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We've said it before, but any layer that allows you to spend less time stopping to adjust your clothing is a good thing in our books, and this Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket from Rab is a great example of this. It uses two weights of Primaloft Gold Insulation Active+ - 60gsm
through the back, front, top of the sleeves and collar, and 40gsm through the sides. under arms, middle of the back and top of the hood,
essentially keeping your core a bit warmer than the rest of your body. The outer of the jacket is a 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air nylon, while the lining is the same weight but a recycled nylon. The hood doesn't have adjustors, but is elasticated at the sides and at the back in order to keep the fit snug, and it is intended to be worn under a helmet. Elsewhere, the fit can be adjusted at the hem with a single pull-cord, and the cuffs are elasticated. Two hand pockets and an internal chest pocket are provided for storage. In use, the fit is quite snug, which means it works well as a midlayer in colder conditions, and the shiny nylon inner feels particularly comfortable against the skin when wearing a short-sleeved baselayer. The matt-finish outer is appealing visually, and is very soft to the touch. The outer is an open-weave fabric that is breathable yet windproof, and this, along with the bodymapped insulation means that heat can be dumped quickly when you're working hard. Comfort is superb, with the articulated arms and slight stretch of the garment combined with the soft materials making it a joy to wear.

VERDICT

Versatile and comfortable jacket that'll earn its keep as an outer layer in summer and midlayer in winter