Rab

Rab is a British technical outdoor brand founded in 1981 by Scottish climber Rab Carrington and known for down jackets and sleeping bags. Wikipedia lists Equip Outdoor Technologies as its parent.

What is Rab?

Rab makes insulated and waterproof jackets, baselayers, sleeping bags and tents for climbers, mountaineers and hikers. It is based in Somercotes, Derbyshire.

History

Rab Carrington, a Scottish climber, learned to make sleeping bags in Argentina in 1973 after his climbing gear was stranded by a dock strike. He moved to Sheffield and began selling hand stitched bags in 1980, then founded Rab in 1981 and moved production to a Sheffield factory. He retired in 2007.

Ownership

Equip Outdoor Technologies is listed as the parent of Rab, which Wikipedia says bought Rab and Lowe Alpine at a later date without stating the year. The sources consulted do not confirm any change since, so the group is shown on that basis.

Products and positioning

Rab sits in the premium technical segment alongside brands such as Montane, Mountain Equipment and Berghaus. Its down products use certified European goose and duck down, treated with a fluorocarbon free water repellent, which reflects its emphasis on responsible materials.

Business model and distribution

The sources consulted do not describe distribution channels. The brand is sold through outdoor specialty retail and its own website.

Why it matters

Rab is one of the best known British mountaineering brands and a good example of a founder led specialist business that moved into a multi brand outdoor group.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns Rab?

Rab is listed as part of Equip Outdoor Technologies, which also owns Lowe Alpine, according to Wikipedia.

Where is Rab from?

Rab is a British brand founded in 1981 by Scottish climber Rab Carrington in Sheffield. It is now based in Derbyshire.

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