Rab Microlight Jacket AW26 – 700FP down jacket without hood

🏔️ Description

The Rab Microlight Jacket QDB-94 is the new AW26 generation of one of Rab's most versatile down jackets, now hoodless to facilitate layering. Lightweight, compact, and designed to accompany you year-round, it combines 126g of 700-fill-power recycled down in a size M with a Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus® outer, made from yarn sourced from recycled post-consumer fishing nets.

Rab distributes the insulation through zoned baffling: smaller nano-baffles under the arms to improve mobility and reduce bulk, and larger micro-baffles on the back, shoulders, and torso to concentrate warmth where it's needed most.

⭐ The Mountain Group Opinion

At Mountain Group, we consider the Microlight Jacket an especially smart choice for those who want the versatility of the Microlight family but prefer to go without a hood. This makes it very comfortable as a mid-layer under a shell and avoids doubling up on hoods when already using a waterproof layer.

Compared to the Microlight Alpine Hoody, it offers a slightly cleaner and lighter concept while maintaining the same focus: hiking, trekking, climbing, travel, and mountaineering for much of the year. It is not designed for extreme cold, but rather to offer an excellent balance between warmth, compressibility, and ease of use.

⚡ Real Technical Performance

The 700FP recycled down incorporates a Grangers hydrophobic finish to help maintain loft in damp environments. In size M, Rab specifies 126g of fill.

The Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus® fabric is lightweight, breathable, and wind-resistant. The zoned construction allows for the use of different-sized baffles depending on the body area, seeking warmth where needed and less bulk under the arms.

✔ 126g of 700FP recycled down in size M.
✔ Grangers hydrophobic finish.
✔ Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus®.
✔ Zoned construction with micro and nano-baffles.
✔ Articulated sleeves for improved mobility.
✔ High compressibility for easy transport in a backpack.

📋 Quantitative Data Sheet

• Down amount: 126g in size M.
• Fill Power: 700 cuin.
• Insulation: Recycled down with Grangers hydrophobic finish.
• Outer fabric: Pertex® Quantum with NetPlus®.
• Back length: 74 cm in size M.
• Fit: Regular.
• Rab Code: QDB-94.
• Collection: Rab AW26.

🛠️ Functional Details

• Zoned construction with nano-baffles under the arms and micro-baffles on the torso, shoulders, and back.
• Articulated sleeves to facilitate wide ranges of motion.
• Two zippered hand pockets.
• One of the pockets doubles as an integrated stuff sack and includes a clip-in loop.
• Elasticated cuffs to limit heat loss.
• Adjustable hem with drawcord.
• YKK® front zipper with insulated internal storm flap.

🔍 Quick Comparison Within the Rab Range

Microlight Jacket: Hoodless version, very versatile and especially comfortable as a mid-layer under a waterproof shell.

Microlight Alpine Hoody: Includes a hood and slightly more insulation, making it the most complete option for use as an outer layer as well.

Microlight Shield Jacket: Adds real waterproof protection for cold and wet conditions, at the cost of more weight and less simplicity.

Microlight Windstopper Hoody: Prioritizes wind protection and has a slightly more technical focus for exposed areas.

Electron Pro Hoody: Offers a higher thermal level and is more oriented toward winter mountaineering and lower temperatures.

🎯 Recommended Use

• Hiking and trekking for much of the year.
• Climbing and bouldering in cool conditions.
• Mountaineering and approaches.
• Thermal layer under a waterproof jacket.
• Travel and daily use.
• Activities with short stops in moderately cold conditions.

✅ Is it for you?

✔ Yes, if you are looking for a lightweight, versatile, hoodless down jacket.
✔ Yes, if you will frequently use it as a thermal mid-layer under a shell.
✔ Yes, if you value the balance between warmth, weight, and compressibility.
✘ No, if you want integrated waterproof protection; the Microlight Shield fits better.
✘ No, if you need more insulation for winter mountaineering or intense cold; the Electron Pro offers greater thermal capacity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Microlight Jacket and the Microlight Alpine Hoody?

The Microlight Jacket does without the hood and uses 126g of 700FP down in size M, making it especially comfortable to wear under a shell. The Alpine Hoody includes a hood and offers a slightly more protective focus.

Is it waterproof?

No. Pertex® Quantum provides protection against wind and light precipitation, but for continuous rain, it should be combined with a waterproof jacket.

How much down does it have?

Rab specifies 126g of 700-fill-power recycled down with a Grangers hydrophobic finish in size M.

Can it be packed into its own pocket?

Yes. One of the hand pockets functions as an integrated stuff sack and includes a clip-in loop.

Is it suitable as a mid-layer?

Yes. The lack of a hood and its low bulk are exactly why it works particularly well as a thermal mid-layer under a shell.