First Look: Rainwear, the most popular season for the 2017 Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket

Rainwear is an essential jacket for outdoor use as a rain protection device, but although it has become a little more comfortable, I'm still concerned about the roughness and shaking. Of course, if that happens, you'll end up in your backpack while it's sunny.

So, softshell was created as an outerwear that can be worn comfortably even when it's sunny and can withstand the minimum amount of rain. However, this is not a "waterproof" jacket, so in Japan, unless something really happened, they were forced to carry rainwear.

For this reason, it would not be an exaggeration to say that a completely waterproof jacket that can be worn normally (comfortable) even when you're on the move, and that you don't have to panic in the rain has been a dream of hikers for a long time. The day has finally come when I can make that dream come true. Introducing the Kinetic Plus Jacket, the latest jacket from Rab, a high-end outdoor brand that is proud of in the UK.

When I first saw it at last year's new product fair (@Germany), I instinctively said, "This is a dangerous incident . Of course, there have been stretchy rainwear in the past, but as far as I know, this is the first model that combines comfort and waterproofness at such a high level. It's both softshell and rainwear. It can be said both, and neither. As soon as it was released, it was also awarded the Editor's Choice Award 2017 in the US Backpacker magazine, and is currently the most popular outdoor gear this year. Meanwhile, in Japan, the way it is handled is also quiet, perhaps due to the size of the import agent, so for those who don't know about this jacket yet, we'll introduce you to the most notable jacket of the year, which is supple, easy to move around in and can also be used as rain gear.

Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket First impression

Slim silhouette (exterior)

Main specifications

Comfortable and easy to move, and high protection for peace of mind even in the rain

First of all, I put it on the intuition, but there is no rainwear feel.

Despite its slim fit, it took nine months to determine the balance between durability and stretchability, and the soft feel of the lining through the fine knit is enough to be forgiven for saying, it's like wearing a long sleeve T-shirt (Rab Director Scott York) The weight is actually measured at 275g, which is not surprising now, but it is just too light.

This is possible. "Proflex," a proprietary material developed by our proprietary, elastic, breathable, and waterproof. Although it cannot be used simply using numbers alone, the 10,000mm number that represents the waterproof level is the same as Polartec Neosell and has the minimum waterproofness that can be called rainwear. It may be tough for long, long-term, heavy rainfalls, but with the recent methods of use, there are often no need to prepare that much, so it would be fine if you were on a day trip or a one-night hike. Of course, the lining is covered with seam tape, and the main zipper is a durable vislon zipper, and the pockets are waterproof zipper.

On the other hand, the value for breathability is 35,000cc/sqm/24h. When considering rainwear, this number is thought to be quite high at over 10,000 so far, so if it's this high, it's unlikely that it will become stuffy and uncomfortable to wear as an outerwear, not only in rainy weather but also in good weather.

Careful and detailed comfort, lightweight and durable

The cuffs are velcro fastened. The back side is slightly extended, making it difficult for water droplets to enter. Furthermore, the outer material on the sleeves and hem is made with stitch-free, with seams removed as much as possible to improve waterproofness (?), and the thorough attention to quality is impressive down to the smallest details.

The hood is small enough to fit close to the head, with adjustable Velcro on the back of the head and elastic fabric on the forehead (photo below), so it not only prevents water from getting in, but also has a very good fit (the helmet is worn over the hood).

I'm curious about this

To be honest, I'm only hopeful, but since it's still not yet used, I'd like to list some points that are a bit of a concern about the current situation: the durability of the fabric is unknown. It takes longer to use, so I'm a bit concerned about areas where it rubs, such as backpacks. The outer material is moist, like a softshell, and is slightly brushed and less slippery, so be careful of sharp objects.

Summary: What kind of scenes do you recommend?

The innovative Kinetic Plus Jacket offers unthinkable protection for a softshell, incredible comfort, softness, and ease of movement as rainwear, making it perfect for short-term activities, where intense action and harsh weather conditions coexist from spring to early autumn. Furthermore, the sophisticated silhouette and comfort make it easy to wear, making it useful even when using it on a daily basis in the city.

For example, hiking for three seasons, excluding the rainy season and long-term traverse. If you leave the house with this on a chilly morning, you don't have to take it off, whether it's sunny, the wind, or the rain. If this is cold, you'll quickly layer a down jacket over it. Of course, the rain gear I've been carrying up until now is closed at home (Is there any way to make it lighter than this?). If you do well, such a rosy future may await you. Why not try this authentic next-generation rain jacket, which vividly removes the boundary between softshell and rainwear (hardshell)?

Kinetic Plus Jacket

Rab

34,560 yen

320g

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]