Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket

🏔️ Description

The Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket QIP-17 is an active synthetic insulation jacket designed to maintain a very precise balance between warmth, breathability, and thermal regulation when the intensity of an activity changes constantly. It is a garment especially suitable for mountaineering, climbing, fast trekking, ski touring, and technical days where putting layers on and off constantly is impractical.

Rab combines strategically distributed PrimaLoft® Gold Active+ insulation with a 20D Pertex® Quantum Air outer. The result is a lightweight, air-permeable jacket capable of providing protection against the wind without generating the excess heat typical of a conventional synthetic jacket during intense exertion.

⭐ The Mountain Group review

The Xenair Alpine Light should not be understood as a classic thermal jacket. Its main advantage is active temperature management: it works especially well when alternating between moments of high exertion and stops, changes of pace, or exposure to the wind.

For us, it is one of Rab's most interesting options as an active layer for the mountains. It can be used as a technical outer layer in dry, cool conditions or as a midlayer under a hardshell when the weather worsens. Compared to a warmer, less breathable jacket, it sacrifices static insulation to clearly gain comfort during movement.

⚡ Real technical performance

The insulation is distributed using body mapping to concentrate heat where it is needed and facilitate the evacuation of excess temperature in critical areas. Rab uses 60 g/m² PrimaLoft® Gold Active+ on the front, back, upper sleeves, and collar, with 55% recycled content.

The 20D Pertex® Quantum Air exterior has a weight of 47 g/m² and a declared permeability of 2 CFM. The 20D recycled nylon inner lining, at 40 g/m², reaches 10 CFM, favoring the transfer of moisture and heat during intense activities.

✔ Active synthetic insulation PrimaLoft® Gold Active+.
✔ Body-mapped construction to improve thermoregulation.
✔ 20D Pertex® Quantum Air exterior.
✔ Highly breathable 20D recycled lining.
✔ 310 g in size M.
✔ Helmet-compatible hood.
✔ Excellent ratio between lightness and breathability.

📋 Technical specifications

• Insulation: PrimaLoft® Gold Active+.
• Main insulation: 60 g/m² on front, back, upper sleeves, and collar.
• Recycled insulation content: 55%.
• Outer fabric: 20D Pertex® Quantum Air with fluorocarbon-free DWR, 47 g/m², 2 CFM.
• Lining: 20D recycled nylon, 40 g/m², 10 CFM.
• Weight: 310 g in size M.
• Back length: 71.5 cm in size M.
• Fit: Regular.
• Rab code: QIP-17.
• Rab activities: climbing, hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and trekking.

🛠️ Functional details

• Close-fitting hood designed to be worn comfortably under a helmet.
• Lightweight YKK® VISLON® front zipper with chin guard.
• Two hand pockets with concealed YKK® zippers.
• Internal chest pocket with zipper that doubles as a stuff sack and includes a harness loop.
• Articulated sleeves for climbing, scrambling, and wide movements.
• Elastic cuffs with gusset to improve fit and comfort.
• Lightweight rear hem adjustment with anti-snag system.

🔍 Where does it fit in the range?

Xenair Alpine Light: prioritizes lightness, breathability, and thermoregulation during intense activity.

Xenair Alpine: alternative for those who need greater insulation and thermal protection in colder conditions.

The Alpine Light makes particular sense when the goal is to keep the jacket on for most of the activity rather than continually managing layers as effort changes.

🎯 Recommended use

• Mountaineering.
• Climbing and scrambling.
• Fast trekking.
• Technical hiking.
• Skiing and ski touring.
• Variable intensity activities in cool conditions.

✅ Is it for you?

p>✔ Yes, if you generate a lot of heat during activity and are looking for insulation without overheating.
✔ Yes, if you need a layer that works both as a technical outer layer and under a hardshell.
✔ Yes, if you do mountaineering, fast trekking, climbing, or ski touring.
✔ Yes, if you prioritize mobility, lightness, and breathability.
✘ No, if you are primarily looking for a very warm jacket to stand still in for long periods.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Is it a waterproof jacket?

No. The Pertex® Quantum Air offers wind protection and has a DWR treatment, but the Xenair Alpine Light does not replace a waterproof hardshell.

What insulation does it use?

PrimaLoft® Gold Active+ distributed via body mapping to balance insulation and heat evacuation.

How much does it weigh?

310 g in size M.

Can it be worn under a waterproof jacket?

Yes. Its low volume and high breathability make it an excellent midlayer under a hardshell.

Is the hood helmet-compatible?

Yes. It is designed to fit under a helmet.