I use one of this and indeed, very versatile. I use it on my bike rides no matter how much the Weather app lies about precipitation, this jacket got me covered. Dries easily as well.
Good review. Dave...i have this too which i prefer over my Arcteryx Beta AR and others. I only swop it out for the Rab Phantom when i am going camping to cut down on weight but if it's just a hike then its definitely the one to take. Same for the trousers.
I am 5'10' and i wear the size Large and they are fine because they stretch a little and feel comfortable and not crinkly like some heavier 3 layer gore-tex trousers do.. I would say i have fairly big thighs too and a 34 inch waist but pretty much most of the year i am in shorts and only really wear over trousers on top of a base layer when descending in the rain or in winter time. When it's raining heavy and i am planning on going up high with camping gear i prefer the Rab Phantom and you can actually see thousand of little bubbles forming as body heat transfers . I am very mindful of the delicate fabric of the Phantom so i am very careful putting my back on and off and thats where the Kinetic Alpine trumps so if theres snow around and a higher slip potential i would take the RKA@@Fellmandave1
Enjoyed your review Dave. Very well thought out. I own the non alpine version but the elasticated hood is bothering me, so I am on the fence about getting this one 😊
I wanted this jacket but everywhere was sold out, I cantacted Trekitt and they told me Rab's jacket for next spring is going to be updated with a new material.
Very comfortably jacket, however, I'm disappointed with the durability of it - small holes in the softer material in front, where I've rubbed it climbing and it seems to have lost a lot of its waterproofness. For them price I expected better quality.
Thanks Andrew, I have found myself getting very cold in it too recently as well. When the outer wets out you get a lit of chill in the wind. Not for winter?
