 Which one is the best out of the three in terms of warmth, value, pack size and of course most importantly - style (outdoor gear needs to be multi purpose these days to justify its existance - must be good for going to football/pub etc)
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 I have a RAB Photon. It is really warm and has a great cut and fit for movement when climbing or walking or sitting still. Packs very small into it's little stuff sac and is still really squashable. Keeps the wind off reasonably and has a great zip for venting if you get too warm. It is really light as well.
I love it!!!
( oh and they are cheap @ Tower Ridge Direct online ~ £68)
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Cheers Richard.
What would say is the packed size of the photon ?
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 I've got an infinity lite. Warm, errr...light but a good bit dearer than the photon.
I've worn it off the hill without getting any funny looks so it's ok for casual use.
Packs up really small as well. I like it although I've toyed with the idea of getting a Coal. Maybe after Christmas :o)
KD
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I had a look at the infinity lite and it was a good fit - its quite a bit lighter than the photon and so I wonder whether its as warm.
Can I ask why you are considering getting a Coal when you've already got the inf. lite ?
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You sure can :O)
The Lite isn't quite warm enough for me at this time of year.
Normally I carry a down jacket which is great when the weather's cold and dry but not so good in the wet.
The Coal would be probably be a bit more resistant to damp Scottish winters. And they're under £60 :o)
IIRC, Chris Townsend quite liked the Coal but that was a couple of years ago.
Let us know what you decide to go for.
Cheers
KD
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I am struggling to think of a decent comparative object.
About the size of litre sig bottle only fatter and squashier. Think it would go smaller if I could be bothered trying, but pretty small for what it is.
Hope that makes sense.........
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I tend to just stuff warm layers into the top of my bag. Couldn't guess at the pack size as I've never tried to get it into the stuff sac (which IS pretty small btw).
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 Get Photon Hoodie so you can tell me how you like it...
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 The Coal is quite a bit warmer than the Photon or the Infinity Lite. I carry it in damp weather between late October and May.
The Photom/Infinity Lite are about as warm as 300 weight fleece. I'd say the Coal is as warm as two 300 weight fleeces.
The Coal is cheap because it's been discontinued. The replacement jacket - the Belay - is shorter and has a fixed rather than a detachable hood. I prefer the Coal for the length.
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in reply to Chris:
Many thanks for your comprehensive reply. It seems that the photon & infinity are pretty much similar but that the Coal is a real winter jacket. Being a bit of a 3 season only lad, I think I'll chose between the photon and infinity.
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Yes, if you're not likely to be out when it's below freezing the Photon or Infinity Lite should be fine. Both are much lighter and less bulky than the Coal. Of the different Photons my preference is for the Hoodie because of the hood and the full length zip.
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I purchased a Rab Photon Hoodie and it is absolutely fantastic.....I am just back from a weeks skiing in the Alps....it was quite cold but all I ever needed to wear was a 260 Icebreaker longsleeve baselayer and the Photon.
It packs down to nothing and yet delivers in the insulation dept beyond belief.
Can't comment on the other two!
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I've gotta admit to being a bit of a Rab freak. Bought the Rab belay jacket for winter, and generator smock for the rest of the time. I can't see me really going that lightweight in winter to worry about the weight, but in summer I'm begining to count grammes.... Very happy with both of them, but don't have experience of the others to compare to I'm afraid. Belay jacket on top of Helvelyn in the snow and v strong winds last Feb was very nice and snug (need to buy warmer trousers though cos of the high front cut) whilst my mates were freezing wearing everything they had. Generator smock was perfect for the ridgeway in Oct when stopped, and makes a perfect pillow when you pack it away into its own pocket.
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Jings! A veritable blast from the past  I'm still using the Infinity Light (the same one) as a year-round insulation piece and I did end up getting the Coal Parka. Several years down the line and I can't fault either of them.
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Had the photon hoodie for 3 years now.What a great jacket. Used mainly for summer alpine trips Great for early starts when its below freezing..Also for evenings around campsite as especially cold this summer.Great for sleeping in also when travelling light bivving with 1 season sleeping bag.keep it on till you warm up packs small.
Also carry as spare top in winter so versatile.Not checked out the latest Rab kit yet.Still got a few years left with the Photon.
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