British outdoor and mountain brand RAB and THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF MOUNTAIN GUIDES (BMG) have announced a comprehensive five-year partnership, representing a significant commitment to supporting internationally qualified Mountain Guides who operate in the world’s most challenging environments.
The BMG is the UK’s national association for Mountain Guides. Every British Mountain Guide holds the IFMGA carnet – the only internationally recognised guiding qualification – representing years of exceptional training, assessment and experience, across climbing, mountaineering and ski mountaineering. The carnet allows the holder to guide on any mountain terrain, worldwide.
“The British Association of Mountain Guides are proud to be working with Rab as our main sponsor. Almost fifty years ago, Rab Carrington made an alpine style ascent of Jannu, arguably his most significant mountaineering achievement, climbing alongside Roger Baxter Jones and Brian Hall, who both became British Mountain Guides” said Tom Ripley, BMG Marketing Officer.
“Fast forward to 2026 and we are excited to be officially working with Rab, one of the leading manufacturers of mountain apparel and equipment. We both have a long and shared history, a shared ethos towards excellence in the mountains, and a sincere commitment to reducing our environmental impact. Our members are looking forward to giving Rab gear a thorough testing in the world’s mountains.”
The partnership will see Rab providing comprehensive apparel and equipment support for British Mountain Guides as well as Trainee and Aspirant Mountain Guides. Furthermore, it involves product development feedback for Rab’s most technical mountain collections.
Tim Fish, Product Director at Rab, added, This provides the ideal testing ground for our most technical products, and we’re looking forward to working closely with the Guides to ensure our products remain at the forefront of mountain gear design.”
Furthermore, Rab and The BMG will work together on initiatives to increase diversity and support female Guides entering the profession, and focusing on educational activities to help minimise environmental impact in the mountains.
Rab reinvents the legendary Microlight
Available for Autumn/Winter 2026, Rab has launched the next generation of the Microlight – the down jacket that has become essential kit for mountain people globally. The updated collection arrives with a fresh look, refined technology and a new focus on repairability, while introducing a waterproof iteration.
At the heart of the update is the new Microlight Alpine Hoody featuring Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus® – a technical fabric made from post-consumer recycled fishing nets. The NetPlus® integration represents a significant material commitment.
Rab has incorporated 363,931 metres of Pertex® NetPlus® fabric across their products, repurposing 22,315kgs of fishing nets from ocean waste. The supply chain is fully traceable from ocean to finished garment, with 100% post-consumer recycled content throughout.
The Microlight Alpine Hoody’s warmth is delivered by 700FP hydrophobic recycled down with Grangers finish. Zoned micro and nano baffle construction optimises down loft and heat retention. Plus, thoughtful details like an adjustable hood with wired peak, articulated sleeves, and an integrated pack-away pocket with clip-in loop make it genuinely versatile for year-round mountain use.
The line extends across the Microlight Jacket and Microlight Vest, offering options in both the men’s and women’s collections in a variety of colourways.