Rab’s Microlight Alpine jacket is a best seller that's been in the range for many years. And this suggests that when people buy this jacket, they like it, it works, and it lasts. Rab recently updated the Microlight Alpine to be made in a more sustainable manner from 100% recycled fabrics and even recycled down. The down is 700 fill power, so isn't the most premium of down, and despite the lightweight feel of the jacket, it comes in at Just over 466 grams overall. That weight will satisfy most people, but if you're an extreme gram-counting ultra lighter then you will be looking for a premium down jacket weighing in the region of 300g. This will however cost you a lot more money!
The down filling in the Microlight Alpine is highly compressible so the jacket fits neatly into its stuff sack which is about the size of a grapefruit, making it ideal for chucking into a backpack when not needed. The stuff sack is also a nice size to be used as an impromptu pillow for wild camping. The warmth level in the Microlight Alpine is just about perfect. It definitely takes the edge off particularly cold weather but it has a level of fill that's optimised for the jacket to be of use when you're moving. The Pertex Quantum outer does an excellent job of blocking the wind while remaining super breathable, and in fact, we found this to be one of the main benefits of the Microlight Alpine.
The fit of the Microlight Alpine is absolutely fantastic. It feels amazingly comfortable and cosy as soon as you put it on. There's freedom of movement within the jacket no matter what the activity, and it sits close enough to the body to retain a good amount of heat without being too tight. If you want to lock in more heat there's a drawcord adjuster at the hem, and the sleeves have an elasticated fit around the wrists. The main zip brings the jacket high up on the chin and face, and the fleece-backed lining is both warm and comfortable. The hood is excellent with sumptuous down filling, a wired peak, and adjusters to cinch everything in tightly. The range of pockets is precisely what you would need, with two generously sized zipped hand pockets and an equally generous chest pocket.
Overall, a cracking down jacket at the right price.
