A love letter to an outdoor institution. Celebrating 10 years of the Rab Microlight
and introducing the new generation of Microlight.
Always one of the most popular down jackets of the season, the Microlight Alpine has stood the test of time as an accessible figurehead in the Rab range. 2018 sees the microlight alpine 10th anniversary and to celebrate, Rab has perfected the old and introduced something brand new.
Where were you 10 years ago? Can you recall your favourite moment? A lot can happen in that time – friends come and go, memories are made, life changes, but some things remain constant.
One constant during that time for fans of the outdoors has been the much loved Microlight Alpine from Rab. Instantly embraced by climbers, mountaineers, walkers, and those looking for a layer of warmth around town for its fit, versatility and warmth, the Microlight was a game changer in its own right and quickly became an icon.
Whether out belaying or having a stroll over the moors, this packable jacket is well travelled. First designed as a classic layering piece for alpine climbers, the Rab Microlight Alpine has seen far more than mountains in its lifetime. Its popularity grew for because of its style packed substance and can these days be found under a harness, over an old jumper, over gym kit, surf shorts and jeans – it’s been hiking, skiing, fishing, flying and more. Trends come and go, but the Microlight has remained one of those constants.
You don’t have to venture far to find another Microlight owner, that knowing glance and nod you’ll give or receive as you pass, it’s an exclusive little club.
Most jackets end up in the bin or to the local charity shop when they’ve seen better days, but you’ll often find well-aged Microlights with scuffs and patches or duct tape holding bits together and you know they’re badges of honour of adventures gone by.
It’s a testament to this great jacket that people would rather patch it than move on, people do genuinely love their Microlight, and how many of your jackets can you say that about?
Celebrating 10 years of the Rab Microlight
For it’s 10th anniversary Rab wanted to celebrate this much-loved jacket. To the untrained eye, changes over time are subtle. However, on closer inspection, you can see a decade of natural evolution. Refinements here and tweaks there.
This year is bigger than that. Deconstructed, analysed and carefully rebuilt, every tiny detail of the Microlight has been scrutinised and honed.
The new and improved Rab Microlight Alpine
- Pertex® Quantum outer and inner
- Filled with 750FP Ethically-Sourced R.D.S Certified European Goose Down (143g in Size L)
- Rab® Fluorocarbon free Hydrophobic Down developed in conjunction with Nikwax®
- Micro stitch-through baffle construction
- Adjustable hood with laminated brim and flexible polymer peak
- Diverted hood baffle lines for an anatomical fit
- YKK® reverse coil front zip with insulated zip baffle and chin guard
- 2 YKK® reverse coil harness compatible hand pockets
- YKK® reverse coil chest pocket
- Hem with dual drawcord adjustment
- Stuff sack
- Slim Fit
- Weight: 470g (size Large)
- Available in a wide range of colours and styles, there’s a Microlight to suit everyone.
Introducing the Rab Microlight Summit
There’s no better way to salute all the Microlight has done than to use it to inspire a brand new jacket to take Rab into the next decade.
Born from the classic Microlight, the Microlight Summit is inspired by innovative new fabric development, Pertex® Quantum Infinity Weave™. This incredible technology removes the need for glue, heat and stitching when constructing baffles, increasing weather protection and boosting warmth. Inside, each baffle is filled with the highest quality 750FP ethically-sourced hydrophobic down.
This allows the Summit to pack down to next to nothing and quickly loft again when needed, even in less favourable conditions.
- Pre baffled seamless build Pertex® Quantum Infinity Weave™ ∞ fabric
- Filled with 750FP Ethically-Sourced R.D.S Certified European Goose Down (143g in size Large)
- Rab® Fluorocarbon free Hydrophobic Down developed in conjunction with Nikwax®
- Stretch nylon cuff allowing sleeves to be rolled up
- Full helmet compatible hood with laminated brim and flexible polymer peak
- Internal stretch bound hood seams to reduce hood size when worn without a helmet
- Internal stretch hood gaiter to seal out wind and improve fit around face
- 2-way YKK® VISLON® front zip with insulated zip baffle and chin guard
- YKK® VISLON® harness compatible hand pockets
- Internal YKK® reverse coil zipped pocket
- Stuff sack
- Long length and slim fit
- Weight: 455g (size Large)
Take a closer look at some of the technology in Rab’s jackets
RDS
As one of the first certified members of the Responsible Down Standard, Rab have been committed to improving animal welfare and ensuring all their down is traceable throughout their supply chain.
Nikwax Hydrophobic Down
All the down used in Rab’s Microlight range is treated with Nikwax’s fluorocarbon-free water-repellent finish. This allows it to maintain loft by preventing it from absorbing water in damp conditions. Making it ideal for British conditions.
Pertex Quantum Infinity Weave
Taking a new approach to baffle construction, the new Microlight Summit is made from Pertex Quantum Infinity Weave. This innovative fabric eliminates the need for stitching, glue or heat, and is instead woven, this means more down coverage and more warmth for you.
Pertex Quantum
Pertex Quantum is a tightly woven, water-repellent fabric. As well as offering protection from the elements, this lightweight, durable fabric allows the down to fully loft, increasing warmth.
Down Wash
One of the most sustainable things Rab do is to help the kit you buy last as long as possible. So they have set up their own down wash service. To find out more just search Rab Down Wash.
