I got myself a Microlight Vest from Rab, and I had it with me on last weeks trip and was thankful for the warmth it gave me in the fresh morning. It also functioned very well as a pillow at night, the 130g of goose down make a very comfortable and kept my head warm at night. Multipurpose items are one of the ideas of UL backpacking, and this piece of equipment will keep you warm and makes a superb pillow, what else do you want?!
I really like the weight of this beautifully constructed piece of clothing, at 214g in my size S its ridiculously light, and the pack size, as seen in the next photo is what any UL backpacker will like. It packs easily into its own chest pocket, and the elasticized hand pockets are above the hipbelt of my ULA Ohm, allowing me to warm my hands in the pockets. The Pertex outer protects you from the wind, and the collar is useful if its windy as well, protecting your neck and keeping it warm without the need for a scarf or buff.
Comparison to a 1l Nalgene.
Inside.
Get yourself one:
Rab Microlight Vest
at Moosejaw
Rab Microlight Vest
at Backcountry.com
I got myself a Microlight Vest from Rab, and I had it with me on last weeks trip and was thankful for the warmth it gave me in the fresh morning. It also functioned very well as a pillow at night, the 130g of goose down make a very comfortable and kept my head warm at night. Multipurpose items are one of the ideas of UL backpacking, and this piece of equipment will keep you warm and makes a superb pillow, what else do you want?!
I really like the weight of this beautifully constructed piece of clothing, at 214g in my size S its ridiculously light, and the pack size, as seen in the next photo is what any UL backpacker will like. It packs easily into its own chest pocket, and the elasticized hand pockets are above the hipbelt of my ULA Ohm, allowing me to warm my hands in the pockets. The Pertex outer protects you from the wind, and the collar is useful if its windy as well, protecting your neck and keeping it warm without the need for a scarf or buff.
Comparison to a 1l Nalgene.
Inside.
Get yourself one:
Rab Microlight Vestat Moosejaw
Rab Microlight Vestat Backcountry.com
Gear Talk: Rab Microlite Vest
he hendrik
ReplyDeletevery great vest.
i'm also looking for a down jacket for my next tour. i think i will buy the microlite jacket
Hendrik, how did you manage to pull that one off? Looks like a great vest.
ReplyDeleteI had one and got rid of it. Rab sizing is generous so people need to check the size before getting one via mail order. Also the lack of draw cords etc reduce its effectiveness. The OMM Finch has more warmth for the same weight and better features. I did wonder about the RAB partnership ? good for you. See if they will send you some of there good waterproff tops and updated down bags.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin, so far I only had it on one trip and a few times when going food shopping, though in those situations it did what it was supposed to do - keep me warm and looking good.
ReplyDeleteJames, I'm a charming young man ;)
Martin, in my opinion with the help of sizing tables one can make a educated decision on what's the right size for oneself. My Size S fits perfectly, and draw cords would add again some weight. I don't know the OMM Vest, and thus can't comment on it.
I'll shed some more light on the partnership soon-ish.
On size the Rab XL was to big for me. I have a Photon Hoddie in a XL which is perfect. Yes check the size chart as it might not be what you think. Draw cords add little weight and allow heat to be trapped in or let out and that helps. Rab make some good kit. I let my Q250 sleeping bag go. I have a Summit 500 and love it. You hopefully will get to use some good kit.
ReplyDeleteRab (and Montane) sizing works for me but just about every other manufacturer doesnt
ReplyDeleteI still like my antifreeze jacket :)
Hendrik, well done on a very informative report. Vests are an important piece of kit in my view, I have 2 a Nunatak Skaha and a BPL.com vest, both are great and used for different times of the year.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the excellent gear reports.
Martin, sometimes its spot on and sometimes its too big or small. Trying it on in a shop is still the best option.
ReplyDeleteDave, I wear from for example from Haglöfs usually the female version of the jackets, as the male versions are cut too baggy for my taste. Glad that their sizing works for you!
Roger, thank you for the positive feedback, and I'll do my best to keep up the good work! You have quite a few Nunatak items in your wardrobe, lucky you!
Hallo Henrik,
ReplyDeleteüberlege mir die Weste auch zu kaufen und schwanke zwischen Größe S oder M. Laut Rab Sizing Chart bin ich beim Brustumfang grade an der Grenze. Wie sitzt die Weste bei dir?
Für Infos wär ich dankbar!
Schönen Gruß
Jens
Hallo Jens, ich habe bei meiner in S noch genügen Spielraum nach oben, die Sachen sind in den Massangaben meiner Erfahrung nach immer so geschnitten das man noch was drunter ziehen kann und Spielraum hat. Wenn Du "Winterspeck" haben solltest, könnte der im Sommer weg sein und dann sollte S gut passen =)
ReplyDeleteHi Henrik, nice review!
ReplyDeleteCould you give me a helping hand with Rab sizing? I'm 177cm & 64kg and thinking of ordering Rab microlight jacket size S from e-shop.
What do you think is it going to be too small for me? It's very good sale price and they only got size S. It doesn't matter if it's snug because then it's only better under shell, but if it's too short it's not a good thing.
Hei Ilkka, I am 175 cm tall and weigh 65 kg. I think a size S should be fine for you. If you live in Tampere we could try to meet so you can try it on, but Size S should be fine, I think =)
ReplyDeleteman i like that vest but i saw a similar one on outdoor gear that’s pretty similar. surprisingly it's cheap
ReplyDeleteHei Ilkka, I am 175 cm tall and weigh 65 kg. I think a size S should be fine for you. If you live in Tampere we could try to meet so you can try it on, but Size S should be fine, I think =)
ReplyDeleteHallo Henrik,
ReplyDeleteüberlege mir die Weste auch zu kaufen und schwanke zwischen Größe S oder M. Laut Rab Sizing Chart bin ich beim Brustumfang grade an der Grenze. Wie sitzt die Weste bei dir?
Für Infos wär ich dankbar!
Schönen Gruß
Jens
I had one and got rid of it. Rab sizing is generous so people need to check the size before getting one via mail order. Also the lack of draw cords etc reduce its effectiveness. The OMM Finch has more warmth for the same weight and better features. I did wonder about the RAB partnership ? good for you. See if they will send you some of there good waterproff tops and updated down bags.
ReplyDelete