First Look: Rainwear, the most popular season for the 2017 Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Rain jackets are essential for outdoor activities to protect against rain, but even though they've become a little more comfortable, they still tend to be stiff and scratchy, which naturally means they're a burden to carry around in your backpack on sunny days
So, the soft shell was created as an outer layer that could be worn comfortably on sunny days and could withstand minimal rain. However, since it is not a "waterproof" jacket, in Japan, unless there was an exceptional situation, people had no choice but to carry rainwear with them
It's no exaggeration to say that a completely waterproof jacket that can be worn comfortably while on the move and that doesn't cause panic in the rain has long been a dream of hikers. The day has finally come when that dream can be made a reality. Introducing the latest jacket from Rab, the high-end outdoor brand from the UK
When I first saw it at last year's New Products Fair (in Germany), I immediately knew it was something special . While stretchy rainwear has existed before, this is the first model I've seen that combines such high levels of comfort and waterproofing. It's both a soft shell and rainwear. It's both, and neither. Upon its release, it even won Backpacker magazine's Editor's Choice Award 2017 , making it one of the most talked-about outdoor gear items of the year. Meanwhile, in Japan, it seems to be getting a low-key reception, likely due to the size of its importer. For those who haven't yet discovered this jacket, I'd like to introduce it to you. It's flexible, easy to move in, and doubles as rain gear—one of the most noteworthy jackets of the year.
table of contents
Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket First Impressions
Slim silhouette (appearance)
Main specifications
| item | Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket |
|---|---|
| material | 100% polyester (Proflex) |
| size | S/M/L |
| Color variations | Ink/Maple/Steel |
| weight | 275g (S size) |
| Two handwarmer pockets with waterproof zippers | |
| Food | Adjustable, close-fitting hood at the back |
| water resistance | 10,000mm |
| Breathability | 35,000cc/sqm/24h |
| accessories | Staff sack |
Comfortable and easy to move in, with high protection even in the rain
The first thing I noticed when I put it on was that it didn't feel like rainwear at all
Despite its slim fit, it offers the perfect balance of durability and stretch, requiring nine months of effort to perfect. The soft, finely knitted lining makes like you're wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt, according to Rab Director Scott Yorko. It weighs just 275g, which isn't surprising these days, but it's still incredibly light.
This is made possible by the company's proprietary "Proflex" material, which is stretchy, breathable, and waterproof. While a simple evaluation based on numbers alone isn't possible, a waterproof rating of 10,000mm is the same as Polartec Neoshell, providing the minimum level of waterproofness required to be called rainwear. While this may be a challenge in prolonged, heavy downpours, these days, such protection isn't necessary, and it should be fine for day trips or overnight mountain trips. Of course, the lining is seam-taped, the main zipper is a durable Vislon zipper, and the pockets are waterproof
The breathability rating is 35,000cc/sqm/24h. For rainwear, this rating would have been considered quite high, with anything over 10,000 being considered. With a rating this high, you can be sure that you won't feel stuffy or uncomfortable wearing it as an outer layer on sunny days, let alone in the rain
Meticulous attention to comfort, lightness, and durability
The cuffs are fastened with Velcro. The back of the jacket is slightly stretchy, making it difficult for water droplets to seep in. Furthermore, the outer fabric of the sleeves and hem is stitch-free, eliminating seams as much as possible to enhance waterproofing (?), demonstrating the meticulous attention to quality down to the smallest detail
The hood is small enough to fit snugly against the head, and has adjustable Velcro at the back and stretchy fabric on the forehead (see photo below), so it not only prevents water from getting in but also provides a very good fit (the helmet is worn over the hood)
I'm curious about this
Honestly, I have high hopes for it, but since I haven't used it much yet, I'd like to point out a few concerns: the durability of the fabric is still unknown. I'll be using it for a long time, so I'm a bit concerned about parts that rub against things like backpacks. The outer fabric is soft like a soft shell, and is slightly brushed to make it less slippery, so be careful with sharp objects
Summary: What kind of scenes do you recommend?
The innovative Kinetic Plus Jacket offers unparalleled protection for a softshell, unbelievable comfort, softness, and freedom of movement for rainwear, making it perfect for short-term activities in harsh weather conditions from spring to early fall. Its refined silhouette and comfortable fit also make it a great choice for everyday use around town
For example, hiking in three seasons, excluding the rainy season and long-term mountain hikes. If you put this on and leave the house on a slightly chilly morning, you won't need to take it off, whether the weather is sunny, windy, or rainy. If you do end up feeling cold, you can just throw on a down jacket over it. Of course, the rain gear you've been carrying until now will be put to rest at home (is there any way to save more weight than this?!). If all goes well, such a rosy future may be waiting for you. Why not try out this truly next-generation rain jacket, which has completely erased the line between soft shell and rainwear (hard shell)?
We also recommend this article about rainwear.
- Check out the types of rainwear and how to choose them before purchasing
- Rainwear for mountaineering that you can't miss this season [for hiking and trekking]
- Ultra-lightweight rainwear that you won't miss this season [for trail running and fast packing]
- Comparison review: Which rainwear you should have if you're going to climb? ?
- Comparison review: We compared ultra-lightweight rainwear that is great for mountain climbing and running [2016SS]
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