Hands down the best outdoor garment available today that’s suitable for walking, climbing, cycling or even cold weather running. Have worn mine in the summer in wales as my main warm layer, and in winter in Scotland as my moving layer over a baselayer. With this garment all you need is a baselayer underneath, and a lightweight down or synthetic (arcteryx atom, or rab microlight) for stopping, and a hard shell for rain. That will cover you for almost all conditions in the UK except the cold Scottish winter days.
In my view nothing really beats this kind of system: windproof outer and a fleece interior. I have used them biking, hiking, beach walks, travelling in far away places - the lot. This type of jacket always goes in my bag.
Will it help me find a girlfriend who is loaded and owns a pub that will help us both cope with yet another lockdown and also fund all my future outdoor garment needs ????
Hi John. The hood isn't designed to fold down into the collar. At best you can roll up the hood and then use the Velcro volume reducer on the back, and the hanging internal hanging loop, to stop it flapping around. It's not a particularly "pretty" solution, that's why Harry didn't let me do that in the video. Paul.
Hi David. I too have an Alpha Direct and absolutely love it! I used it when snowshoeing in Canada in -20 celsius and was comfortable. The new VR summit is much lighter and has less insulation, so better suited for cool/cold weather high output use. Paul.
@@DavidSmith-ql3zp +1 for the Alpha Direct. Many complain that it's too warm and the windproof/less breathable microlight defeats the purpose of the Alpha insulation so I'm sure this VR Summit will appeal to a wider audience. Though I wouldn't trade my Alpha Direct for anything (I'm in Canada).
So, i can't find this in stores. But looking at this video, it doesn't look like a soft shell. It doesn't look like it feels like that very fine fleece like material.It looks like it's just a fabric outter, that's similar to say, a synthetic jacket. It doesn't look durable either, it looks like a thin 10-20D fabric. -- I could be wrong about the texture, but regardless, or looks thin and not durable I'm looking for something for winter hiking & beginner mountaineering in cold Canadian weather. I wear a base layer, and an active grid fleece. I'm looking for something to put on top to help with the wind and add a bit of warmth, but making sure i don't overheat... But also, something durable so if i am by a rocky cloud, it won't rip.
Softshell is an umbrella term in the industry than can have a fairly loose definition, most jackets that do not have a membrane, and some that do, fall under the very broad softshell category. The VR Summit would meet the spec of what you have described for your Canadian adventures, but if you feel the fabric wouldn't be tough enough then maybe look at something more along the lines of a Rab Scimitar (with or without windstopper) if wanting to stay on brand, or the Montane Windjammer XPD may also suit.
Thanks for your review! Do you think VR summit jacket would be suitable for daily use in mild UK winter, like around 10 degrees Celsius on the top of a light base layer?
Sounds like you had a great trip! Thanks for sharing your experience of the Summit; I've pinned your comment so others can use it for extra info. Kind regards, Harry.
So many to choose from depending on activity and personal preference. Ben's current favourite for single day use is the Montane Dart XT www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/baselayers/montane-mens-dart-xt-zip-neck-black__51755 and for multi day it's hard to beat Icebreaker www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/baselayers/icebreaker-mens-200-oasis-ls-crewe-loden-green__53698
Great vid as alway! Would you recommend this for mountaineering, the alps the etc? I am torn between a full waterproof shell but then I sweat a lot when moving so the breathability appeals to me for the VR. You mention best not to layer too much under it too, I get very cold very quickly when still but very hot very quickly when moving!
For any sort of alpine use you'll want both a good hardshell and a breathable insulated jacket/softshell. This is a great layer for high-output activities where you require a good amount of weather-resistance and warmth, but if it starts raining/snowing heavily, you'll want a good hardshell there to keep you completely dry. Kind regards, Harry.
Trekitt great thanks Harry! Alas the endless journey for the ‘do it all’ jacket continues lol, does sound like a great jacket though and I like the multi use function to it too 👍
@@27johnny It depends on what you're doing in it, but as a general rule I wouldn't recommend it. Lightweight windshells are fantastic things in the right circumstances, but they can never replace a true hardshell in torrential rain. They're also not as durable and won't withstand a heavy trekking pack for days at a time.
Hi just a quick question, I have bought the VR summit, I was just wondering if there is much difference with the vr alpine and is it worth buying the alpine if I already own the summit, many thanks
HI, the Alpine is a lighter and more breathable version and is bets suited to more active pursuits where breathability and weather protection are more important than warmth. If you added it to your kit wardrobe you'd be pretty much covered for all year round activities. Paul.
Hi Allan. Yes, you could layer up underneath with a lightweight micro fleece. The only slight drawback with wearing fleece under this type of VR jacket is that the fluffy inside can "grab" a little at the fleece material, whereas it glides much better over a smooth base layer. I hope that helps. Paul.
Great review! I have previously owned the previous version of the Vapour Rise Alpine (or Alpine lite as it was renamed) Where does this previous version sit in comparison with the new VR Alpine and the VR summit? Many thanks.
The older Alpine is a bit of a looser/boxier cut compared to the new VR Alpine, but other than that they're pretty similar. Both are designed active mountain use and both have a similar pocket layout/feature set.
@@trekitt fantastic thanks for the info. I was considering getting the summit jacket but wasn't sure how much warmer it would be compared to the original alpine!
I have both the new Summit and previous generation Alpine and my comparison would be that the VR Summit is slightly warmer than the VR Alpine. The VR Summit is roomier - I always found the VR Alpine a touch tight under the armpits (certainly in the medium). The VR Summit doesn't pack into a pocket and only has a tab at the back of the hood where the Alpine has a cinch cord which is always superior IMO. One real niggle for me about the Summit is that the fleece lining, whilst it extends into the hood, it skirts round the neck and chin area - why Rab? The whole area around the internal hood toggle is devoid of insulation. I felt cold here as all you have is 2 layers of the outer lining. As it's a loosish fit in the neck area (think Atom LT) this seems to provide more room for cold air to get in. You can wear a light tube scarf, but it's hassle carrying another thing. The VR Alpine had the fleece lining extend all the way to the chin and up to the upper zip garage, then into the hood which was much more comfy and warm. This seems like an oversight to me, although it obviously didn't bother the testers. I was never a fan of the two large chest pockets on the Alpine, so cosmetically I prefer the Summit. All in all though if your body shape fits the Alpine well, then I think that's a better jacket for real world mountain use - again IMO.
Hi Matt, you're absolutely right, in fact there are a lot of "similar" jackets out there. Rab have invested huge amounts of time and resources, drawing on decades of experience to develop and produce this brilliant jacket, so I know where my money would go. Thanks for watching. Paul.
Good morning. The Atom LT will be warmer but the VR Summit is far more breathable. The VR Summit is better suited to high output activities in cold/damp conditions. Paul.
Good morning Jon. The Atom LT will be warmer but the VR Summit is far more breathable. The VR Summit is better suited to high output activities in cold/damp conditions. Paul.
@@trekitt Hi Paul, I need a Midlayer for OnPiste skiing , I need to decide between the Atom LT & the VR summit - In your opinion, which would suit the specific job better ?
HI Craig. If your use is specifically on-piste skiing, then I'd opt for the VR Summit as it is more breathable than the Atom. However, if you need the jacket to be more versatile for other uses and conditions, then the Atom is the cyclops (one I'd get). Paul.
Hi. The pockets on the VR summit can still be accessed when wearing a harness over the top. They are not sited as high as "technical" climbing jackets, but the zips are nice and long so you can still get into the pocket. Personally, I'd wear my harness under the jacket as it has a two way zip for accessing belay devices etc, or you can pull in the hem drawcord and hitch the jacket up above your harness. Thanks for watching. Paul.
How does this compare to the Guide, i have the option of getting either. Which one is better, which would you choose, one user on here says the Guide is miles better. Which is the warmer of the two.
The Guide is miles heavier and far less packable, but it is incredibly warm and protective. Personally, I'd wear the Guide for less-strenuous activities where I require more warmth and the Summit for active mountain use. Kind regards, Harry.
@@trekitt Thanks Harry, i think it is going to be a hard decision for me to make. I am not a mountain climber as in rock face climber, but i do walk a lot of hills and mountains in the Lake District. I do work quite hard though and sweat a lot so the Summit might be better with it being very breathable, but on the other hand i am quite a cold person so the Guide might be better. I have tried the Guide on and it didn't feel heavy so weight is not a factor to me. Are you saying the Guide feels more protective than the Summit.
@@paulharrison3163 The Guide weighs just over 700g while the Summit is almost half that, so the Guide feels more protective when you've got it on. However, Pertex claim almost identical levels of wind and water-resistance between the two outer fabrics of both jackets. I'm a little biased as the Guide wasn't my cup of tea, but the Summit would be my personal choice; especially in the Lakes where it's pretty undulating.
@@trekitt Thanks, think i will try the summit, now i have to decide Blue or Oxblood. i usually always go blue, but i really like the look of the Oxblood so might be time for a change.
In the end i couldn't make my mind up whether to go for the Guide or the Summit, so i have ordered both, they are both returnable so i will just return one of them.
I believe that I would definitely buy it even though I don’t need it “IF” it had pit zips also a peripheral vision adjustment cord would sweeten the pot. I mean really a highly aerobic layer without pit zips?! come on guys
Both the VR Summit and Alpine Light have air-permeable outer fabrics, so it's just not necessary to also have pit-zips. If you overheat in one of these, you're probably wearing too many layers! Harry
The Prism isn't as breathable and is more suitable for low-intensity activities or when stationary. The Proton LT is similar in terms of breathability, weather-resistance etc, just fits a little differently. Harry
Which shell you opt for will depend on which activities you're getting up to and how much protection you need. I personally use the Arc'teryx Beta AR which is a great all-rounder. Harry
Hands down the best outdoor garment available today that’s suitable for walking, climbing, cycling or even cold weather running. Have worn mine in the summer in wales as my main warm layer, and in winter in Scotland as my moving layer over a baselayer.
With this garment all you need is a baselayer underneath, and a lightweight down or synthetic (arcteryx atom, or rab microlight) for stopping, and a hard shell for rain. That will cover you for almost all conditions in the UK except the cold Scottish winter days.
Hard to beat a classic like the VR!
In my view nothing really beats this kind of system: windproof outer and a fleece interior. I have used them biking, hiking, beach walks, travelling in far away places - the lot. This type of jacket always goes in my bag.
They do work well, I used to use the Buffalo system for MRT work as it was so utterly reliable and durable. Thanks for watching.Paul.
Will it help me find a girlfriend who is loaded and owns a pub that will help us both cope with yet another lockdown and also fund all my future outdoor garment needs ????
I mean... it's worth a go?
Great review but it would have been useful for Paul to demonstrate how the hood could be folded down into a collar to stop it flapping in the wind
Hi John. The hood isn't designed to fold down into the collar. At best you can roll up the hood and then use the Velcro volume reducer on the back, and the hanging internal hanging loop, to stop it flapping around. It's not a particularly "pretty" solution, that's why Harry didn't let me do that in the video. Paul.
Hello, can you wrap away the hood when not required?
Good review, I have the Rab Alpha Direct for cold weather hiking and wonder how much different the VR Summit would be?
Hi David. I too have an Alpha Direct and absolutely love it! I used it when snowshoeing in Canada in -20 celsius and was comfortable. The new VR summit is much lighter and has less insulation, so better suited for cool/cold weather high output use. Paul.
@@trekitt Perfect, thanks for both replies, very helpful and also reassuring.
@@DavidSmith-ql3zp +1 for the Alpha Direct. Many complain that it's too warm and the windproof/less breathable microlight defeats the purpose of the Alpha insulation so I'm sure this VR Summit will appeal to a wider audience. Though I wouldn't trade my Alpha Direct for anything (I'm in Canada).
So, i can't find this in stores. But looking at this video, it doesn't look like a soft shell. It doesn't look like it feels like that very fine fleece like material.It looks like it's just a fabric outter, that's similar to say, a synthetic jacket. It doesn't look durable either, it looks like a thin 10-20D fabric. -- I could be wrong about the texture, but regardless, or looks thin and not durable
I'm looking for something for winter hiking & beginner mountaineering in cold Canadian weather. I wear a base layer, and an active grid fleece. I'm looking for something to put on top to help with the wind and add a bit of warmth, but making sure i don't overheat... But also, something durable so if i am by a rocky cloud, it won't rip.
Softshell is an umbrella term in the industry than can have a fairly loose definition, most jackets that do not have a membrane, and some that do, fall under the very broad softshell category.
The VR Summit would meet the spec of what you have described for your Canadian adventures, but if you feel the fabric wouldn't be tough enough then maybe look at something more along the lines of a Rab Scimitar (with or without windstopper) if wanting to stay on brand, or the Montane Windjammer XPD may also suit.
Ordered one from yourselves the other day, love it!
Thanks very much, enjoy!
I realize I am kinda randomly asking but does anybody know of a good website to watch newly released tv shows online?
@Sonny Andres Flixportal :)
@Graysen Casey thanks, signed up and it seems like a nice service =) Appreciate it !
@@sonnyandres9695 cheeky
Thanks for your review! Do you think VR summit jacket would be suitable for daily use in mild UK winter, like around 10 degrees Celsius on the top of a light base layer?
Yes, depending on what you're doing though. If you're moving fast then you might find it suitable for much lower temperatures.
does this jacket stuff into its own pocket?
Comments transferred to VR Alpine Light video.
Sounds like you had a great trip! Thanks for sharing your experience of the Summit; I've pinned your comment so others can use it for extra info. Kind regards, Harry.
What base layer do you recommend for winter
So many to choose from depending on activity and personal preference. Ben's current favourite for single day use is the Montane Dart XT www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/baselayers/montane-mens-dart-xt-zip-neck-black__51755 and for multi day it's hard to beat Icebreaker www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/baselayers/icebreaker-mens-200-oasis-ls-crewe-loden-green__53698
Great vid as alway! Would you recommend this for mountaineering, the alps the etc? I am torn between a full waterproof shell but then I sweat a lot when moving so the breathability appeals to me for the VR. You mention best not to layer too much under it too, I get very cold very quickly when still but very hot very quickly when moving!
For any sort of alpine use you'll want both a good hardshell and a breathable insulated jacket/softshell. This is a great layer for high-output activities where you require a good amount of weather-resistance and warmth, but if it starts raining/snowing heavily, you'll want a good hardshell there to keep you completely dry. Kind regards, Harry.
Trekitt great thanks Harry! Alas the endless journey for the ‘do it all’ jacket continues lol, does sound like a great jacket though and I like the multi use function to it too 👍
@@gregsmith4591 you might want to cosider Paramo if you are looking for a do it all.
@@trekitt What's the Trekitt take on using a lightweight windproof as a storm layer ala Patagonia Houdini instead of a rain/hard shell?
@@27johnny It depends on what you're doing in it, but as a general rule I wouldn't recommend it. Lightweight windshells are fantastic things in the right circumstances, but they can never replace a true hardshell in torrential rain. They're also not as durable and won't withstand a heavy trekking pack for days at a time.
Will this keep me worm at everest base camp
It'll be a good layer when moving but not quite the right thing to put on when static. This also depends on the time of year you're going.
Hi just a quick question, I have bought the VR summit, I was just wondering if there is much difference with the vr alpine and is it worth buying the alpine if I already own the summit, many thanks
HI, the Alpine is a lighter and more breathable version and is bets suited to more active pursuits where breathability and weather protection are more important than warmth. If you added it to your kit wardrobe you'd be pretty much covered for all year round activities. Paul.
@@trekitt cheers thanks, I do a lot of long distance trails, so and breathability is very important, thanks
Hello, what is your choice between the vr summit, vr alpine light jacket or the buffalo active lite shirt
We only stock the first two I'm afraid, and out of those two it just depends how much insulation you need. The Summit is the warmer of the two. Harry
@@trekitt has anyone you know used the buffalo and views on it?
A bit like a lighterweight Paramo?
Pretty much! The desired outcome is very similar, just wrapped up in a lightweight, technically-fitting exterior. Regards, Harry.
Really interesting; thank you.
No problem!
A great review/video. It looks like a really good piece of kit. Could a micro fleece mid layer be worn under it?
Hi Allan. Yes, you could layer up underneath with a lightweight micro fleece. The only slight drawback with wearing fleece under this type of VR jacket is that the fluffy inside can "grab" a little at the fleece material, whereas it glides much better over a smooth base layer. I hope that helps. Paul.
@@trekitt That is great. Thanks Paul. Allan
Great review! I have previously owned the previous version of the Vapour Rise Alpine (or Alpine lite as it was renamed) Where does this previous version sit in comparison with the new VR Alpine and the VR summit? Many thanks.
The older Alpine is a bit of a looser/boxier cut compared to the new VR Alpine, but other than that they're pretty similar. Both are designed active mountain use and both have a similar pocket layout/feature set.
@@trekitt fantastic thanks for the info. I was considering getting the summit jacket but wasn't sure how much warmer it would be compared to the original alpine!
I have both the new Summit and previous generation Alpine and my comparison would be that the VR Summit is slightly warmer than the VR Alpine. The VR Summit is roomier - I always found the VR Alpine a touch tight under the armpits (certainly in the medium). The VR Summit doesn't pack into a pocket and only has a tab at the back of the hood where the Alpine has a cinch cord which is always superior IMO.
One real niggle for me about the Summit is that the fleece lining, whilst it extends into the hood, it skirts round the neck and chin area - why Rab? The whole area around the internal hood toggle is devoid of insulation. I felt cold here as all you have is 2 layers of the outer lining. As it's a loosish fit in the neck area (think Atom LT) this seems to provide more room for cold air to get in. You can wear a light tube scarf, but it's hassle carrying another thing. The VR Alpine had the fleece lining extend all the way to the chin and up to the upper zip garage, then into the hood which was much more comfy and warm. This seems like an oversight to me, although it obviously didn't bother the testers.
I was never a fan of the two large chest pockets on the Alpine, so cosmetically I prefer the Summit. All in all though if your body shape fits the Alpine well, then I think that's a better jacket for real world mountain use - again IMO.
Alpkit do a similar lightweight jacket but cheaper
Hi Matt, you're absolutely right, in fact there are a lot of "similar" jackets out there. Rab have invested huge amounts of time and resources, drawing on decades of experience to develop and produce this brilliant jacket, so I know where my money would go. Thanks for watching. Paul.
how does this compare to the arc'teryx atom LT?
love your videos, keep up the great work!
Good morning. The Atom LT will be warmer but the VR Summit is far more breathable. The VR Summit is better suited to high output activities in cold/damp conditions. Paul.
@@trekitt Hi Paul, what about the Proton LT. Is the breathability of this under exertion better?
How does this compare to say the Arcteryx Atom LT regarding warmth? A great review as always..
Good morning Jon. The Atom LT will be warmer but the VR Summit is far more breathable. The VR Summit is better suited to high output activities in cold/damp conditions. Paul.
@@trekitt Hi Paul, I need a Midlayer for OnPiste skiing , I need to decide between the Atom LT & the VR summit - In your opinion, which would suit the specific job better ?
HI Craig. If your use is specifically on-piste skiing, then I'd opt for the VR Summit as it is more breathable than the Atom. However, if you need the jacket to be more versatile for other uses and conditions, then the Atom is the cyclops (one I'd get). Paul.
@@dyballfamilymovies8446 If you are a good skiier you probably aren't going to be working that hard skiing in resort, so I reckon go for the atom.
Do the two side pockets truly sit above a harness?
Hi. The pockets on the VR summit can still be accessed when wearing a harness over the top. They are not sited as high as "technical" climbing jackets, but the zips are nice and long so you can still get into the pocket. Personally, I'd wear my harness under the jacket as it has a two way zip for accessing belay devices etc, or you can pull in the hem drawcord and hitch the jacket up above your harness. Thanks for watching. Paul.
@@trekitt Hi Paul - are the pockets in a similar position in the Alpine lite version?
@@27johnny They are indeed!
How does this compare to the Guide, i have the option of getting either. Which one is better, which would you choose, one user on here says the Guide is miles better. Which is the warmer of the two.
The Guide is miles heavier and far less packable, but it is incredibly warm and protective. Personally, I'd wear the Guide for less-strenuous activities where I require more warmth and the Summit for active mountain use. Kind regards, Harry.
@@trekitt Thanks Harry, i think it is going to be a hard decision for me to make. I am not a mountain climber as in rock face climber, but i do walk a lot of hills and mountains in the Lake District. I do work quite hard though and sweat a lot so the Summit might be better with it being very breathable, but on the other hand i am quite a cold person so the Guide might be better. I have tried the Guide on and it didn't feel heavy so weight is not a factor to me. Are you saying the Guide feels more protective than the Summit.
@@paulharrison3163 The Guide weighs just over 700g while the Summit is almost half that, so the Guide feels more protective when you've got it on. However, Pertex claim almost identical levels of wind and water-resistance between the two outer fabrics of both jackets. I'm a little biased as the Guide wasn't my cup of tea, but the Summit would be my personal choice; especially in the Lakes where it's pretty undulating.
@@trekitt Thanks, think i will try the summit, now i have to decide Blue or Oxblood. i usually always go blue, but i really like the look of the Oxblood so might be time for a change.
In the end i couldn't make my mind up whether to go for the Guide or the Summit, so i have ordered both, they are both returnable so i will just return one of them.
I believe that I would definitely buy it even though I don’t need it “IF” it had pit zips also a peripheral vision adjustment cord would sweeten the pot. I mean really a highly aerobic layer without pit zips?! come on guys
Both the VR Summit and Alpine Light have air-permeable outer fabrics, so it's just not necessary to also have pit-zips. If you overheat in one of these, you're probably wearing too many layers! Harry
How does this compare to the montane prism jacket and the arc'teryx Proton jacket?
The Prism isn't as breathable and is more suitable for low-intensity activities or when stationary. The Proton LT is similar in terms of breathability, weather-resistance etc, just fits a little differently. Harry
Can you recommend a shell to accompany the VR Summit?
Which shell you opt for will depend on which activities you're getting up to and how much protection you need. I personally use the Arc'teryx Beta AR which is a great all-rounder. Harry