What's It For?
Although it's a down jacket, the Microlight Alpine, and Rab's other variations on the theme - a hoodless jacket and vest in both men's and women's versions - are ultra-lightweight, very compressible, insulation that can be used in spring and autumn as well as winter. Ideal for anyone who wants warmth with as little weight and bulk as possible, from lightweight alpinists through to backpackers.
The Techy Bits
The Microlight gets its name and its lightness from the Pertex Microlight outer fabric, which is super lightweight. The filling itself is high lofting 750+ fill power down, just 165 grammes of it, and the narrow baffles hold it in position more effectively than the much wider channels used on traditional down jackets.
How It Performed
The Microlight Alpine has really excelled in the recent cold, dry conditions we've been experiencing. The tiny pack size and low weight mean it can sit unobtrusively in your pack before being pulled out for stops on the trail or evening campsite or hut use.
It's warm enough - about the equivalent of a warm fleece, and also scored by being effectively windproof. The hood on the alpine version is great for a little bit of extra noggin warmth as well and the wired peak keeps things in shape.
It's cut big enough to go over a standard mid-layer, for us at least, and the twin handwarmer pockets take the chill off your digits when standing around. You can also layer it under a shell if needed, but we honestly think you're better off using a microfleece for any sort of active use as breathability is limited and down hates dampness.
A propos of which, for more knockabout, UK use in damp conditions, you'd arguably be better off with the heavier - 490 gramme - Primaloft-filled Rab Photon Hoodie or the slightly lighter 340 gramme Rab Generator Smock. The Microlight has better warmth to weight than either, but get it wet either while being worn or in your pack and it simply won't loft. Primaloft works significantly better in these conditions.
If you do want to use a Microlight in the UK, we'd suggest sticking to hut and tent use and making sure it's stowed in a waterproof stuff sac during the day.
Verdict
In cold, dry conditions the Microlight is absolutely brilliant. It's closer to warm fleece levels of insulation than a traditional down jacket, which makes it useable in spring and autumn as well as winter, but don't be fooled into thinking it's ultra-warm, as it's not.
We wouldn't suggest it for regular active use in the sense of wearing it while moving and you also need to accept that it won't get on with water, but if you're prepared to carry and wear carefully, the pay-off is a lot of warmth for the weight.
And did we mention that it looks cool too? Particularly the men's version in 'acid' pictures and the pink women's option.
