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THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE

Rab's Microlight series has been a mainstay of our down jacket reviews for years now. This iteration is described as the 'most protective version' of the Microlight range, thanks to the use of a Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper outer shell. This is a highly windproof and breathable soft-touch fabric, although it didn't seem much more windproof than other jackets tested. It repels light rain for a while but will eventually wet out. Unlike the older Microlight Summit, which used an innovative seamless construction, this one uses standard stitched-through baffles, which can result in cold spots
in chilly winds. It isn't a big issue, but I'd have liked to see seamless baffles here too. The down is hydrophobic - and Nikwax-treated down performs very well, showing little reduction in performance in normal damp mountain conditions. The down is also recycled. As a mid-weight down jacket, I'd reach for something more substantial in colder winter weather but it's ideal for late autumn or less extreme winter conditions. Although the fit
described as slim, it's quite relaxed compared to some other jackets tested. The cuffs and hem are elasticated, with an adjustable draw cord on the latter. Combined with the superb hood, which has loads of room inside and a stonking great wired brim, this makes it one of the best jackets tested for throwing over all your layers and getting warm on the summit. The pockets are another plus point - they're generously sized, especially the chest pocket. Overall, it's warm, fairly light, performs in a wide variety of mountain conditions, and the cost is reasonable for what's on offer. Highly
recommended.