Features

The recycled down fill Rab have used here has a pretty decent 700 fill power rating, and, in the classic style for lightweight down jackets, it’s housed within narrow stitched-through baffles made from Pertex Quantum Ripstop Nylon. The climber-focussed hood is designed to fit comfortably underneath a helmet and can be cinched in around the head using the dual adjustment toggles around the chin. More adjustments to the jacket can be made via a toggle around the hem, while the cuffs just feature standard elastic rims. 

As for pockets, you have two medium-sized zipped handwarmers and then a large zipped pocket on the inside of the jacket that’ll hold an OS map or a pair of gloves. 

The Microlight Alpine can be stowed away into a little stuff sack that comes with it. Rather handily, this has a little loop on the outside of it, giving you the potential to clip it onto a harness or onto your backpack.

Performance

At 466g this isn’t the lightest of down jackets within its category but it’s certainly not the heaviest either. While I’ve found it warm enough for a bunch of wild camps from August through to the start of October, I would say it’s not quite as warm as the last Microlight and that’ll be down to the fact that the down fill has gone from 750 fill power down to 700. Recycled down still has a bit of a way to go before matching the virgin stuff, but positive steps are at least being taken.

One thing that’s been particularly impressive about the Microlight Alpine is the water resistance of its fill. That’s all thanks to its Nikwax Hydrophobic Down+ treatment which I mentioned further up. You’re not going to want to wear this right through a really long and heavy downpour, but it’ll get you through some fairly miserable showers, something that’s not usually a possibility with most down jackets. 

As for the fit and cut, it’s the same classic Rab design with an athletic trim and slightly long arms with articulation at the armpits so you can reach up while climbing without the hem rising. I’m normally a size M in jackets and I found this M fitted perfectly.

Conclusion

As you’d expect from a mid weight insulator, the Microlight Alpine isn’t going to be the thing to bank on as your main insulator during a blizzard in Scotland, but it’ll be perfect for hikes or climbs on brisk days or for those three-season wild camps. Stowed away in its stuff sack, it’s smaller than a medium-sized loaf of bread so it’s certainly packable as well – the kind of thing you’ll be glad to be able to reach for when the wind picks up unexpectedly. 

It’s also good to see the steps Rab have taken to make the Microlight an eco-friendlier offering for those conscious of the impact of their product choices. If you’re not into down, even if it is recycled, it’s worth looking into the Rab Cirrus Alpine which is basically a fully synthetic version of this.

One final note to add in after a few more outings in this: I have noticed that the down proofing isn’t great and that’s a surprise considering the quality Pertex fabric that’s featured.

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