Review: Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket

Thinking about buying the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket? This is my honest review of the women’s Microlight Alpine, after two years’ of testing this extremely cosy, insulated jacket.

Gearing up for day outdoors and need a new adventure ready jacket? Then meet the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket. Designed for warmth, weight, and packability, this insulated jacket will keep you cosy in the coldest conditions.

I’ve been wearing my Rab Microlight Alpine for two years’ now, testing it everywhere from the mountains to the city to the blustery top deck of a ferry.

Here are my thoughts and a full review on Rab’s ever popular eco-friendly jacket.

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket Review

The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket, £210, might be expensive but it’s also one of the warmest and most versatile jackets I’ve ever worn.

Firstly, it’s light weight (the Rab Microlight Alpine weights just 413kg) but this hides how toasty and warm this jacket really is - it’s cosy from the moment you put it on and stands up the coldest temperatures. Yet it isn’t bulky, instead packing down into a small stuff sack that stores easily in your hiking pack or road trip duffel.

I was also impressed with the Microlight Alpine’s sustainable credentials, so you can make an eco-conscious choice as well as staying warm. The jacket has a 700-fill of fully P.U.R.E recycled down, as well as recycled outer and inner linings, made from Pertex and nylon.

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket:
Useful Features

What I really love about the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket are the amount of brilliantly useful features - and that’s important when you’re spending just over £200.

The cuffs are elasticated to keep the elements out and the stiffened peak hood stays put in even the strongest winds. Even better, the hood fits a helmet, whilst the large pockets are harness friendly - perfect for both hillwalking and mountaineering on those chilly days.

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket:
Fit

The fit on the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket is excellent too. Roomy enough for layers of fleece underneath, fitted enough to still feel flattering, long enough to cover your bum for extra warmth. I also find my rucksack fits comfortably over the top.

But it’s not overly bulky, and is a perfect option for a cosy city jacket as well as an outdoor layer.

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket:
Warmth

In winter, the down filling makes for a warm day outdoors, and Rab have cleverly spread the down in small, quilted pockets that trap heat expertly across your body.  

That means it’s extra-warm around your core and breathable where it needs to be. So, no cold bits and no overheating bits!

Even in the coldest temperatures and windiest days I found combining with a base layer and fleece kept me toasty. After something for spring and autumn? The Rab Microlight Alpine jacket is equally wearable on chilly days in the shoulder seasons - just pair with a thinner layer underneath.

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket:

Weatherproof

Filled with down that quickly soaks up water, the Rab Microlight Alpine is not a jacket to wear in a downpour – but that’s not what it’s for. The durable water-repellent (DWR) finish will handle a light shower, but this jacket is ultimately here to keep you warm, not dry. I’ve worn mines on freezing mountain summits and in strong winds and stayed perfectly cosy, which means this jacket will work for any outdoor activity on a freezing but dry day.

If you’re going to be outside for a prolonged amount of time and the weather looks even remotely dubious, wear the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket as a warm layer under a waterproof for extra protection against the elements. 

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket:
Style

As well as being practical, the Rab Microlight Alpine also looks incredible, combing a smart fit with rich colours not always found in women’s outdoor gear; think steel blue, ochres, deep greens, and autumnal reds.

Personally, I like to have minimal gear that crosses-over between everyday living and outdoor-adventures; the Rab Microlight can just as easily be worn wandering town as in the hills, whilst not looking too “outdoorsy” for a trip a countryside café or pub. 

Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket:
Verdict

I suspect you’ve noticed in my Rab Microlight Alpine jacket review just how much I love this insulated jacket.

Nowadays, the Rab Microlight Alpine is my go-to warm jacket for winter hikes, walks, and cold-weather outdoor adventures – it’s a brilliantly warm piece of clothing. Whilst it’s pricey at just over £200, I think it’s absolutely worth it if you plan to get outdoors regularly on those cold days where you need a reliably warm jacket.

If you’re packing for winter, the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket is sure to keep you toasty warm.