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The Rab Xenair Light jacket is a versatile synthetic insulated jacket designed for high-output mountain activities. It uses PrimaLoft Gold Active+ insulation and uninsulated panels for warmth and breathability.
Rab says:
Versatile, breathable, and packable, this is an ultralight version of our definitive synthetic insulation for high energy ascents. Wear as a technical outer for fair-weather objectives or a warm midlayer when the mercury drops, it features a new, improved, even more breathable lining, designed to regulate your temperature and keep you comfortable for longer. Adapting with ease to changeable temperatures and energy levels, it is active insulation crafted to be kept on all day, however fast you’re moving and in any weather.
PrimaLoft® Gold Active+ insulation is positioned in the areas where you need a boost of warmth, with zero insulation in high heat areas such as the underarms, to help balance your microclimate when you’re working hard. The outer of the jacket is made with Pertex® Quantum Air, which deflects stubborn wind while helping to expel moisture. Reach with unhindered mobility thanks to the articulated sleeves, while the adjustable hem seals out the elements. The two hand pockets and internal chest pocket provide handy storage for fast and light adventures without a pack, and one of the hand pockets doubles as a stuff sack with a harness attachment loop.
The Xenair Light is a versatile jacket for any demanding mountain activity, from climbing and mountaineering to fast hiking and scrambling.
Our Verdict
The Rab Xenair Light is an incredibly versatile and technically advanced synthetic insulated jacket designed for high-output mountain activities. Utilising body-mapped PrimaLoft Gold Active+ insulation and uninsulated panels provides warmth without overheating during intense exercise. The Pertex Quantum Air outer is wind-resistant yet highly breathable, allowing moisture to escape. Notable features include articulated sleeves for unhindered mobility, an adjustable hem to seal out drafts, and several pockets, including one that doubles as an integrated stuff sack. At just over 258g for a size medium, the low weight and packable design make it easy to bring along even on fast-and-light missions.
What sets the Xenair Light apart is its exceptional thermoregulation capabilities that adapt to your changing body temperature and output levels. This allows you to comfortably wear it as an outer layer on fair weather days or as a breathable mid-layer in colder conditions without overheating or getting cold. The quality construction and premium materials deliver impressive warmth for the weight. While quite an investment, the versatility and performance of this active insulation jacket make it well worth it for serious mountain athletes looking for a technical layering piece.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Body mapped insulation with zoned areas of uninsulated panels to aid thermoregulation
- Lightweight YKK® VISLON® centre front zip with chin guard
- 2 YKK® concealed zipped hand pockets, one of which doubles as an integrated stuff sack with harness attachment loop
- 1 YKK® concealed internal zipped chest pocket
- Precurved and articulated sleeves for improved fit and movement
- Lightweight single sided rear hem adjustment with anti snag tether
Specifications
- Small weighs: 239g
- Medium weighs: 258g
- Large weighs: 268g
- XLarge weighs: 280g
Material & Construction
- 20D Pertex® Quantum Air with fluorocarbon-free DWR (47gsm [2cfm])
- 20D recycled nylon (40gsm [10cfm])
- 40gsm PrimaLoft® Gold Active+ insulation (55% recycled content) throughout
- Main: 100% Polyamide (with Acrylic coating). Lining: 100% recycled Polyamide
- Fit: Regular
- Centre back length (Size M): 71cm / 27.9inch
