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Rab Xenair Alpine Review

Breathable and lightweight, this jacket is the perfect companion for cold weather high-output activities
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Rab Xenair Alpine Review (The Xenair Alpine offers a lot of great features that helped make it a top pick.)
The Xenair Alpine offers a lot of great features that helped make it a top pick.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Price:  $260 List
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Manufacturer:   Rab
By Travis Reddinger ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 10, 2024
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 9
  • Warmth - 25% 8.0
  • Comfort - 25% 9.0
  • Weather Resistance - 20% 7.0
  • Portability - 15% 6.0
  • Breathability - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Rab Xenair Alpine offers plenty of warmth and wind resistance, and thanks to synthetic insulation, it's still capable of temperature regulation if it gets wet. While this jacket is not completely waterproof, the outer shell is breathable to prevent you from becoming cold and sweaty when you pick up the pace. The fabric of this jacket, combined with a helmet-compatible hood, adjustable hem, and adjustable elastic cuffs, lets you move about freely while keeping the wind at bay. This jacket keeps you warm on its own or acts as a midlayer with a waterproof shell when things turn really cold. You can read how it compares to the competition in our insulated jacket guide.
REASONS TO BUY
Warm
Wind resistant
Feature rich
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Minimal water resistance
No stow pocket

Compare to Similar Products

 
rab xenair alpine
This Product
Rab Xenair Alpine
Awards Top Pick Award
Most Comfortable
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Insulated Jacket
Top Pick Award
Most Versatile Layer
 Best Buy Award
Best on A Tight Budget
Price $225.00 at Public Lands
Compare at 3 sellers
$349 List
Check Price at Backcountry
$255.09 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$119.73 at REI$39 List
$23.90 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A feature rich insulation layer that is great for hiking, snow sports, and climbingWell-fitting and comfortable, this jacket's ability to stave off weather makes it ideal for outdoor activitiesThis well-fitting mid-layer jacket offers comfort and breathability for active useLight and with decent warmth, this is the perfect piece to throw on for an evening stroll or morning walk to the coffee shopOur favorite model offers a great blend of function, comfort, and price
Rating Categories Rab Xenair Alpine Patagonia DAS Light... Arc'teryx Atom Hoody Cotopaxi Teca Calid... Amazon Essentials L...
Warmth (25%)
8.0
7.5
7.0
4.0
5.0
Comfort (25%)
9.0
8.0
8.5
6.0
6.0
Weather Resistance (20%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
5.0
5.0
Portability (15%)
6.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Breathability (15%)
7.0
6.0
8.5
5.0
5.0
Specs Rab Xenair Alpine Patagonia DAS Light... Arc'teryx Atom Hoody Cotopaxi Teca Calid... Amazon Essentials L...
Measured Weight (size M) 18.30 oz 12.31 oz 12.70 oz 12.45 oz 11.00 oz
Number of Pockets 2 zippered hand, 2 zippered chest 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest 2 zippered hand, 1 internal zip chest pocket, 2 drop-in internal patch pockets 2 zippered hand
Hem Type Dual adjustment Lightly elasticized Dual adjustment Elastic Elastic
Fit Regular fit Relaxed Fitted/trim fit. Regular but tighter Relaxed/slim
Insulation PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Active+ PlumaFill 100% recycled polyester Coreloft 100% recycled polyester 100% recycled polyester 100% polyester
Outer Fabric 20D Pertex Quantum Air with fluorocarbon-free DWR 10D Pertex Quantum Pro 100% recycled nylon ripstop Tyono 20D shell with FC0 DWR treatment - 100% nylon Repurposed polyester taffeta with DWR finish 100% polyester
Lining 20D Recycled Nylon 10D Pertex Quantum 100% recycled nylon ripstop Dope Permeair 20D - 100% nylon Repurposed polyester taffeta with DWR finish 100% polyester
Hood Option Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Built-In Stow Pocket No Yes; left hand pocket No Yes; chest No; included stuff sack
Cuff Construction Elastic with velcro adjustment Lightly elasticized Stretch-knit Elastic cuff Elastic cuff

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Rab Xenair Alpine is a breathable insulated layer designed for a wide variety of activities. Whether you decide on climbing, skiing, or walking the dog, the Xenair keeps you warm without getting sweaty. The jacket is filled with 133 grams per square meter of Primaloft Gold Insulation Active+, a 20D Pertex Quantum Air with a fluorocarbon-free DWR exterior, and a 20D recycled nylon lining. It offers an adjustable hem and hood and plenty of storage with two zippered chest pockets and two zippered hand pockets.

Performance Comparison


rab xenair alpine - with enough room to layer under and freely move around in, the...
With enough room to layer under and freely move around in, the Xenair was one of the most comfortable in our lineup.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Warmth


The Xenair Alpine is an active insulated jacket that proved to be quite warm even when the temps really dropped. Offering Primaloft insulation in the front, back, sides, arms, and hood, helps you retain your body heat even when standing still. The hem is long enough to cover your rear with two bungee adjustments to cinch down against the wind. The sleeves are long enough to keep you protected when stretching and have soft elastic cuffs and Velcro closure to tighten down more.


The Xenair zips up nice and high and easily protects your neck and lower face from the wind. The adjustable hood with semi-elasticated face opening and stiffened peak easily covers a winter hat and is large enough to accommodate most helmets. The lower pockets have insulation on both sides to keep your hands protected from the elements, and all four pockets zip closed to keep the wind out. The jacket sits close to the body and may have a slight athletic fit, but it doesn't impede movement when active. The soft and flexible fabric allows it to cover a fleece or easily fit under a shell when things get frigid.

The Xenair Alpine offers plenty of coverage from the wind.
The Xenair Alpine offers plenty of coverage from the wind.
We found the Xenair to be very comfortable, allowing for plenty of...
We found the Xenair to be very comfortable, allowing for plenty of movement.
A hood, high collar, and long hem offer plenty of protection from the elements.

Comfort


The Xenair may be one of the most comfortable insulated jackets we have tested. The slight puff of the insulation combined with the flexible and silky soft fabric make it seem like you're wrapped in a thin, soft sleeping bag. The hood is insulated with soft fabric on the inside and bungee adjustment to cinch when needed. The hem has dual adjustment, allowing it to protect your backside when needed or raise up the waist if you need mobility or less warmth. The dual zipper is also a nice addition if you want to keep your upper torso protected, but access a harness or belt.


The cuffs feature a soft elasticated gusset on the inside of the wrist and a Velcro closure on the outside if you are using gloves. The shoulders offer plenty of room for movement, and the sleeves are articulated for mobility. The seams on the jacket are not noticeable during use, and the lightweight feel of the jacket, combined with breathability, makes it enjoyable to wear all day long.

rab xenair alpine - the xenair alpine offers elastic cuffs with velcro adjustment, dual...
The Xenair Alpine offers elastic cuffs with velcro adjustment, dual cinch hem, and dual zipper to help keep you comfortable.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Weather Resistance


The 20D Pertex of the Xenair did a fabulous job blocking the wind when things picked up, and we didn't notice any flow through the zippers. The pockets all have an overhang to protect from the wind and water, and the cinch at the wrist, hem, and hood added extra protection. The hood has a stiffened peak that also offers some protection for your eyes from the elements and the sun.


When things get a little wet, the flexible fabric offers a DWR coating and does not have weak points like baffle seams to allow water to seep through. We found that the outer layer will bead light precipitation well enough, but if things get heavier then it does soak into the insulation. Luckily, the water never made it into the inside layer, and the synthetic Primaloft insulation will still keep you warm even when wet. The Xenair Alpine is great for those cold and windy days when the forecast may include snow and not heavy rain.

A light drizzle on the Zenair.
A light drizzle on the Zenair.
Putting the Rab through a much heavier water test.
Putting the Rab through a much heavier water test.
After getting the outsides of the Xenair wet, we checked to see how...
After getting the outsides of the Xenair wet, we checked to see how much seeped through.
Light water beaded off the Xenair, but a heavier shower soaked through to the insulation. Thankfully, water didn't pass through the inner liner, so we stayed dry.

Portability


The medium Xenair Alpine jacket we tested weighs in at 18.30 ounces. The Rab is one of the heavier jackets on our list but it does offer a lot of nice features for its weight and is quite warm.


The Xenair is one of the jackets that doesn't stuff into its own pocket or include a stuff sack for storage. The flexible fabric and synthetic insulation mean you could compress it into a smaller package if you needed to squirrel it away for later use though. However, you might not spend the time compressing it into a small package if you need to use it again quickly. This jacket is light enough to carry in your hand, hang from a harness, or stuff into a backpack.

rab xenair alpine - the extended zipper and cinchable hood keep the cold wind out and...
The extended zipper and cinchable hood keep the cold wind out and the warmth in.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Breathability


The Xenair Alpine was one of the higher-scoring insulated jackets when it came to breathability. We felt it was one of the few jackets where we could exert ourselves and not have to remove it after warming up. When the weather turns cold and you must work hard, you can leave this jacket on without ending up sweaty, shivering, and miserable.


The dual front zipper allows you to open the top or bottom for some extra ventilation, and the cuffs have enough stretch to slide up to the elbows. As mentioned before, the hem can also be slid up and cinched so it doesn't cover as much surface area. If you decide to unzip the jacket completely, it is light enough that the hood and overall weight don't pull it off your shoulders when moving. We liked how well this jacket kept us warm and blocked the wind but allowed for good breathability.

rab xenair alpine - dual zippers on the xenair make it easy to stay warm while climbing.
Dual zippers on the Xenair make it easy to stay warm while climbing.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Should You Buy the Rab Xenair Alpine?


The Xenair Alpine is a cozy insulated jacket that can fit a lot of uses. We really liked it as a stand-alone layer for cold temps, and it worked great as a mid-layer when things got frigid. If you are looking for an insulated jacket that's waterproof, this one doesn't quite fit the bill, though it wicks water reasonably well. The Xenair does have a lot of nice features like soft lining, multiple pockets, wind resistance, flexibility, and adjustability, which make this a versatile jacket for many outdoor activities where warmth and breathability are a must.

rab xenair alpine - having a comfortable and flexible jacket like the xenair alpine...
Having a comfortable and flexible jacket like the Xenair Alpine makes outdoor activities a lot more enjoyable.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

What Other Insulated Jackets Should You Consider?


The Rab Xenair Alpine is a great insulated jacket for those cold weather activities like climbing, skiing, or hiking and can be used as a stand-alone piece or part of a layering system. If you are looking for an active insulated jacket that is more waterproof, check out the Patagonia DAS Light Hoody. If you decide you want a lightweight jacket that's more breathable and very comfortable for all day use, be sure to check out the Arc'teryx Atom Hoody.

Travis Reddinger