Lightweight / Alpine Waterproof Jackets

General Chat
1

Can anyone here speak to the Rab Kinetic Alpine Jacket - a stretchy softshell with allegedly hardshell performance - versus a goretex paclite alternative eg Mountain Equipment Garwhal

…light and highly packable being the objective. Just seen the Rab in shop but very unfamiliar with that fabric

Thanks G

1 Like
2

Judging by the reviews the Rab would be a more useful jacket generally. Paclites are relatively fragile and won’t take the abuse as well, nor will they serve much for climbing in ‘challenging’ conditions.

3

Thanks. I dealt on the paclite for high compact / low rain probability on a good deal but tried that Rab on and was very snug indeed

4

I have the non-alpine kinetic and take it instead of a raincoat unless the forecast is buckets all day (in which case I go to the pub).
Really breathable, packs small and does a good job keeping dry most of the time - if it’s really wet it sometimes gets little damp spots where it’s pressed under a rucksack.

5

Thanks - sounds like a goodie