This season's most noteworthy active warmer, the Rab Evolute Hoody, takes active insulation to the next level. [Hands-on Review]

Active insulation is popular, but is it really "usable" right now?

Active insulation, a type of winter wear designed for active use that "keeps you warm when you're stationary and releases heat and moisture easily when you're moving," has become a popular choice in recent years. Now, not only major global outdoor brands but even local cottage brands are releasing new products using materials like "OCTA" and "Polartec Alpha" as their main winter wear for fall and winter, and this applies to both tops and bottoms

However, although the vast amount of active insulation available may look different, the truth is that many of them are practically similar in terms of functionality. To be honest, many of them are designed more to look good than to function. While it may be one thing if the appearance makes climbing a mountain easier, what's most important is functionality, and Outdoor Gearzine has consistently believed that design based on functionality is the way to go

In that sense, among the flood of active insulation products available in recent years, one garment that stands out as undoubtedly amazing Rab Evolute Hoody a new warm-weather garment developed this season by Rab . Its features can be summed up simply as a "new standard" mid-layer, taking the best of active insulation's properties while also fully covering its weaknesses, further enhancing its functionality and practicality.

As soon as it was released, I tried wearing it on a mountain climb this fall, so I'll give you my review right away

Key features of the Rab Evolute Hoody

The Rab Evolute Hoody is an active insulation jacket designed to regulate your internal temperature to the optimum level for your activity level in cooler conditions, especially in autumn and winter. The PRIMALOFT® EVOLVE lining's complex brushed structure provides superior insulation (loft) and breathability, preventing overheating and keeping you comfortable while on the move. The single-jersey knit outer layer, Motiv™ Aero , boasts excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, wicking moisture away from the lining and dissipating it to the outside, keeping your body dry at all times. The three-dimensional cut, including the hood, provides a snug fit, a streamlined silhouette that facilitates layering, and high stretchability provide excellent freedom of movement, preventing the garment from slipping even during intense upper-body movements. This jacket is a key component of a comfortable layering system for a variety of activities in harsh autumn and winter conditions.

Favorite points

• PRIMALOFT® EVOLVE is a lightweight active insulation that combines high thermal insulation and breathability
• Motiv™ Aero outer fabric provides excellent moisture absorption, quick drying, and a soft, comfortable feel
• The three-dimensional cut and stretchability minimize stress during exercise while fitting the contours of the body
• Balaclava-style hood for a comfortable fit and protection from the cold
• Two mesh hand pockets for ventilation
• Attention to detail, even inconspicuous details such as the flap behind the front zipper

Points of interest

• A chest pocket would be great
• The fabric is a little delicate and durability needs attention

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

The superiority of PRIMALOFT® EVOLVE: warm yet breathable, it doesn't get stuffy, and it even works when worn directly against the skin

PRIMALOFT®EVOLVE the lining of the Evolute Hoody , has a unique padding structure that creates natural variations in loft by intertwining brushed fabric of different lengths and thicknesses with a mesh base. As many readers may already know, this is essentially the same type of fabric as the Active Insulation that PRIMALOFT has released over the past few years under various names, such as Next and Active. PRIMALOFT®EVOLVE is the latest version of this series.

Inspired by animal fur, this brushed structure features coarse, thick fibers that trap air for increased insulation and elasticity, while dense, fine fibers enhance warmth, moisture absorption, protection, feel, and packability. Furthermore, the varying lengths (high and low) allow air to pass through smoothly, minimizing heat and moisture buildup while reducing bulk

Another notable feature is that the fabric itself is sweat-wicking and quick-drying, allowing it to be worn directly next to the skin and act as a "base layer." Its versatility means that it can perform functions previously shared by multiple layers, enabling various layering combinations to suit the season. For example, you can wear it directly over a mesh undershirt or tank top on a warm autumn hike

The high performance of the lining, which has been carefully calculated down to the smallest detail, was clearly apparent when I actually tried it on. Despite being extremely lightweight and compact, the finely brushed fabric feels very comfortable against the skin, and the warmth I felt on my skin was even greater than I had imagined. The fluffy comfort and warmth I felt the moment I put it on made it hard to believe it was made of 100% synthetic fibers

And even when I started walking and my body temperature rose (in the test I the Evolute Hoody ), the warmth never reached a "sweltering" level, and conversely, the breathability was so good that the wind never cooled me to the point where I felt chilly. The jacket always kept the temperature against my skin at just the right level, and I was amazed at how well it regulated my body temperature.

An excellent combination with Motiv™ Aero, which further boosts excellent sweat absorption and quick drying while preventing direct cold air and maintaining comfort

Motiv™ Aero used on the outer layer plays a major role in maintaining this "just right" balance . This combination with the outer layer is one of the main reasons why the Evolute Hoody as "the best active insulation available today."

There are many tops made with so-called active insulation material, such as jackets and cut-and-sew tops that are made without a shell fabric on the outer surface, and look similar to fleece. Many of these boast outstanding lightness, insulation, and breathability, but I often find that the moment I stop moving vigorously, the breathability is so good that I get cold (too cold), and end up having to put on a shell, so I feel like I'm actually choosing situations where I can only use them in a certain way

However, wearing a windshell or other layer on top of this is bulky and troublesome, and what's more, models that have shell fabric on the outer surface or that are integrated with the outer surface inevitably make it difficult for moisture to escape, and (although this is just right during the harsh winter) there will be an increasing number of cases where the heat becomes uncomfortable until the cold weather really sets in

The perfect combination of PRIMALOFT®EVOLVE + Motiv™ Aero instantly solves this problem

This thin and delicate single jersey knit fabric more efficiently absorbs moisture drawn up by the PRIMALOFT® EVOLVE PRIMALOFT® EVOLVE can be further boosted, which seems to be connected to the "high ability to prevent overheating when sweating = high thermoregulation ability" felt when active.

Furthermore, unlike so-called exposed active insulation, just one layer of this thin fabric sandwiched between layers maintains breathability while blocking wind and cold air to a moderate degree, so you can walk around in it as an outer layer until it gets really cold. This also solves the problem of "excessive wind," which was a weakness of exposed insulation. It doesn't let too much wind through when exposed, and the shell fabric doesn't hinder the moisture absorption and quick-drying properties (in fact, it improves them). In other words, it completely overcomes the weaknesses of previous insulations, so it's no exaggeration to say that it has taken active insulation to the next level

Highly stretchable and three-dimensionally cut for ease of layering and movement

The silhouette is slim-fitting with minimal looseness or flapping, and the skillfully tailored three-dimensional cut hugs the lines of the body as always. It also has ample stretchability that follows the movement of the upper body without resistance. This exquisite fit and flexibility are unique to Rab, which (as I've written many times) always strives for 100% performance in any situation

In addition, the seams have been carefully designed to minimize discomfort when moving around, with flatlock seams avoiding areas that are subject to pressure, such as backpacks, and reducing discomfort

Stretchy for a comfortable fit and a hood to keep out the cold

The collar is high to prevent cold air from getting in, but the soft fabric and chin guard mean you won't feel stuffy or cold even when the zipper is zipped all the way up. The hood is a balaclava style that fits the shape of your head, and the stretch material around it provides excellent protection against the cold

Two mesh hand pockets for ventilation

The left and right hand warmer pockets have a mesh lining, so leaving them open allows for better ventilation inside the garment

Cuffs and hem for a snug fit and comfort

Elastic binding at the cuffs and hem provides a snug fit and comfort

Attention to detail, even inconspicuous details such as padding mapped to the flap behind the front zipper　

For example, the flap behind the front zipper. The Evolute Hoody is designed to thoroughly enhance its insulating effect, so while it is not usually necessary to place padding to this extent, the padding is stretched all the way to the back of the front zipper

Summary: A versatile midlayer that offers more functionality and comfort than previous active insulation

Active insulation, which emerged as a "fleece alternative," had the appeal of being lighter and warmer than fleece, and more breathable and quick-drying than fleece. However, it could be said that it lost the "good balance" that fleece had, which allowed it to adapt to a wide range of environments. In this respect, the Evolute Hoody retains the appeal of active insulation, which combines the opposing functions of insulation and breathability, while loosely linking these functions to maintain comfort in a wider range of situations, making it more versatile than ever before. In that sense, it can be said that active insulation is more accessible than ever before as a mid-layer to wear for high-tempo activities in low temperatures

Not just this winter, but all year round, we want you to try out Rab's new standard active insulation, which offers higher functionality and practicality than ever before, for everything from trekking to ski touring, snow-capped mountain traverses, and even variation routes

Please consider a paid membership to support the website while enjoying premium content and exclusive events!

   

Related reading

The SALOMON MOUNTAIN FLEX HOODED wicks moisture while you move and traps heat while you're still. It's a must-have active insulation item this season. [Review]

Why Patagonia's Nano Puff Jacket & Down Sweater Hoody Are Timeless Classics, and How to Use and Utilize Each One [Practical Review]

Patagonia's new R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody, a reliable technical fleece, is a perfect mid-layer for challenging snowy mountain climbing. [Practical Review]

Rab Generator Alpine Jacket Review: "Cutting-edge insulation" combined with "expert know-how and technology" = a lightweight, compact, warm, and moisture-resistant insulated jacket