How great does it feel to have a jacket that even after 5 years of wear and tear still performs as well as it did when you first bought it? The Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket has been with me through countless wet and windy autumn days to bitingly cold winter nights and has never let me down. There are very few brands on the market these days that build products that are meant to last but Rab is renowned for it's durable clothing and the Microlight Alpine is no exception. Read on to discover why this might be the perfect addition to your winter gear collection - it's certainly mine!
Warm, lightweight and packable, this is your go-to weather worthy winter jacket that just keeps on giving!
In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the features, performance, value and our own experience using the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket. So let's take a closer look and discover if this down jacket will become part of your winter outdoor gear collection.
*Rab have upgraded the Microlight Alpine Jacket in the last 5 years since so there are slight differences to be noted with the newer version*
Price: £179.99 GBP List 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Product Specifications:
RAB MICROLIGHT ALPINE DOWN JACKET:
- Weight: 470 grams
- Insulation: Ethically sourced goose down rated at 700 FP
- Outer Fabric: 30D Durable Pertex Quantum Pro ripstop nylon with DWR coating (Nikwax Hydrophobic finish)
- Pockets: 2 x handwarmer pockets and 1 x external chest pocket for storage
- Hood: Adjustable helmet compatible hood with wire-brimmed peak
- Fit: Active fit for maximum mobility
- Compression Bag: Yes
PROS AND CONS - Our Key Takeaways
| Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
|---|---|
| 👍: Excellent insulation and warmth | 👎: High price point |
| 👍: Exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio | |
| 👍: High quality, ethically sourced goose down | |
| 👍: Active and mobile fit |
At a Glance:
The first thing that will strike you with this jacket is how light it is. At less than half a kilo, you're left querying whether its possible that something so light can offer any weather protection at all. But believe me, it can and it does! The warmth-to-weight ratio on the Microlight Alpine is exceptional and makes this a firm favourite in the climbing and outdoor enthusiasts world.
Having used this jacket for over 5 years, it has become my go-to winter jacket above all others and is the one that I will reach for automatically once the days start getting shorter.
Under The Microscope - putting the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket through it's paces.
Having had, and used this jacket for over 5 years, we feel we have got a handle on how well it performs and under which conditions it excels.
We put the Microlight Alpine through our rigorous testing criteria to evaluate it's overall performance and functionality, design and construction, our own user experience and value for money and overall, the Microlight Alpine excelled on all 4 criteria giving them a 5 out of 5 fireside rating! This jacket is an absolute stalwart and the fact that it's still in such good condition 5 years down the line with the amount of use it's had, is testament to the longevity and superior craftsmanship that Rab have to offer.
Under the Microscope - Our Testing Criteria
| Benchmarks | Our Fireside Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance and Functionality | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Design and Craftsmanship | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| User Experience | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Value for Money | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
Performance and Functionality 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rab clothing is synonymous with durability, and the Microlight Alpine jacket is no exception. This jacket has out-performed many others I have had for the same period of time, and bar one or two stains and some patches where the down is less pronounced than before, this jacket has maintained the same level of warmth, comfort, wind and rain protection that if offered when I first bought it.
The Microlight Alpine is incredibly versatile and although its designed with predominantly climbers in mind, it transitions just as well to most outdoor activities and also in city environments - this is the perfect jacket to pick the kids up after school on a cold, wet and dark winter afternoon!
This jacket has performed again and again from cliff-top hikes to being my winter camping jacket to my autumn fishing jacket and it has given excellent warmth and protection against the wind. It's not waterproof so I normally layer this under a waterproof shell jacket if I'm heading up the hills or on the boat to give full weather-proofing.
Design and Craftsmanship 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Outdoor clothing must stand up to the elements, and the Microlight Alpine jacket does just that. It boasts a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating that repels moisture, and the hydrophobic down is treated to resist water and retains it's insulating properties which will keep you dry during light rain and snow. The jacket's design, with strategically placed baffles, protects you from exposure to biting cold winds which is particularly beneficial in the hills of Scotland.
The active fit of the Microlight Alpine jacket is tailored to the needs of climbers and mountaineers. It allows for a full range of motion, ensuring that your movements are not restricted while engaging in technical climbs or navigating challenging terrain. The jacket's design considers the dynamic nature of climbing and mountaineering, offering both flexibility and protection but is also perfectly geared towards less challenging environments and works equally well as an all-winter jacket.
Elasticated wrists are another feature that underscores the jacket's climbing-friendly design. They provide a secure fit around the wrists, preventing cold air from entering and warmth from escaping. The hood provides additional coverage and can be adjusted to fit snugly around the face, preventing water dripping down your neck while the high down filled collar keeps your neck area warm and out the wind. This attention to detail is indicative of Rab's understanding of the practical needs of outdoor enthusiasts and this, coupled with the excellent craftsmanship that is evident in the clothing, make Rab such a staple on the outdoor clothing market.
User Experience 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I can't honestly think of a scenario when I haven't worn this jacket over the colder months. This has been by trusted go-to jacket over winter from everything from the daily commute and school runs to sitting on the boat trying to get a nibble! This jacket has kept me warm and dry and that's no mean feat considering that you can have all four seasons in one day in Scotland!
One thing that has always stood out for me is the Microlight Alpine's ability to keep the wind out. The wind in Scotland, whether you're on the exposed coast of the Outer Hebrides or Orkney or whether you're Munro "bagging", can be bitingly cold and the superior insulation and loft in the Microlight Alpine is unbeatable for keeping it out.
This jacket is so light, at less than half a kilo, that you often doubt how something so light can provide any protection at all but it does and it excels at this. The jacket can be stuffed back into it's compression sack if you're taking it on your travels and can easily be stowed in the car or in your bag.
Comparison 🔥🔥🔥🔥
There are some exceptional winter down jackets on the market from Patagonia to Arc'teryx to Berghaus, all roughly the same level of pricing, and some considerably more, but I am more aligned with Rab as they are designed to withstand the British weather, in all it's glory and this fits my outdoor experiences better.
Value for Money 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The longevity of the Microlight Alpine jacket means that it's not just a purchase but an investment in your outdoor wardrobe. Its ability to hold up against harsh conditions means you can rely on it season after season, making it a cost-effective choice. It is on the pricey side but this will see you through many winters to come and it doesn't owe me a penny!
Got some questions about the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket? We've got you covered! Check out these frequently asked questions for valuable insights, tips, and practical information to help you make the most of your down jacket.
How long does the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket perform in extremely cold conditions?
The high quality down and superior loft in the Microlight Alpine jacket gives excellent insulation and it copes well in cold conditions. In extreme cold, an outer layer would be necessary to get maximum warmth.
Can the Rab Microlight Alpine be compressed for easy packing?
Yes, the jacket is designed to be lightweight and compressible and the stuff compression sack that seems to be standard with most Rab jackets allows you to compress this jacket to minimise space in your pack.
Is the Rab Microlight Alpine suitable for casual wear?
Definitely! Although the jacket is built with climbers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the Microlight Alpine transitions really well from the mountains to the city and is perfect as your go-to winter jacket.
Our Final Verdict on the RAB MICROLIGHT ALPINE DOWN JACKET: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This jacket, is hands down, one of my all time favourites. It has seen me through wet and windy autumn days through to bitterly cold, and frosty winters and has never let me down. It stands out for me as an exceptional piece of winter gear that provides durability, warmth and protection against the elements. This is a jacket built with outdoor enthusiasts in mind and for those that demand the best from their clothing, including longevity, which the Microlight Alpine has in bundles. It fits perfectly into urban life as well as excelling on the mountains and for me, its my all winter-round jacket.
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