The Rab Xenair Alpine And Xenair Alpine Light Jacket Comparison

The Rab Xenair Alpine And Xenair Alpine Light Jacket Comparison. Two very breathable Synthetic insulated jackets from Rab. We look at how these two popular jackets are similar, and how they are different.
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[@chriss729]

Appreciate your comparisons with the Arcteryx pieces, that is very helpful.

[@meandmyjackets]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lep05ng3]

I have the light version and love it so much that I am genuinely thinking of getting the heavier version and layering them together when it gets really cold. This winter I was using the gas light as an outer shell!

[@meandmyjackets]

Nice, great jacket.

[@rexrappaport8473]

great video, love your channel

[@meandmyjackets]

Awesome, Thank You. 🙂

[@Zackenberg]

Both jackets have helmet compatible hood but the light version hood is designed to fit under the helmet ;)

[@backlogbrood2451]

Helmet compatible means the helmet fits under the hood

[@bilaltahir9978]

If you had to pick between the xenair light and the xenair, which would you choose and why?

[@meandmyjackets]

I like the heavier Xenair, it just feels and fits really nice. When I first put it on, it just felt right. But it depends on the weather and what you're doing.

[@bilaltahir9978]

​@@meandmyjacketsthat's really good to know. Please can you let me know the difference in fit between the two? I.e is the Xenair light tighter than the Xenair in the same XL size? Also how durable (abrasion resistance) would the jackets be for cold weather mountaineering/ scrambling on rock?

[@tbone541]

Does it have pit zips?

[@meandmyjackets]

No, just some insulation mapping, that gives a thinner insulation under the arm pits and down the center of the back.

[@readyme]

Rab info says the standard jacket is mostly 133 g/m and the lighter areas are 100 g/m (you state 100 and 80)

[@meandmyjackets]

I just looked that up, They must have changed it for this season. I know that it was 100/80. I also noticed that the color that I ordered last spring is not listed either, so maybe it was updated. I am always very careful about giving the proper specs on the jackets. I reviewed that jacket last spring, it was most likely the previous winters model.

[@readyme]

@@meandmyjackets no worries. I appreciate your videos. I think the increase in insulation will actually be an advantage as a belay jacket, or a start/stop winter jacket. I just sold my Arcteryx Proton LT as it wasn't warm enough, and fit very snug for my size large. I hope this Rab is bigger and better.

[@woodpieces]

HI, I was wondering whether you could comment on the level of warmth of Primaloft Active Gold Active - is it as warm as "regular" Primaloft Gold? I understand that the active version is more breathable, but what about overall warmth of the two products?. Love your videos, thanks for all the time you put into them!

[@meandmyjackets]

There is a difference, as the more breathable jacket will allow air to transfer in and out. Making it feel "not as warm". But keep in mind that these breathable jackets are meant to be worn for high output activities, that's where they shine. For everyday casual use, the "regular Primaloft Gold" will feel warmer. Even if the insulation may be a bit lighter than the breathable jacket's. My Arc'teryx Atom LT with 60gsm insulation feels just as warm as my Proton LT with 80 gsm breathable insulation.

[@Jsboutin1]

Would you see the the Alpine (not light) being sufficient as a standalone jacket down to -5C/20F in a normal "walk around town" scenario?

[@meandmyjackets]

It is pretty warm, I would think that it would be decent. If windy, maybe not as good. Worst case, you could wear a nice fleece under it. It's a nice jacket, but I would just choose something heavier. That jacket is meant for breathability, when you're generating body heat in cold weather.

[@michaelfrymus]

So, I'm wondering what would be a better option, a jacket like this, or a softshell jacket? To be used for hiking in winter/cold weather

[@meandmyjackets]

A softshell is not typically insulated. These Rab jackets are a great choice under a softshell. Depending on how could it is, well determine which jacket will be more appropriate, heavier or lighter. A softshell can go over this insulation layer for added "protection" from wind, rain, or durability.

[@michaelfrymus]

@@meandmyjackets I realized there are many kinds. I saw your other video. The softshell I am looking at is a bit more durable, and probably has a bit of fleece under it. I heard its more ideal for hiking because its more breathable and has that wind protection. But I just wasn't sure which jacket would be more ideal for hiking and when to use either jacket

[@meandmyjackets]

Keep in mind that a lot of these "hard faced" fleeces while having a more wind resistant face fabrics, are still not wind proof like a hardshell. They are certainly better at blocking some wind than a regular fleece, but I still find myself feeling a chill in cooler breeze. Just my opinion. 🙂

[@maxwellssilverhammer1525]

what range of temperature is the light one suitable for if I wear it as a toplayer

[@meandmyjackets]

I guess that it all depends on what activity that you are doing. The Lightweight Xenair is pretty light, and breathable, so for casual use, it's not that warm. I would say temps in the 50's - 60's. But as activity increases, then it will most likely be wel lsuited in colder weather. maybe 30's -40's.

[@0xMaverick]

Hello, great review. How would you compare it with arcteryx atom ar? Which one is better?

[@meandmyjackets]

The Atom AR has a little heavier insulation,120 gpsm and theXenair has 100 gpsm. The biggest difference is that the xenair is made to be very breathable, designed for more high output activities. Which is better I would say depends on your use. For high output activities in cold weather the xenair is great. For a general all purpose warm winter jacket the Atom AR.

[@gutierrezmoreno8974]

And against the atom lt?

[@meandmyjackets]

The atom LT is more like the Xenair light, only the atom has fleece panels on the sides. and the xenair light has a lighter insulation in certain areas. The heavier zenair is a bit heavier than the proton LT.@@gutierrezmoreno8974

[@bilaltahir9978]

What size are you wearing for the light version?

[@meandmyjackets]

XL. I'm 6'2" 215Lbs