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What is the Microlight Alpine Hoody?
Rab's Microlight Alpine Hoody is a classic, lightweight, insulated down jacket designed for 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, enhanced fit and an even more responsible construction. It's still a hugely versatile and reliable jacket that works superbly as an insulating layer as part of your overall technical layering system.
Materials & Technology
Recycled Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus® Outer
The Microlight Alpine 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 Alpine is filled with 137g 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 jacket, 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 jacket.
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 jacket 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 Alpine 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 jacket's weight or bulk.
Updated Hood Design
The fully insulated hood has also been updated for a refined fit a stiffened peak to help keep light rain and snow away from your face. The hood is also adjustable to allow you to cinch it in close for maximum thermal retention in windy, exposed conditions.
Same Reliable Pocket Layout
For storage, you'll find two zipped hand pockets and a chest pocket offering ample storage for your daily essentials. The pockets have been positioned to still be accessible when wearing a backpack or climbing harness.
Adjustable Hem and Cuffs
Elasticated cuffs ensure maximum insulation around the wrists, whilst providing a comfortable fit around bulky gloves to effectively seal in the warmth and keep out the weather. At the bottom, you get a drawcord at the hem to tailor the fit over various layers to maximise warmth and help seal out cold drafts.
Packable Performance
Just like the previous model, the Microlight Alpine Jacket 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, we always recommend storing your down jacket fully lofted at home to protect the down and maintain its lifespan.
Key Features
- Lightweight Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus®, a fabric yarn made from fully traceable post-consumer recycled fishing nets
- 700 fill power recycled hydrophobic down insulation
- Zoned micro and nano baffle construction for increased down loft, optimising heat retention
- Adjustable hood with integrated peak offers personalised fit for when the weather rolls in
- Articulated sleeves for improved fit and comfort
- 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
- Elasticated cuffs and drawcord adjustable hem
How does the Microlight Alpine Hoody fit?
The Microlight Alpine Hoody features an updated, refined fit which feels even better on than previous versions, providing better movement throughout the arms and shoulders. However, please note, this doesn't affect the size of the jacket, so just choose your regular size.
What is the Microlight Alpine Hoody best for?
- Hillwalking and mountain hiking
- Climbing and mountaineering
- Cold, dry conditions with variable weather
- Layering under a waterproof shell
- Everyday outdoor use in cooler months