Great jacket, tiny-toothed zipper sucks!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 7"

Weight

165 lbs

I’ve used Xenon jackets as my go to puffy for the past 4-5 years working/playing in the backcountry of AK and the SW. The jacket is very light, warm for its weight and surprisingly durable for the thinness of its exterior material. However, the zipper sucks!!! It has tiny teeth that inevitably fail in 2-ish years of normal use. If Rab would change the zipper to a normal-toothed zipper, this jacket would be a 5!

Chad O.

Ultra light and warm, not super durable.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 10"

Weight

150 lbs

Can't be beat for lightweight warmth, it packs up small and clips nicely onto a harness. It's not a durable outer material for actually climbing/hiking in, but I'm willing to sacrifice some rip resistance for weighing less than 13 ounces. Works great under a light shell (like the Pata Alpine Houdini) in wet conditions. I keep buying this one. The fit is great for me.

NEILKAUFFMAN

Sloppy fit is a turnoff

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

Large

Height

6` 3"

Weight

205 lbs

Wow, this jacket was a disappointment from the get-go, simply because the fit is poor and sloppy, and not what I'm used to with Rab jackets. The sleeves are huge in the bicep area, even if you're planning to layer this jacket, which I wasn't. I can put four of my bicep in a single arm of this. The whole arm is much to large and sloppy, which would make for a poor design in active use, increasing the likelihood you'd snag and rip it. The jacket also runs WAY long, even if you're a tall person like I am - I'm 6'3" with a longer than average torso - this thing is gross long, and comes down below my crotch and way below my butt cheeks, neither of which is appealing in the least. Suffice to say this went back for a refund.

Chris Pierdominici

Amazing Jacket!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

XL

Height

5` 10"

Weight

190 lbs

Without a doubt this has become my “go to” warm up layer here in NH. Amazingly light, packs small and incredibly warm make it perfect for hiking. I replaced my fleece with this jacket saving weight and room in my pack. Climashield has proven its worth over and over in our cold wet environment. The pertex shell sheds light moisture. The hood, although “unique” looking is functional and warm. I use climashield now in my sleeping bag and my puffy, it’s the best insulation out there. The left zipper is different but then again so is driving on the left side of the road, you get used to it. I highly recommend this jacket.

Ron C.

Wow! Synthetic? Are you sure?

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 6"

Weight

150 lbs

I live in the Northwest and rain seems to come at any time so down is only practical in the mountains mid summer, or the dead of winter. I have had several down jackets and many synthetic jackets. This jacket is the best of both worlds! Like other reviews stated it doesn't breathe as well as the black diamond first light hoody or the competing Patagonia version of that jacket. That said it is a MUCH warmer jacket. Over the years of Alpine climbing I have found that I rarely hike in my insulated jacket, so essentially my jacket becomes a belay parka or for when stopped and taking a break. This jacket fits that bill perfectly. It is ultra light (feels like a down jacket in hand), the DWR is excellent, still very warm when wet from rain and leaking through (not suppose to be a rain coat). Liner is smooth which means it slides on over my Patagonia R1 perfectly. The belay zipper allows the Hem of the jacket to keep your backside warm while having good access to your belay device and harness. No more bunched up jacket between you and your ATC. I didn't realize how much I would appreciate that feature, and can't believe other brands don't add it. So over all this is by far the best synthetic jacket on the market in my opinion, especially if you run a little cold like me. I'm 5'6" and weigh 149lbs athletic build. The small was to tight around the chest, but the sleeves on the medium allowed air to blow up sleeve (easily remedied with a little stitching to fit my dainty wrists 😀) since the slight modification this had been the best insulated jacket I've owned ever! Oh yeah I forgot to mention that after being in a down pour and water leaking through, the jacket dried out in about 45 minutes! If you have been looking at this jacket and noticed it rarely goes on sale, there is a reason for that. It's simply amazing! If in the market, buy this jacket!

dan D.

excellent jacket for bicycling all winte

Size Bought

medium

Height

5` 4"

Weight

150 lbs

I wear this jacket for several winters now in Boston. It is light and warm. I go in the snow and rain with it. I bicycle with it. Just an excellent material. Like it very much.

Hien N.

Go-to for synthetic insulation

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought

L

Height

5` 10"

Weight

170 lbs

I wear this under my hardshell on cold days while skiing. Also wear it on chilly fall days when I'm out on the river.

Morgan Eliasen

Just alright

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 10"

Weight

175 lbs

I personally didn’t like this jacket. The fit was pretty loose and long compared to other manufacturers. However the thing that bothered me the most was warranty only covers 3 months after purchase. I contacted rab directly. My zipper stopped working ;would go up and down but not close the pocket. They suggested I took it to a luggage store. I just don’t see or, arcteryx , Patagonia handling this , this way. Positive. Nice style , nice hood. I won’t buy this brand despite liking the style a lot.

Ellieamaya

Very Happy

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

I was worried it was a little too techy looking when I first opened it but this jacket has quickly grown on me. Taken it camping on the AT and was perfect for sub 30F mornings, the hood looks a little ridiculous but is super effective at sealing heat in and makes a big difference. I just wore it in Michigan working outside all day in 24F with high winds and was astounded at how well it blocked the wind and kept me warm with a wool base layer and microfleece underneath. I kept waiting to pull out the down but never did! The shell seems pretty thin and I worry about doing any bushwhacking in this jacket but to its credit there are no signs of wear whatsoever. packs up small and light with no effort. 6' 180 with broad chest and shoulders and large fits me perfectly, handsome cut but not too tight in the midsection.

Duncan M

Did I get a lemon?

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 9"

Weight

192 lbs

The jacket is nice, warm, and can be very comfortable if the seam under the armpit wasn’t so high up. It’s quite annoying for it to be all up on my armpit. I read that these are the same problems with the other rab jackets too. If the seam weren’t so high up, this thing is definetly a top 3 best synthetic mid layer out there

Phuong T

Nanopuff edit

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

6` 1"

Weight

180 lbs

This jacket is an improvement from the Patagonia Nanopuff because it doesn't have all that stitching. This creates larger air pockets in the jacket thus creating a larger thermal layer to trap body heat and warm you up. Also, the stitching squares aren't there to get snagged on things. The jacket has a little extra insulation on the front body which I am not complaining about. I have at least 3 RAB jackets and they are VERY high quality but keep in mind, they are a European company so it will have a left-handed zipper and European cut.

christopher B.

The best synthetic jacket

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Height

6` 1"

Weight

168 lbs

This is a great fitting warm jacket for layering

Charles Denney

Great Piece!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 0"

Weight

165 lbs

If you like the Nano-puff jacket but want something that will cut the wind a little bit better then you should go with this. It comes in at the same weight and fill of insulation but since it doesn't have the stitching and is one continual piece it will stay warmer (keeping your heat in, and the wind out) The hip pocket has a stow tag for clipping onto a harness. I'm 6' - 165lbs I went with a medium and it fits pretty well. If you want to layer more underneath you may want to go with Large. If you have any questions, email me: wbowen@backcountry.com or give me a call: (801) 204-4571

William Bowen

What a great jacket

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 11"

Weight

185 lbs

I was leaning towards buying the new Patagonia Micro Puff hoody but got a great deal on this Rab jacket that I couldn't pass up. So far I am super impressed. The jacket feels great, packs up very small, and fits well (I'm 5'11" 185lbs athletic build and got a large). My only criticisms are that the midsection is a tad boxish and the zipper is the opposite of what I'm used to. I won't get a chance to wear it in the cold for another month or so and will try to update my review then.

Brandon Harker

Great outer and mid layer

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 10"

Weight

170 lbs

To continue my quest to wast.... I mean invest more money on climbing, I started ice climbing last winter. So far, I only had to sell my left kidney and what I find at home yet don't expect. But I digress. I quickly realized I don't have a good midlayer/outerlayer jacket, because I was shivering during belaying. After asking around, I picked Xenon (not this one, I bought BackCountry exclusive one, because it was cheaper). So far, I love it and it saddens me that I have to put it away, because winter is over. It is really light, yet surprisingly warm. Maybe too warm. And there lies it's only fault: it's too good of insulator and not breathable. But it's hella better than freezing.

JBL

Fantastic

Rab comes through again with a smart, USABLE, versatile jacket. Quality is there too. Lightweight, more of an athletic fit (you can put light layers under it just fine); compressible in the backpack or ski bag for layering under a shell. As a layering jacket, if you find that down is just too much heat, this is your other alternative. No hybrid fabrics on sides or pits to dump heat quickly but overheating hasn't been a problem. And don't underestimate the power of Pertex Quantum as the outer ultra-lightweight fabric--very strong, wind resistant, water resistant, and helps hold in the heat.

Karen Lindsey

Used product

Fit:

True to size

I am disappointed that I got an used product with a lot of wrinkles on the jacket. Don't fool me this is a new jacket as I have eyes. I have bought quite a lot items here, but if we found the items defective and we still have to pay the shipment fee, thank you you guy.

chun kit

Not slim fitting as described

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

large

I own lots of Rab clothing as I'm 6'4" 175 and their size large fits great- long arms and an athletic fit in the midsection. If you're tall and slim u know what I'm talking about... I expected the same with this jacket but was disappointed to find the fit more "regular" and not slim fitting in the mid-section thus greatly reducing its thermal ability (I've learned my lesson with other brands). I returned it. However if you looking for a synthetic jacket, this one has been voted the #1 synthetic jacket by Outdoorgearlab for the past several years so I have no negatives against its quality/thermal ability.

John S.

Ebony ?

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought

Medium

I have lightly used the jacket so far and it seems very warm and packs down small. I did extensive research before this purchase and it seems to be all it's cracked up to be. I want to note that the color ebony looks more like dark blue. I asked several people what color it looked like to them and they all said navy blue. I always wear medium shirts and that's what size I bought. It's a nice slim fit. I wouldn't be able to wear too much underneath it.

Joseph C.

Pig in a Blanket

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 10"

Weight

165 lbs

I purchased this to be used as a backcountry skiing/climbing belay jacket. Unfortunately it's not winter yet, so I haven't been able to test it out in the snow. On the other hand, it's been awesome for chilly days in the office and those frigid fall mornings in the Uintas. I can already tell it's super light weight and will pack away well.

Morgan Eliasen

Does this particular jacket have any water proofing capabilities?

ALDO