The only down jacket you’ll ever need: the Women’s Rab Microlight Alpine

The Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Jacket is a classic for a reason - it's just bloody good at what it does, which is keep you warm while looking and feeling fabulous. While it might be the uniform for a certain demographic (think Waitrose mums on holiday in the Lake District), there’s a solid reason for its popularity. Let's explore what makes this down jacket so enduringly popular for female outdoor enthusiasts.

Warmth to weight ratios

Weighing just 413 grams, the Microlight Alpine is incredibly lightweight for the warmth it provides. This is a hallmark of Rab’s expertise in technical outdoor gear—they have a lot of experience in packing serious insulating power into featherlight designs. The secret here lies in the 750 fill-power (FP) R.D.S.-certified European goose down.

Despite the insulation's relatively slim profile, it traps heat like a pro, making the jacket an excellent choice for a variety of cold-weather activities. Whether you’re heading out for a crisp winter walk, embarking on a chilly alpine ascent, or simply layering up for a casual day out, the Microlight Alpine is up to the task.

Compared to other jackets in its class, the Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Jacket also represents value for money. Sure, it's not exactly what you'd call cheap, but retailing at £210, it’s a more budget-friendly option than competitors in the high-performance down jacket market, many of which easily exceed the £250 mark. Seriously. For the level of warmth and technical features on offer, it punches well above its price point.

Features

The Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Jacket features a down-filled hood with a stiffened peak, providing both excellent warmth and weather protection. The hood ensures a snug fit that shields you from wind, and a bottom elastic drawstring keeps you cosy too.

Storage abounds here, with a zipped chest pocket perfect for keys and earphones, and two zipped handpockets which you can slide your hands in to keep them warm, as well as store more interesting things like sandwiches and gravel.

Materials

Lightweight doesn’t mean flimsy when it comes to the Rab Microlight Alpine. The Pertex Quantum fabric is impressively durable, resisting wear and tear even with regular use. We've had it on test since mid-October and are pleased to report that light rain or snow won’t dampen your day, while its ability to cut through wind provides added protection against the elements. This balance between durability and weight is a big part of why the jacket is so well-loved by outdoor enthusiasts.

Fit

What really sets the Microlight Alpine apart is its superb fit in comparison to other jackets. Designed with the female form in mind, the jacket features separately stitched side panels that contour the body, creating a slim and flattering silhouette.

This design isn’t just about aesthetics; it has a practical function as well. By reducing unnecessary empty space, the jacket retains heat more effectively, making it more efficient at keeping you warm. For women with larger busts, the tailored fit is a thoughtful touch, offering better comfort and functionality than many generic or unisex designs.

Versatility

The versatility of this jacket is another major selling point. It performs exceptionally well in outdoor settings, easily handling everything from brisk winter hikes to snow-dusted morning commutes. However, it also transitions seamlessly into urban environments. The compact design means you can stuff it down into its own stuff sack or a small space in your backpack when the sun decides to make a surprise appearance.

Adding to its appeal is the wide variety of colours it’s available in. Whether you prefer bold, two-tone shades that scream “outdoor adventurer” or neutral tones for everyday wear, there’s an option for every taste. This adaptability makes it a fantastic investment for anyone looking to get the most out of their outerwear.

Room for Improvement

Of course, no product is perfect, and the Rab Microlight Alpine is no exception. One common critique, particularly from climbers, is the snug fit of the hood. While it’s designed to fit comfortably over your head for most activities, it doesn’t quite accommodate a helmet.

For climbers or those participating in helmeted sports, this might pose a slight inconvenience. That said, this is a relatively minor issue for the majority of users, and for most other activities, the hood is perfectly adequate, offering good coverage and warmth.

Verdict

In summary, while it may not be the ideal pick for climbers needing helmet-compatible hoods, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise stellar product. If warmth, portability, and style are high on your priority list, the Rab Women’s Microlight Alpine Jacket is hard to beat.

It’s no wonder this jacket has achieved such iconic status—it genuinely delivers on every promise it makes, proving that good design, quality materials, and thoughtful functionality are always in fashion.

About the author

Fliss Freeborn is a writer for LFTO who loves nothing more than staying cosy outdoors. She tested this jacket, alongside several others, over serveral months in winter 2024.

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