review
Rab Khroma Converge Gore-Tex Jacket and Pant
Protective yet stretchy, breathable yet warm. Stylish, but not too stylish. We ask a lot of our gear. Some kits check a few boxes, rarely all.
In terms of box-checking, the Rab Khroma Converge Jacket and Pant boasts a pretty impressive all-around score. It’s a burly Gore-Tex kit that can take a beating throughout cold, wet days, but also thrives on sunny days in the Rockies. Where I live in the Tetons we get a good dose of both.
I spent the early season in the Tetons putting the Khroma Converge kit to the test, spinning laps under blue skies at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY, as well as on Teton Pass, indulging in all the low-angle December pow I could get my (rock) skis on. This kit is burly yet wearable, made with a durable 3-layer Gore-Tex that sheds snow and rain, but not so stiff that it mummifies you. Like a lot of Gore-Tex, it softened up after a day or two of wear.
Morning laps on Teton Pass, WY. December powder is always extra sweet.
A solid kit for the up and down.
I really liked the long fit of the jacket, which extends a bit over my butt. It makes for a flattering fit, and the length also adds a smidge of extra warmth, especially on deep days when the snow is flying. There’s tons of storage in the jacket, too. Deep chest and side pockets store skins, a phone, a handful of snacks and sunnies. There’s more space than I used most days at the resort, but in the backcountry I happily filled all these pockets up. The side pockets replace lower hand pockets you might find in a more traditional pocket layout, and are compatible with a harness (if you’re into that sort of thing). The pant pockets are spacious—one on each side—though I did wish there was a tether or loop, since I prefer to store my transceiver in an integrated thigh pocket with a tether.
While absolutely not the sexiest part of a Gore-Tex kit (is a Gore-Tex kit even sexy at all?), I absolutely loved the extra stretchy cuffs. That’s something I’ve noticed in Rab pants before, and always really appreciate. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to fit a static, rigid, slightly-too-small cuff around a hefty ski boot. The cuffs on these pants are soft and supple, and stretch out an extra few inches, snapping back into place to seal out snow. Thank you, Rab, for the ultimate cuffs.
Early season groomer laps at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY
The Khroma Converge kit was a great companion for sunny groomer laps as well as early morning backcountry missions.
As a woman, pant sizing is always a bit of a crux. I am typically between a S and an XS in pant sizing, and I’ve found Rab pants tend to run large. I opted for the XS, which still felt a bit baggy, but I’d also imagine that’s kind of the style. It was a teeny bit short (I’m 5’8” and 120lbs), but the fit of the XS was similar to other size Small pants I’ve worn.
Overall, this is a really great all around kit, especially for folks who ski a lot of resort and some backcountry. If you were a true uphill fiend, I’d recommend going a little lighter, since the Khroma Converge is pretty burly. And the jacket doesn’t pack down super small compared to a lighter and less protective shell (like the Khroma Kinetic, which I have also tried and enjoyed for touring). That being said, on the early season storm days I spent lapping Teton Pass, I was glad for the protection.
Tester Info:
Age: 29
Height: 5’8”
Pant Size: XS
Jacket Size: Small
The Rab Khroma Converge Kit is available in both men’s and women’s sizes. The jacket retails for $575 and the pants retail for $525.
Snack breaks are essential. Good thing the Khroma Converge has ample pockets so the treats are always flowing.