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One of the most notable aspects of the Kaon is the lack of pockets, more so that it only has a single chest pocket and even this is quite small. It's a bold move from Rab that has certainly divided opinion among our guides. The removal of pockets offers a more streamlined jacket, free from the usual issues whilst wearing a harness or waist strap of a rucksack. It also lends itself to be worn year-round as an adaptable mid-layer, making multiple layering more comfortable. But… even after a full year of use, we still find ourselves reaching for a pocket to quickly store an item, or place hands when stood still or resting at camp. This is simply out of habit and for many, including some of our guides, and is a feature that may turn people away from purchasing the Kaon.

It becomes clearer why Rab have taken this option when you consider another notable feature with the Kaon which is the use of both synthetic and down panel insulation. Rab claim this is to achieve, "the ideal balance of warmth, protection and movement." Much of the body is 800 fill power European goose down, these are seen in small panels which loft extremely well considering the compact pack size. Stratus synthetic insulation is located over shoulders, cuff area, hips, and hood, and make up areas in which down could lose its insulating qualities. These are areas in which moisture will most likely build up, or where gear will compress the insulation, such as rucksack straps/harness. It’s not instantly noticeable which area is made of which fill unless you rub it between your fingers. The insulated panels are stitched through which helps keep the fill in place but also aids breathability. An important rule with clothing of this type is staying dry. When working hard, especially in the colder months, keeping moisture from building up is a must.

To further improve breathability and save on weight, Rab again included a design element which divided opinion in the form of the non-insulated Pertex Quantum Air underarm panels. The fabric panels are very thin and our initial thought on this was that it would make the insulating properties of the Kaon greatly unbalanced. In use, we quickly realized they are a great feature making for a jacket with a nice flow of air that feels very natural to wear, especially when working hard on steeper ground. This is most apparent when combining the Kaon with a hard-shell jacket. It’s not uncommon for most waterproof shells to included pit zips which offer a decent way to dump heat or have open whilst on the move to regulate body warmth. The underarm panels of the Kaon work in perfect harmony with multiple layers an especially important feature as the Kaon does have a major weakness.

The Atmos lightweight ripstop nylon outer fabric is very soft and pliable but is also very thin. As wet weather sets in the Kaon becomes saturated easily and quickly. Although the Rab fluorocarbon free hydrophobic down does a decent job of not completely losing its insulating qualities, this is not a wet weather friendly jacket. Albeit, it does dry quickly due to its lightweight nature, if weather conditions are looking patchy for multiday activities a bit of consideration and care will be needed.

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When you look again at the placement of the Stratus synthetic insulation it makes sense that it was never Rab’s intention to have this as a jacket in which you can get away with a bit of rainfall. Sleeves, hood, and upper body are all areas in which the odd bit of moisture can penetrate clothing even whilst wearing the most solid hard-shell. We spent many days with waterproof shells needed for a full days walk, the Kaon was the perfect solution to have underneath due to its high breathability and warmth directed to the core.

With no insulation under the arms it also makes for a much nicer time when a using a larger backpack with less fabric bunching under the arms.