Rab Valiance Jacket AW26 – 700FP Waterproof Down Jacket

🏔️ Description

The Rab Valiance Jacket AW26 is a warm, waterproof down jacket designed for hiking, trekking, and outdoor use during the colder months. It combines 205g of 700-fill-power recycled down (in size M) with a 40D 2-layer Pertex® Shield exterior, creating a garment that offers high protection against cold, wind, rain, and snow.

The new QDC-04 generation elevates protection compared to the previous Valiance: the Pertex® Shield fabric offers 20,000 mm of waterproofing and 20,000 g/m²/24h MVTR. Rab has also revised its construction to facilitate future repairs and uses mid-profile baffles to balance insulation, bulk, and comfort.

⭐ Mountain Group's Review

At Mountain Group, we consider the Valiance to be one of the most interesting options from Rab for those looking for a single jacket to face cold and bad weather. It is warmer and more robust than a Microlight Shield, yet remains much more versatile than an expedition jacket like the Batura.

Its strong point is precisely that combination: 700FP and 205g of down to provide a high level of thermal warmth, along with a waterproof membrane that allows you to head out in winter without always needing an additional shell.

For winter hiking, cold travel, demanding daily use, and non-technical mountain activities in adverse weather, we find it a particularly balanced option.

⚡ Technical Performance

The 40D Pertex® Shield 2L exterior offers a 20,000 mm water column and 20,000 g/m²/24h MVTR breathability. The insulation uses 205g of 700FP recycled down in size M with a Grangers hydrophobic finish, designed to better maintain its loft in damp environments.

Rab also incorporates a synthetic-insulated collar, adjustable inner cuffs, and a thermal baffle behind the front zipper to limit heat loss.

✔ 205g of 700FP recycled down in size M.
✔ Waterproof and windproof Pertex® Shield 2L.
✔ 20,000 mm waterproofing.
✔ 20,000 g/m²/24h MVTR.
✔ Grangers hydrophobic finish.
✔ Revamped construction aimed at improving repairability.

📋 Quantitative Technical Specifications

• Total weight: 832 g (size M).
• Down fill weight: 205 g (size M).
• Fill Power: 700 cuin.
• Insulation: Recycled down with Grangers hydrophobic finish.
• Outer fabric: 40D Pertex® Shield 2-Layer, fluorocarbon-free DWR, 104 g/m².
• Waterproofing: 20,000 mm.
• Breathability: MVTR 20,000 g/m²/24h.
• Center back length: 81.5 cm (size M).
• Fit: Regular.
• Rab code: QDC-04.
• Collection: Rab AW26.

🛠️ Functional Details

• Warm, two-way adjustable hood.
• Synthetic-insulated collar to improve thermal comfort.
• Two hand pockets with zippers and thermal baffles on the front.
• Internal zippered security pocket.
• Soft, elastic inner cuffs to limit the entry of cold air.
• Dual-sided hem adjustment.
• YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® front zipper with internal insulated storm flap.
• Revised construction to facilitate garment repair.

🔍 Quick Comparison Within the Rab Range

Valiance Jacket: Highly protective and warm option for damp cold, winter hiking, and general winter use. Combines 205g of 700FP down with real waterproofing.

Microlight Shield Jacket: Lighter and less thermal. Suitable when seeking greater mobility and less bulk while maintaining waterproof protection.

Electron Pro Hoody: Highly oriented towards winter mountains and thermal insulation, but without the full waterproof construction of the Valiance.

Neutrino Pro Hoody: Prioritizes a more technical warmth-to-weight ratio for mountaineering and serious cold; requires a shell when precipitation is persistent.

Batura Jacket: Plays at a clearly superior level of insulation and protection, intended for expeditions and extreme cold.

🎯 Recommended Use

• Winter hiking and trekking.
• Mountain activities during the colder months.
• Cold, damp, rainy, or snowy conditions.
• Travel to cold destinations.
• Daily winter use.
• Moderate intensity activities where warmth and protection are prioritized.

✅ Is it for you?

✔ Yes, if you are looking for a single jacket that combines high warmth and waterproofness.
✔ Yes, if you regularly head out in cold, rain, snow, or wind.
✔ Yes, if you want more insulation than a Microlight Shield without reaching for an expedition jacket.
✘ No, if you prioritize maximum lightness and packability.
✘ No, if you need a specific garment for expeditions or extreme cold; the Batura is better suited to that scenario.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rab Valiance Jacket waterproof?

Yes. The AW26 generation uses Pertex® Shield 2L with a 20,000 mm water column and 20,000 g/m²/24h MVTR.

How much down does it contain?

It features 205g of 700-fill-power recycled down in size M, with a Grangers hydrophobic finish.

How does it differ from the Microlight Shield?

The Valiance offers higher insulation and a more robust construction. The Microlight Shield is lighter and more suitable when mobility and reduced bulk are prioritized.

How does it differ from the previous generation Valiance?

The new QDC-04 increases the outer fabric protection up to 20,000 mm of waterproofing and 20,000 g/m²/24h MVTR, in addition to incorporating a revised construction aimed at improving repairability.

Do I need to wear a shell over it?

For normal use, no. Its Pertex® Shield exterior is designed to offer integrated waterproof and windproof protection.