I did the same thing. I had a ton of Arc’teryx initially. It’s been years since I’ve used any of their gear though. I didn’t like how most of their kit didn’t breathe like the Rab kit.
Another great video mate. 1 of the issues I have with finding a layering system that works is that most brands seem to love putting hoods on every layer they make and I find the eventual build up of fabric around my neck starts to feel uncomfortable. I've been keeping an eye on the Torque pants for a while, I currently wear the Ascendor AS softshell pants.
My favorite light softshell is the BD alpine start, but I really like the two chest pockets for venting. How is the length, chest and shoulder space of the Borealis vs the Alpine Start. Also, I ate a frozen food bar at a windy summit at -20c (about -4f) in the Positron Pro. It's fantastic.
Lol. That’s hilarious about the frozen food bar. Yeah that positron pro is next level warm! I love it. As I get older, I’m getting colder. So it tends to come with me more often now. I’ve never tried the BD! But, I’m 6’ 155. I fit the small and medium well. I tend to opt for the small though. Lighter and tighter. I don’t like baggy layers when climbing.
We definitely came to Rab around the same time since our kit is near identical! I've also used the Alpha Flash jacket as a light fleece under my Borealis which has worked well. I often grab that over my Kaon. Great video as always, Taylor!
Okay that’s good info. I have the alpha flux which is an awesome fleece. I’m just not a fleece guy usually. The alpha flash is a couple ounces lighter so maybe I’ll get one!
@@teatimeinthealpine5752 I can see that for sure. I like mine as a base layer on colder days or when I'm moving with a slower team. It's nice since the Flash will wick sweat off my back where my Kaon would just get soaked. I suppose I could hike slower or delayer but it often feels tough to not have any sweat on my lower back, you know? Kaon is still the top choice though!
Another great video. Thank you :) Have you ever tried the Helly Hansen Lifa Merino base layers? I am a newbie and I don't have a massive pool of experience to draw from for comparisons, but I like them a lot. Very warm and very good wicking. Many thanks again for the continued top notch videos.
Thank you for the recommendation! I’d be concerned about them being too warm. How do you feel about that? It sounds like something I’d love to check out!
@@teatimeinthealpine5752 It's possible that they would indeed be too warm for you. I am older and less zippy. I use a lightweight crewe as standard. And a midweight 1/2 zip together with a Xenair Alpine Light in a dry bag for emergencies/mid-layer options.
Are you familiar with the Marmot Driclime? Was wondering if the Rab Vapour Rise Alpine Light has a similar liner, or if it is thinner or thicker than the Driclime? Thanks for any feedback.
Hey, quick question. What do you reccomend for fresh snow? I mean like fresh snow that fell a day before, with temperatures around -5 to -10 °°C. Softshell pants with gaiters, that with pull over waterproof trousers or just hardshell trousers?
I would actually recommend the kinetic alpine pant. It breathes like a softshell (no literally, I know it’s hard to believe) but is waterproof. Pair that with some gaiters and you’re good to go!
@@teatimeinthealpine5752 Thanks for advice! I'm right now progressing from climbing 2,500 m peaks in winter and 3,000 m peaks in summer to hopefully 4,000 m peaks in alps in summer and from what I read these seem great. You do come off as a Rab fanboy, but I don't doubt your advice nor Rab gear. That being said, I assume that Kinetic Alpine jacket would also pair well for harsher conditions?
I haven't! I sway away from fleeces usually because they are on the heavy side, and only do one job. The Rab Kaon is lighter, warmer, and multipurpose. It also packs down easier. So I tent to bring a heavy down, and an ultralight down to use in place of a fleece. Works really well!
I understand your rational but my reasoning is that the Kaon could be too warm, not maniging condensation well. The question over the Alpha Flash is over the reason that it is not a fleece, but mad from Alpha Direct. It is warmer per weight than fleece and manages sweat very well. Give you feedback if you ever give it a try
Because they make incredible kit. I’ve used every brand imaginable. I’ve found that the price to quality ratio is the highest with Rab. Their customer service is top notch. Their innovation with bringing new tech to the industry is what initially keyed me onto them. Innovation forced the rest of the industry to get better.
Man, I've got plenty of Arc'teryx gear but I keep going back to my Rab. Rab is just awesome.
I did the same thing. I had a ton of Arc’teryx initially. It’s been years since I’ve used any of their gear though. I didn’t like how most of their kit didn’t breathe like the Rab kit.
Another great video mate. 1 of the issues I have with finding a layering system that works is that most brands seem to love putting hoods on every layer they make and I find the eventual build up of fabric around my neck starts to feel uncomfortable. I've been keeping an eye on the Torque pants for a while, I currently wear the Ascendor AS softshell pants.
I have the ascender pants. Sheesh!! Only if I’m climbing really cold ice. The torque pants are way more enjoyable to wear.
I see that Rab is bringing out a packable version of the Latok Jacket in about 5 weeks or so -- Latok GORE-TEX PACLITE Plus Jacket
If you dig that, check out the zenith. It’s basically the same jacket with two chest pockets. It’s my go to.
Useful info. Keep it up :)
My favorite light softshell is the BD alpine start, but I really like the two chest pockets for venting. How is the length, chest and shoulder space of the Borealis vs the Alpine Start.
Also, I ate a frozen food bar at a windy summit at -20c (about -4f) in the Positron Pro. It's fantastic.
Lol. That’s hilarious about the frozen food bar. Yeah that positron pro is next level warm! I love it. As I get older, I’m getting colder. So it tends to come with me more often now. I’ve never tried the BD! But, I’m 6’ 155. I fit the small and medium well. I tend to opt for the small though. Lighter and tighter. I don’t like baggy layers when climbing.
We definitely came to Rab around the same time since our kit is near identical! I've also used the Alpha Flash jacket as a light fleece under my Borealis which has worked well. I often grab that over my Kaon. Great video as always, Taylor!
Okay that’s good info. I have the alpha flux which is an awesome fleece. I’m just not a fleece guy usually. The alpha flash is a couple ounces lighter so maybe I’ll get one!
@@teatimeinthealpine5752 I like the Flux since it has a similar venting system to the Kaon. It's a great piece to use as a base or mid layer.
@@korosulkalamyr6081 the weight of the Kaon is lower, and it’s is likely warmer. That’s why I struggle so much with choosing a fleece over the Kaon.
@@teatimeinthealpine5752 I can see that for sure. I like mine as a base layer on colder days or when I'm moving with a slower team. It's nice since the Flash will wick sweat off my back where my Kaon would just get soaked. I suppose I could hike slower or delayer but it often feels tough to not have any sweat on my lower back, you know? Kaon is still the top choice though!
@@korosulkalamyr6081 that’s a good point. You might have convinced me 🤣
Another great video. Thank you :) Have you ever tried the Helly Hansen Lifa Merino base layers? I am a newbie and I don't have a massive pool of experience to draw from for comparisons, but I like them a lot. Very warm and very good wicking. Many thanks again for the continued top notch videos.
Thank you for the recommendation! I’d be concerned about them being too warm. How do you feel about that? It sounds like something I’d love to check out!
@@teatimeinthealpine5752 It's possible that they would indeed be too warm for you. I am older and less zippy. I use a lightweight crewe as standard. And a midweight 1/2 zip together with a Xenair Alpine Light in a dry bag for emergencies/mid-layer options.
A gear room tour would be a pretty cool video if you're up for making it...
Hellllll yeahhhh bra!
Great video! I wish Rab still made the 7000m jacket. Is there a replacement in their line that you know of?
Do you find having multiple layers, all with hoods, a little uncomfortable or inconvenient?
The Borealis Jacket comes out in new colours of Sahara, Khaki and Deep Ink at the end of Feb. So no signs of it being axed by Rab just yet.
No I think it’s one of their highest selling jackets! It would be crazy if they dropped it. They do drop a lot of other offerings often though.
Like the Kaon! I can’t believe they dropped that 🥲
What is Rab’s current jacket similar to the Kayon(?) you mention at 4:52? I’d love a piece like that that has the down but super breathable
The zero G! Though, I don’t think they make it anymore. You can find it online though!
Are you familiar with the Marmot Driclime? Was wondering if the Rab Vapour Rise Alpine Light has a similar liner, or if it is thinner or thicker than the Driclime? Thanks for any feedback.
Hey, quick question. What do you reccomend for fresh snow? I mean like fresh snow that fell a day before, with temperatures around -5 to -10 °°C. Softshell pants with gaiters, that with pull over waterproof trousers or just hardshell trousers?
I would actually recommend the kinetic alpine pant. It breathes like a softshell (no literally, I know it’s hard to believe) but is waterproof. Pair that with some gaiters and you’re good to go!
@@teatimeinthealpine5752 Thanks for advice! I'm right now progressing from climbing 2,500 m peaks in winter and 3,000 m peaks in summer to hopefully 4,000 m peaks in alps in summer and from what I read these seem great. You do come off as a Rab fanboy, but I don't doubt your advice nor Rab gear. That being said, I assume that Kinetic Alpine jacket would also pair well for harsher conditions?
Have you tried the rab alpha flash? Any opnion on the use of alpha direct as midlayer for your clothes system in alpine enviroments?
I haven't! I sway away from fleeces usually because they are on the heavy side, and only do one job. The Rab Kaon is lighter, warmer, and multipurpose. It also packs down easier. So I tent to bring a heavy down, and an ultralight down to use in place of a fleece. Works really well!
I understand your rational but my reasoning is that the Kaon could be too warm, not maniging condensation well.
The question over the Alpha Flash is over the reason that it is not a fleece, but mad from Alpha Direct. It is warmer per weight than fleece and manages sweat very well. Give you feedback if you ever give it a try
Nothing ultralight about Rab Microlight Alpine.
It has 700CUIN down, and so it weighs around 500g.
Yup I agree with you. The Kaon however, certainly is.
how come that you only have rab equipment?
Because they make incredible kit. I’ve used every brand imaginable. I’ve found that the price to quality ratio is the highest with Rab. Their customer service is top notch. Their innovation with bringing new tech to the industry is what initially keyed me onto them. Innovation forced the rest of the industry to get better.
P R O M O S M 👇