Rab Women's Optical Down Jacket – 700FP Waterproof Ski Jacket

🏔️ Description

The Rab Women's Optical Down Jacket is a fully waterproof ski jacket designed for deep snow and mid-winter conditions. It combines 92g of 700-fill power recycled hydrophobic down (in size 10) with TXdown® Gold hybrid insulation in areas where reduced bulk and increased mobility are required.

The 40D 2-layer Pertex® Shield exterior offers 20,000mm waterproofing and 20,000g/m²/24h MVTR. Its design incorporates ski-specific features such as a removable snow skirt, underarm vents, a helmet-compatible hood, and a ski pass pocket.

⭐ The Mountain Group Review

At Mountain Group, we see the Women's Optical as a highly specialized garment for those who ski in serious cold and want insulation, waterproofing, and ski-specific features in a single jacket.

Compared to a Women's Valiance Jacket, the Optical has a much clearer focus on resort skiing, freeriding, and powder. The vents, snow skirt, and helmet-compatible hood make all the difference when the priority is skiing on cold days.

For ski trips to the Alps, Scandinavia, or especially cold regions, we consider it one of Rab's most complete options.

⚡ Real technical performance

The Women's Optical uses Pertex® Shield 2L to provide waterproof and windproof protection, with a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and 20,000g/m²/24h MVTR. The primary insulation is 700FP recycled hydrophobic down, with 92g in size 10.

Rab supplements the down with TXdown® Gold, a synthetic sheet insulation with integrated down, placed in areas like the sleeves and over the hood where it is beneficial to limit bulk and maintain mobility.

✔ 92g of 700FP recycled hydrophobic down in size 10.
✔ TXdown® Gold hybrid insulation.
✔ Pertex® Shield 2L, HH 20,000mm.
✔ MVTR 20,000g/m²/24h.
✔ Removable snow skirt.
✔ Underarm vents.
✔ Helmet-compatible ski hood.

📋 Quantitative specs

• Total weight: 772g in size 10.
• Down quantity: 92g in size 10.
• Fill Power: 700 cuin.
• Insulation: Recycled hydrophobic down + TXdown® Gold.
• Outer fabric: 40D Pertex® Shield 2-Layer, fluorocarbon-free DWR, 95g/m².
• Lining: 20D Pertex® Quantum, 38g/m².
• Waterproofing: 20,000mm.
• Breathability: MVTR 20,000g/m²/24h.
• Center back length: 76cm in size 10.
• Fit: Regular.
• Rab code: QWI-64.
• Collection: Rab AW26.

🛠️ Functional details

• Adjustable helmet-compatible ski hood.
• Zip-off removable snow skirt.
• Underarm vents for heat regulation.
• Two hand pockets and two chest pockets.
• Ski pass pocket on the lower arm.
• YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® 2-way front zip with internal flap.
• Articulated sleeves for ease of movement.
• TXdown® Gold insulation in strategic low-bulk zones.

🔍 Quick comparison within the Rab range

Women's Optical Down Jacket: the specific option for skiing in intense cold, with waterproofing, down, and features dedicated to deep snow.

Women's Valiance Jacket: more versatile for hiking, trekking, and general winter use, but less ski-specific.

Women's Microlight Shield Jacket: lighter and less insulated, suitable when you need waterproof protection with less bulk.

Women's Electron Pro Hoody: prioritizes insulation for winter mountaineering, but does not include specific waterproof construction for skiing.

Women's Neutrino Pro Hoody: more oriented towards mountaineering and warmth-to-weight ratio than specific resort or freeride functionality.

🎯 Recommended use

• Alpine skiing in mid-winter.
• Freeride and powder skiing.
• Skiing in subarctic and especially cold regions.
• Ski trips to the Alps and Scandinavia.
• Days where high insulation and integrated waterproof protection are required.

✅ 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 snow skirt, vents, and a helmet-compatible hood.
✘ No, if you are looking for a light and minimalist jacket for general trekking.
✘ No, if you are looking for a primarily urban or lifestyle piece.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Is the Rab Women's Optical Down Jacket waterproof?

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

How much down does it have?

Rab specifies 92g of 700-fill power recycled hydrophobic down in size 10.

What is TXdown® Gold?

It is a synthetic sheet insulation with integrated down used in zones where reduced bulk and increased mobility are preferred.

Is it specifically designed for skiing?

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

What is the difference compared to the Women's Valiance Jacket?

The Valiance is more versatile for general winter use. The Optical is specifically designed for skiing, deep snow, and intense cold.