Advnture Verdict
An extremely comfortable body warmer that performs well, and is stuffed with recycled down to avoid any ethical discomfort.
Pros
- +
Warm, recycled down
- +
Quality materials
- +
YKK zips
- +
Stuff sack
Cons
- -
Only two colors
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Rab Microlight Down Vest: first impressions
The Rab Microlight Down Vest – being made from recycled 700 fill-power down, treated with Nikwax hydrophobic (water-resistant) finish to retain its loft when damp – offers all the warmth and luxury of a down gilet without any of the potential guilt.
The baffles are designed and shaped to avoid cold spots, and a drawcord hem traps or spills heat according to your wishes. The 30D Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon outer should ensure great longevity, and Rab operate an excellent repair facility, too, although with YKK zips for the hand pockets and large chest pocket this vest should last and last.
The Microlight Down comes with its own neat stuff sack to stow it in your pack when not in use – a better solution than trying to squeeze a gilet into one of its pockets and breaking the zip
• RRP: $180 (US) / £130 (UK)
• Fill: Recycled 700 fill-power down
• Gender availability: Men’s / Women’s
• Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL
• Colors: Beluga / Black
Rab Microlight Down Vest: on the trails
When it’s in use, every little detail of the Rab Microlight Down Vest indicates designers who understand completely what makes the very best gilets. The arm holes are close fitting to trap heat, the neck line is tall and close fitting to stop heat escaping, and the drawcord hem does the same at the waist.
Few gilets have chest pockets, yet this has proved to be a really useful feature in the Rab for carrying a phone, especially when rucksack straps tend to block the hand pockets of most gilets.
The gilet is close-fitting, which is ideal for warmth and for wearing under an outer shell, but more generously upholstered walkers might want to consider the size up to secure a better fit (see also: Hiking layers: everything you need to know to keep yourself warm in all conditions).
Personally, I’ve found it so warm, comfortable and unobtrusive to wear that I’ve got back from walks, taken off my waterproof and found myself several hours later still wearing the Microlight Down indoors.
