Great video. Thank you. The Kinetic Ultra is amazing. I paired it with the Montane Phase Lite during long winter runs - popping the Phase Lite over the Ultra when things got dark, cold, wet and blowy. I never once got clammy or sweaty.
In my opinion they make too many jackets helmet compatible resulting in hoods that are too big and flappy, needing adjustment too much... All to please a small percentage of users. Love their stuff otherwise, but that issue with hoods is a common talking point in fellow hikers
Interesting; my impression is that they make too many jacket with helmet compatible hoods, but designed for the helmet to be secured over the hood, so many of their hoods are, to my taste, too small. The Alpha Direct jacket is a prime example, which I've worn for many years and bought twice. I also have 2 of their down jackets, a Nutrino pro and electron pro I wish thry would cover the face a bit more, I understand it's alpine ready, but still. My old Mountain hardwear down jacket kept the face much warmer.
Regarding the RAB summer jackets featured in the video, they are indeed designed to be fully waterproof, providing reliable protection in various outdoor conditions. However, it's essential to recognize that like any waterproof jacket, proper care is crucial for maintaining performance over time. As you rightly mentioned, regular maintenance such as reapplying the durable water repellent (DWR) coating when needed ensures that the jacket continues to perform at its best and prevents it from "wetting out." With a bit of care and attention, these jackets can offer long-lasting waterproofing and continue to accompany you on many adventures.
@@tauntonleisure I understand what you're saying and I realise Rab's intention with these jackets. I just wish somebody would test them. There are no reviews anywhere. My main concern is that neither of them are Gore-Tex.
The membrane is still waterproof once the DWR has worn off. Indeed the DWR is not there to keep the jacket waterproof, it is there to stop the outer face fabric from becoming saturated and thus impeding vapour passing out from the inside to the outside.
Be interested to know whether the firewall light or downpour light has the best breath ability, both state 20,000 MVTR but wondering if in reality a 3 layer will be less breathable than 2.5 layer? Thanks
It would be a close run thing I think. I have heard that the coating that they apply to the 2.5L is a little less breathable but I've never seen evidence either way
Great video. Thank you. The Kinetic Ultra is amazing. I paired it with the Montane Phase Lite during long winter runs - popping the Phase Lite over the Ultra when things got dark, cold, wet and blowy. I never once got clammy or sweaty.
That's amazing to hear and a real testament to how well these products have been designed!! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Great video thanks.
Worth pointing out that the firewall light has mesh pockets to help with venting
In my opinion they make too many jackets helmet compatible resulting in hoods that are too big and flappy, needing adjustment too much... All to please a small percentage of users. Love their stuff otherwise, but that issue with hoods is a common talking point in fellow hikers
Interesting; my impression is that they make too many jacket with helmet compatible hoods, but designed for the helmet to be secured over the hood, so many of their hoods are, to my taste, too small.
The Alpha Direct jacket is a prime example, which I've worn for many years and bought twice.
I also have 2 of their down jackets, a Nutrino pro and electron pro I wish thry would cover the face a bit more, I understand it's alpine ready, but still.
My old Mountain hardwear down jacket kept the face much warmer.
Nice jackets but how waterproof are they really?
I'm wondering how the membrane holds up once the DWR wares off. 🤔
Regarding the RAB summer jackets featured in the video, they are indeed designed to be fully waterproof, providing reliable protection in various outdoor conditions.
However, it's essential to recognize that like any waterproof jacket, proper care is crucial for maintaining performance over time. As you rightly mentioned, regular maintenance such as reapplying the durable water repellent (DWR) coating when needed ensures that the jacket continues to perform at its best and prevents it from "wetting out." With a bit of care and attention, these jackets can offer long-lasting waterproofing and continue to accompany you on many adventures.
@@tauntonleisure I understand what you're saying and I realise Rab's intention with these jackets. I just wish somebody would test them. There are no reviews anywhere. My main concern is that neither of them are Gore-Tex.
The membrane is still waterproof once the DWR has worn off. Indeed the DWR is not there to keep the jacket waterproof, it is there to stop the outer face fabric from becoming saturated and thus impeding vapour passing out from the inside to the outside.
Be interested to know whether the firewall light or downpour light has the best breath ability, both state 20,000 MVTR but wondering if in reality a 3 layer will be less breathable than 2.5 layer? Thanks
It would be a close run thing I think. I have heard that the coating that they apply to the 2.5L is a little less breathable but I've never seen evidence either way
@@tauntonleisure Thanks