Rab Valiance Women's Jacket AW26 – 700FP Waterproof Down Jacket

🏔️ Description

The Rab Valiance Jacket Women's AW26 is a warm, waterproof down jacket designed for hiking, trekking, and outdoor use during the colder months. It combines 191g of 700-fill power recycled down (size 10) with a 2-layer Pertex® Shield outer, offering comprehensive protection against cold, wind, rain, and snow.

The new QDC-05 generation improves protection over the previous women's Valiance: it offers 20,000mm waterproofing and an MVTR breathability of 20,000g/m²/24h. Rab has also revised its construction to facilitate future repairs and uses midi-baffle stitching to balance insulation, bulk, and comfort.

⭐ Mountain Group's Review

At Mountain Group, we consider the Valiance Jacket Wmns one of Rab's most balanced options for anyone looking for a single jacket capable of offering serious warmth and waterproof protection throughout the winter.

It is warmer and more robust than a Microlight Shield Wmns, but maintains a much more versatile focus than a dedicated expedition garment. We find it an especially interesting option for winter hiking, cold-weather travel, demanding daily use, and mountain activities in adverse weather.

⚡ Real Technical Performance

The Pertex® Shield 2L outer provides a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and MVTR 20,000g/m²/24h. The insulation uses 191g of 700FP recycled down in size 10 with a Grangers hydrophobic finish, designed to better retain loft in damp conditions.

Rab incorporates a synthetic-insulated collar, internal stretch cuffs, and an internal storm flap behind the front zipper to limit heat loss.

✔ 191g of 700FP recycled down in size 10.
✔ Waterproof and windproof Pertex® Shield 2L.
✔ 20,000mm waterproofing.
✔ MVTR 20,000g/m²/24h.
✔ Grangers hydrophobic finish.
✔ Revised construction oriented towards improved repairability.

📋 Quantitative Technical Sheet

• Down fill weight: 191g in size 10.
• Fill Power: 700 cuin.
• Insulation: Recycled down with Grangers hydrophobic finish.
• Outer fabric: 2-layer waterproof Pertex® Shield.
• Waterproofing: 20,000mm.
• Breathability: MVTR 20,000g/m²/24h.
• Center back length: 74.5cm in size 10.
• Fit: Regular.
• Rab code: QDC-05.
• Collection: Rab AW26.

🛠️ Functional Details

• Warm, helmet-compatible hood with two-point adjustment.
• Collar with synthetic insulation to improve thermal retention.
• Two zippered hand pockets with thermally-efficient baffles.
• Internal zippered security pocket.
• Soft, elasticized internal cuffs to limit cold air intake.
• Dual-sided hem adjustment.
• YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® front zipper with internal insulated storm flap.
• Revised construction to make the garment easier to repair.

🔍 Quick Comparison within the Rab Range

Valiance Jacket Wmns: Warm and waterproof option for damp cold, winter hiking, and general winter use.

Microlight Shield Jacket Wmns: Lighter and less thermal. Suitable when prioritizing mobility and lower bulk while maintaining waterproofing.

Electron Pro Hoody Wmns: Takes a more technical approach to insulation and winter mountaineering, but without the full waterproof protection of the Valiance.

Neutrino Pro Hoody Wmns: Prioritizes a warmth-to-weight ratio geared towards alpinism and severe cold; requires a shell in persistent precipitation.

Valiance Parka Wmns: Shares the warm and waterproof concept but with a longer cut and more coverage for winter and everyday use.

🎯 Recommended Use

• Winter hiking and trekking.
• Mountain use during the colder months.
• Cold, damp conditions with rain or snow.
• 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 significant warmth and waterproofing.
✔ Yes, if you regularly go out in cold, rain, snow, or wind.
✔ Yes, if you want more insulation than a Microlight Shield Wmns without resorting to an extremely bulky garment.
✘ No, if you prioritize maximum lightness and packability.
✘ No, if you are looking for a long parka-style garment; in that case, the Valiance Parka Wmns fits better.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rab Valiance Jacket Women's waterproof?

Yes. The AW26 generation uses 2-layer Pertex® Shield with a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and 20,000g/m²/24h MVTR.

How much down does it have?

It includes 191g of 700-fill power recycled down in size 10, with a Grangers hydrophobic finish.

What is the difference compared to the Microlight Shield Wmns?

The Valiance offers more insulation and a more robust approach for winter. The Microlight Shield is lighter and more suitable when prioritizing mobility and lower volume.

What is the difference compared to the previous women's Valiance?

The new QDC-05 increases waterproof protection to 20,000mm and MVTR breathability to 20,000g/m²/24h, 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 outer is designed to provide integrated waterproof and windproof protection.