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As the clocks go back and the mornings turn crisp, we enter that awkward time of year — too cold for a T-shirt or fleece, too warm for a full down jacket. For those in-between days, the Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine Light Jacket might just be the perfect solution.
I’d been meaning to upgrade my layering system for climbing and hiking. My old jackets were all showing their age, and I wanted something light, versatile, and breathable. After some research, I chose the Vapour-Rise Alpine Light — and so far, I’ve been seriously impressed.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the jacket looks sleek and understated. I went for the grey colourway with liner, and it looks great both on and off the hill.
At 5’9″ (175 cm), I opted for a size small — it fits snugly without restricting movement. At just 312 grams, it’s almost unnoticeable when worn, yet it feels robust enough for climbing, hiking, or just wearing around camp.
Rab’s Pertex Quantum Air shell fabric is the star here. It’s wind-resistant and breathable, keeping you comfortable whether you’re belaying in a chilly breeze or pushing uphill with a pack on.
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Performance on the Hill
While I’ve yet to properly test it in the mountains, the Vapour-Rise system has already impressed me during crag days at Avon Gorge.
The VR wicking liner and Airflow mesh do a great job of moving moisture away from the body, helping you stay dry and warm even when the weather flips between sun and cloud — as it so often does in the UK.
This is a softshell jacket, so it won’t stand up to sustained heavy rain, but it’ll comfortably handle light showers and wind. For active use in the shoulder seasons, that’s exactly what you need.
Key Features
- Main Fabric: Pertex Quantum Air (37g/m²) with DWR finish
- Lining: VR Wicking (102g/m²) with VR Airflow (75g/m²)
- Composition: 100% polyamide outer, 100% polyester lining (55% recycled), 100% polyester mesh
- Air Permeability: 10–15 cfm
- Weight: 312 g
- RRP: £120–£150
Pros
✅ Extremely lightweight and breathable
✅ Excellent wind resistance
✅ Comfortable, well-tailored fit
✅ Ideal for autumn and spring use
Cons
❌ Velcro hood adjustment is awkward compared to a draw cord system
❌ No hip pockets — something I miss for warming hands on cold days
Value for Money
At £120–£150 (and often less second-hand), the Vapour-Rise Alpine Light Jacket offers excellent value for anyone needing a high-performance midlayer or softshell for shoulder-season adventures. It competes with pricier options from Arc’teryx or Patagonia but delivers similar comfort and weather resistance at a much lower cost.
Verdict
The Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine Light Jacket is an ideal choice for climbers, hikers, and anyone who spends long days outdoors in cool, changeable weather.
It’s light, windproof, and impressively breathable, performing brilliantly at both ends of the temperature spectrum. Whether you’re on a blustery ridge or a shady belay ledge, this jacket strikes the perfect balance between protection and comfort.
I’ve been delighted with its performance so far — and I’m looking forward to many more autumn days putting it through its paces.
| Model | Weight | Fabric | Price | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine Light Jacket | 312 g | Pertex Quantum Air | £110–£155 | View on Go Outdoors |
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