Yet again I find myself with another Rab jacket to review, I just cant seem to stop buying them but as I have said before, each jacket is purchased with a purpose in mind and they are always purchased with my own hard earned cash and in no way endorsed by Rab.
Rab Glaceon Pro Overview
The Rab Glaceon pro is a mid weight down jacket that is new for the 2024 season and uses all Rabs know how from previous jackets to make this one a blend of all the best bits.
You may remember the Axion Pro jacket from Rab, Well this is its replacement although its not the same, it's an evolution rather than a "MK II" version.
I have been using the Rab Nebula Pro jacket for some time now and fancied a replacement and of course if you had read my other reviews you will know I am quite keen on synthetic insulation rather than down simply due to the process of which down is collected, it doesn't sit well with me.
Rab have however changed things up and are using recycled down for this jacket and have made great steps to ensure all their down products are ethically filled so the birds live happy lives and don't suffer, this had made me decide to take a look at down jackets once again.
The jacket comes in at a weight of 594 grams (Based on a size M) so its pretty lightweight for this type of jacket and folds up really small for packing in a bag.
Its filled with 700 FP recycled down with a Nikwax Flourocarbon-free hydrophobic finish so if it does happen to rain it will repel water and stop the down from clumping and becoming ineffective.
The outer is made from 20D recycled Pertex Quantum Pro ripstop fabric which has a small layer on the inside to help repel water as well as a DWR coating on the outside to help water roll off it easily.
The inner liner is a 20D recycled Pertex Quatum finish which is soft and smooth and glides over your base layer to give easy movement and comfort.
The jacket has an exceptionally good warmth to weight ratio and is windproof but not waterproof, but it does have the good water resistant properties if you get caught out in a small shower.
The baffles use a special method of stitching in an under/over pattern to help eliminate water getting through the seams quite so easily but these are not taped seams.
The Rab Glaceon Pro jacket comes with a generous helmet compatible fixed hood that can be pulled in for use without a helmet and velcro tabs at the back to keep everything well fitted.
Who Is The Rab Glaceon Pro Jacket For ?
The Glaceon Pro is aimed at Autumn/Winter seasons for climbers and hill walkers alike who need a warm jacket that can be easily packed but doesn't compromise on features and that will keep the wind off you and withstand a small shower if needed (Please be aware its not waterproof and you will need a hard shell if you're out in any bad weather for a period of time)
Photographers & dog walkers will appreciate this jacket as well.
What Features Does It Have ?
One of my favourite things about this jacket is the fact it has a napoleon pocket on the chest, a small feature but one that is really important to me as I am able to add a lapel microphone to it for my vlogging and down jackets as a rule generally don't have them so it was a major bonus and a big factor in me deciding to get the Glaceon Pro over some of the other jackets.
Two hand warmer pockets fitted further down the jacket in a more natural resting position for your hands rather than midway up the chest like some climbing jackets were also a very welcome addition, but no internal pockets on this jacket but to be fair that works for me as I don't want to keep undoing the jacket to get at an item on a cold day.
Another major benefit for me personally and a reason to buy was the adjustable cuffs, the Glaceon Pro has an elasticated cuff which is great but it also has a Velcro adjuster on it which is something I simply had to have as elasticated cuffs never seem to grip my wrists well enough and always ends up letting in wind or rain, the Velcro adjustment really does close it down nicely and prevents the elements from getting in as well as feeling comfortable thanks to the elastic.
The hood has internal draw strings which keeps them out of the way and stops them from whipping into your face during high winds which outer fixed ones can do, I speak from experience.
The hood can really be tightened down well to keep the elements out and add to your comfort, with its stiffened peak being able to deflect the drips and keep your eyes free nicely.
There are two drawstrings on the hem of the jacket as well to close down the bottom and these are pushed further back than the usual place of directly either side, this again keeps them out of harms way and was a welcome addition, plus two of these always does a better job than just one from my own experience.
There is a two way YKK Vislon zip on the front which makes this jacket ideal for belaying or to adjust a trouser belt without having to undo the whole zip and this has a storm flap fitted behind it to keep the worst out.
The chin has a Tricot lined face to it so its smooth against the skin and I am pretty sure its the same material that is fitted to one face of the hand warmer pockets.
The standout feature of the Glaceon Pro jacket though is the Pertex Quantum PRO fabric which is really nice and soft feeling but is built to withstand a good scramble around on rocks.
It is Ripstop based too so it takes a lot to tear it or damage it. The main difference between Pertex Quantum and Pertex Quatum PRO is the PRO has a special coating on the back to help keep water out, so the jacket is "weather resistant" but once again I must state its NOT waterproof, just a light shower at best.
The Pertex Quantum PRO does however do a great job of being windproof.
Down Vs Synthetic, Which is better ?
So if like me you are wondering which to go for let me help you by explaining the difference and the pros & cons of each as I have extensively tested both.
Synthetic has the obvious benefit that it hasn't come from a bird so you know its guaranteed not to have caused any suffering at all and its also much easier to care for as you are able to wash it in a fairly conventional way.
Its biggest advantage is the fact it will remain warm when wet so if you get caught out in a shower then you will still stay warm as its a synthetic fibre that usually comes as a layer thats inside the jacket, although newer technology now uses plastic fibres which behave much more like down with its lofting.
If you're looking for a synthetic jacket of similar spec to the Glaceon Pro then read my review of the Rab Nebula Pro Jacket HERE.
The main advantage to down is the warmth to weight ratio that it has, in short nothing will keep you as warm as down in the same weight category.
Its super lightweight, more comfortable and better movement in the jacket (although theres a negligible difference in that area)
Down, when wet will clump together and stop working so well but the Hydrophobic treated downs such as the one in the Rab Glaceon Pro do a great job in preventing this but you should be aware of it.
Washing these down jackets takes a lot more than simply chucking it in a machine and I highly recommend you use the services of a professional company like Rab to do it for you as I have ruined a down jacket in the past even by following the instructions, they never seem to loft as well after a wash.
So why did I choose Down over Synthetic this time ?
In short it was the warmth, I weighed up everything and decided this benefit was worth all the trade offs and the fact the jacket including the down is fully recycled, plus Rabs commitment to ethical down collection kept my conscious clear about it.
This coupled with the external Napoleon pocket and Velcro cuffs just made it exactly what I wanted in a jacket.
How Does It Perform ?
I haven't tested the jacket in deep winter yet, so far the lowest temperature I have used it in is 4 degrees and it coped perfectly well but I have had it in 40 mph winds which had a much higher wind chill factor and again it kept me toasty.
I feel this jacket would take you through a UK winter season in full without too much trouble but to be honest if the weather gets to -5 degrees I will be swopping over to my Rab Resolution jacket just because its a box wall construction and has a better rain resistance but is too warm for regular day use.
The quality is as you would expect from Rab, its top notch and a very well thought out jacket.
Its lightweight enough to feel like you almost aren't wearing anything and in truth doesnt feel much heavier or bulkier than my Rab Microlight Alpine but its certainly a lot warmer and an ideal switch over for when Autumn meets Winter.
I have been caught out in a couple of small showers with this jacket on and again it coped well and didn't leak but I wouldnt want to push it any further, a hard shell is a must have really if you're out in winter to keep you comfortable in all weathers.
The comfort level in this jacket is a real benefit and its second to none, its now my favourite jacket to grab when I'm going out simply cause it covers most situations and is more comfortable than any of my other jackets and it has now become my daily jacket over the Micro light Alpine.
You really are well protected in this jacket from all the elements except heavy prolonged rain and it seals round you very nicely keeping out the wind.
The Rab Glaceon Pro is available in men & ladies fitments and five colours, I went for the anthracite colour but its almost a navy blue colour, just not quite, so know that before you order.
It also doesn't come with a stuff sack which isn't a big issue for me as I have loads of them but most Rab jackets do seem to so that was a surprise.
The Rab Glaceon Pro comes in with an RRP of £250.00 which to be fair I think is a really good price for a jacket of this quality with these features, If you think a Microlight alpine will set you back £210 then its really not far off, but its way more than £40 of extra jacket plus if you shop around you will be able to get this for nearer £200 and if theres Black Friday deals happing then it might just dip under that price (I paid £212 for mine but got it as soon as it came out).
So, in short I love this jacket and highly recommend it to all, its nice and warm, windproof and fairly weather resistant and a perfect jacket to see you through the winter months thanks to its features, quality and of course, warmth.
I will compress up to a small size in a stuff sack and lofts quickly when removed so its great to through in the bag and have for warmth boosting when your stationary but equally its not so hot that if you're hiking it will be a problem, a really good balance and well worth the money.
Final Scores
Warmth 09/10
Quality 09/10
Features 09/10
Performance 09/10
Value For Money 10/10
TOTAL SCORE 46/50 92%
Yet another quality product from Rab that is a welcome addition to my out of control jacket habit ! You wont be disappointed
Rab clothing can be viewed HERE
