Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket - Tempest Blue - L
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NevisportRab Women's Blue Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
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Product Information
Full details
The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket is an essential piece of gear for outdoor enthusiasts and alpine explorers, offering exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and reliable performance in damp, windy conditions. Its key win is the hydrophobic 700-fill down, which maintains insulation even when wet, making it highly versatile for climbing, hiking, and general outdoor use. However, users should note that while it is water-resistant, it is not fully waterproof for prolonged heavy rainfall.
All features
| Age Group | adult |
|---|---|
| Colour | Blue |
| Gender | Female |
| Material | Polyester |
| Size | L |
| Model Part Number | QDB-13-TMB-14 |
| Brand | Rab |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Is the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket fully waterproof?
No, the jacket is water-resistant and windproof thanks to its Pertex Quantum fabric and DWR finish. It will shed light rain and snow, but it is not designed to be fully waterproof for prolonged heavy downpours.
How should I wash my Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket?
Wash the jacket using a specialist down cleaner (e.g., Nikwax Down Wash Direct) on a gentle cycle at 30°C. Avoid conventional detergents. Tumble dry on a low heat with dryer balls to restore the down's loft. Ensure it is completely dry before storing.
What does '700-fill down' mean?
700-fill power refers to the quality of the down. It indicates that one ounce of this down fills 700 cubic inches of space, providing excellent insulation for its weight and superior warmth.
Can I wear this jacket in damp conditions?
Yes, the jacket features Nikwax hydrophobic treated down, which is designed to resist moisture and retain its loft and warmth much better than untreated down when exposed to dampness or light precipitation.
What is Pertex Quantum fabric?
Pertex Quantum is a lightweight, windproof, and breathable fabric often used in insulated garments. It's designed to trap still air and improve the efficiency of insulation, while also offering good tear resistance and a soft feel.
How should I store my down jacket when not in use?
Always store your down jacket uncompressed in a dry, well-ventilated area. Storing it compressed for long periods can damage the down clusters, reducing its loft and insulating properties over time.
Troubleshooting
Jacket losing loft or feeling less warm.
This often occurs due to compressed down or improper washing. Wash the jacket with a down-specific cleaner and tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls to redistribute and re-loft the down. Ensure it is stored uncompressed when not in use.
Water repellency is decreasing, fabric wets out easily.
The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish may need refreshing. After cleaning the jacket with a technical fabric wash (like Nikwax Tech Wash), apply a DWR restoring treatment designed for technical outerwear. Alternatively, some down washes like Nikwax Down Wash Direct also help restore DWR.
Zippers are sticking or difficult to move.
Clean the zipper teeth with a small brush to remove any dirt or debris. Apply a specialized zipper lubricant or a small amount of graphite from a pencil to the zipper teeth to help it glide smoothly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio for its insulation level.
- Hydrophobic down performs well in damp conditions, maintaining loft.
- Windproof and water-resistant outer fabric offers reliable weather protection.
- Highly versatile for various activities including climbing, hill walking, and general outdoor use.
- Comfortable fit with adjustable features for sealing in warmth.
- Made with 100% recycled polyamide and recycled down, promoting sustainability.
Cons
- Not fully waterproof; unsuitable for prolonged heavy rain.
- Down insulation requires specific care for washing and drying.
- May not provide sufficient warmth for extreme cold conditions without additional layering.
- Info needed: May snag on sharp objects if not careful, due to lightweight fabric.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Initial Setup
Your Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket requires no complex setup. Simply unpack, put it on, and adjust the hood and hem drawcords to your preferred fit for optimal warmth retention and protection against the elements. The internally elasticated cuffs will naturally provide a snug fit.
Compatibility
This jacket is designed to be versatile. It can be worn as a standalone outer layer in cool, dry, or lightly damp and windy conditions. For colder or wetter environments, it functions excellently as a mid-layer under a waterproof shell. Its regular fit allows for comfortable layering over a base layer and a light fleece.
Care Instructions
Proper care is crucial to maintain the performance and longevity of your down jacket:
- Washing: Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C (86°F) using a specialist down-specific cleaner like Nikwax Down Wash Direct. Avoid using conventional detergents, fabric softeners, or bleach, as these can damage the down and fabric.
- Drying: Tumble dry on a low heat setting with 2-3 clean tennis balls or dryer balls. This helps to break up clumps of down and restore loft. Drying can take several hours; ensure the jacket is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.
- DWR Maintenance: Over time, the DWR finish may wear off. You can restore it by re-treating the jacket with a spray-on or wash-in DWR product designed for technical outerwear, after cleaning.
- Storage: Store the jacket uncompressed in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as hanging in a closet. Avoid storing it compressed for extended periods, as this can damage the down's loft and insulation properties.
- Spot Cleaning: For small dirt spots, gently clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly and air dry.