What is it?
Thef Valiance Jacket from Rab is basically a 800FP narrow box wall down jacket that has been fitted with a fully waterproof and breathable shell. This is the perfect winter jacket for those days when you wouldn't dream of taking out your precious down jacket for fear of it getting soaked; effectively rendering it useless. It is a reliable and versatile high performance winter jacket that will cope with the worst that mother nature can throw at it.
What is it made of?
Insulation: Rab have filled the Valiance with 170g of 800FP superior European Hydrophobic Goose Down. This high quality and sustainable insulation has a very impressive 800 fill power and is controlled throughout the garment with a bonded narrow box-wall construction. The innovative bonded baffles create a much smoother outer that sheds rain better than traditonally stitched baffles; basically the water cannot soak into the stitching as there isn't any! Bonding the baffles also reduces weight and improves the appearance of the jacket by creating a flatter finish.
Rab use Hydrophobic down in all their down jackets; basically each and every cluster of down is treated with Nikwax products to make them perform better in damp conditions. Although Hydrophobic down is not waterproof, it dries much faster, absorbs less water and retains loft far better than untreated down. In the case of the Valiance Jacket, the use of Hydrophobic down is a bit "belt and braces" as it has a completely waterproof shell, but it does help to stop the down from clumping if you are sweating hard inside the jacket. To further enhance the wet weather performance of this brilliant Jacket Rab have used a synthetic insulation in the hood and cuffs; these are the areas that are prone to wetting out from wind blown rain and snow or from wet hair and sweat. The synthetic filling will continue to insulate even when soaked and resists repeated compression.
Membrane: The reliable Pertex Shield outer fabric is 100% waterproof, all seams are taped, and it is highly breathable, so you can use this super warm jacket for mountain activities in extreme conditions or just as an everyday warm winter coat.
What are the features?
As well as high performance construction techniques, quality fabrics and fillings you also get a full feature set including a fixed helmet compatible hood with wired peak, YKK VISLON front zip with insulated baffle, YKK Aquaguard zipped hand pockets and a YKK zipped internal security pocket. To seal out the elements the wrists have hook and loop closures and there is a hem drawcord.
How does it fit?
As an insulating layer, it is designed to be a close, snug fit, yet features enough room to layer up underneath on the particularly chilly days. The rear of the jacket features a slightly dropped hem and the jacket has a flattering, tapered waist. The Valiance uses Rab's 'Regular Fit' so this means you'll have a bit of wiggle room, so it'll easily fit an extra layer or two on underneith.
Where does it fit in the layering system?
The Valiance is primarily designed as an outer shell, which means it works well to protect you from strong winds on cold days, right up to torrential downpours, but also has all of the 'pros' you get from chunky down jackets - this means it's not only the ideal piece for frosty, bitter, clear mornings, but it's also a great piece on rainy days - not something we usually say for down jackets!
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Pertex Shield fully taped waterproof outer
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Innovative bonded narrow box-wall construction
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100% nylon lining
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800FP R.D.S Certified European Goose Down
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Rab flurocarbon free Hydrophobic down
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Synthetic insulated hood, helmet compatible with wired peak
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YKK VISLON front zip with internal baffle
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2 YKK Aquaguard zipped hand warmer pockets
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1 YKK zipped internal security pocket
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Synthetic insulated slimline cuffs with hook and loop adjustable closure
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Oversize drawcord at hem and rear of hood
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Stuffsack
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Regular fit