Got mine through this morning, and have to say first impressions are very good.

It's a great fit, seems well made and is far too warm in this weather!!

Despite not having a DWR outer, it did bead the water well (thankfully!) when caught out by a rain cloud!

Just waiting for the snow now...

Bring it with you this weekend so that I can try it for size

Not going to be able to make it this w/e after all :(

I've got the XL and it's a nice length on me. It might be a bit short on you Frank. Anyway, it'll be travelling with me all winter and as I'm planning on spending a fair bit of time up in the Lakes I suspect you'll see it before long!

looks like my Xmas present from the wife on Gannymede is sorted.

CCD, I'm surprised the XL fits, I tried the large at Brotherswater and it seemed to fit ok, and I'm just thinking back to Langorse and trying to think how much bigger than me you were..

still, selling a Rab jacket, XL, on ebay as it was always too large. Going to buy an Alpkit instead, but you got me worried about the size now..

Would it possible to treat the outer with a waterproof coating of some sort?

Maybe you should look at the Lafuma Cosy Down Jacket. It's available online, has a decent DWR so you don't need to mess around treating it, is a reputable brand and is tried and tested in the field. Plus if you shop around online you should find it at around the same price - incredible!

Oh man, he's got an Alpkit already, don't drag him down the hill with a Lafuma. I mean Lafuma, really...

(do they make big tents?)

So, Bob, would you recommend the XL for me?
Easy now...

mm, not sure Mikey. I think I'm shrinking, but Rab XL is too big for me. Looking forward to catching up with you tomorrow :)

Biggest outdoor manufacturer in Europe mate. Didn't get there by the grace of god.

Oh no, quick vote then - hands up if you've heard of Lafuma.

Bob, bring Rab, may buy, maybe, MB

I've heard of them but don't really think I'd buy anything from them. Seen the Alpkit stuff at Brotherswater and it rocks, that gets my vote!

Have to admit looks like reasonable VFM. Wouldn't rate it against the Rab though - different ball-park. And why is it only available on the net. Can't I try it in a shop?

Had a gander at your jacket Bob; I think the Alpkit will be better for ne as it is a bit longer, I'll probably order a blue one when they come out...dont want to look like a Liverpool club bouncer esp with me new haircut, and I want to compare it against Helly Hansen one I already have.
weather starry and crisp in Murkeyside tonight with a slightNW wind

No probs Mikey, I tried the Alpkit on and really liked it, the Rab is just too big for me. Mind you, the Rab is longer on me back than the Alpkit...

Try the Montane Lava. Supercool, super warm and waterproof!!! Ten times better than any other stuff you're looking at and a great door jacket come the winter.

Bob, the XL is a reasonablw fit on me with just a baselayer, and there would be no way I could go smaller and still use it as a stop/belay jacket over other layers. I'm roughly a 43-45" chest if that helps.

Was considering DWR'ing it, probably with a spray-on to save the hassle of washing the down!

I'd been considering getting a Rab Endurance, but I actually prefer this (other than the lack of waterproofing) as I prefer the fit and it doesn't make me feel so much like the marshmallow man. And you can keep the Lafuma, thanks all the same!

Bob tried on the large at Brotherswater and he was happy with the fit THEN but it takes him a long time to make a decision :o)