This new jacket for 2016 is an updated version of the original Vapour-Rise Lite Alpine Jacket and retains all the performance characteristics with a couple of design tweaks and upgrades. Rab Carrington (as in the "Rab" in Rab!) originally devised the Vapour-Rise concept by combining the technology of high wicking micro fleece and Pertex Equilibrium fabrics to produce a single garment with a 2 layer construction that offers superb weather protection and immense breathability.
This is a supremely lightweight and highly breathable hooded jacket that is perfect for active mountain pursuits where breathability and protection are your main priorities. This fantastic garment offers lightweight insulation and works equally well as an outer jacket or as a warm midlayer. The VR Alpine Jacket offers year round protection for mountain activities by balancing comfort, windproofing, weather resistance and breathability; what more could you need?
The 2 layer Vapour-Rise technology uses your body heat to act as a pump working with the micro fleece brushed lining to push moisture away from your skin and move it to the face fabric. Pertex Equilibrium face fabric has larger filaments on the inside and smaller filaments on the outside. The laws of capillary action dictate that moisture will move from large filaments to smaller ones, pulling your sweat away from the lining and spreading it out over the large outer surface area. This evaporative heat loss and moisture wicking create a temperature equilibrium to keep you comfortable and dry in all conditions. Finally a robust DWR treatment on the outside repels water.
The Vapour Rise Alpine Jacket features a revised hood that is now fully helmet compatible, it has a proper wired peak and Rabs brilliant design, which I personally think is one of the best. You also get two chest pockets that wont interfere with your pack or your harness and an internal zipped pocket. The cuffs have also has a re-design and now feature improved anti-snag hook and loop closures, the old ones did have a habit of catching on the face fabric so this is a welcome upgrade.
Because the Vapour-Rise Alpine Jacket breathes so well it works perfectly as mid layer under your hardshell if the weather turns really nasty. Because of the brushed nature of the lining fabric we recommend using the a smooth faced base layer under your Vapour Rise garments as the smooth fabric will glide against the lining and maximises the wicking properties.
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Pertex Equilibrium outer
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Wicking micro fleece drop liner
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Fully adjustable helmet compatible hood with wired peak and roll down anti-snag Velcro tab
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2 way YKK front zip with internal storm flap and chin guard
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2 x YKK zipped Napoleon pockets, left one doubles as a stuff sack.
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1 x zipped internal pocket
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Anti-snag Velcro cuff adjustment
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Hem drawcord
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Reflective trim
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Slim fit