We provided TV production manager Jess with the classic Microlight Alpine to try. Here are her thoughts.
I recently had the opportunity to take the Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Jacket out for a spin. The jacket has endured wind, rain and temperature drops: during a 9-degree October hike on Dartmoor, a coastal walk in Dorset, standing on the hockey pitch sideline and generally out and about. If you’re getting the impression I wear it everywhere, you’re not wrong; it’s become my number one go-to.
Ethics & Sustainability
I’d love to begin with the impressive sustainability aspect; a remarkable 90% of the materials used in crafting The Microlight Alpine Jacket are sourced from recycled content. Brilliant! This leaves me with a positive impression before I even get it on.
I love ducks, so, up to now, wearing a down jacket has never been something that I was willing to consider. However after researching into this jacket, I’ve been pleasantly surprised and subsequently feel a lot better about wearing down from our feathered friends. This jacket uses 100% certified recycled down as opposed to virgin down. It’s important to note the certified. As a consumer it’s very hard to find out which companies are actually following an ethical and sustainable approach, but Rab have made the supply chain of the down that they source transparent and traceable, following standards set by leading outdoor brands and the international animal welfare charity, Four Paws. Thank you Rab, hopefully more companies will follow suit.
Comfort, Fit and Mobility
I went with a size 10 to ensure there was plenty of space for layering underneath. To provide some context; I’m 5ft 6, typically wear a size 8 & usually prefer my clothing on the looser side. I found the jacket provided exceptional comfort and I felt unrestricted; it’s an average length with a drop hem covering your bum and lower back from wind chill. There is room in the shoulders to move about freely and the sleeve length is perfect.
Aesthetics
The jacket has a tailored, slim fit and looks (if I do say so myself) great! I love the colour combination of the blue outer, the grey softer material on the inside of the upper zip and the orange interiors and zip pulls. It’s definitely a jacket I feel great wearing day-to-day as well as on a hike.
Recycled water resistant down 
Packs into its own hood 
Fleece chin guard for comfort
Performance & Weather Resistance
Packed with 700 fill power down the Microlight Alpine Jacket offers a good level of warmth. Rab use a type of Nylon, Pertex Quantum fabric, which is superlight and windproof, and I am told is carefully woven to trap still air. I don’t know much about the finer science behind it all, but I do know the jacket wraps me with warmth when the temperature drops.
A great feature of this jacket which contributes to its high performance is it’s gathered cuff on the sleeves which prevents cold air and rain dribbling in. Ingenious! The adjustable, down filled hood not only has a stiffened peak keeping the rain from my face but also seamlessly pairs with my Capacitor Hoody underneath. And although it’s only water resistant, I did unintentionally put it to through its paces when the heavens opened while walking through town. I was amazed to find I wasn’t wet and the jacket dried extremely quickly keeping me warm throughout the afternoon, largely thanks to the water repellent coating and the fact the down is Nikwax treated. Another big win for the Microlight Alpine Jacket.
In conclusion
This is a hugely versatile and trustworthy all-around jacket; it works superbly under a hardshell, over a fleece or simply paired with jeans. And it will still look fresh and feel great, even at the end of a long day when you are feeling exhausted!
