The best goose-down jacket should keep you warm while allowing you to move freely. We always advise users to go for comfort without compromising functionality, and this is why we recommend Rab Valiance jackets.
This review focuses on the top features of the Rab Valiance jacket to help you make an informed choice. We have identified why it is a best-seller and other features that you will like about the jacket.
Often, people complain about jackets missing essential features. They probably bought the product without doing research. We understand that it is difficult to search through thousands of options online. So, instead of making guesses and gambling with your money, it is best to read extensive reviews such as this one about the Rab Valiance jacket.
The Rab Valiance Jacket Overview
The Rab Valiance Jacket is designed with high-quality European goose down, and it is rated as an 800 FP jacket capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions during rainstorms or snowstorms. So, you can make this your go-to jacket for any outdoor activity, such as hiking and skiing.
Moreover, the jacket protects you from the rain, which means you won’t have to postpone your outdoor adventure plans if the weather is poor. Also, getting the stains off is easy if the jacket gets dirty because of the quality of goose down used in making it. However, you can send it to the laundromat without any worries because of its quality. No harm will come to your jacket even if they use a different detergent.
Furthermore, this jacket’s snug fit design not only protects you but gives you extra allowance. Therefore, you can add layers of clothes underneath for those freezing winter days when you have to be outdoors.
We like that the Rab Valiance brand has fortified its waterproof outer layer with an excellent bonded wall design. Wearing the jacking provides an impenetrable shelter against blizzards and roaring winds.
In addition, the jacket includes a hood that is large enough to wear a helmet underneath. This is especially important if you plan to do outdoor winter sports, such as hockey or snowboarding, when a helmet is a must. Therefore, by wearing a Rab Valiance jacket, you’ll be able to stay warm while also keeping your safety in mind.
We can also confirm that the Rab Valiance Jackets come in various sizes. So, you can enjoy using this jacket brand regardless of your physical stature. The online product descriptions clearly show measurements according to their sizing chart, so there is no chance of making a mistake when you order this jacket. We should also mention that it is available for men and women. So, you can get matching designs for your partner when going out for a cold adventure.
Features
To make a well-informed decision, you should know more about the fantastic features of the Rab Valiance jacket:
Functional Design
The manufacturers did well to use the Pertex shield fabric to make this jacket. It is a high-quality fabric that offers you the best waterproof quality and breathability. We know many would argue that it is near impossible to find a down jacket made with weatherproof material and still be breathable due to the goose fur in it. But, Rab Valiance Jacket’s remarkable design is the perfect blend of both features.
Not only that, but this jacket features one of the best insulation designs we have seen in jackets in the weather shielding category.
In addition, the designers, in anticipation that you won’t be happy with soaked hoods and cuffs every time you go out in the snow, have added a brilliant feature. They insulated the hood and cuffs pretty well. We are impressed with this insight which has also been praised by many users who wrote online reviews about the Rab Valiance jacket.
The hood is sturdy enough, and it keeps its shape. It is the perfect hood for down jackets due to the wire mesh. The hood design also prevents the rain droplets from getting into your eyes.
We can confirm that the design stands out from its competitors due to the designer’s dedication to making a unique jacket for extreme weather conditions. For instance, the hood and cuffs are adjustable, and you can quickly tighten or loosen these parts of the jacket to fit your size or according to your preference. Adjustable features are a luxury that is often missing in most goose-down jackets.
Furthermore, the two hand-warmer pockets on the Rab Valiance Jacket feature AquaGuard zippers. Therefore, you can have a great time outdoors without worrying about the safety of your mobile tools or devices. We can also confirm that the zips run smoothly, so you won’t have to struggle with a stuck zip out there in the cold.
Moreover, this jacket comes with a waterproof roll-top sack, and this space provides more storage for your electronic devices. So now, you don’t have to search for waterproof bags because they are easily reachable.
Durability
It is common to get your jacket all roughed up during hikes or skies, and users condemn many jackets after the material gets ripped by the rough stones and outdoor surfaces. However, that’s something you don’t have to bother about with Rab Valiance Jackets.
As we mentioned earlier, the designers used Pertex shield fabric to make this jacket’s exterior because the material withstands wear and tear. So, you have an assurance that you will get value for your money while using this jacket for many years.
Also, we noted that the seams are rigid. It is suitable for outdoor jackets to have tough seams. We were delighted to find out the seams are rigid because it rules out one of the weakest points, which usually ruins many other jacket brands you will find in the market.
Moreover, the flaps over these zips lower the risk of rusting. On average, you could use this jacket for more than a decade based on its durable features.
Insulated
The Rab Valiance jacket qualifies to be categorized as one of the 800FP insulation designs on the market. That means this jacket provides extra warmth due to the goose feathers stuffed into its inner layers. Also, the softness of goose feathers generates the jacket’s warmth. Moreover, the designers made sure this jacket could retain heat.
And guess what? They have coated these down feathers with Nikwax to prevent them from clumping together. Due to the enhanced feather stuffings, you won’t have to bother about your jacket getting ruined by humid conditions.
However, the length of the jacket might not be adequate for some people as it doesn’t go below the hips.
Comfortable Weight
The Valiance jacket is not as light as a feather due to its shell layer and feather-down insulation. However, it will not give you painful shoulders. The men’s version of this jacket weighs around 660 grams, while the women’s Rab Valiance jacket weighs about 615 grams.
Rab has tried to keep the loft insulation as lightweight as possible, so the jacket doesn’t complicate your range of movement. Also, you can easily fit this jacket in your bag, though it will take a bit more space than other types of jackets because it is bulkier. Overall, we rated it highly when it comes to resisting harsh weather. So, if you plan to climb mountains in snowstorms, we recommend this jacket to you despite its bulkiness.
Different Colors Available
We know you would like to look stylish while wearing one of these jackets, so it is a pleasure to tell you that it comes in different colors. That means for everyone who may want to get a jacket in their favorite color, Rab Valiance designers have read your mind.
We love the wide range of colors they offer, and there is a shade to suit everyone’s taste. Also, besides having a bit of shine to them and making you stand out, we know that these colored jackets will not fade quickly. Women’s Rab Valiance jackets come in Steel Passata, Black, Celestial or Blueprint, Fig, and Crimson. Men’s Rab Valiance jackets come in Ink, Steel, Black, Army, and Oxblood Red.
While the colors for both men and women are similar, those for women’s versions have more feminine names. You could get matching colors for you and your loved one(s) if you wanted to.
Waterproof Design
You cannot expect a down jacket to keep you warm if it is not waterproof. Instead, it will get ruined if it gets slightly damp, which is why we confirmed that these jackets are waterproof.
Moisture can cause the down feathers to clump together and lose their loft and insulation. So, ideally, a down jacket should be waterproof, but it’s not the case with most jackets.
This is why we are happy to have found a waterproof down jacket readily available in the market. The designers have found a way to overcome the tricky task of maintaining breathability even though the jacket has a heavy insulation layer.
We also noted that every seam and zip on this jacket is waterproof, which is an uncommon feature on other jackets. In addition, you can keep your essential tools and electronic devices in the jacket’s waterproof stuff pack. We think it is thoughtful of the manufacturers to add the waterproof stuff pack to prevent moisture from ruining important stuff.
Overall, the Rab Valian jacket has features that you will find easy to use. No wonder it is a best seller.
- Hand warmers with zippers
- Waterproof stuff sack
- Inner pockets with zippers
- High fill power (800) for complete insulation
- Undetachable hood
- Quite bulky
Our Experience Using the Rab Valiance Jacket
We got the Valiance jacket a few months before doing this review. We needed to use it to test all features and then give a proper review.
However, we delayed the review by taking our time to use this jacket daily. We needed to find proof to cancel the myth that this jacket is not suitable for daily use in cold weather. So to test that, our team wore it to go to work and run errands in chilly and snowy weather.
To be honest, it offers perfect insulation against cold weather. That’s why we felt a bit sweaty and steamy on cold winter days. In addition, the bulkiness didn’t get in the way of our activities. After testing the insulation capacity, we tested the performance of this jacket in stormy weather. We decided to go on a hike on a rough and snowy peak. Taking a hike while wearing the jacket allowed us to properly assess its performance. We only wore two layers of clothing underneath the jacket during this hike.
The wind was pretty strong, and it posed a challenge while we were on our way up the peak. However, the Valiance jacket still kept us warm without a slight hint of breeze getting in. In addition, its sturdy hood saved us from carrying helmets separately, which is a big advantage in our opinion.
As you know, it is best to avoid carrying too heavy a load when you go hiking, as you will spend less effort to complete the trek. So, we didn’t have to carry many things with us, as this jacket had enough pockets to hold our gadgets.
The best part is that when we tested the jacket in the rain, it didn’t even feel moist or damp inside, and the stuff in our pockets did not get wet. Thus, the waterproof feature of the Rab Valiance jacket works excellently. In addition, the exterior of the jacket didn’t rip open after getting stuck in some spiky branches. Although, it would have been better if the jacket was a bit longer to cover our thighs.
That said, when you weigh its one or two disadvantages against all its remarkable features, you’ll find that the jacket is well worth it. If the jacket isn’t long enough to your liking, you could pair it with a warmer set of trousers to protect your legs from the cold. Overall, we are impressed with the Rab Valiance jacket. It is durable, functional, stylish, and we like that it comes in so many different sizes.
Conclusion
Finding an authentic and quality goose-down jacket with R.D.S certification is tough. If or when you do find one, it will likely cost you a lot more than the average budget for a jacket. That is why we are excited about the Rab Valiance winter jacket. It meets all our needs without a high price tag. What’s more, it has everything you could ask for in a goose-down jacket, along with some extra perks that you may not even think about.
This concludes our comprehensive Rab Valiance jacket review. We are confident that this is the perfect jacket for you if you plan to go camping, hiking, or mountain climbing, especially during the colder winter months.
Got the Rab Valiance Jacket after reading this. The waterproof design really stands out. Been in a few downpours and it holds up great. Cheers, OutdoorMag for the solid review.
I’ve worn my Rab Valiance in various conditions, from snow to heavy rain. The insulation is top-notch, kept me warm without feeling bulky. Would recommend for anyone facing cold weather hikes.
Agreed! Took it up the Rockies last December. Never felt the cold.
Love the colors on these jackets. Finally something that doesn’t scream ‘I’m about to climb a mountain!’ but still keeps me dry on rainy days.
While the Rab Valiance’s waterproof capability is commendable, I believe there’s room for improvement in breathability. For activities that involve a high level of exertion, this could lead to discomfort due to moisture buildup inside the jacket.
How’s the jacket for daily use? Too heavy or just right?
Does the Rab Valiance hold up in high-altitude conditions? Planning a trip to the Andes and considering this as my go-to jacket.
Took it above 10,000 feet, worked like a charm. You won’t regret it.
Anyone tried the Rab Valiance for trail running in the rain? Wondering if it’s too bulky or if it hampers movement.
One aspect I value is the comfort during extended wear, especially when traveling light. It’s crucial that a jacket like the Rab Valiance balances warmth, weather protection, and comfort without excess weight. Wondering how it fares on long hikes or city explorations in unpredictable weather.
The Rab Valiance seems like a cocoon in the midst of nature’s tempest. The waterproof design promises a shield against the relentless sky, a comforting embrace in the wild’s unpredictability. Intrigued by how it wears in the serene but unforgiving wilderness.
Considering the features and durability mentioned, how does the Rab Valiance compare to other jackets in the same price range? Looking for the best bang for my buck in terms of longevity and performance.