Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket Review
Rab Xenair Alpine – my new go-to!
Overall, I’m genuinely impressed with the Rab Xenair Alpine Light jacket. As you’ll see throughout this review, Rab have managed to create what feels like the perfect midlayer — warm enough for cold-weather climbs, breathable enough for intense movement, and light enough to stuff into a pack without thinking twice.
The only issue I have? Pricing, as always. Rab gear rarely comes cheap — but with this jacket, it’s clear where your money goes.
Design and Features:
The first thing I noticed when pulling on the Xenair Alpine Light is just how comfortable and unrestrictive it feels. At just 336 grams, this jacket is featherlight, and the fit immediately tells you it’s built for active mountain use.
The cut is athletic without being tight — meaning it moves with you rather than against you. I’ve worn it for fast hikes, scrambling, and layering under a shell, and it’s never once bunched or ridden up.
The jacket uses Pertex Quantum Air fabric — a semi-permeable outer designed to balance wind resistance with breathability. This means it traps enough heat when you’re standing still but dumps it quickly when you start moving.
TL;DR:
- Weight: Around 336g (medium).
- Fit: Athletic, not restrictive.
- Outer Fabric: Pertex Quantum Air – wind resistant and highly breathable.
- Purpose: Perfect for stop-start alpine activity or fast-paced hiking in cool conditions.
Insulation:
The Xenair Alpine Light uses PrimaLoft Gold Active+ synthetic insulation — lightweight, compressible, and warm even when damp.
Rab use body-mapped insulation, meaning there’s more insulation in the core where you need warmth, and less under the arms and sides to improve airflow.
This design makes a massive difference during high-output climbs — you stay warm without feeling like you’re wrapped in a plastic bag.
Unlike traditional puffies, this jacket doesn’t overheat quickly. It’s designed to breathe, and that’s exactly what it does.
TL;DR:
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold Active+ (synthetic).
- Mapping: Heavier insulation in core, lighter on sides/arms.
- Warmth: Excellent for active use down to around 0°C (with base layer).
- Performance: Retains warmth even when damp.
Outer Shell and Weather Resistance
The Pertex Quantum Air outer fabric offers solid protection against wind and light rain.
It’s not a full waterproof shell — and it’s not meant to be — but it shrugs off drizzle, mist, and snow easily. After a couple of months of use, I’ve found it dries rapidly and beads water surprisingly well straight out of the bag.
That said, if you’re expecting a full downpour, you’ll want a hard shell on top.
TL;DR:
- Material: Pertex Quantum Air (DWR-treated).
- Protection: Wind resistant and water-repellent (not waterproof).
- Drying: Dries quickly, ideal for layering under a waterproof shell.
Hood:
The hood is one of the best features of the Xenair Alpine Light.
It’s fully insulated, helmet-compatible, and adjustable with a single rear drawcord. The elasticated edge seals neatly around the face without feeling tight, and there’s a soft chin guard to prevent rubbing.
The hood moves with your head, not against it — which is essential if you’re scrambling or climbing.
TL;DR:
- Type: Insulated, helmet-compatible.
- Adjustability: Single-pull rear cord, elasticated trim.
- Comfort: Excellent mobility, doesn’t restrict vision.
Pockets:
The jacket comes with two hand pockets and one internal chest pocket.
The hand pockets are high enough to be accessible even when wearing a climbing harness or backpack hip belt, and they’re fleece-lined for extra comfort.
The chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack — you can pack the entire jacket into it for easy storage.
TL;DR:
- Pockets: 2 hand, 1 internal chest.
- Design: Harness-compatible, fleece-lined.
- Packability: Chest pocket doubles as stuff sack.
Fit and Comfort:
Rab nailed the fit on this one. It’s trim enough for layering under a hard shell, but there’s still room for a thin fleece or base layer underneath.
The articulated sleeves and drop hem mean it stays in place even when you’re reaching or climbing. I’ve worn this jacket for full days of hiking, and it’s never once felt restrictive.
The fabric’s slight stretch gives it that “barely-there” comfort that’s rare in insulated pieces.
TL;DR:
- Cut: Athletic fit with articulated sleeves.
- Hem: Dropped back hem for coverage.
- Comfort: Excellent mobility and range of motion.
Packability:
When packed into its own pocket, the Xenair Alpine Light compresses down to about the size of a grapefruit.
It’s small enough to throw in a daypack or clip onto your harness without weighing you down.
I’ve used it as a “just in case” layer during summer hikes and as a midlayer in winter — and it’s worked perfectly in both roles.
TL;DR:
- Weight: 336g.
- Compression: Packs into its own pocket.
- Use Case: Great as a midlayer or standalone active piece.
Durability:
After several months of use, I’m impressed by how well the outer fabric has held up.
The Pertex Quantum Air shell resists abrasion better than I expected for such a lightweight material. There are no snags or loose threads yet, even after brushing against rock and vegetation.
I wouldn’t go dragging it through gorse or granite, but it’s tougher than it looks.
TL;DR:
- Outer Fabric: Durable for its weight.
- Reinforcement: None needed — strong stitching and materials.
- Longevity: Excellent wear resistance for a lightweight jacket.
Final Thoughts:
The Rab Xenair Alpine Light has quickly become one of my favourite midlayers.
It hits that sweet spot between warmth, breathability, and packability — perfect for high-output activities in cool conditions.
At around £180 ($230), it’s not cheap, but the quality and performance absolutely justify the price.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, synthetic insulated jacket that can handle everything from trail running to alpine ascents — this is it.
