Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

Bottom Line

We’ve loved this puffy for a long time. The Rab Microlight Alpine (men’s / women’s) is a solid pick for cold-weather adventures, balancing warmth, durability, and weather resistance. Its 700-fill hydrophobic down and Pertex Quantum shell do a great job of trapping heat while blocking wind. 

The wire-brimmed hood and adjustable hem add some extra protection when the weather turns. It’s got an athletic fit that moves well for activities like climbing and mountaineering, though the cut might not work for everyone. If you need a dependable, no-fuss down jacket for staying warm in harsh conditions, this one’s worth a look.

The main drawback is its weight and bulk. It’s a bit heavier and less packable than some competitors, but that’s the trade-off for its substantial weight in down fill and tough materials. The Microlight Alpine also offers great value as one of the least expensive jackets we tested.

We tested the Microlight Alpine on gusty ridge hikes in the Indian Peaks, snowy treks in Rocky Mountain National Park, and chilly mornings in the foothills near Boulder. It handled biting winds, light snowfall, and fluctuating temperatures with ease, keeping us warm and protected down into the mid to high 20s. For more options, check out our guide to the best down jackets.

How We Tested

We’ve logged thousands of miles in this jacket, taking it on countless backpacking trips, river trips, ski trips, and more. For the past six years, it’s been our go-to, everyday carry jacket. Lately, it’s been a staple on our weekly winter hikes and ski tours through the Colorado mountains.

Comfort

One of the main reasons we like the Rab Microlight Alpine so much is because of its comfort. Rab is known for its attention to detail in the construction of its products, and Microlight Alpine is a shining example. The Pertex Quantum shell and lining feel exceptionally soft compared to many of the jacket’s competitors, enhancing the overall wearing experience.

The small details really make a difference with this jacket. The elastic cuffs fit snugly without feeling restrictive, the sleeve length is just right, and the athletic cut provides a sleek fit that moves with your body during activities. The extra room in the upper body is appreciated during activities where mobility is important, like climbing. 

The whopping 5.4 oz. of 700 fill-power down insulation (while not the most compressible) adds a soft, plush feel, making it cozy to wear for extended periods. Features like the adjustable hem, wire-brimmed hood, and soft material protecting your neck and face when fully zipped further enhance comfort.

Whether you’re wearing it for a chilly morning climb or an afternoon on the slopes, the Microlight Alpine offers exceptional comfort, making it one of our favorite jackets for cold-weather adventures. It’s clear Rab designed this jacket with not only performance but also user comfort in mind.

Warmth

While not the warmest jacket we tested (that nod goes to the Microlight’s big brother, the Neutrino), the Microlight Alpine offers a good level of warmth for its size and weight. Packed with 5.4 ounces of 700-fill-power hydrophobic down, it provides reliable insulation in cold, dry conditions. The combination of this high-quality down and the 30D Pertex Quantum shell creates an excellent barrier against wind, ensuring that warmth stays trapped inside. We stayed warm in temperatures down to the mid-20s as long as we were moving. However, when standing still—such as in a belay scenario—we preferred temperatures closer to the mid-30s to stay comfortable.

The athletic fit of the jacket also enhances its thermal efficiency by reducing air gaps and keeping the down close to your body. Features like the wire-brimmed hood, elastic cuffs, and adjustable hem further help seal in heat, making it a great option for activities like climbing, mountaineering, and cold-weather hiking.

While the Microlight isn’t designed for extreme cold or prolonged stationary activities, it strikes a solid balance of warmth and mobility, making it ideal for three-season adventures or layering in harsher conditions.

Weight & Packability

The Microlight usually gets docked points for its weight and packability. Rab uses 5.4 ounces of 700-fill-power down, which makes the jacket cozy, warm, and affordable, but not the lightest or most compressible option. While Rab could save weight by using higher-fill-power down, this would inevitably drive up the price. The durable 30D Pertex Quantum shell also contributes to the weight but provides excellent windproofing and longevity, making it a worthwhile trade-off for certain users.

It compresses into its included stuff sack but won’t shrink down to the size of a water bottle like some lighter jackets. However, for those prioritizing durability and warmth over absolute packability, the Microlight Alpine remains a solid choice. It’s best suited for adventures where space and weight savings are important, but not critical.

Weather Resistance

The Rab Microlight Alpine offers decent weather resistance for a down jacket, though it’s not designed for prolonged exposure to wet conditions. Rab has implemented several features to help fend off the elements. The 30D Pertex Quantum shell is wind-resistant and treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish to shed light precipitation. While effective for brief encounters with rain or snow, DWR coatings, in general, don’t hold up well under sustained wet conditions.

To further combat moisture, Rab uses hydrophobic down treated with a Nikwax weather-resistant finish. This helps the down retain loft and warmth for longer in damp conditions, but like all down jackets, it will eventually clump and lose its insulating properties if exposed to too much rain.

Additional features, such as zippered pockets, provide added protection by keeping light moisture and wind at bay. The wire-brimmed hood is another thoughtful addition, effectively directing rain and melting snow away from your face, enhancing usability in wet conditions. While the Microlight Alpine isn’t designed to withstand heavy rain, it excels in handling light precipitation and windy weather, making it a reliable option for variable conditions.

Breathability

The Rab Microlight Alpine offers moderate breathability, making it a solid choice for cold-weather activities that don’t require extreme high-output effort. Its 30D Pertex Quantum shell balances durability and airflow, allowing some moisture to escape while maintaining insulation. However, as with most down jackets, its primary focus is warmth rather than breathability, so it can feel stuffy during intense activities like uphill climbs or ski touring.

The athletic cut enhances mobility but doesn’t provide much airflow, which can lead to overheating during sustained exertion. To mitigate this, Rab has incorporated smaller baffles in areas like the sides and underarms, where less insulation is needed and heat tends to build up, allowing for better heat dissipation.

For low to moderately-intensity activities like hiking, snowshoeing, or casual wear, the Microlight Alpine offers adequate breathability. For more strenuous adventures, pairing it with a highly breathable base layer or opting for a synthetic jacket may be more effective.

Should You Buy the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket?

After 6 years of thrashing in the outdoors with this puffy, we think it’s definitely a yes.

The Rab Microlight Alpine is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize warmth, durability, and comfort over ultralight design. Its combination of 700-fill hydrophobic down, a Pertex Quantum shell, and thoughtful features like a wire-brimmed hood and adjustable hem make it well-suited for activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and climbing in cold, windy conditions. The athletic cut enhances mobility, making it ideal for active pursuits. Additionally, we appreciate this jacket’s versatility as a “trail-to-town” option for everyday use.

That said, this jacket may not be the best choice for those seeking the lightest or most packable gear, as its heavier materials and substantial down fill prioritize insulation over weight savings. For its warmth, thoughtful features, and use of recycled materials, the Microlight Alpine offers great value, particularly for those who value durability and performance in challenging conditions.

What Other Down Jackets Should You Consider?

If you’re in the market for a down jacket but want to explore other options, you’re in luck! Below, we’ve highlighted a few alternatives to the Microlight Alpine, each offering unique features and benefits. Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive gear guide to down jackets for an in-depth look at the top picks!

Patagonia Down Sweater Review: The Microlight Alpine excels in weather resistance and technical performance with its Pertex Quantum shell and hydrophobic down, while the Patagonia Down Sweater focuses on simplicity, comfort, and versatility, making it ideal for everyday use and light outdoor activities. The Down Sweater Hoddy is a little more expensive but lighter weight. 

Rab Neutrino Review: The Rab Neutrino prioritizes maximum warmth with its higher-fill down, making it ideal for extreme cold and stationary use, while the Rab Microlight Alpine is lighter and more versatile, excelling in active pursuits like hiking and climbing. Both are made of similar top-quality materials. However, the neutrino is much heavier and more expensive due to its exceptional warmth. 

REI Magma 850 Down Hoody Review: The REI Magma 850 Down Hoody offers impressive warmth and packability at a lower price, making it a great value for ultralight enthusiasts. In contrast, the Rab Microlight Alpine provides better durability, fit and weather resistance, making it ideal for more rugged, technical adventures.