Assessment of Rab Neutrino Pro Insulated Jacket
The Rab Neutrino Pro down jacket is a standout choice for those seeking a high-performance, lightweight option that offers excellent warmth and compressibility. This jacket, with its minimal yet practical feature set, has been designed to provide exceptional cold-weather protection, making it an ideal companion for winter adventures.
One of the key features of the Neutrino Pro is its fit, described as a "regular" fit, which is neither overly baggy nor large like the Patagonia Macro Puff. The jacket allows for the easy slip-in of a midlayer underneath, such as the Arc'teryx Atom LT, without feeling excessively baggy.
The Neutrino Pro's shell fabric, Pertex Quantum Pro, provides excellent wind and water resistance. This robust shell, combined with a water-resistant DWR finish, offers more protection than most, making the jacket suitable for cold, wet conditions. However, it's essential to note that the jacket is not designed for heavy rain or snow.
The jacket's insulation comes from 7.5 ounces of 800-fill power goose down, making it one of the warmest technical down jackets on the market. The goose down inside the Neutrino Pro is treated with a water repellent finish to keep it from losing its loft, ensuring long-lasting warmth even in wet conditions.
The Rab Neutrino Pro also boasts a helmet-compatible hood that can be easily cinched down to keep out winds and blowing snow. The hood's design includes a wired brim for added protection and visibility in the snow. The hood can be cinched down with two pull cords that tuck under small flaps for a streamlined look.
In terms of pockets, the Neutrino Pro features two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and an internal zip pocket on the chest. However, it lacks internal dump pockets, which some users might find helpful for storing things like skins or gloves.
The jacket measures about 7 x 10 inches when packed down and slips nicely into any average-sized daypack. It's worth mentioning that the Neutrino Pro is not a lightweight jacket, weighing 1 pound 4.6 ounces for a men's medium. The women's version of the Neutrino Pro is lighter at 1 pound 1.7 ounces.
The Neutrino Pro's shell fabric and lining are now made from recycled materials, further emphasising Rab's commitment to sustainability. Additionally, Rab has partnered with the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) to certify the goose down used in the Neutrino Pro.
When compared to similar jackets like the Patagonia Fitz Roy, Mountain Equipment Lightline, and REI Stormhenge, the Neutrino Pro offers a balance of technical performance, value, and versatility. Each of these jackets caters to different needs and preferences, whether it's technical performance, value, or versatility.
In conclusion, the Rab Neutrino Pro is an impressively weather-resistant down jacket for cold conditions, especially when compared to synthetic jackets in wet weather. Its combination of warmth, compressibility, and weather resistance makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, high-performance cold-weather jacket.
- For hiking and outdoor adventures, consider pairing the Rab Neutrino Pro with essential gear such as sleeping bags, daypacks, and climbing equipment to ensure a comfortable and successful journey.
- After a long day of exploration, the Rab Neutrino Pro down jacket offers excellent warmth, making it ideal for sleeping in camp under the stars.
- For those who enjoy both sports and outdoor activities, the Rab Neutrino Pro's exceptional weather resistance and performance makes it a versatile choice for various winter adventures, from climbing mountains to cross-country skiing.
