Rab Alpha Flux Jacket | Review - Outdoors Magic

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Mid and Base Layers

Rab Alpha Flux Jacket | Review

Rab's Alpha Flux is a mid-layer option which works as an outer as well

Rab describe the Alpha Flux jacket as “a new breed” of garment, and it’s certainly true that this defies easy classification. But it’s this very versatility which makes this special, and has earned it its place in the Outdoor 100.

Essentially it’s a mid-layer, but it looks great and in warmer weather it serves equally well as your outer jacket. Whether you’re hillwalking, fell-running, climbing, mountaineering or ski touring, this is a useful piece of kit to stuff in your rucksack. And because it packs down small and only weighs 330 grams, it won’t take up much space or slow you down either.

The main reason the Alpha Flux is so versatile is that it’s warm, but also boasts excellent wicking properties. The insulation is made of a fabric called Polartec Alpha, which was originally developed for the US Special Forces. This means the inside of the jacket looks like a thick shag pile carpet.

“The shag pile-style Polartec Alpha might feel like the interior of Austin Powers’ apartment, but this lining is actually a hugely effective insulator.”

Polartec Alpha might feel like the interior of Austin Powers’ apartment, but this lining is actually a hugely effective insulator, trapping warm air between the fibres. At the same time, it’s highly breathable, moving moisture efficiently through the fabric and away from your body.

This, combined with its hydrophobic properties, means it dries quickly too. Although this isn’t waterproof, if you get caught in a shower, the synthetic insulation will continue to perform well and keep you warm.

The Rab Alpha Flux is a mid-layer, but it looks great and in warmer weather it serves equally well as your outer jacket. Photo: Chris Jackson.
The hood is designed to fit easily under a bike or climbing helmet. Photo: Chris Johnson
The cuffs (complete with thumb loops) are made of a stretchable fleece. Photo: Chris Johnson.
The pockets on the Alpha Flux jacket are set high so they're easy to access if you're wearing a harness. Photo: Chris Johnson

The Alpha Flux Jacket features a hood which is designed to fit easily under a bike or climbing helmet, two zip pockets, and a storm flap on the main zip – so you needn’t worry about the wind getting in when you’re wearing this as an outer layer.

The outer is a sort yet durable fabric which has a high level of breathability and the cuffs (complete with thumb loops) and side panels underneath the armpits are made of a stretchable fleece which features Polygeine, an anti-odour material which stops sweat from stinking.

Founded by legendary Sheffield-based climber Rab Carrington in the 1980s, Rab have a well-deserved reputation for making some of the best outdoor clothing on the market. This new and innovative garment looks set to continue that trend.  

Rab Alpha Flux Jacket

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