What is the Photon Pro?
The Photon Pro is synthetically insulated jacket designed to be used during cold, wet mountainous activities. It offers bucket loads of warmth without the hassle thanks to a fully recycled Stratus insulation.
What is it made of?
Insulation: Starting with the stuff that keeps you warm, Rab place their very own Stratus synthetic insulation inside the Photon in different quantities depending on where you need the most warmth. For example, the body features 140g/m2, while the sides get 80g/m2 and the hood and arms get 100g/m2. This ensures the weight it kept to a minimum, yet warmth isn't sacrificed. To top it off, this insulation is made from recycled polyester, so you're doing your bit for the environment as well.
Outer fabric: Protecting you and the insulation is a durable Atmos Pro 20D ripstop nylon with a durable water repellent coating. This fabric is fully windproof, highly water resistant and tough enough to deal with years of regular use. Despite its protective credentials, it only weighs 39g/m2, so it makes up very little of the jacket's overall weight.
What are the features?
Rab have always produced brilliant hoods, and the Photon follows that trend. A fully adjustable, helmet compatible hood with a wired peak boosts warmth when stationary and is ideal for belaying and lunch stops. Concealed hood adjusters allow you to adjust the volume and don't slap you in the face when undone, while a two-way front zip allows you to layer the Photon over a climbing harness or simply answer the call of nature. Other useful features include two large chest pockets, two hand warmer pockets, zip toggles which can be adjusted easily even with bulky gloves, two internal dump pockets, an insulated baffle in the neck to reduce heat loss, part-elasticated cuffs with velcro adjustment, a hem drawcord and lastly an included stuffsack.
How does it fit?
It features Rab's 'regular' fit, meaning there's plenty of room if you want to stick it over additional layers, yet it can be cinched down to fit nicely when just wearing a baselayer underneath. A dropped hem provides greater coverage.
Where does it fit in the layering system?
The Photon is primarily designed to be used as an outer layer; a layer to stick over everything to provide tonnes of warmth when stationary or moving slowly. If you really wanted to, you could stick a shell over the top if the weather is particularly foul.
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Adjustable helmet compatible hood
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Recycled insulation
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Ripstop nylon outer fabric
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Concealed hood adjusters
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Two chest pockets
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Two hand pockets
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Hem adjustment
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Large toggles work with bulky gloves
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Stuffsack included