Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket - Women's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

7.9
out of 10
15 Positive, 2 Mixed & 3 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$279.95
Used Value:
$167.97
Sale Value:
$251.96

The Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket keeps you warm and cozy whether you're belaying during an alpine climb, skiing in the backcountry, or commuting across town. The Pertex Microlight face fabric is extremely lightweight and durable, and the nylon lining prevents those valuable feathers from poking out.

Specifications

Brand:
Rab
Baffle Construction:
micro and nano stitch-through
Claimed Weight:
14.6oz
Fill Weight:
145g
Fit:
slim
Hood:
fixed, adjustable
Insulation:
700-fill European goose down, RDS-certified, Nikwax finish
Length:
hip
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
[face fabric] Pertex Quantum (30D ripstop recycled nylon), DWR finish, [lining] 20D recycled nylon
Pockets:
2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest
Recommended Use:
casual, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding

Full Reviews

2
I bought this jacket end of December 2017 and from day one the down was coming out from all possible seams. At the beginning I thought it is normal, but it's getting worse and worse. The down was even coming through pockets-my gloves were completely covered in it. I am truly disappointed with the quality of the jacket. When buying it I was thinking I will have an amazing quality piece for many years, but now it seems I just threw my money out of the window and will have to buy a new one. I am not sure if this is an issue of a bad quality item or how it was stored with Backcountry. Attached is a picture how my shirt looks every time I wear this jacket.
Nadza, backcountry.com
November 29, 2020
10
Just received my jacket and love it. I've read other reviews where owners say that it's a bit tight in the arm pits and I can understand that could be an issue but I'm thin and it fits me just fine.
j3mstetson1985673, backcountry.com
May 1, 2020
6
I had this coat several years back, and it fit with perfect roominess for movement in winter hiking, etc., even with layers underneath. Old version also had a drawstring for the bottom which allowed adjustable looseness or tightness for the bottom of the coat. This version does not have that, and the fit is tight in the armpits--other reviewers also said this and I thought since I have a very narrow torso / narrow shoulders maybe it wont affect me but it did anyway! I got the same size as I had in the old version--XS. It is a good fit everywhere else but I am worried the tight armpit thing will be too restrictive for active hiking or even for wearing an extra layer. I tried it on with a base and mid-layer underneath and just a base layer and it was still tight in the armpits :-/ Maybe a next design can include armpit vent zippers, but of course it would add weight. But other similar style coats I tried do not have the armpit tightness (mountain hardwear ghost, patagonia sweater coat, and even the Rab Summit version of this coat had more room in the same exact size.)
Jennifer S., backcountry.com
January 21, 2020
8
I bought this coat about 3 years ago and I loved everything about it. But recently the zipper is giving me trouble when I try to connect it to zip it up. Not sure what the issue is, but aside from that I have no complaints about this coat.
backcountry.com
February 2, 2019
10
This coat is so warm and comfy! True to size and a beautiful color!
Kathy J., backcountry.com
December 1, 2018
6
I found this jacket to be ill fitting. After reading reviews I decided to size up to a medium. I am 5'3 130lbs and pear shaped. The sleeves are very long but felt tight in the armpits and too large everywhere else so I didn't feel that I could size down to a small or I'd be really uncomfortable since it already felt like I had an apple in my armpit. I also liked the idea of the visor but when the hood is down it hits the back of your head and you wouldn't be able to wear it down if you had another hood over top for the same reason. I had an Arcteryx Cerium size small that I need to replace due a run in with a battery that melted my coat :( I did like how lightweight it felt but didn't check out the performance before I returned it.
Kelly K., backcountry.com
November 28, 2018
10
This is the 2nd RAB jacket that I've bought. I bought my first one 4 years ago while cold camping in Moab. Walked into the store and asked what the difference was...basically RAB is the European version of Patagonia. It's light weight, comfortable and keeps me nice and warm when needed. The only down side that I noticed is that because of the ribbed stitching a few feathers poke out here and there, but not too big of a dea!
Jarquette, backcountry.com
November 12, 2018
10
I was looking for a new down jacket this winter and this was the one that I knew would be the winner! I'm on the shorter side and I hate when jackets come too low because of my short torso but this one hit in all the right places. The arms weren't too long, the shoulders/armpit area wasn't baggy at all, the adjustable hood is such a delight when going between wearing a hat or not, and the Pertex material is the perfect solution if you are worried about it snagging because it's so durable. Not to mention, this jacket is so soft- I could wear this all day long inside or outside!
Laurel Worthen, backcountry.com
November 1, 2018
10
I love my new Rap Microlight Down Jacket! It's so lightweight it feels like air but it is exceptionally warm! It performed perfectly in 30 degree temps with significant wind with just a base layer underneath! The shape is slightly fitted which makes it flattering but still allows room for layering. I have long arms and sometimes have trouble with jackets gapping between my wrists and gloves but the sleeves in this jacket are long enough to prevent wrist exposure! I purchased size small and it's perfect! I'm 35 1/2", 27 1/2", 37 1/2" and 122 lbs for reference. I have full range of motion with my arms in this jacket without feeling like it's binding. I love that it folds into it's own pack. It's lightweight and perfect for hiking/backpacking or travel.
Sherry S., backcountry.com
March 25, 2018
10
I bought this for my wife and it is her go to jacket for around town and work! She loves how the back of the jacket goes down lower than the front which is flattering and warmer. The hood is deep enough and the bill keeps the snow out of her eyes and the hood in place. The color is great (twilight/fuchsia) which is true to the photo here and the size S fits great! Usually a size S at 5'6" 120 pounds. She has not experienced any loose down and she's had it for about 3-4 months.
Jake Ward, backcountry.com
March 25, 2018
8
Its not poofy like most other down jackets and its got a nice sleek lines for a female body. My only real problem with the jacket is where the arms come together with the rest of the jacket is a little tight. But it still allows me to wear a bulky sweatshirt or sweater underneath. This is the 2nd jacket that I've gotten from them and I've had NO issues with them. So apparently the only difference between Rab and Patagonia is that it's made in the UK.
Jarquette, backcountry.com
March 7, 2018
2
I had this jacket for about a year and the main zipper broke. When I called Rab to see how I could send it back so they could fix it for me, they told me they only warranty if you have the original receipt and tags. Since I did not have either, I have been unable to use this jacket. They do not stand behind their product like many other companies (such as Patagonia). As an active person that lives in the mountains, this was extremely frustrating and has made it so I will not purchase any of their products. Just something to be aware of before spending money with this company as your money might be better spent with a company that cares about the product they produce and the consumers that use them.
Marisa M, backcountry.com
December 12, 2017
2
I bought this because a good friend told me that this item was "top of the line" and "without compare" and the reviews indicated this as well - and I am about to head out on four day backpacking trip. But, lo and behild, I can't even make it out of the house before it has loose down. This is something I expect from a product a tenth of the cost. I am sincerely disappointed, and will not be buying from this brand again.
Sydney S., backcountry.com
August 18, 2017
10
I gave this as a gift because it was supposed to be so warm. It has done the job really well so far.
Scott Hemming, backcountry.com
July 6, 2017
8
I finally decided to invest in a lightweight down jacket for my spring and fall backpacking trips. I did some research and decided on this Rab jacket. Actually, this is Outdoor Gear Lab's top pick for a women's down jacket that is durable and still light. I have owned this jacket for 4 months. So far I have taken it backpacking in the Grand Canyon and Pinnacles National Park. I live in North Carolina where the winters are mild, but the jacket has served me well here too. I am 5.9, 135#, and I got a size small. I have been able to layer the jacket with two wool layers underneath. I agree with other reviews that the jacket is on the smaller size, so if you are in-between sizes or want to layer thicker things underneath the jacket then size up. One annoying thing about this jacket (though I think it's typical with all down clothing) are the little feathers that get left of your shirt when you take the jacket off. People have commented on the hood--I don't love it, but I don't hate it either.
sarah.r.ta100170789, backcountry.com
April 14, 2017
8
I love this jacket - bought it to take on a trekking trip through Nepal. It feels sturdier than many other lightweight down jakets and fits great.....except across the bust. This is not an umcommon problem for me, but the large size barely fits my 36DD upper body (arms and waist are spot-on). Ladies - don't expect to be able to wear your most bodacious bra with this jacket, especially not with any thick underlayers! Luckily I'll be wearing sports bras, but I still wish there was a tad more room.
Anna S, backcountry.com
March 12, 2017
10
I bought this as a gift for my wife a bit over a year ago. Its still going strong, and is her go-to winter jacket. She loves how much coverage it offers.
Michael K., backcountry.com
March 7, 2017
10
I ordered 3 hooded down jackets: Patagonia Down Sweater, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, and this Rab. I ordered all in medium...and all were too small! I am am pretty broad shouldered but generally can where mediums. I reordered the Rab in a large and am happy with my decision. I really wanted to get the Patagonia but the fit just wasn't right. I'm new to the Rab brand, but so far, so good.
Joanne H., backcountry.com
February 8, 2017
10
I have had this jacket for a year now and absolutely love it. It was given to me as a birthday present after I spent some time trying to find a warm but compact down jacket I could take on backcountry trips. I have used it both during outdoor activities and in the city and have found it functions super well in both settings. I've taken it on a few backcountry trips and it has been amazing. I gave it to my sister who was suffering hypothermia after crossing a pass in Jasper in the rain/snow. Once we got her wet clothes off I gave her the jacket to put on and she warmed up pretty well. I also took it on a 6 day canoe trip to Bowron Lakes (interior BC) in the fall when temperatures were dropping to 0 celsius at night. I would wear the jacket after we got to camp and in the mornings, and found it kept me toasty warm without causing me to overheat. It was light enough that I didn't feel restricted at all. It comes with an awesome little stuff sack and is fairly compactable-definitely small enough that I wouldn't hesitate to put it in a backpack or dry sac on these types of trips. I am now in the Northwest Territories in December and temperatures are hitting -38 celcius, or -48 with the windchill. I have been wearing the jacket out walking a friends dog on Great Slave Lake, with a light arcteryx gortex jacket on top to keep the wind out. If I'm not on the lake I just throw on the microlight jacket over top of my hoodie and head out the door. The jacket allows some layers underneath and is not so bulky that your shell won't fit over top (my arcteryx gortex jacket is quite fitted and getting it over the microlight jacket is no problem) It's been keeping me super warm even in this extreme weather. I love the hood-it definitely provides some extra warmth. And I personally like the way the hood fits-snug and doesn't get in the way of my vision. Finally, the jacket also appeals to the more shallow part of me that likes to look good while staying warm ;) I wear the jacket out in the city and get tons of comments (partially because it's the fuscia colour I think!). People seem to love the way it looks and fits. I find that it is nicely fitted and looks great with a pair of jeans! I am quite petite and got the XS which fits perfectly. I see that a lot of people have commented on the fit that seems to be not great for some people...so maybe best to try it on before buying. But I think if it fits well you will not regret purchasing it! One of the best birthday presents ever!!!
Jody S, backcountry.com
December 17, 2016
8
I commute to work via bus (in the early morning) and a 3-mile walk home (in the late afternoon/early evening). When Chicago winter is at its most brutal, only a heavy down parka will work, but when the temperature is above single digits, I easily get overheated on the walk home and so I wanted to find a lighter down coat for this purpose. So, this jacket. It's a lovely color and clever fit -- I really like the longer back/butt cover. Some people aren't fond of the hood, but I think it's nice. My only issue is that it's noticeably small in the hips. I'm a true Large -- I've been this size and weight for the last 20 years, and I always, always buy large -- but I was surprised when I had to kind of tug at the coat to zip it up at the bottom. I'm not especially 'hippy' so this was unexpected. For comparison, I found that the Patagonia down sweater jacket in medium fit similarly across the hips. (Other reviews about fitting snugly across the chest or in the armpits didn't hold true for me.) I bought it on sale, so I'm hesitant to return for an XL (and spend an additional 100 bucks). My Arc'teryx Atom LT (also a large) fits well enough underneath, so I'm not super worried about layering. Still, be forewarned: this runs a little snug, so if you're unsure, size up. If you're in-between sizes, you'll *definitely* want to size up.
Kelly J., backcountry.com
December 13, 2016