What is the Microlight Vest?
The Rab Microlight Vest is a versatile, lightweight, insulated down gilet, designed to keep your core warm whilst adding minimal bulk to your technical layering system. It's ideal for when you don't quite need a full down jacket, but need a boost of warmth when hiking, hillwalking, climbing and general mountain use in cool conditions.
This updated version builds Rab's long-standing icon, featuring the same dependable warmth and packability, now with a refined design and an even more responsible construction.
Materials & Technology
Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus® Outer
The Microlight Vest uses an exclusive, fully recycled Pertex® Quantum fabric with NetPlus® yarn made from recycled fishing nets.
NetPlus® is developed in partnership with Bureo, which collects discarded fishing nets from coastal communities and recycles them into high-performance nylon yarn. This helps tackle one of the most harmful forms of ocean plastic pollution while reducing reliance on virgin fossil fuels. But don't worry, this isn't a compromise for the sake of sustainability. Pertex® NetPlus fabrics are engineered to match the same durability, strength and performance standards as traditional Pertex® materials, meaning you get the same wind resistance, packability and reliability as before.
The fabric itself uses a blend of finer 20D yarns in one direction and tougher 30D yarns in the other, which creates a tight weave that keeps the material's weight low, without impacting its levels of durability.
Overall, the materials offer the same lightweight, wind-resistant performance as before, just with an even more responsible and slightly lighter construction, still made for general mountain use.
700 Fill Power Recycled Hydrophobic Down
For warmth, the Microlight Vest is filled with 111g of 700FP recycled down with Grangers hydrophobic finish for maximum loft (fluffiness) and warmth. This Recycled Down is made from a mix of different types of reclaimed down within the vest, creating a unique, much more responsible type of insulation.
If you're a little unsure about what down actually is, it is made up of clusters of tiny feather strands that trap heat. As the down lofts (fluffs up) it can trap more warmth than if it were to be compacted into a small space. Most down insulation comes from ducks and geese, and Rab's recycled down uses a mixture of both.
The down is treated with a Grangers fluorocarbon-free Hydrophobic finish called Grangers Down Defend®. This hydrophobic down treatment is bluesign® approved and helps keep down lofted in damp conditions. It gives the down over 375x more durability than untreated down, extending the lifespan of your vest.
Fluorocarbon-Free DWR Finish
The outer is finished with a fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating to provide light water resistance for added protection in changeable weather conditions. However, please note that this does not make the vest waterproof - we always recommend carrying a waterproof shell for wet conditions.
Features and Functionality
Refined Micro & Nano Baffle Construction
One of the key updates of this latest Microlight Vest is the combination of micro and nano stitch-through baffles. This change helps to improve heat retention in key areas while maintaining maximum mobility and helping prevent cold spots from forming over time. This clever dual-baffle construction delivers more efficient warmth without increasing the vest's weight or bulk.
Lightweight Insulated Zip
The vest is fastened with a lightweight YKK® centre front zip with an insulated zip baffle to help reduce heat loss through the zip while keeping weight and bulk to a minimum.
Same Reliable Pocket Layout
For storage, you'll find two zipped hand pockets and a chest pocket offering ample storage for your daily essentials, such as a mobile phone, gloves, and snacks.
Packable Performance
Just like the previous model, the Microlight Vest is highly compressible, packing down into its own pocket for compact storage when not in use and taking up minimum space in your pack. However, please note that we recommend storing your down vest fully lofted at home to protect the down and extend its lifespan.
Adjustable Hem
The vest features an adjustable drawcord hem that allows you to tailor the fit over various layers to maximise warmth and help seal out cold drafts.
Key Features
- Lightweight Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus®, a fabric yarn made from fully traceable post-consumer recycled fishing nets
- Zoned micro and nano baffle construction for increased down loft, optimising heat retention
- Lightweight YKK® centre front zip with insulated zip baffle
- YKK® zipped hand pockets and large zipped chest pocket
- Integrated packaway pocket with clip-in loop
- Drawcord adjustable hem
How does the Microlight Vest fit?
The Microlight Vest features Rab's regular fit, which is designed to sit comfortably over base and midlayers. It's trim enough to layer under a shell but not restrictive, making it versatile across different layering systems.
What is the Microlight Vest best for?
- Hillwalking and mountain hiking
- Climbing and mountaineering
- Cool, dry conditions
- Layering under a waterproof shell
- High-output activities