
The 20D Pertex® Quantum Air used as the face fabric on the Vapour-Rise™ Alpine Light Jacket offers sufficient air permeability for uphill efforts.
Somewhat breathable, somewhat air permeable, somewhat warm—this helps define the windshirt + category which most often is best suited for higher output activities like skinning. We run Rab’s Vapour Rise Alpine Light through the windshirt + gauntlet.
Last season, my most worn jacket was the Proton Hybrid from Arc’Teryx. It is an interesting piece that combines mapped, superlight insulation with softshell and Goretex Infinium in the yolk to blend breathability with a bit of warmth and weather protection. I love that jacket. A few others have shared a similar role, from a trusty old Arc’Teryx Squamish to the Proton Lightweight, Patagonia R1 hardface, and Nano-Air Light. Aside from the Squamish, these all fit into the active insulation category, and some like the Proton hybrid and lightweight fit into what I might refer to as the “windshirt plus” category—they cut the wind, but also offer a bit of insulation that is welcome for cold/windy skinning, slower paced days, or often as an all day/downhill outer layer on warmer days.
This season, I am excited about the Rab Vapour Rise Alpine Light as a windshirt plus option. It combines a lightweight and rather air permeable outer softshell (Pertex Quantum?) with a mapped mesh lining that adds just a touch of warmth with minimal bulk or inhibited breathability. The Vapour Rise lining, as Rab calls it, has almost no “pile” relative to the Octayarn (Teijin Octa) or Polartec Alpha Direct pieces that are likely competitors. The lining under the arms and in the back is lighter and more airy, while the sleeves and front panels have a more dense weave for some added warmth. This combination in the Vapour Rise, while it still fits the windshirt plus category, is even closer to the windshirt side of the spectrum than the others mentioned.
The Vapour Rise has already been an excellent cool weather running and climbing piece this fall, and I think it will serve me well on fast-paced tours and cross-country skiing. Now that I mention it, the most similar pieces I have used in the past are nordic training jackets from companies like Bjorn Daehlie or Swix—the big difference being a much more ‘normal’ albeit slim fit on the Vapour Rise. I wouldn’t expect much as far as precip protection, but I’m sure it will check the “warm when damp” box. A DWR treatment is the only protection offered by the lightly textured, matte face fabric.
I appreciate the sparse but functional feature set of the Vapour Rise—dual chest pockets are great for phone storage and more functional with a pack than hand pockets. The hood is not helmet compatible, which works in the context of what will most likely be an outer layer mostly on the uphill; it has a simple velcro adjustment that pulls the wire brim back and keeps it out of the wearer’s eyes if needed. Aside from that, there is a shock cord adjustment that spans the back half of the hem and a two-way front zip, which could be nice for strategic heat dumping but probably isn’t necessary for this trim-fitting, hip-length jacket.
A minor complaint is that the lining is somewhat grabby on certain underlayers, particularly in the sleeves. This is a big positive of the Proton Hybrid, but a struggle with the Proton Lightweight as well. Smooth textured sun hoodies like Patagonia’s or older Arc’Teryx’s work well for me, gauze-y sun hoodies like the Arc’Teryx Cormac end up a little grabby.
Overall, I’m excited about the intermediate step between the full-on mid-layer and wind shirt that the Vapour Rise occupies. In a world of very similar offerings between brands with the likes of Gore-Tex shells and PrimaLoft hoodies, the breathable mid-layer category seems to be among the most interesting apparel categories at the moment.
Basic Stats
Weight: 11.7oz (verified, size Lrg)
Face Fabric: 20D Pertex® Quantum Air with fluorocarbon-free DWR (47gsm [2cfm])
Lining Fabric: Motiv™ (102gsm) with S.Café® Yarn Technology
Price: $190.00
How wind resistant is it? The older MHW Kor Airshell and RAB Polartec Alpha direct jacket I have, have a shell fabric listed as Pertex Quantum Air. It is extremely air permeable, in other words, offer very little wind protection.
However, I know Pertex uses the same brand name for a variety of fabrics, so this one might be different.
To my untrained eye it looks dead on like a BD Alpine Start. Down to the hood and drawstrings. Makes me wonder about factories and sourcing… Is it any thicker/warmer? I seek a jacket with more body than the Alpine Start, but maybe a tad less warm than the R1 Techface
Compared to the alpine start jacket that I had as guide uniform a few years ago, the Vapour rise is pretty different. The face fabric is softer and more breathable than the tight woven schoeller of the alpine start, and the added lining in the Rab piece puts it in a whole other category in my mind. The Rab is a bit thicker/warmer, but likely a bit less wind resistant than the Alpine start.
I’d put the vapour rise solidly in between the alpine start and R1 techface as far as warmth goes, with similar wind resistance to the techface. I’ll throw in that for me, the Rab and Patagonia pieces fit much better than the BD.
A piece in this category I’ve really enjoyed is the Beringia octa anorak. Thinner octa lining in just a few zones but none on the back (not needed with a backpack in my experience) and a breathable enough but somewhat wind and water resistant outer layer.
Robertson, I’m with you on the zoned insulation for use with a backpack. It doesn’t add warmth and adds weight, stuffed size and increases dry time.
The zoned insulation on the beringia piece seems really cool – maybe we will have to add that to the mix!