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The stretch and comfort of a softshell with the protection of a hardshell. A combination of knitted and woven Proflex fabrics provide freedom of movement, stretch and protection for fast moving alpine ascents.
Rab says:
Our lightweight Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Jacket is so comfortable, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing a waterproof. Built to help you pare back your kit on remote multi-day expeditions, it’s the perfect all-round waterproof shell for hikers, climbers and mountaineers. It uses recycled Stretch Knit Proflex™ fabric with a breathable waterproof membrane and a fast-wicking backer to shift moisture fast during high-energy ascents. It also uses Stretch Nylon Woven Proflex™ panels in the hip, arm, shoulders and hood to cope with the abrasion and exposure of tough, technical climbs.
Designed with a closer fit than a traditional shell, its flexible dual-fabric construction is combined with a range of high-spec features. For all-day dryness, comfort and mobility, they include a helmet-compatible hood, water-resistant AquaGuard zips and easy adjustment at the hood, hem and cuffs. Tough but flexible, waterproof but breathable, this is the ultimate ‘hard’ softshell for committed alpine adventure.
Our Verdict
Rab's Kinetic Alpine 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.
Feature-wise it has two large hand pockets with water resistant zips high enough to be used when wearing a harness or hip belt. There is another large internal chest pocket. The main zip is YKK Vislon with an internal waterproof flap - this means its made from plastic teeth with a coated waterproof tape - these zips are softer and more pliable than nylon coil zips (which are used on the pockets). The hood is helmet compatible with with a wired brim that can be cinched in by the simple toggle on the neck. The waist adjustment is also simple with a cord and button to press to release the tension.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Helmet compatible hood with a stiffened and flexible polymer peak
- Front and rear hood adjustment
- YKK aquaguard 2-way center front zip
- YKK aquaguard pocket zips
- YKK inner zipped chest pocket
- Dual fabrics provide reinforcement in high wear areas
- Brushed tricot chin guard
- Fully adjustable drawcord hem
- Velcro adjustable cuffs
Specifications
- Small weighs: 396g
- Medium weighs: 414g
- Large weighs: 432g
- XLarge weighs: 450g
- Fit: Regular
- Centre back length (Size M): 75cm/29.5inch
Material
- Main: Recycled polyester knit face 3L with PU membrane and polyester backer/ Proflex/ 120gsm/ HH: 10,000 mm/ MVTR: 35000g/m2/24 hrs
- Reinforcement: Stretch polyamide woven 3L/ Proflex/ 149 gsm - Stretch polyamide woven 3L/ Proflex/ 149 gsm
