Rab Optical Down Jacket – 700FP Waterproof Ski Jacket

🏔️ Description

The Rab Optical Down Jacket is a deep-winter ski jacket designed for intense cold, powder snow, and mountain days in particularly frigid regions. It combines a fully waterproof construction with 110g of 700-fill power hydrophobic recycled down (size M) and TXdown® Gold synthetic insulation in areas where Rab aims for reduced bulk and greater freedom of movement.

The 2-layer 40D Pertex® Shield outer offers 20,000mm waterproofness and 20,000g/m²/24h MVTR. The result is a garment specifically oriented toward skiing and winter activities where insulation, snow protection, and technical functionality must work together.

⭐ The Mountain Group Review

At Mountain Group, we see the Optical as a highly specialized jacket, and for that very reason, a very interesting one. It doesn’t try to be an all-purpose down jacket: it is designed for serious cold-weather skiing, powder snow, and deep-winter conditions.

Compared to a Valiance, the Optical incorporates a much more specific ski design: a removable powder skirt, underarm vents, a helmet-compatible hood, a lift pass pocket, and a hybrid insulation distribution that improves mobility.

For those who regularly ski in cold resorts, travel to the Alps, Scandinavia, or deep-snow destinations and want a high-level warm and waterproof jacket, we think it is one of Rab's most complete offerings.

⚡ Real Technical Performance

The Optical uses Pertex® Shield 2L to provide waterproof and windproof protection, with a 20,000mm water column and 20,000g/m²/24h MVTR. The main insulation is 700FP hydrophobic recycled down, with 110g in size M.

In areas where it is beneficial to reduce bulk and facilitate movement, such as the sleeves and hood area, Rab uses TXdown® Gold, a sheet-synthetic insulation with integrated down. This hybrid approach allows for sustained thermal protection without overly penalizing mobility.

✔ 110g of 700FP hydrophobic recycled down in size M.
✔ Hybrid TXdown® Gold insulation in strategic zones.
✔ Pertex® Shield 2L, HH 20,000mm.
✔ MVTR 20,000g/m²/24h.
✔ Underarm vents.
✔ Removable powder skirt.
✔ Ski helmet-compatible hood.

📋 Quantitative Specifications

• Total weight: 854g in size M.
• Down fill weight: 110g in size M.
• Fill Power: 700 cuin.
• Insulation: Hydrophobic recycled down + TXdown® Gold.
• Outer fabric: 40D Pertex® Shield 2-Layer, fluorocarbon-free DWR, 95g/m².
• Lining: 20D Pertex® Quantum, 38g/m².
• Waterproofness: 20,000mm.
• Breathability: MVTR 20,000g/m²/24h.
• Back length: 81cm in size M.
• Fit: Regular.
• Rab code: QWI-63.
• Collection: Rab AW26.

🛠️ Functional Details

• Adjustable ski helmet-compatible hood.
• Removable zippered powder skirt.
• Underarm vents to release heat during ascents.
• Two hand pockets and two chest pockets.
• Lift pass pocket on the forearm.
• YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® double-ended front zipper with internal storm flap.
• Articulated sleeves for better fit and mobility.
• TXdown® Gold insulation in areas requiring lower bulk.

🔍 Quick Comparison within the Rab Range

Optical Down Jacket: The specific option for intense cold-weather skiing. Waterproof, warm, and equipped with a powder skirt, vents, and a lift pass pocket.

Valiance Jacket: More versatile for hiking, trekking, and general winter use, but less specific for skiing.

Microlight Shield Jacket: Lighter and less thermal, suitable for mountain and trekking use when lower bulk is preferred.

Neutrino Pro Hoody: Prioritizes insulation and warmth-to-weight ratio for mountaineering, but does not incorporate a ski-specific waterproof construction.

Batura Jacket: Offers a significantly higher thermal level for expeditions and extreme cold, with more weight and bulk.

🎯 Recommended Use

• Alpine skiing in mid-winter.
• Skiing and freeride in cold regions.
• Powder snow and sub-arctic conditions.
• Ski trips to the Alps, Scandinavia, and cold destinations.
• Days where high insulation and integrated waterproof protection are needed.

✅ Is it for you?

✔ Yes, if you are looking for a jacket specifically designed for skiing in serious cold.
✔ Yes, if you want waterproofness, insulation, and ski features in a single garment.
✔ Yes, if you value a powder skirt, vents, and a helmet-compatible hood.
✘ No, if you are looking for a light and minimalist jacket for general trekking.
✘ No, if you need expedition-grade insulation for extreme cold and very static activity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rab Optical Down Jacket waterproof?

Yes. It uses 2-layer Pertex® Shield with a 20,000mm water column and 20,000g/m²/24h MVTR.

How much down does it have?

Rab specifies 110g of 700-fill power hydrophobic recycled down in size M.

What is TXdown® Gold?

It is a synthetic sheet insulation with integrated down that Rab uses in areas where it is beneficial to reduce bulk and maintain good mobility, such as the sleeves and hood.

Is it designed specifically for skiing?

Yes. It includes a removable powder skirt, lift pass pocket, underarm vents, and a ski helmet-compatible hood.

What is the difference compared to the Valiance?

The Valiance is more versatile for general winter use. The Optical has a design clearly oriented toward skiing and days in deep snow and intense cold.