collaboration with Polartec, whose materials continue to be important to Rab gear.
Since 2003, Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd has owned the Rab brand, maintaining the company’s philosophy and designing acclaimed jackets like the Microlight Alpine, solidifying its position as one of Europe’s best designers of technical outdoor clothing and jackets.
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7 Brands like RAB for Outdoor Adventures
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Rab consistently makes substantial efforts to transition to environmentally friendly production methods, including ethically sourced materials, utilizing PFC-free water-repellent treatments, and incorporating recycled materials to create durable products.
The brand primarily utilizes polyester and nylon, with a focus on the latter for their gear.
During winter, waterproof outerwear is crucial, and Rab employs various fabric technologies like Gore-Tex, Pertex Shield, Proflex, and Pertex Shield+ to ensure protection from the elements. These technologies differ in terms of breathability, wind resistance, and overall performance.
Rab’s waterproof fabrics are offered in three different constructions (2, 2.5, and 3 layers) based on their intended use. For breathability, the brand utilizes Hydrophilic and Microporous technologies, both serving as effective moisture-wicking solutions.
As for insulation, Rab provides a wide range of natural down and synthetic insulated jackets and sleeping bags. The natural down is responsibly sourced, and the brand has also introduced a line of jackets featuring 100% recycled fabrics and down insulation.
While natural down is an excellent insulator, synthetic insulation is widely used due to its practical advantages. Rab primarily relies on Stratus synthetic insulation and Cirrus, Pyrotec, and PrimaLoft for jackets, gloves, and sleeping bags.
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Read also: RAB vs Mountain Hardwear: Which is Better?
Where are RAB jackets made?
Rab’s jackets and equipment are produced partly in the UK, where the company is headquartered, and the rest in Asia, mostly in China.
Recommended Products
RAB Men’s Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
Image: rab.equipment
Check it out at rab.equipment
The Men’s Neutrino Pro Down Jacket by RAB has been updated to include 100% recycled fabric and an improved arm baffle design, providing better mobility. Filled with 800-fill-power European Goose Down, it offers exceptional warmth for winter conditions, making it perfect for alpine climbing.
The outer layer is made of wind and weather-resistant recycled Pertex® Quantum Pro, delivering reliable protection against the elements. Despite its insulating properties, it remains lightweight and easy to pack, featuring a helmet-compatible hood and a two-way YKK VISLON zip for harness compatibility.
With reinforced Ripstop on high-wear areas, the Neutrino Pro is designed for durability and tailored for a regular fit, ensuring freedom of movement and the option to layer. This jacket is specifically engineered to meet the demands of climbers in the vertical world.
Don’t miss: Marmot vs RAB: Which is Better for Jackets and Outdoor Gear?
RAB Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka
Image: rab.equipment
Check it out at rab.equipment
The RAB Women’s Deep Cover Down Parka combines warmth and sustainability, featuring fully recycled materials. With a flattering cut and a detachable, insulated hood with removable faux-fur trim, it’s ideal for cold winter walks. The parka is filled with 700-fill-power recycled European Goose Down treated with a Nikwax Fluorocarbon-Free Hydrophobic Finish, ensuring warmth even in damp conditions.
The outer shell is made from recycled Pertex® Quantum with a DWR finish for weather resistance, while the interior is lined with recycled fabric. Designed for warmth retention, it has stretch fleece-lined cuffs and a two-way YKK Metaluxe zip with an internal storm flap.
The parka includes an internal zipped chest pocket and two hand pockets. It offers a regular fit.
Read next: RAB vs North Face (Outdoor Gear and Jackets Comparison)
Prices
Rab is not a budget-friendly brand, but it’s not on the same level as Canada Goose. The brand’s jackets start at around $80 (for lighter styles) and can reach up to $850 (for down jackets and advanced insulated designs).
Are RAB jackets worth the price?
While the answer varies based on your expectations and needs, Rab is renowned for creating durable, quality jackets. Also, they’re great at insulation. So, we think their jackets are worth investing in.
Learn more: Why is RAB so Expensive? Is It Worth It?
3. Canada Goose vs RAB: Which is Better?
They are both great for warm jackets, but they have differences in their intended uses. Here are our thoughts to help with your choice:
Insulation – Canada Goose uses mostly premium duck down and proprietary blends like Arctic Tech. RAB relies on premium goose and duck down, but has also options like PrimaLoft synthetic insulation. Canada Goose has the edge for maximum warmth.
Weather Protection – RAB uses technologies like Gore-Tex fabrics, Pertex fabrics, and Nikwax treatments to make jackets wind-resistant and water-resistant. Canada Goose focuses more on warmth than on water resistance. RAB wins for all-around weather protection.
Style – Canada Goose is known for its iconic parkas and fur-trimmed hoods, a more fashion-forward and luxurious look. RAB sticks to mountaineering styling. Canada Goose has the advantage in urban style.
Prices – Canada Goose has luxury pricing, with some parkas reaching $2,000. RAB is more affordable, with down jackets starting at around $200.
Intended Use – Canada Goose excels at extreme cold activities like Arctic exploration. RAB is preferred for mountaineering, skiing, and other high-output sports, making it more versatile.
In the end, for those who want a jacket with premium warmth and style, Canada Goose is our recommendation, if you have the budget. For technical performance at better prices, RAB is our choice.
Read next: 10 Best Canadian Winter Jacket Brands: Our Favorites
