Waterproof wizardry

Rab Kinetic Alpine Plus 2.0 £225

I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this jacket – a waterproof that doesn’t feel like a waterproof, in the sense that it keeps rain off but doesn’t have that stiff feel of a more traditional shell. The main fabric is recycled Stretch Knit Proflex, which has the type of soft feel you’d usually associate with a soft shell. But the difference here is that you get a waterproof membrane, plus more durable stretch nylon panels on the hip, arm, shoulders and hood for extra reinforcement. The dry spring weather means I haven’t had a day-long downpour in it yet, but the few times it has rained I’ve stayed dry. I’m very impressed!

Verdict

Looks great, feels great, has a nice close fit and so far is keeping me totally dry. I even love the position of the pockets! USED BY Oli Reed, Trail editor

USED FOR 1 month