Lightweight synthetic insulation for mid or outer layering

Plusses: Comfortable, affordable, light, great in damp conditions
Minuses: Long sleeves relative to the body

293g (m), 263g (w)

Features: This is a lightweight water-resistant Primaloft insulated jacket designed as an outer layer in summer or as a cosy windproof mid-layer during colder months. Two densities of insulation are body-mapped to insulate key areas while allowing other areas to breathe. Its practical fit allows ease of movement and the snug-fitting hood provides warmth and wind protection. There are two hand-warmer pockets and an internal chest pocket that the jacket packs into.

Fit: Rab’s regular fit garments are not closely fitted, making them ideal for layering and use in a range of seasons. I wore it over base and midlayers and it felt just right. The articulated sleeves felt relatively loose and long and could be a fraction tighter.

Comfort: Put this jacket on and you won’t want to take it off: it’s cosy but unrestrictive, and the smooth 100 per cent recycled lining fabric glides over your base or midlayer. The body-mapped insulation balanced my body temperature when I was on the move and has excellent breathability.

In use: I used the Xenair for an Easter trip into the subalpine zone, and it was sufficiently warm. It felt more like an outer layer than a midlayer. The Primaloft fill looks thin compared with a down-filled product, but it packs a lot of insulation for its weight, and it’s better in damp conditions when it’s layered under your shell. In winter it could be worn as a windproof mid-layer over a base layer, and under a down jacket. In summer, and even into shoulder seasons, it’s sufficient alone as an insulated jacket. It’s light and packs into a compact bundle.

Value: Compared with other jackets in this class of lightweight, breathable synthetics, the Xenair is great value.

Verdict: Aside from sleeves that were a fraction long and loose on me, it’s hard to find fault with this practical, affordable jacket. It’s a style I recommend for frequent outdoor users.