If I end up moving to Ireland after getting my birthright citizenship, I'm definitely gonna start ordering from you guys. Your videos are so informative
It's like a super light Paramo or Buffalo system. I had the Marmot Driclime jacket. It was good but the outer was windproof and no hood or venting pockets. This looks to have solved the issues. In light to medium rain this would be good for trail running or fastpacking.
Looks a good jacket and in fact I've just ordered one. However, I'm disappointed that this iteration does not have velcro wrist straps of previous versions, which for me is an essential. I find that in windy conditions on the high fells, wind entering any jacket able to move upwards through sleeves causes me to feel cold. I assume this is simply wind chill caused by cold air able to run directly over skin and or a base layer, which is not in direct contact with the outer shell of the garment. So velcro wrist straps would offer the option of remaining fully open, in the case of no wind or fully closed in the case of howling gales. Just my point of view, but to me this omission is a backward step. If it aint broken, don't fix it.
Hi David. Thanks for your kind comments and I'm sure that you'll be impressed with the VR Alpine Light Jacket. Your new VR Alpine and your existing Alpha Direct will have you covered for all season mountain activities. I hope you have a great time in the beautiful Lakes, it's stunning up there at this time of year. Paul.
Hi Paul, interesting to see that Rab have stripped back the Vapour Rise back still further from the old Alpine Light I have had for several years. The lining looks very reminiscent of Paramo's ''new'' mesh pump liner, which has been around for four years or so. I'm not a fan of fleecy linings or fleece generally, as I find it 'fuggy'', so the lining is what piques my interest here. Incidentally, I can beat your ''ape index'' - my wingspan is 6' 1". At a height of 5' 8", that's 5" more than my height, or 107%! More jackets with LONG arms, that's what we want!
HI, thanks for your comments. I too had one of the old Alpine Light jackets and used it for just about all my outdoor activities. I do agree though, that the old lining was a bit "grabby" and made the jacket feel a little restrictive. This new version is a big improvement, with the lining being very similar to the Paramo one, it glides much better over layers, especially Merino. And it's got nice long arms! All the best, Paul.
Hi. Unfortunately the Rab Xenon is a jacket we no longer stock, and from the looks of it, is no longer a current season product from Rab. If you can still find one for sale it is a great synthetic jacket, ideal for cold wet days where you need a warm layer that will still work even when wet. The closest equivalent we now stock from Rab (in a similar weight of insulation) is the Xenair Alpine Light. trekitt.co.uk/outdoor-jackets/insulated-jackets/rab-mens-xenair-alpine-light-jacket-ebony-marmalade__56360 Or we do still stock the Xenon 2.0's bigger sibling, the Generator Alpine, but that is much more insulated and designed for use in colder conditions. trekitt.co.uk/outdoor-jackets/insulated-jackets/rab-mens-generator-alpine-jacket-marmalade__47469
Hi David, thanks for your comments. For UK Hillwalking I would go for either the VR Summit or VR Alpine Light. Your final choice would depend on how warm you want to be. If you run hot, then the Alpine would be better, but if you feel the cold the Summit would be better. I hope that helps. Paul.
Hey Nick, they're very different jackets, so worth trying the new one on if you're after something lighter and more suitable for high-output activities. Kind regards, Harry.
Hi Paul and Harry. Yet another great video! May I ask you use the Lowe Alpine pack in this video. Is that your preferred pack? I'm looking at getting a new pack and have been going back and forth between the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 and the Osprey Kestrel 48 but the LA one you have here looks good too.
Hi Darren. Thanks for your kind comments. To be honest, we used the L.A pack for this video as they are a sister brand to Rab. However, they are excellent packs, as are your other considerations. I couldn't recommend one over another as the fit is by far the most important factor, if possible, I'd recommend you book an appointment at our Hereford Service Centre to get a pro pack fit. Paul.
@@trekitt Thank you for getting back to me. It is appreciated Paul. Your reviews are absolutely top draw. Very knowledgeable. If I lived closer I'd definitely book a fitting with yourselves. Keep up the great work and again thank you for getting back to me. 👍
Is it really that good? I have too much gear and never seem to find a balance. Could I really just wear this or the Alpine I think it is, over a base layer on my hikes and not freeze??? Thanks.
I would personally wear this for fast-moving mountain use in autumn/winter where I'll be producing a fair bit of heat. If I needed to stop, I'd put a thicker insulated over the top. Whether you'll freeze or not depends on your baselayer, the conditions, time of year, wind speed, etc. You'd have to use your best judgement as to which is the correct jacket for you to wear on that day. Harry
I would really appreciate if you could implement some lab tests of the products and rank them in terms of waterproofness, breathability, longevity, abrasion resistance and reaction to washing. I think viewers are very interested in having some objective information. Dunno if you got contracts with the producers but I think a format of this kind would be much appreciated and would get new viewers to watch this channel. Kind regards
HI, I agree, it would be fantastic if there were some of kind of test that gave a truly objective performance rating for all jackets. But unfortunately there isn't. Lab tests cannot replicate real world conditions, user expectation or the many variables that affect end-user comfort. I've tried to explain this in this video - th-cam.com/video/HvukvCzkGW0/w-d-xo.html The other issue is that we are not scientists! We're passionate about the kit we sell and use, and we base our review of a product on our extensive real world experience, but even the manufacturers themselves cannot agree on a fair and objective test to determine performance. Thanks for watching. Paul.
The Summit is a little warmer and aimed more towards climbers (helmet-compatible hood & pockets which sit out the way of harnesses); the Alpine Light is just a good all-rounder.
Hi, first gotta say I love your reviews! I'm interested in this jacket since I'm looking for something to wear on a shoulder season as my top layer and can be used as midlayer on winter as well. This jacket seem to fit the bill but I would like to know more about face fabric and its durability. I read many negatives about durability of face fabric on Arcteryx Atom and Patangonia Nano Air - abrasion from backpack on back, shoulders and chest area. How's face fabric holding up on this jacket? Many thanks for your feedback!
I'm afraid it's not one of our personal jackets and we haven't given it a lot of abuse besides this one filming outing. It may well be asking on a Facebook group or outdoor forum to see if anyone has used it in anger and can report anything durability wise. Kind regards, Harry.
@@trekitt thanks for the information. May I ask what would be your choice for a jacket that can be used in shoulder season as top layer and midlayer in winter but face fabric durability is important? Mainly for hiking and long trails, occasionally mountain biking. Many thanks!
@@tadejjurkovic8819 I would personally opt for an Arc'teryx Proton FL as it fits me well, plus has the attributes you're looking for. Wouldn't use it for MTB over here in the UK though; I'd be far too warm.
Hi paul,ı want buy softshell jacket.the soft shell i will buy is very breathable, very high windproof and should be lined with micro pile flece.which soft shell jacket can you recommend? and rab salvo,rab torque or rab vr alpine which one meets these features?thanks for help
Hi Paul, I notice you are using a 35L pack with this. I’m thinking of using this for backpacking as a more breathable alternative to a GoreTex Pro hardshell in mild conditions but is the fabric robust enough to use it with a heavier 65L pack? Also what is the difference between this and the VR Ridgeline jacket other than the hood and additional pockets?
Hi. The face fabric is certainly tough enough for use with a large pack, however, I wouldn't recommend that you use this as a replacement for a hard-shell, it's just not waterproof enough. Certainly use it a part of your layering, and on those cool, damp days it works perfectly, but always carry a hard-shell! The main difference between the Alpine Light and the Ridgeline is the pocket configuration and hood. The Ridgeline is more of a runners/bikers jacket and has no hood!
@@trekitt Thanks. Is the Rab VR Light any different from the Arc’teryx Proton FL? Which would be more suitable for backpacking? I have the Summit but it’s a tad too warm for high output activities i.e. not climbing the north face of the Eiger
The VR Alpine is very similar, in performance terms, with the Proton FL. Both would be ideal for backpacking so I guess it's down to budget, brand allegiance, aesthetics etc. Paul.
The VR Alpine is slightly different to a windshell as the outer fabric will allow a percentage of wind through to keep you cool, whereas a windshell's job is to keep as much wind off you as possible.
@@trekitt Thanks - any thoughts on whether this would have been better with handwarmer pockets as well or are they are bit redundant on a jacket as light as this?
The jacket is primarily designed for more vertical mountain activities where you'd be wearing a harness or a pack with a hipbelt, thus making handwarmer pockets redundant. Plus, as you suggested, they'd increase the weight and bulk of this lightweight jacket. Paul.
Hi, I'm wearing the Arcteryx Calvus cap and it's the best cap I've ever owned (and I've owned many). Thanks for watching. Paul. www.trekitt.co.uk/facetresults.aspx?Term=calvus
@@trekitt Thanks Paul. Seems like you are out of stock. After looking online, seems the Arcteryx Calvus cannot be purchased anywhere at the moment. Either very popular or they don't produce them anymore.
@thewhofan they are indeed very popular. We have more on order, so go to the page on our website, select your size and then click the "NOTIFY" button,, you can enter your email and get a notification when the new stock arrives. Paul.
Vapour Rise garments are designed to allow a little wind through to keep you cool when you're working hard, whereas the Borealis is designed to keep the wind off as a super lightweight outer layer. It really depends what you're looking to get out of the jacket, because, as you've rightly pointed out, they're very different beasts! Kind regards, Harry.
@@trekitt Thanks, I was hoping the VR would bridge the gap between the Borealis and a Goretex pro hardshell for winter use in the Rocky Mountains while on SAR missions.
@@stephencline8561 You'd be better off with something like the Montane Dyno XT which is a 'traditional' softshell with a warm brushed lining. This'll offer more wind-resistance than the VR Alpine but still with good levels of breathability (far above that of a full hardshell). I'll pop a link to it below. Harry. www.trekitt.co.uk/38328/products/montane-mens-dyno-xt-jacket-black.aspx
Hi Stuart. The Kinesis is a warmer jacket than the VR Alpine Light due to the "fluffier" inside fabric. Breathability is pretty similar however. Thanks for watching. Paul.
@@trekitt How do you think the ME Kenisis compares to the VR Summit? I’m torn between the two and don’t want to get it wrong as either way, I’ll be buying unseen from overseas. Grateful for any insight you can offer!
@@alexarna Similar fit, similar breathability, Kinesis is a bit warmer, but overall you'll be happy with either and won't notice much difference. It just comes down to which brand you're more loyal to. Harry
The ones that fit you best! We stock a wide range and offer a professional footwear fitting service. You can book an appointment if you're near, or alternatively I'd find a local specialist who can fit you instead. Kind regards, Harry. www.trekitt.co.uk/footwear/waterproof-footwear
The Borealis is a bit simpler and is more of a traditional softshell; albeit super lightweight - the Alpine Light has Rab's Vapour Rise tech, so it's designed more for ultimate breathability and moisture wicking.
Very, very similar. The VR is probably a little more focused on breathability/wicking, but you'll be happy with both. I owned an Atom SL for years and loved it. Harry
Hi Mark. The VR Alpine and the Arcteryx Proton FL are indeed incredibly similar. The VR is slightly lighter by 28g, and the Proton is slightly sexier. I suspect that any performance difference will be negligible, however I haven't used a Proton FL in anger. I hope that helps. Paul.
Best gear reviews on TH-cam 👍
Thanks Matt, we love making these videos and it's great to hear that they are appreciated. Paul.
If I end up moving to Ireland after getting my birthright citizenship, I'm definitely gonna start ordering from you guys. Your videos are so informative
Thanks for watching and we hope to be of service in future.
Nothing beats this for winter cycling in my opinion especially for keeping the neck and head warm. Fits nicely over or under a helmet.
Good call Graham. The VR works really well as a lightweight cycling jacket. Paul.
It's like a super light Paramo or Buffalo system. I had the Marmot Driclime jacket. It was good but the outer was windproof and no hood or venting pockets. This looks to have solved the issues. In light to medium rain this would be good for trail running or fastpacking.
Absolutely! The new VR Alpine is a brilliant jacket for those types of activities. Paul.
Looks a good jacket and in fact I've just ordered one. However, I'm disappointed that this iteration does not have velcro wrist straps of previous versions, which for me is an essential. I find that in windy conditions on the high fells, wind entering any jacket able to move upwards through sleeves causes me to feel cold. I assume this is simply wind chill caused by cold air able to run directly over skin and or a base layer, which is not in direct contact with the outer shell of the garment. So velcro wrist straps would offer the option of remaining fully open, in the case of no wind or fully closed in the case of howling gales. Just my point of view, but to me this omission is a backward step. If it aint broken, don't fix it.
Good review thanks Paul, ordered one from you this morning, my first VR so looking forward to using it in the Lakes this weekend hopefully.
Hi David. Thanks for your kind comments and I'm sure that you'll be impressed with the VR Alpine Light Jacket. Your new VR Alpine and your existing Alpha Direct will have you covered for all season mountain activities. I hope you have a great time in the beautiful Lakes, it's stunning up there at this time of year. Paul.
I really like your reviews Paul, very helpful, lots of information and I really like the way you do it.
Thanks for your kind comments, we aim to please! Paul.
Huge fan of vapour rise, brilliant kit. 👍👍
Me too, I've been using it for years and this new range is brilliant! Paul.
Hi Paul, interesting to see that Rab have stripped back the Vapour Rise back still further from the old Alpine Light I have had for several years. The lining looks very reminiscent of Paramo's ''new'' mesh pump liner, which has been around for four years or so. I'm not a fan of fleecy linings or fleece generally, as I find it 'fuggy'', so the lining is what piques my interest here. Incidentally, I can beat your ''ape index'' - my wingspan is 6' 1". At a height of 5' 8", that's 5" more than my height, or 107%! More jackets with LONG arms, that's what we want!
HI, thanks for your comments. I too had one of the old Alpine Light jackets and used it for just about all my outdoor activities. I do agree though, that the old lining was a bit "grabby" and made the jacket feel a little restrictive. This new version is a big improvement, with the lining being very similar to the Paramo one, it glides much better over layers, especially Merino. And it's got nice long arms! All the best, Paul.
Hi. Can you do a review on the rab xenon 2.0 jacket? Thanks
Hi. Unfortunately the Rab Xenon is a jacket we no longer stock, and from the looks of it, is no longer a current season product from Rab. If you can still find one for sale it is a great synthetic jacket, ideal for cold wet days where you need a warm layer that will still work even when wet. The closest equivalent we now stock from Rab (in a similar weight of insulation) is the Xenair Alpine Light.
trekitt.co.uk/outdoor-jackets/insulated-jackets/rab-mens-xenair-alpine-light-jacket-ebony-marmalade__56360
Or we do still stock the Xenon 2.0's bigger sibling, the Generator Alpine, but that is much more insulated and designed for use in colder conditions.
trekitt.co.uk/outdoor-jackets/insulated-jackets/rab-mens-generator-alpine-jacket-marmalade__47469
I’m sure Buffalo would have something to say about being the first soft shell and all in one system 😂
Great video as always of the 3 types of vapour rise jacket which model would be best suited for UK hillwalking
Hi David, thanks for your comments. For UK Hillwalking I would go for either the VR Summit or VR Alpine Light. Your final choice would depend on how warm you want to be. If you run hot, then the Alpine would be better, but if you feel the cold the Summit would be better. I hope that helps. Paul.
Great vid thanks. Worth upgrading last year's VR to this one?
Hey Nick, they're very different jackets, so worth trying the new one on if you're after something lighter and more suitable for high-output activities. Kind regards, Harry.
Hi Paul and Harry. Yet another great video! May I ask you use the Lowe Alpine pack in this video. Is that your preferred pack? I'm looking at getting a new pack and have been going back and forth between the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 and the Osprey Kestrel 48 but the LA one you have here looks good too.
Hi Darren. Thanks for your kind comments. To be honest, we used the L.A pack for this video as they are a sister brand to Rab. However, they are excellent packs, as are your other considerations. I couldn't recommend one over another as the fit is by far the most important factor, if possible, I'd recommend you book an appointment at our Hereford Service Centre to get a pro pack fit. Paul.
@@trekitt Thank you for getting back to me. It is appreciated Paul. Your reviews are absolutely top draw. Very knowledgeable. If I lived closer I'd definitely book a fitting with yourselves. Keep up the great work and again thank you for getting back to me. 👍
Is it really that good? I have too much gear and never seem to find a balance. Could I really just wear this or the Alpine I think it is, over a base layer on my hikes and not freeze??? Thanks.
I would personally wear this for fast-moving mountain use in autumn/winter where I'll be producing a fair bit of heat. If I needed to stop, I'd put a thicker insulated over the top. Whether you'll freeze or not depends on your baselayer, the conditions, time of year, wind speed, etc. You'd have to use your best judgement as to which is the correct jacket for you to wear on that day. Harry
I would really appreciate if you could implement some lab tests of the products and rank them in terms of waterproofness, breathability, longevity, abrasion resistance and reaction to washing. I think viewers are very interested in having some objective information. Dunno if you got contracts with the producers but I think a format of this kind would be much appreciated and would get new viewers to watch this channel. Kind regards
HI, I agree, it would be fantastic if there were some of kind of test that gave a truly objective performance rating for all jackets. But unfortunately there isn't. Lab tests cannot replicate real world conditions, user expectation or the many variables that affect end-user comfort. I've tried to explain this in this video - th-cam.com/video/HvukvCzkGW0/w-d-xo.html
The other issue is that we are not scientists! We're passionate about the kit we sell and use, and we base our review of a product on our extensive real world experience, but even the manufacturers themselves cannot agree on a fair and objective test to determine performance. Thanks for watching. Paul.
Hello
Have the rab bororis for the summer and a montane prism for winter. What is best between them, this vr lite or the be summit ?
The Summit is a little warmer and aimed more towards climbers (helmet-compatible hood & pockets which sit out the way of harnesses); the Alpine Light is just a good all-rounder.
Hi, first gotta say I love your reviews! I'm interested in this jacket since I'm looking for something to wear on a shoulder season as my top layer and can be used as midlayer on winter as well. This jacket seem to fit the bill but I would like to know more about face fabric and its durability. I read many negatives about durability of face fabric on Arcteryx Atom and Patangonia Nano Air - abrasion from backpack on back, shoulders and chest area. How's face fabric holding up on this jacket? Many thanks for your feedback!
I'm afraid it's not one of our personal jackets and we haven't given it a lot of abuse besides this one filming outing. It may well be asking on a Facebook group or outdoor forum to see if anyone has used it in anger and can report anything durability wise. Kind regards, Harry.
@@trekitt thanks for the information. May I ask what would be your choice for a jacket that can be used in shoulder season as top layer and midlayer in winter but face fabric durability is important? Mainly for hiking and long trails, occasionally mountain biking. Many thanks!
@@tadejjurkovic8819 I would personally opt for an Arc'teryx Proton FL as it fits me well, plus has the attributes you're looking for. Wouldn't use it for MTB over here in the UK though; I'd be far too warm.
@@trekitt been looking at Proton FL as well, will consider it. Many thanks for your reply! BR
Hi paul,ı want buy softshell jacket.the soft shell i will buy is very breathable, very high windproof and should be lined with micro pile flece.which soft shell jacket can you recommend? and rab salvo,rab torque or rab vr alpine which one meets these features?thanks for help
Hi, out of the list you supplied the Salvo is only jacket that meets all of your requirements. Thanks for watching. Paul.
Sorry but in my opinion Buffalo were,are the original soft shell.
Hi Paul, I notice you are using a 35L pack with this. I’m thinking of using this for backpacking as a more breathable alternative to a GoreTex Pro hardshell in mild conditions but is the fabric robust enough to use it with a heavier 65L pack? Also what is the difference between this and the VR Ridgeline jacket other than the hood and additional pockets?
Hi. The face fabric is certainly tough enough for use with a large pack, however, I wouldn't recommend that you use this as a replacement for a hard-shell, it's just not waterproof enough. Certainly use it a part of your layering, and on those cool, damp days it works perfectly, but always carry a hard-shell! The main difference between the Alpine Light and the Ridgeline is the pocket configuration and hood. The Ridgeline is more of a runners/bikers jacket and has no hood!
@@trekitt Thanks. Is the Rab VR Light any different from the Arc’teryx Proton FL? Which would be more suitable for backpacking? I have the Summit but it’s a tad too warm for high output activities i.e. not climbing the north face of the Eiger
The VR Alpine is very similar, in performance terms, with the Proton FL. Both would be ideal for backpacking so I guess it's down to budget, brand allegiance, aesthetics etc. Paul.
Do you think this would work as an alternative to lightweight windshells such as Patagonia Houdini / Act'teryx Squamish?
The VR Alpine is slightly different to a windshell as the outer fabric will allow a percentage of wind through to keep you cool, whereas a windshell's job is to keep as much wind off you as possible.
@@trekitt Thanks - any thoughts on whether this would have been better with handwarmer pockets as well or are they are bit redundant on a jacket as light as this?
The jacket is primarily designed for more vertical mountain activities where you'd be wearing a harness or a pack with a hipbelt, thus making handwarmer pockets redundant. Plus, as you suggested, they'd increase the weight and bulk of this lightweight jacket. Paul.
I have been looking for a nice shape cap for ages that fits well. Can you tell me which Arc'teryx cap is that please?
Hi, I'm wearing the Arcteryx Calvus cap and it's the best cap I've ever owned (and I've owned many). Thanks for watching. Paul.
www.trekitt.co.uk/facetresults.aspx?Term=calvus
@@trekitt Thanks Paul. Seems like you are out of stock. After looking online, seems the Arcteryx Calvus cannot be purchased anywhere at the moment. Either very popular or they don't produce them anymore.
@thewhofan they are indeed very popular. We have more on order, so go to the page on our website, select your size and then click the "NOTIFY" button,, you can enter your email and get a notification when the new stock arrives. Paul.
Paul, I know they are very different but how does the VR Alpine Light compare to the Rab Borealis in terms of wind resistance? Thanks!
Vapour Rise garments are designed to allow a little wind through to keep you cool when you're working hard, whereas the Borealis is designed to keep the wind off as a super lightweight outer layer. It really depends what you're looking to get out of the jacket, because, as you've rightly pointed out, they're very different beasts! Kind regards, Harry.
@@trekitt Thanks, I was hoping the VR would bridge the gap between the Borealis and a Goretex pro hardshell for winter use in the Rocky Mountains while on SAR missions.
@@stephencline8561 You'd be better off with something like the Montane Dyno XT which is a 'traditional' softshell with a warm brushed lining. This'll offer more wind-resistance than the VR Alpine but still with good levels of breathability (far above that of a full hardshell). I'll pop a link to it below. Harry.
www.trekitt.co.uk/38328/products/montane-mens-dyno-xt-jacket-black.aspx
@@trekitt Thanks for the info!
Hi, any thoughts how this compares to the ME Kinesis jacket in terms of warmth and breathability?
Hi Stuart. The Kinesis is a warmer jacket than the VR Alpine Light due to the "fluffier" inside fabric. Breathability is pretty similar however. Thanks for watching. Paul.
@@trekitt How do you think the ME Kenisis compares to the VR Summit? I’m torn between the two and don’t want to get it wrong as either way, I’ll be buying unseen from overseas. Grateful for any insight you can offer!
@@alexarna Similar fit, similar breathability, Kinesis is a bit warmer, but overall you'll be happy with either and won't notice much difference. It just comes down to which brand you're more loyal to. Harry
What’s the best waterproof hiking shoe and boots 🤔
The ones that fit you best! We stock a wide range and offer a professional footwear fitting service. You can book an appointment if you're near, or alternatively I'd find a local specialist who can fit you instead. Kind regards, Harry.
www.trekitt.co.uk/footwear/waterproof-footwear
How does this compare to the rab borealis jacket?
The Borealis is a bit simpler and is more of a traditional softshell; albeit super lightweight - the Alpine Light has Rab's Vapour Rise tech, so it's designed more for ultimate breathability and moisture wicking.
This vs the Black Diamond Alpine Start?
We don't stock the latter unfortunately, and as such I don't have any experience with it. Sorry.
How do you think it compares to an Atom SL?
Very, very similar. The VR is probably a little more focused on breathability/wicking, but you'll be happy with both. I owned an Atom SL for years and loved it. Harry
More betterer. Lol. Im torn between this and the borealis as a breathable layer for warmer days.
Borealis is completely uninsulated, so just depends how warm you need to be! Harry
@@trekitt thanks for the reply
How is this different from arcteryx proton fl ???
Hi Mark. The VR Alpine and the Arcteryx Proton FL are indeed incredibly similar. The VR is slightly lighter by 28g, and the Proton is slightly sexier. I suspect that any performance difference will be negligible, however I haven't used a Proton FL in anger. I hope that helps. Paul.
buscuit eating team :)
An integral part of the company! Thanks for watching.
Its bad just how much Rab gear i have, almost look sponsored by them.
I know that feeling! Thanks for watching. Paul.