Rab Equipment, the UK based manufacturer of high quality outdoor clothing has been my go to brand since day 1 in the mountains. Their kit has always performed well in all situations, and in challenging weather. Tiso kindly asked me to field test The Microlight Alpine Down Jacket and as I was in need for an insulated layering jacket for winter I was delighted to do so."

As always with Rap equipment; the fit, construction and over all feel are excellent and exude quality. The Pertex Microlight outer fabric keeps the warmth in while being breathable and windproof. The jacket is also made from a DWR+ fabric, which means water will bead up on the surface and run off. There is a ‘narrow baffle’ structure, built to avoid down gathering around the bottom of the jacket. This works well and adds to the overall great appearance of the jacket.

I started wearing the Microlight Jacket around town and the first of many great things about the Pertex and down combination is, that as stated in the spec, it’s totally windproof and weather-resistant. It’s not 100% storm proof, but as I found out on an early morning walk on Arthur Seat with my dog Terry, with just a t-shirt underneath, it proved comfortable and a pleasure to wear in the cold and windy conditions.

Of course I didn’t want the Microlight Jacket just to show off around town. I was after a versatile piece that would be useful as a stand-alone jacket or an addition into my usual layering system. I was able to test the jacket in various conditions on a days hike to Mayer, a Munro that starts with a very picturesque ascent through Glendoll Forest and Corrie Fee, in Angus, Scotland.

I’ve had down jackets before and found the bulk to be too much in an active climbing/hiking situation and I would become quickly overheated. The Rab Microlight Jacket exceeded all my expectations and with just a base layer underneath I was kept comfortably warm. Once up top on the exposed plateau with snow on the ground and the wind blowing, temperatures dropped. I was kept warm and felt no need to add a layer as I normally would do to suit changing conditions. On approach to the summit of Mayer, the fixed insulated hood came into play staying in place while providing great protection and warmth from the now howling wind. I also noted that it’s wide enough to accommodate my customary Rab bobble hat but will also fit a climbing helmet easily. It wasn’t the coldest of days and in real sub-zero conditions I would add a mid-layer, but for this day it was ideal, breathable and comfortable.

Another great feature, and again important to my needs are the pockets. Two huge lower pockets accommodated gloves, snacks, camera remotes and a map with ease. My phone was secure and dry in the top pocket. Once back in the glen and temperatures picked up, it was time to pack up the jacket. It packs so small into the supplied bag and takes up hardly any of your valuable space. It’s very low weight is a great asset when out in the mountains.

The Microlight is excellent, the warmth to weight ratio outstanding. It is showerproof and a great jacket to keep in the top of your pack taking up little space. The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket will be my daily jacket for city life and my main jacket for the winter climate, fitting perfectly into anyone’s layering system or as a stand-alone item. Although waterproof I would still advise carrying a completely waterproof jacket for extreme rain, my choice being Rab’s Charge Jacket.

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Review & Photos by Paul Brett (Instagram, Twitter)