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What is the Kinetic Alpine Stretch Jacket?
The Kinetic Alpine Stretch Jacket is a highly breathable, stretchy and protective waterproof shell jacket designed for reliable weather protection without the stiff, restrictive feel often associated with conventional hardshell jackets.
Built from soft, stretchy 3-layer Pertex® Shield, the jacket moves naturally with the body and feels more like a softshell, helping maintain comfort on big mountain days, whether moutaineering, alpine climbing or ski-touring.
Materials & Technology
Pertex® Shield 3-Layer Construction
The Kinetic Alpine Stretch Jacket is built from 40D three-layer PERTEX® Shield, which is a soft, stretchy and highly breathable, waterproof fabric designed for low bulk protection in the mountains when weight, mobility and breathability are key.
The jacket's three-layer construction combines a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane, robust 40D polyamide face fabric with 4-way stretch and a soft backer. The 40-denier nylon outer offers good levels of abrasion resistance for regular use in the mountains while remaining lightweight and flexible enough not to hold you back on challenging ascents. The thin waterproof and windproof membrane provides reliable protection from the elements. A soft backer protects the waterproof membrane from abrasion and improves next-to-skin comfort and durability when worn over base layers.
Although the material is only 40 denier thick, it feels reassuringly sturdy and comfortable to wear for big mountain days, when the weather's not playing ball.
Waterproof Performance
This impressive Pertex® Shield material delivers an exceptional hydrostatic head rating of 30,000mm for dependable waterproof protection in prolonged wet conditions, and a breathability MVTR score of 25,000 g/m2/24hrs, to allow excess heat and moisture to easily escape throughout the day to keep you feeling comfortable on challenging routes and summit pushes.
4-Way Stretch Construction
The PERTEX® Shield outer fabric features a mechanical 4-way stretch, which, combined with pre-articulated arms, provides freedom of movement and mobility, making it super comfortable and practical for all manner of mountain pursuits in wet conditions. From hiking to alpine climbing, ski-touring to mountaineering, this fantastic waterproof shell jacket offers unrelenting protection and all-day comfort.
Fluorocarbon-Free DWR Finish
The outer fabric is finished with a fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating to encourage rain to bead off the jacket's surface rather than soaking into the face fabric (also known as wetting out). This further enhances the jacket's waterproof properties and helps protect the waterproof membrane, without the use of harmful forever chemicals.
Features and Functionality
Mountain-Ready Hood
A generous, helmet-compatible storm hood provides additional protection around the head and maximum shelter from the elements. The hood can easily be adjusted with the two-point adjustment system and cinched in over a beanie or a helmet, for added versatility both on and off the mountain.
RECCO® Reflector
The jacket features an integrated RECCO® reflector, which provides a passive transponder that helps make you visible to mountain rescue teams in the event of an avalanche or outdoor emergency.
It's a clever little bit of kit that you won't even notice you're wearing! Recco Reflectors don't need any activation, power or function to do their magic as they already consist of a diode and antenna. Each Recco Reflector is built to last and will not age; it would only ever wear out if it was mechanically damaged.
Venting for High-Output Use
Two-way full-length YKK® AquaGuard® pit zips provide effective ventilation, allowing you to quickly dump excess heat and moisture during demanding ascents and sustained efforts.
Technical Pocket Layout
For storage, you'll find two YKK® semi-concealed AquaGuard® chest pockets and a dedicated ski pass pocket that provide secure storage for your quick-access essentials. The pockets have been carefully positioned to remain easily accessible whilst wearing a backpack or climbing harness.
Internal Storage
There is also an additional internal mesh stuff pocket and an internal zipped pocket that provides secure storage options for spare gloves, a buff and a mobile phone, keeping them well sheltered from the elements.
Adjustable Cuffs and Hem
The jacket is finished with extended cuffs for added coverage across the wrists and hands when reaching or climbing, whilst hook-and-loop adjustments allow you to refine the fit around gloves or mitts.
A dual-sided adjustable hem helps trap warm air inside the jacket and seal out cold winds and snow, for maximum protection on exposed ridges.
Key Features
- Stretchy and breathable 3-layer Pertex® Shield for added protection in unpredictable weather
- Integrated RECCO® reflector, a passive transponder searchable to professional rescuers in the event of avalanche or outdoor emergency
- Mountain helmet-compatible 2-point hood offers superb protection and excellent visibility without feeling bulky
- 2-way YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® front zip
- 2-way full venting YKK® AquaGuard® pit zips
- 2 YKK® semi-concealed Aquaguard chest pockets and 1 ski pass pocket
- Internal mesh stuff pocket and internal zipped pocket
- Extended cuffs with hook-and-loop adjustment
- Dual-sided mitt-friendly fully adjustable hem
- Regular Fit
How does the Kinetic Alpine Stretch Jacket fit?
The Kinetic Alpine Stretch Jacket features Rab's regular fit, which is designed to provide the right amount of room for a technical layering system, without being overly big when worn with lighter layers.
The jacket's stretch construction and articulated cut are designed to maximise comfort and mobility during various technical mountain activities while allowing room for layering underneath.
What is the Kinetic Alpine Stretch Jacket best for?
- Ski touring
- Mountain walking and trekking
- Fast-moving alpine use
- Climbing approaches
- Shoulder-season adventures
- Technical mountain conditions