Rab Xenair Insulated Vest – Past Season Colours

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The Rab Xenair Insulated Vest is a versatile, lightweight vest designed for outdoor activities. It provides essential warmth and breathability without sacrificing mobility or bulk. The vest also has body-mapped insulation, a breathable lining, and wind-resistant fabric.

Rab says: 

Expertly adapting to changes in intensity, pace, and temperature, this lightweight synthetic insulated vest offers the warmth and breathability of our iconic Xenair range, without the bulk of sleeves. Ideal as a midlayer or a versatile outer, it’s compact and built to respond to your output whether you’re questing up a frozen waterfall or transitioning from skin to ski. It features an improved, highly breathable lining which moves sweat through the system more quickly than ever before. Combined with body-mapped, dual weight insulation designed to maintain warmth only where you need it, it keeps you comfortable for longer and removes the need to change layers in mixed conditions.

The wind-resistant Pertex® Quantum Air keeps the chill off on an exposed climb, while the lightweight single-sided rear hem adjustment allows you to seal out icy winds. Comfortable, semi-elasticated armholes prevent underarm soreness, even when you’re swinging ice tools and grappling with gear. Stash gloves, snacks, or other essentials in the zipped chest pocket or two zipped hand pockets, one of which doubles up as an integrated stuff sack with an attachment loop for securing to your harness.

From fast-moving hikes to backcountry skiing, the Xenair Vest is an adaptable do-it-all layer that will keep you moving on big mountain days.

Our Verdict

The Rab Xenair Insulated Vest is a versatile and performance-driven layer designed to adapt seamlessly to the demands of outdoor pursuits. Crafted with precision and innovation, this lightweight synthetic insulated vest provides essential warmth and breathability without sacrificing mobility or bulk. Ideal for use as a mid-layer or standalone outer, its body-mapped insulation ensures targeted warmth where you need it most. 

At the same time, the highly breathable lining efficiently wicks moisture away to keep you comfortable during intense activities. With features like wind-resistant Pertex® Quantum Air fabric, semi-elasticated armholes, and adjustable hem, the Xenair Vest offers superior comfort and protection against the elements. The two hand-warming pockets are always welcome, and I’m always a fan of a jacket that can be stuffed into its own pocket. 

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Body mapped insulation to maintain warmth and aid thermoregulation
• Semi-elasticated armhole openings for comfort
• Lightweight YKK® centre front zip with chin guard
• Semi concealed lightweight YKK® zipped chest pocket
• 2 YKK® covered zipped hand pockets, one of which doubles as an integrated stuff sack with harness attachment loop
• Lightweight single sided rear hem adjustment with anti snag tether

Specifications

• Small weighs: 192g
• Medium weighs: 201g
• Large weighs: 214g
• XLarge weighs: 228g

Material & Construction

• 20D Pertex® Quantum Air with fluorocarbon-free DWR (47gsm [2cfm])
• 20D recycled nylon (40gsm [10cfm])
• 60gsm PrimaLoft® Gold Active+ insulation (55% recycled content) through front, back and collar
• Main: 100% Polyamide (with Acrylic coating). Lining: 100% recycled Polyamide
• Fit: Regular
• Centre back length (Size M): 71cm / 27.9inch

Help & advice:

• Rab PrimaLoft Technology Explained
• About Rab
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Synthetic Jacket
• What is PERTEX Quantum Air?
• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• Rab Xenair Range
• Synthetic Insulation Explained