Rab's Updated Microlight Collection
Oct 01, 2026
Lightweight Warmth for Every Adventure
Rab's Microlight collection delivers reliable insulation for mountain days, everyday adventures, and everything in between. Designed for year-round use, these jackets provide dependable warmth without unnecessary bulk. Built with trusted mountain materials, including Pertex® fabrics, recycled down, and hydrophobic down treatments, the collection balances warmth, freedom of movement, and low weight.
What is NetPlus®?
NetPlus® is made from 100% post-consumer recycled fishing nets, tackling a major source of ocean plastic pollution. Rab's Microlight Range uses this innovative material to create durable nylon yarn for high-performance fabrics.
The initiative allows fishing communities to return nets for recycling, providing fair compensation and supporting local environmental projects. After cleaning and shredding, the nets are transformed into lightweight, resilient fabrics suitable for mountain activities.
These fabrics are incorporated into popular designs, such as the Microlight down jacket made from Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus®, showcasing how reliable gear can promote a more sustainable future for outdoor equipment.
Updated! Microlight Down Range
''Lightweight insulation with a tougher build for regular mountain use.''
The Microlight Down Jacket trims weight while retaining a 20x30D Pertex Quantum shell, so it still feels better suited to regular hill use than more delicate ultralight down jackets.
The 700FP hydrophobic recycled down provides insulation without excessive bulk, while the zoned micro and nano baffles reduce bulk around the arms and let the down loft more effectively through the body. I also like the move to a Regular fit, which gives a little more room for layering than the slimmer previous version.
The adjustable hem and zipped hand pockets keep the design straightforward, and one pocket doubles as an integrated stuff pocket. It is not the lightest option for its warmth, but I think the tougher shell makes that compromise worthwhile for regular use.
Key Features
● Lightweight 30D Pertex® Quantum with fluorocarbon-free DWR with NetPlus®, a fabric yarn made from fully traceable post-consumer recycled fishing nets.
● High-lofting 700FP down in zoned baffles for better warmth or mobility where you need it.
● Take refuge in high winds with the comfy, close-fitting hood with stretch binding.
● Geared up for bouldering and climbing, with articulated sleeves offering mobility and arm reach.
● Stuff the jacket into one of the two hand pockets for an integrated storage solution, with two clip-in loops allowing you to attach it to your backpack or a sling.
● Seal out draughts using the drawcord adjustable hem.
New! Microlighter Down Range
''A low-bulk insulated jacket that combines TXdown sheet construction with a close-fitting hood.''
The Microlighter uses 50g/m² TXdown rather than conventional loose down. The recycled down and down fibres are bonded into a continuous sheet, so the insulation sits flatter against the body and is less prone to shifting around inside the jacket.
That low-bulk construction makes it easier to layer beneath a waterproof or heavier jacket, while the 20x30D Pertex Quantum shell adds wind resistance without adding bulk. I also like the articulated sleeves, which suit a jacket intended for walking, scrambling and fastpacking.
The Regular fit leaves room for layering, while two zipped hand pockets, an adjustable hem and integrated storage pocket keep the design straightforward. I see this more as an active insulated midlayer than a conventional down jacket.
Key Features
● TXdown® recycled down-infused sheet insulation (50gsm).
● 30D Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus®, a fabric yarn made from fully traceable post-consumer recycled fishing nets
● Geared up for bouldering and climbing, with articulated sleeves offering mobility and arm reach.
Stuff the jacket into one of the two hand pockets for an integrated storage solution, with a clip-in loop allowing you to attach it to your backpack or a sling.
● Seal out draughts using the drawcord adjustable hem.
● Lightweight YKK® centre-front zip with insulated zip baffle.
TXdown® combines the superb warmth-to-weight ratio of down with the practicality of sheet insulation. It blends 75% natural fibres and 25% synthetic to create a down-infused wadding, which remains securely in place and eliminates cold spots, great for active use in extremely cold environments.
Updated! Microlight Alpine Down Range
''Lightweight insulation with a hooded design for added protection in colder mountain conditions.''
The Microlight Alpine Down Hoody combines 152g of 700FP hydrophobic recycled down with a 20x30D Pertex Quantum shell, giving a good balance of warmth, packability and durability for regular mountain use.
The 152g of 700FP hydrophobic recycled down provides insulation without excessive bulk, while the zoned micro and nano baffles reduce bulk around the arms and let the down loft more effectively through the body. I also like the move to a Regular fit, which gives a little more room for layering than the slimmer previous version.
The adjustable hood, elasticated cuffs and drawcord hem help seal in warmth, while the zipped hand pockets and large chest pocket add useful storage. One hand pocket also doubles as an integrated stuff pocket, keeping the overall design practical without adding unnecessary complexity.
Key Features
● High-lofting 700FP down in zoned baffles, with smaller nano baffles under your arms for mobility and larger micro baffles on your back, shoulders and front for optimised warmth.
● 30D Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus®, a fabric yarn made from fully traceable post-consumer recycled fishing nets
● Cosy adjustable hood with a malleable wired peak, balancing protection and packability.
● Stash essentials in the chest pocket and two zipped hand pockets, one of which doubles as an integrated storage solution with a loop for clipping to your harness.
● Great for climbing and bouldering, with articulated sleeves offering unrestricted reach.
● Lightweight heat-retaining features, such as the elasticated cuffs and drawcord adjustable hem.
● YKK® centre-front zip with insulated zip baffle.
New! Microlight Down Shield Range
''A waterproof down jacket that combines warmth and weather protection in a single layer.''
The Microlight Shield combines 146g of 700FP hydrophobic recycled down with a 20D Pertex Shield outer, giving you both insulation and proper waterproof protection in one jacket. The 20,000mm hydrostatic head and AquaGuard zips make it much better suited to prolonged cold, wet conditions than a conventional down layer.
The longer 78.5cm cut, adjustable hood, and articulated sleeves provide good coverage without restricting movement, while the Regular fit leaves room for a baselayer or light fleece underneath.
The main trade-off is flexibility: because the waterproof shell and insulation are permanently combined, you cannot shed warmth while keeping the weather protection. For consistently cold and wet conditions, though, I think the all-in-one design makes a lot of sense.
Key Features
● Optimised mobility with smaller nano baffles down the sides and under your arms.
● Larger micro baffles offer greater down loft and heat retention where you need it most.
● 2-layer Pertex® Shield waterproof outer, which holds its own against the elements without weighing you down.
● Adjustable hood with integrated peak to keep the rain off your face.
● Fully articulated sleeves allow unrestricted movement.
● Heat up numb hands in the two hand pockets, which sit behind the baffles for maximum warmth.
● Seal out the elements using the drawcord adjustable hem and internally elasticated cuffs.
● YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® front zip with insulated zip baffle.
The Microlight has long been a trusted choice for lightweight insulation in changing conditions. It provides warmth without excess weight on mountain routes, at the crag, and during everyday outdoor adventures. Built for regular use in demanding environments, it remains a dependable layer season after season. Its balance of warmth, comfort, and low bulk has made it a favourite among hikers, climbers, and mountaineers. For many outdoor enthusiasts, it is the jacket that always finds a place in your pack. Easy to carry and quick to layer on, it delivers reliable warmth when temperatures fall.