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Waterproof insulation for cold, wet mountain days
Rab says:
We all know the days: temperatures drop, rain lashes the mountainside, and windchill cuts through your layers and saps away warmth. When staying both warm and dry is critical, this waterproof synthetic insulated jacket offers the ultimate versatility. It’s lightly insulated with body-mapped PrimaLoft® Silver, giving you warmth and unhindered mobility where you need it, and ensuring the Xenon Shield feels less like a bulky insulated jacket and more like a shell that’s warm without trapping too much heat. Waterproof protection is provided by 2-layer Pertex® Shield to deflect everything from drizzle to driving rain. Fully featured and equipped with high levels of sleeve articulation, it’s the ideal insulation for active days, from mountain hikes to winter mountaineering.
Our Verdict
The Xenon Shield combines 133gsm PrimaLoft Silver insulation with a 40D Pertex Shield waterproof shell, for conditions that demand both warmth and weather protection. With a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and 20,000g/m²/24hrs MVTR, it offers proper waterproof protection rather than relying on a water-resistant outer.
I don't think I've seen pit zips used on many insulated jackets, and they make a lot of sense here, giving you a direct way to dump heat without removing your weather protection. I think that also says a lot about the Xenon Shield's intent. This isn't simply a static insulation piece for standing around in bad weather; it is clearly designed for staying active in cold, wet conditions, where managing excess heat can be as important as keeping rain and wind out.
Storage is also very well thought out, with generous hand and chest pockets, plus an internal mesh dump pocket and a zipped security pocket for keys or valuables.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- 2-layer Pertex® Shield for added protection in unpredictable weather
- Body-mapped PrimaLoft® Silver insulation traps air and provides warmth
- 2-way adjustable hood with concealed internal cord locks and single-handed adjustment with stiffened flexible
- polymer peak for added protection
- YKK® AquaGuard® centre front zip with chin guard for comfort
- YKK® AquaGuard® pit zips for efficient core ventilation
- Articulated sleeves for improved fit and comfort
- 2 YKK® AquaGuard® zipped hand pockets
- Extended cuffs with hook-and-loop adjustment for fit with gloves or mitts
- Dual-sided rear hem adjustment with single-handed adjustment
- YKK® AquaGuard® zipped chest pocket
- Internal mesh stuff pocket and YKK® zipped security pocket
Specifications
- Small weighs: 782g
- Medium weighs: 793g
- Large weighs: 827g
- XLarge weighs: 867g
- Fit: Regular
- Centre back length (Size M): 81cm
- HH: 20,000mm
- MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24hrs
Material & Construction
- Main fabric:40D 2-Layer Pertex® Shield Waterproof Technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR (95gsm)
- HH: 20,000mm/MVTR: 20,000 g/m2/24hrs
- Insulation: 133gsm PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation
