Rab Generator Alpine Jacket Review - Good Consistency in Performance
Posted by Trek Scotland on Apr 05, 2022
Rab’s latest range of winter jackets look to be creating a lot of interest, with the Generator Alpine showing early signs that this could be a cold weather jacket specifically with British winter conditions in mind.
“Built for exposed climbs and formidable winter weather, the new Generator Alpine jacket is one of the warmest, lightest, and most packable belay jacket currently available on the market.” This bold claim from Rab has seen many climbers eager to get their hands on the Generator Alpine with a few reviews already available from the climbing community. With ourselves being mostly focused towards winter walking and winter camping, we were ready to test this jacket in varying temperatures and weather conditions in some of Scotland’s big mountain areas. This included four damp days along the Mullardoch/Affric round, a three day winter camp at Ben Alder, and a night snow-holing in the Cairngorms.
On first appearance the Generator Alpine would suggest being not much different from any other typical cold weather insulating jacket. Size medium fits more like a large which is what we prefer, able to quickly fit over any layers you have on already to provide instant protection. The 15D Atmos inner lining is soft to the touch and feels great against a simple baselayer, and comfortable enough to wear overnight.
The jacket has two large hand pockets, one generously sized chest pocket which can easily fit a map and compass, and two internal stuff pockets great for storing gloves, goggles, and balaclava tucked away. The zippers are large and robust, perfect for use whilst wearing gloves, and the main zipper is two way opening, great for keeping the lower section free from interfering with a harness and belay device. The outer in Anthracite (black) contrasts well with the bright red of the inner fabric, but overall, the stylings are focused on performance over fashion, something we very much like to see. There is also a brighter colour in Aspen Green available.
What sets the Generator Alpine away from other large insulating jackets is the choice of materials, the main point of interest being PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core Technology. Rab describes this as follows: “ PrimaLoft fibres are infused with Aerogel, an ultra-low-density material composed of 95% air that was originally engineered to insulate space shuttles!” The weight of insulation is divided between 133gsm around the body and 80gsm at the hood. The loft is impressive as too is the warmth which can be generated inside which we believe is about spot on for most activities for harsh winter conditions in Scotland. Paired with Pertex Quantum Pro Diamond Fuse fabric for a robust and weather resistant outer that can easily shed away snow and light showers.
Whilst walking the many Munros that surround Loch Mullardoch the early winter conditions meant that early starts and late nights were inevitable. We experienced a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with the Primaloft Gold insulation working where a down fill can often faulter, keeping a comfortable body temperature even when the jacket took on some moisture. It’s also quick drying and would quite often dry itself whilst continuing to be worn after the sleet and rain had stopped.
On steeper ground opening the zipper from the base can quickly dump heat without the need to keep changing layers. For when the temperatures drop further, stopping for breaks or around camp at night, having a jacket that can keep built up warmth trapped in is important. The aptly named Generator Alpine is a great all-rounder big insulating jacket, weighing only 558 grams packs down into the included stuff sac and takes up not much more room that our down equivalent also produced by Rab.
The hood is an important factor for a winter jacket. Keeping the elements away from the head not only keeps you feeling safe and protected but also allows you to better focus on the task in hand. The hood is large enough to fit over a climbing helmet, or large beanie, but also closes securely down with the standard front and rear adjustment points you tend to find on similar style jackets. The front adjusters need to be accessed from the inner of the jacket, it’s not our preferred location but does keep the Generator Alpine streamlined and great for use as a belay jacket. The soft materials used means that movement and vision is un-restricted.
Our Verdict
Rab’s Generator Alpine correctly deserves the early praise it is receiving. We’ve not used a big winter jacket that keeps such good consistency in performance in the ever changing cold and wet winter conditions we experienced this season, whilst also having a pack size and weight similar to a down alternative. The fit is as we like, the design is well thought out, with us feeling instantly protected once worn. Aimed more so at being a dependable belay jacket, we found it lends itself to being a good all-rounder for a number of winter activities. The main talking point is of course the choice of insulation, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core Technology which offers increased loft with low weight. We don’t need to know the full science behind this other than it works fantastically well at keeping a comfortable body temperature, without feeling sweaty or clammy, and packs down to a respectable size which we are more than happy to carry. There’s a reason why our guides have been looking to take the Generator Alpine on most winter expeds this season and that is because of its design and reliability. It will be interesting to see how it may hold up after a few seasons use, but looking at similar jackets which use Primaloft Gold and Pertex Quantum Pro fabric this should see us through many years ahead. It also uses a large amount of recycled materials, something that only really counts if the product achieves this type of longevity.
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Trek Scotland is a small family business based in the picturesque village of Tomintoul in the North East region of the Cairngorms National Park. They provide bespoke Mountain Guiding for Single Day Walks and Lightweight Multiday Trekking experiences, including wild camping, in the stunning Cairngorms wilderness and surrounding areas. Whether in the high mountains or lower valleys, their Multiday Treks are equipped with high quality, lightweight camping and trekking gear. They only work with small groups and, whatever your ability, pride themselves on designing your outdoor experience completely to your needs and with professional guidance and expertise. Adventure is waiting... |
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