The Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket is designed for serious winter conditions. Packed with 800-fill hydrophobic goose down and protected by a tough Pertex Quantum Pro shell, it delivers exceptional warmth and weather protection. Whether you’re ice climbing in Scotland, bivvying in the Alps, or shivering through basecamp mornings, this jacket is engineered to keep you warm in the harshest environments.
Materials and Build Quality
Rab combined premium materials to maximise warmth and durability:
- Shell: Recycled Pertex Quantum Pro – windproof, water-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
- Insulation: 230g of 800-fill European goose down, treated with Nikwax hydrophobic coating to prevent moisture saturation.
- Construction:
- Box-wall baffles on the torso for loft and thermal efficiency.
- Stitch-through baffles on arms and back for mobility and weight savings.
- Sustainability: RDS-certified down and bluesign® approved fabrics.
From shell to fill, it’s a purpose-built system that balances weight, warmth, and ethical sourcing.
Warmth and Insulation
The Neutrino Pro excels when temperatures plummet.
- Fill Power: 800FP offers high loft and excellent warmth-to-weight.
- Fill Weight: 230g of down — heavier than midweight puffers like the Microlight Alpine.
- Comfort Range: Ideal down to -15°C, even lower with proper layering.
- Draft Control:
- Insulated storm flap behind the zip.
- Adjustable hem and cuffs to trap heat.
- Down-filled hood with wired peak for visibility and protection.
If you’re standing still belaying or waiting out a storm, this jacket keeps you cosy and confident.
Fit and Comfort
Cut for alpine use, the Neutrino Pro offers a regular fit with room to layer beneath.
- Mobility: Articulated sleeves and underarm gussets allow free movement.
- Length: Drop hem covers hips and lower back.
- Cuffs and Collar: Velcro cuffs fit snugly over gloves; microfleece-lined chin guard adds softness where it matters.
It’s roomy where it should be, without feeling boxy or restrictive.
Weather Resistance
This isn’t just a puffer — it handles rough weather well.
- Shell Protection: Pertex Quantum Pro sheds snow and drizzle, while remaining breathable.
- Windproofing: The tightly woven nylon blocks icy gusts effectively.
- Moisture Management:
- Hydrophobic down resists wetting out.
- Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating prevents surface saturation.
- Zips: Water-resistant YKK VISLON zips for the front and pockets.
It’s ideal for snow-covered ridgelines or dry alpine climbs, and works best when paired with a shell in sustained wet conditions.
Key Features
The Neutrino Pro is built for technical performance:
- Hood:
- Helmet-compatible.
- Fully adjustable.
- Down-filled with a wired peak for visibility and structure.
- Pockets:
- Two handwarmer pockets with zips.
- One internal zip chest pocket.
- Zipper: Two-way YKK VISLON for belay access.
- Adjustments:
- Hem drawcord.
- Velcro cuffs.
- Stuff Sack: Not included (available separately as part of Rab’s zero-waste initiative).
You get all the essentials without excess bulk.
Packability and Weight
| Size | Weight | Pack Size |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Medium | ~585g | ~3L |
| Women’s Medium | ~502g | ~2.5L |
While not ultralight, the Neutrino Pro compresses surprisingly well for such a warm layer. It’s light enough to carry and warm enough to rely on.
Field Performance
In real-world use, the Neutrino Pro shines:
- Belay Warmth: Perfect for hanging around in exposed, freezing spots.
- Camp Comfort: Makes cold camp chores or early starts bearable.
- Layering: Fits well over fleece and under hard shells.
- Durability: Survives scrapes from climbing gear and pack straps with minimal wear.
This is the jacket you reach for when everything else feels too lightweight.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredible warmth-to-weight ratio.
- Pertex shell adds real-world weather resistance.
- Hydrophobic down dries quickly and stays lofty.
- Ethical and recycled materials.
- Technical fit with alpine-ready features.
Cons:
- Overkill for mild temperatures.
- No internal dump pockets.
- No included stuff sack.
- Slightly bulky for layering under shells.
Best Use Scenarios
Ideal for:
- Winter mountaineering and ice climbing.
- Alpine expeditions and bivvies.
- Basecamp and static cold use.
- UK winter hillwalking in freezing conditions.
Less ideal for:
- Summer and shoulder-season conditions.
- Wet climates without a shell.
- Ultralight or minimalist packing.
Pricing and Value
| Retailer | Price |
|---|---|
| Rab UK | £325 |
| Trekitt | £325 |
| Ellis Brigham | £325 |
| eBay (new/used) | £125–£250 |
It’s not a budget option, but for serious winter warmth, the investment pays off in longevity and performance.
Final Verdict
The Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket is a powerhouse layer for deep winter conditions. With expedition-grade warmth, resilient weather protection, and a refined alpine fit, it’s built for those who venture into harsh environments and expect their kit to perform.
While it may be too warm for shoulder-season hikes or casual wear, it excels in its mission: keeping you warm when conditions turn brutal. For mountaineers, climbers, and winter hikers, the Neutrino Pro is more than just insulation — it’s confidence you can wear.
