Inside Look: Rab Kinetic Alpine Jacket

[@trekitt]

Shop the new Kinetic Alpine 2.0 range! www.trekitt.co.uk/facetresults.aspx?Term=kinetic%20alpine

[@robertpumphrey5122]

Wonderful video and are they available to purchase in United Sates?

[@trekitt]

It should be, unfortunately not from us as we only supply to Europe.

[@kevinbungles]

How does this compare with the Rab Mantra or Rab Khangri for weight, waterproof ness and breathability

[@trekitt]

Think of the Kinetic as a softshell which is also waterproof rather than a direct competitor to the Kangri, for example. Pieces like the Kangri are designed to be worn in constant, persistent rain, whereas the Kinetic is more suitable for days where the weather is more changeable (dry one minute, windy the next, raining after, etc) thanks to its superior breathability. Kind regards, Harry.

[@kevinbungles]

@@trekitt Great response Harry... thanks for the clarity, that puts it into perspective.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

Good review, and to your style you just avoided my criticism by coming in with your summary, you are the only person not avoiding the issue of how waterproof! Pls review the alpine pants 👍🏾

[@trekitt]

We'll add them to the list! Kind regards, Harry.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

@@trekitt can you do one on the montane Minimus Waterproof 20,000 please

[@temujinadonijah6365]

First class review brilliant coverage

[@trekitt]

Thanks very much!

[@temujinadonijah6365]

@@trekitt have placed them on my list

[@cool_beans3037]

Off topic but I'd love to see a Trekitt review on the new Fjallraven Keb Rucksack.

[@trekitt]

We'll add it to the list 👍

[@matthiasschmitt7303]

Hi, I am looking for a new Softshell jacket and are between the Rab kinetic alpine or the Arc‘teryx gamma lt hoody. I am Notbehelfe fittest which means I am getting very sweaty on walks and want something which keeps me cool and not too sweaty (rather dry and cold then sweaty but warm) can you give me a recommendation, which one of the two I should go for?

[@trekitt]

The Gamma will provide higher levels of breathability, but the Kinetic is more weather resistant thanks to the Proflex membrane. In your case, it sounds like you'd be better off with the Gamma LT. Kind regards, Harry.

[@matthiasschmitt7303]

Thank you Harry for the very quick reply.

[@seleneperez7322]

Hello and thank you for all you’re wonderful reviews! I’m trying to decide between the Kinetic Plus and the Gamma SL, will be using it for hiking, paddle boarding, dog walks, road biking. So need it to be very breathable and stretchy. Which one would you choose?

[@trekitt]

Hi Selene, thanks for your kind comments. The main difference between the Gamma SL and the Kinetic Plus is that the Kinetic is waterproof, and therefore less breathable than the Gamma. If stretchy and breathable are more important than waterpoofing, the Gamma is your best bet. However, if you are determined to stay dry, and don't mind sacrificing a bit of breathability, the Kinetic wins. Paul.

[@seleneperez7322]

Trekitt thanks Paul!

[@jontyarcheryedgar]

Any thoughts on the Kinetic Alpine Trousers?

[@trekitt]

Comfy, stretchy and really nice to wear. They're perfect when you need a little more protection than a softshell trouser but don't want to walk around in bulky hardshell trousers all day.

[@borisjokic1535]

Great review as usually. Fjällräven Greenland Winter Jacket have better cut, so it would be great if You can review this.

[@trekitt]

You're in luck, we have filmed the Greenland! They are very different beasts though; the Greenland is fantastic for general walking and everyday use, whereas the Kinetic Alpine is far more appropriate for mountainous activities. Here is the link to the Greenland: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJfNpaGqoraMnpo

[@JackGreystoke]

It is definitely not waterproof even on a high activity dog walk. I would never use it as a shell in a mountain environment. Otherwise it’s wind resistant and pretty comfortably breathable. It’s a soft shell. Used mine a lot for nearly 2 years.

[@trekitt]

Hi Paddy. The Kinetic range really does blur the lines between hard and soft shell. However, it is rated waterproof and if you have experienced problems, your jacket may need inspecting. Thanks for watching. Paul

[@JackGreystoke]

@@trekitt hi trekitt. The kinetic is the second jacket in this type of fabric I’ve had. It works on a thermal differential system as you know. It’s a great jacket but it should not be described as waterproof because it isn’t. Heavy drops of rain will ram through it etc. even on day one. After a while, when the dwr is less fresh, it’s just porous in a relatively ordinary shower.

[@projectshoe]

Paddy Wilmot by thermal differential do you mean you have to be producing enough body heat to effectively push water vapor out, similar to Paramo?

[@JackGreystoke]

@@projectshoe similar but more waterproof I think. I only used paramo once in wet snow. It came straight through. I wasn’t hot. This rab is a great dog walking jacket, but if it tips it down you’ll get wet somewhere. Goretex will only wet you with condensation. It doesn’t leak. If you reduce your sweating you’ll remain dry. On a mountain that could be handy

[@spo72]

Unfortunately my jacket failed in a light shower on a none strenuous walk with the dog around the countryside farmers fields for 40 mins came back wet and damp inside, not impressed at all. It's a shame as I loved your review and the jacket is very comfy and looks great another disappointed product from rab.

[@garethedwards5406]

You said it yourself above, "non-strenuous". Jackets like these work best during high output activity like walking quickly uphill for hours. Paramo is similar, great for high output activity, not great for low output activity or being static

[@scotthunter4]

I don’t understand your reply. Why would strenuous activity make the jacket more waterproof?

[@Jmaccxx]

@@scotthunter4 Body heat plus the layering technique/fabric technology is what keeps you dry ultimately, not the fabric alone. You may get wet initially as with Paramo gear but it will work to wick the moisture away from your skin up through the layers to the outside of the jacket leaving your base dry.

[@scotthunter4]

Jmaccxx I don’t think body heat keeps you dry. Strenuous exercise = body heat = sweat = heat loss. That’s why you are going to be more dry stood around. Although some people sweat less than others. If you are like me and run warm your body moisture will quickly overwhelm the breathability of the fabric unless you have pit zips which this jacket lacks.