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What is the Microlight Windstopper Hooded Jacket?
The Microlight Windstopper is an updated version of one of Rab's classic down jackets. Now boasting the latest Gore-Tex Windstopper® ePE membrane for complete windproof protection and Rab's updated 700FP recycled down with Grangers Down Defend®. With high levels of protection and breathability, it's the ideal down jacket for year-round mountain use in changeable conditions.
What is it made from?
Insulation: For warmth, the Microlight Windstopper uses 146g 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.
Can't quite catch the lingo? Here's a quick break down.
Fill power - Fill power measures the warmth and efficiency of the down, alongside its ability to loft/fluff up. A rating of 700 fill power means that 1oz of this down fills 700 cubic inches of space when fully lofted. For a more detailed explanation, you can check out our YouTube video on fill power by clicking here.
Hydrophobic - Hydrophobic Down dries out and lofts quicker, resisting moisture from sweat that may build up as you warm up inside the jacket. Fluorocarbon-free Hydrophobic finishes don't use harmful chemicals that cause damage to the environment - an excellent feature for more eco-conscious adventurers.
Outer: The jacket's outer is constructed from 15D WINDSTOPPER® Products by Gore-Tex Labs. This lightweight 15D material is made from recycled polyamide (nylon) and is surprisingly durable for its weight, allowing the down insulation to loft effectively for maximum warmth with minimal weight and bulk. Backed with the latest Gore-Tex Windstopper® ePE membrane, it provides complete windproof protection to eliminate wind chill.
Windstopper® Products by Gore-Tex Labs blocks all wind, providing welcomed shelter and reducing wind chill on cold exposed routes. The technology still allows plenty of breathability, helping prevent moisture build-up inside the jacket, keeping you comfortable and managing temperature during intense activity. It uses Gore-Tex's latest ePE membrane, which is made without the use of PFAS/PFC chemicals and is finished with a fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water repellent) to encourage the fabric to shed moisture instead of soaking in. However, please note this does not make the jacket waterproof.
If you were wondering, PFAS/PFCs are per or poly-fluorinated chemicals, aka 'forever chemicals' that stay permanently in the environment and cause lasting damage to our ecosystems. This is why many companies are working towards a completely PFC-free future, and this latest ePE membrane from Gore-Tex® is a big step forward for the brand.
Lining: The jacket's lining is constructed from 20D Pertex® Quantum. It's made from recycled polyamide and uses tightly woven fibres for excellent wind resistance and durability, whilst still being lightweight and soft. It's designed to perfectly balance wind resistance and breathability, providing the ultimate performance for intense mountain missions. The Pertex® Quantum lining is effective at trapping still air, helping to warm the insulation and maintain its efficiency whilst creating a light, protective barrier from the elements.
What are its features?
Starting from the top, you'll find a helmet-compatible hood with a stiffened peak to shield you from the elements. The hood is fully insulated and adjustable, allowing it to be cinched in around the face to keep you warm and toasty without obstructing your field of vision.
The jacket is fastened with a simple YKK® VISLON® front zip with an insulated full-length baffle to prevent warm air from escaping through the jacket and cold winds from getting in.
For storage, there are three external zippered pockets, two hand pockets and one concealed chest pocket. They offer ample space for keeping various trail essentials close to hand without the worry of them slipping out of your pocket mid-hike.
This jacket features a zoned micro and nano baffle stitch through construction, which helps reduce weight and increases packability, whilst technically advanced 'switch-back' seams on the body help reduce water ingress.
Finally, an adjustable bottom hem and stretch cuffs aid thermal retention by helping to trap warm air inside the jacket and keeping cold winds out.
Features
- Zoned micro and nano baffle stitch-through construction
- Adjustable helmet compatible hood with stiffened peak
- YKK® VISLON® front zip with insulated storm flap
- YKK® concealed zip chest pocket
- 2 YKK® VISLON® zipped hand pockets
- Drawcord adjustable hem
- Stretch panel cuff for optimum fit
- Fit: Slim