Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket: The Cosy Down Jacket You Need For Winter

Are you thinking about buying the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket? This is my honest review of the women’s Microlight Alpine, after two years of testing this extremely cosy, insulated jacket.

If you’re gearing up for a day outdoors this winter season and need a new jacket guaranteed to keep you toasty, then meet the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket.

Designed for warmth, weight, and packability, this insulated jacket will keep you cosy in the coldest conditions.

I’ve been wearing my Rab Microlight Alpine for over a year, testing it everywhere on my travels around Scotland. From snowy forest hikes to an autumn day spent wandering around the capital to the windy top decks of a ferry to Skye, this cosy and cute jacket has become my favourite choice for outdoor adventures and an everyday option.

Because while I love a stylish wool coat for the city, frankly, the UK weather frequently demands something warmer and more practical!

Here are my thoughts and a full review of Rab’s popular eco-friendly jacket.

 

 

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket Review

The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket, around £210, might be expensive - but it’s also one of the warmest and most versatile jackets I’ve ever worn.

Firstly, it’s light (the Rab Microlight Alpine weighs just 413kg), but this hides how toasty and warm this jacket really is—it’s cosy from the moment you put it on and withstands the coldest temperatures.

Yet it isn’t bulky; instead, it packs down into a small stuff sack that can be stored easily in your hiking pack or road trip duffel.

I was also impressed with the Microlight Alpine’s sustainable credentials, so you can make an eco-conscious choice while staying warm. The jacket has 700-fill of fully P.U.R.E recycled down, as well as recycled outer and inner linings made from Pertex and nylon.

If you’re already convinced this is the jacket for you, I recommend buying from outdoor specialists Ellis Brigham. They always have an incredible selection of sizes and colours, and their in-store staff are helpful when choosing gear.

 

 

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket:

Useful Features

What I love about the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket are the amount of brilliantly useful features - and that’s important when you’re spending just over £200.

The cuffs are elasticated to keep the elements out and the stiffened peak hood stays put in even the strongest winds. Even better, the hood fits a helmet, whilst the large pockets are harness-friendly - perfect for both hillwalking and mountaineering on those chilly days.

The Fit

The fit on the Microlight Alpine jacket is excellent too. Roomy enough for layers of fleece underneath, fitted enough to still feel flattering, long enough to cover your bum for extra warmth. I also find my rucksack fits comfortably over the top.

But it’s not overly bulky, making it a perfect option for a cosy city jacket or an outdoor layer.

On both a walk around Glencoe and a hike on Ben Nevis, this jacket was easy to wear and I could move freely in it. Off the trail, this winter it kept me warm on strolls around city streets without feeling overly bulky.

Warmth & Cosiness

In winter, the down filling makes for a warm day outdoors, and Rab has cleverly spread the down in small, quilted pockets that trap heat expertly across your body.  

That means it’s extra warm around your core and breathable where it needs to be. So, no cold spots or overheating areas!

Even in the coldest temperatures and windiest days, combining it with a base layer and fleece kept me toasty. And if you’re looking for a jacket that can be worn in spring and autumn, the Rab Microlight Alpine is equally wearable on chilly days in the shoulder seasons. Pair it with a thinner layer underneath.

Weatherproof

Filled with down that quickly soaks up water, the Rab Microlight Alpine is not a jacket to wear in a downpour – but that’s not what it’s for. The durable water-repellent (DWR) finish will handle a light shower, but this jacket is ultimately here to keep you warm, not dry. I’ve worn mines on freezing mountain summits and in strong winds and stayed perfectly cosy, which means this jacket will work for any outdoor activity on a freezing but dry day.

If you’re going to be outside for a prolonged amount of time and the weather looks even remotely dubious, wear the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket as a warm layer under a waterproof for extra protection against the elements. 

Style & Colours

As well as being practical, the Rab Microlight Alpine also looks incredible. It combines a smart fit with rich colours not always found in women’s outdoor gear: think steel blue, ochres, deep greens, and autumnal reds.

Personally, I like to have minimal gear that crosses over between everyday living and outdoor adventures; the Rab Microlight can just as easily be worn wandering town as in the hills, while not looking too “outdoorsy” for a trip to a countryside café or pub. 

Verdict

I suspect you’ve noticed in my Rab Microlight Alpine jacket review just how much I love this insulated jacket.

Nowadays, the Rab Microlight Alpine is my go-to warm jacket for winter hikes, walks, and cold-weather outdoor adventures – it’s a brilliantly warm piece of clothing. Whilst it’s pricey at just over £200, I think it’s absolutely worth it if you plan to get outdoors regularly on those cold days where you need a reliably warm jacket.

If you’re packing for winter, the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket is sure to keep you toasty warm.

 

 

 

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