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UOG TOP PICK - Rab's Kinetic 2.0 Jacket - Soft drape and feel to the fabric with the performance of a hardshell. It's a bit of a one-off - a waterproof jacket that feels like a softshell. The breathability and protection of the Proflex fabric is excellent - I used a Proflex jacket on a backpacking trip to Iceland, and it performed really well in heavy rain. I wore it even when it wasn't raining, as it was so comfortable and provided general protection from the elements.
Providing the stretch and comfort of a softshell with the protection of a hardshell. The perfect all-day layer, the new Kinetic 2.0 Jacket is a standout piece with a refined fit, offering true multi-activity put-on-keep-on performance.
Rab says:
Our Kinetic 2.0 Jacket is a soft but tough mountain shell, built for comfort without complication. Lightweight and waterproof, with extraordinary stretch and breathability, it is the ideal outer layering piece for unimpeded mobility during fast-paced days in the mountains. Its recycled Proflex™ fabric uses a knitted outer and backer to harness the natural stretch of the internal PU membrane, while enabling exceptional moisture transfer during arduous climbs. The under-helmet hood is equally comfortable, courtesy of a fleecy chin guard, and a flexible polymer peak.
The chest pockets are great for maps, hats and gloves and there is also some useful adjustability at the hem and cuffs. With a weight of just 336g, this is a fuss-free layer you can put on and keep on, throughout the sunny spells, the sporadic showers and the work-rest cycles of even the most changeable day in the mountains.
Our Verdict
Rab's Kinetic 2.0 Jacket has been updated with the inclusion of recycled face fabrics, which have obvious environmental benefits with no impacts on the performance. It is still a super stretchy and comfortable waterproof jacket, blurring the lines between hardshell and softshell with the innovative Proflex fabric. The jacket has the high breathability and soft feel of a'softshell', but is totally waterproof with a hydrostatic head rating of 10,000mm. It has taped seams like a hardshell, perfectly good for all but the very worst conditions, and you can expect to wear it as your hardshell.
This version is much lighter weight and has a stripped back feature set compared to the Alpine jacket, which is ideal for a more versatile general use jacket. It has two large hand pockets with water-resistant zips high enough to be used when wearing a harness or hip belt. The lightweight design is highly packable, so it's ideal for stowing in a pocket on your pack if things heat up too much.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Under helmet elasticated hood, with a stiffened and flexible polymer peak
- Rear hood adjustment
- YKK Aquaguard center front zip
- YKK aquaguard pocket zips
- Brushed tricot chin guard
- Single end adjustable drawcord hem
- Velcro adjustable cuffs
Specifications
- Small weighs: 304g
- Medium weighs: 326g
- Large weighs: 346g
- XLarge weighs: 370g
- Fit: Regular
- Centre back length (Size M): 71cm / 28inch
Material
- Main: Recycled polyester knit face 3L with PU membrane and recycled polyester backer/ Proflex/ 120gsm/ HH: 10,000 mm/ MVTR: 35000g/m2/24 hrs
