Inside Look: Rab Xenair Alpine Jacket

The Xenair Alpine Jacket is built for varied mountain conditions. The combination of clever synthetic insulation and breathable fabrics mean that the Xenair excels in start-stop activities, negating the need to change layers as often. It’s the ideal piece for fastpacking, scrambling and hiking - and thanks to the clean lines and matt finish, it also looks great in the pub afterwards too!
Buy now: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/ja...
Chapters/timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - What is the Xenair Alpine?
01:51 - What is it made of?
04:36 - What are its features?
07:02 - How does it fit?
08:46 - Where does it fit in the layering system?
09:27 - Outro
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[@tetebetson27]

Always had a soft spot for Rab jackets. The Rab Xenair Alpine Jacket looks like another great product..

[@charleseijck3980]

Thanks for the review. This review is a big help to find a jacket for the upcoming Tour Du Mont Blanc I am planning to do next year. This jacket looks to be the perfect candidate for the colder conditions at night on the mountain.

[@SamWize.]

Been waiting for review on this since it came out the other month, well done!

[@heatherproctor2632]

Just purchased a Rab coat. Can’t wait to wear it. Just the thing for our Artic cruise in May!

[@polarbear109p2]

I had my heart set on the Rab infinity microlight jacket when I get paid at end of month. I really think I’m going to choose this now. That bit cheaper too. I like the deep ink colour rab do.

[@byFilipeCardoso]

It seems to be the perfect replacement to my Rab Alpha Direct Jacket that has been thoroughly used!

[@todetak]

Looks like my Montane Fireball Jacket which is so comfortable and easy to wear, will take a look at the colours for women on your website

[@lilycastilho5275]

As I have shorter arms, whenever I look at jackets I look at the sleeves and with elasticated gussets at the cuff this jacket is ideal for me.

[@M1_K3Y]

I think I’m going for it! I run hot and an active insulation seems advantageous as a winter system rather than a full parka. I have similar measurements so extra appreciation for the Trekitt review videos! At 6’3” 44” chest but a wider waist/ hips I think I need to size up to an XL based on the chart. Hopefully it’s not too baggy! Thoughts on pairing this with a Fjallraven Keb eco-shell or Kaipak jacket as an outer layer for winter, -12c through -20c with adequate base layer? Thanks again!

[@trekitt]

Should be fine warmth wise. It seems to make more sense to pair it with the Keb Eco-Shell if you're looking to boost weather protection, or with the Kaipak for added durability. Harry

[@Blix79]

I know they're not exactly the same jacket but I almost prefer my Rab Alpha direct jacket over my Acteryx atom lt jacket. The Arcteryx, like this Xenair has synthetic insulation, but the Alpha direct jacket is a soft shell jacket that uses Polartec Alpha as the insulation. I think they have discontinued the alpha direct jacket, if im not mistaken. Thanks for the great video.

[@hairless_monkey]

The alpha direct has polartec alpha which is awesome for high output in cold temps. Great breathability and warmth to weight ratio

[@trekitt]

You're right, it's discontinued. The latest version of this jacket is most likely the VR Alpine Light: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/rab-mens-vr-alpine-light-jacket-oxblood-red__40606?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=QVR-69-OR-L

[@boogboog8097]

Mountain Equipment have something like alpha out Genesis jkt I think 🤔

[@sashinger5230]

Nice one! With these specs in terms of insulation it seams rather comparable to the Atom AR, given that Primaloft is considered to be a bit warmer than Coreloft (Compact).

[@Zorzek]

Maybe it is comparable, but I would guess it's still a bit less warm than the Atom AR, which uses 120g/sqm & 80g/sqm, as opposed to Rab, whoich uses 100g/sgm & 80g/sqm. Nevertheless, I agree that it is an interesting alternative to the Atom AR, since it's quite a bit cheaper (250GBP vs. 190GBP) for a bit less insulation.

[@sashinger5230]

@@Zorzek Yeah, the Rab looks like a good alternative for that price. But I guess the Atom AR might be more durable due to the 30D Tyono outer fabric. This and the great fit of the Atom range products in general could justify the higher price for some folks out there.

[@trekitt]

The Xenair sits right between the Arc'teryx Atom LT and AR in terms of insulation/warmth. It's a good balance for UK use.

[@ariecombee3580]

@@sashinger5230 the atom is not durable…the facric is very weak.

[@kevinandress1115]

@@ariecombee3580I’ve used mine a great deal for 10+ years without any issues.

[@retkvi]

Considering this jacket, but my previous experience with rabs pertex microlight in alpha direct jacket was an disapointment, so don't know weather they used the same material or not.

[@mattp302]

How would you say this compares to the VR Summit / VR Alpine Light? It seems to sit in the same spot as the Summit, perhaps with a slightly less trim fit?

[@trekitt]

Much warmer. Designed for active use in minus conditions ideally. Fit is pretty similar, but maybe a little looser in case you needed an additional layer underneath. Harry

[@readyme]

They have now increased the insulation to 133 g/m. With that addition I think this will be a fantastic belay jacket. I was also looking at the Generator, and the significant difference seems to be their shell face fabrics (air vs pro). Thoughts?

[@trekitt]

They would both make for excellent Belay jackets. We would still recommend the Generator if you're after purely a belay piece, but if you think you'll be using it across multi -activities then the air fabric on the Xenair might have the edge for you.

[@spellerwix]

i bought this without the hood. it is VERY warm and i feel the cold !!

[@RaP22]

What’s the best way to wash and treat this coat. Have the same colour as your coat but it quickly get’s grubby fast. What’s best to make it look decent again.

[@trekitt]

Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash-both allow either machine washing or hand washing. Essentially just stick in the machine with the appropriate amount of product, pop on the recommended heat (will say on the care label) and then dry.

[@michaelfrymus]

When should I wear this, vs the VR Summit softshell? Im mainly looking for a jacket for winter hiking in -5 down to -30C. With the VR Summit, I feel like I may need an active grid fleece under to stay warm, even though I'm hiking.

[@trekitt]

You could wear either of them in the same situations, but the Xenair would be a warmer option, so slightly better suited to slower paced activities, or when static. But given the temperature fluctuation you mention, the VR Summit and a gridded fleece will provide more flexibility. Does mean more zips to battle with though.

[@JSI1210]

Hi. Thanks for great review. I would this jacket be suitable for winter hikes in snowy weather? I'm looking for a jacket for the winter, but I sweat a lot during the hikes. I wore a synthetic fiber jacket, and when I sweated, she soaked up sweat and didn't warm up so much on top. At first I had a Rab Microlight chosen, but I probably wouldn't help it much, would I? After watching your review, I thought this jacket was suitable. Or would you recommend something else until the winter (0-10 degrees Celsius)? Thank you very much for the advice.

[@trekitt]

It'll definitely work, but it sounds like you could do with something with less insulation so you don't end up sweating right through it. Possibly have a look at this instead: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/rab-mens-cirrus-flex-20-hoody-black__41862

[@uuhoh23]

How do you compare this to Patagonia Nano Air Jacket/Hoody? Which one is more breathable?

[@trekitt]

Unfortunately we don't stock the Nano Air and I've not personally used it, so I can't tell you. Sorry. Harry

[@grahamriley8124]

This is much heavier than the Patagonia jacket you’re talking about. For direct comparison you would look at the light version of this jacket which has comparable insulation weights per square meter.

[@andygillibrand5911]

Stuck between this and the Montane Flux.

[@cappaslangmurderer]

Can I wear this as a running jacket with just a base layer on cold days?

[@trekitt]

You certainly could, in my experience it would have to be a very cold day to wear the Xenair Alpine running as I'd overheat. But your experience may vary.

[@thdjjfsfh]

So I am kind of confused. Is this a replacement for the Rab Xenon X , Alpha Flux or the Alpha Direct. Those three have very different fits. The Xenon X was an excellent 3 seasons belay jacket, but it uses Primaloft Active. It fit long and loose. While the Alpha Flux was really tight across the chest, pretty slim and long everywhere else. Can you comment on where this fits in? I feel like it's marketed as an active layer, but it has the feature of a belaying jacket.

[@trekitt]

It's an addition rather than a replacement. It's not as specific as just a belay jacket or an active piece; it's a bit more of an all-rounder. Similar to Arc'teryx's Atom LT, it just sort of works everywhere. I'd use it for everything, from walking in the mountains to everyday use. Harry

[@RambloManiacs]

Is this comparable to the montane flux? Similar insulation by the sounds of it

[@trekitt]

Very similar however the Xenair has an air-permeable (wind will pass through) outer fabric and an 'active' variant of insulation, making it more suitable for active use, whereas the Flux is more of a traditional belay jacket with a windproof outer fabric and regular Primaloft insulation.

[@RambloManiacs]

@@trekitt I see, so the flux will be more wind resistant. Thanks for replying so swiftly

[@peterafilms]

Is this not very similar to the Mountain Equipment Mens Kinesis Jacket? Difference in the warmth or breathability maybe? Practically same price. Thanks!

[@trekitt]

Kinesis is more of a softshell with a fluffy liner-this has synthetic insulation inside and is a fair bit warmer.

[@peterafilms]

@@trekitt Great thankyou :)

[@markhines]

Just curious if it's always grey and overcast there? Every video I've seen has been. Have yet to see the sun.

[@trekitt]

It's the UK's speciality! We do get some sun though, however it's not great for filming so we tend to pick the more overcast days.

[@markhines]

@@trekitt Ah, that would make sense. Partly I wondered because my ancestors are from Somerset. They left just after the Mayflower to burn witches and fight Red Coats.

[@scotthunter4]

How does this compare to the VR Summit?

[@trekitt]

The VR Summit is focused more on ultimate breathability with some insulation, whereas the Xenair range is a bit more of an all-rounder, with more insulation and more weather-resistant fabrics. Harry

[@sjm9401]

Is this jacket longer than the Atom LT?

[@trekitt]

Slightly. Probably 2-3cm difference.

[@RaP22]

Is this a good jacket to sit around camp on hills/mountains from spring to autumn..

[@trekitt]

Yup, will be super toasty.

[@RaP22]

@@trekitt got one from yourselves and it is fantastic. Up local hills today and blowing a hooley with a chilly temp to boot..It was perfect. Thanks

[@trekitt]

@@RaP22 Thanks for the support 🙌

[@fastpitch406]

How does it compare with the Cirrus Alpine Jacket?

[@trekitt]

More weather resistant, much warmer, less packable.

[@fastpitch406]

@@trekitt thanks!

[@sailingachilles7810]

Is it better than Atom LT just on the fence between the 2 hmmmm

[@trekitt]

More breathable than an Atom LT but not quite as insulated. This is closer to the Proton from Arc'teryx.

[@sailingachilles7810]

@@trekitt thank you for your reply you made my mind up 😀

[@AP-kk3fp]

@@trekitt How is the Atom LT warmer than Xenair and Proton? Atom has 60g coreloft and Proton has 80g?

[@harrycooper4011]

@@AP-kk3fpmy thought too… the Xenair has 100gsm body / 80gsm arms vs Atom Hoody with 60gsm all over?

[@hairless_monkey]

I trust any of rab's gear, i've yet to have one that wasn't 100% reliable and well thought out. similar to patagonia, i can blindly trust any one of their pieces with my life.

[@leegoodison]

Where is Paul ?

[@trekitt]

We're filming tomorrow. Video will be up in a few weeks. Harry

[@leegoodison]

Glad to know......thanks.

[@trillbrown3686]

My favourite part of the review is at about 4.53 where I learnt the hood is head compatible. I had a jacket with a knee compatible hood once. It was terrible. Quite a design flaw.

[@trekitt]

Glad we could be of assistance 😂

[@georgek5506]

Got here 1st!✌️🍾🍾😂

[@trekitt]

You're the real MVP

[@georgek5506]

@@trekitt thank you best channel on KZbin!✌️

[@hairless_monkey]

Just because you guys are so sneaky😉 *im going to say, 6 mince pies!* 🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧🥧

[@trekitt]

Wrong video!

[@danielcanovas341]

The fit certainly doesn't look as good as the atom LT. Fabric sag in places

[@ernreeders5583]

Ugh. Tess is on par with the dogs.

[@matthewdavies8889]

A pyramid scheme of 6 mince pies

Inside look and you didn't even unzipp it.

[@trekitt]

Sorry, next time we'll make sure to unzip so you can look inside. Consider this one just a Look.