Alpine warmth meets lightweight packability—Rab’s high-loft down jacket gets a polished performance update
Overview
The Rab Electron Pro Jacket is a high-performance alpine down jacket designed for climbers, mountaineers, and cold-weather adventurers who demand maximum warmth without excessive weight. With 800-fill hydrophobic goose down, Pertex® Quantum Pro outer fabric, and intelligent body-mapped baffles, it’s engineered for technical layering, bivy conditions, and icy belay ledges.
Refined with sustainable materials and Rab’s trademark alpine fit, the Electron Pro strikes a sweet spot between a belay parka and a fast-and-light insulated shell. For anyone venturing above the snowline—or facing frigid trail mornings—this is a jacket that punches far above its pack size.
Key Specs
| Feature | Rab Electron Pro Jacket |
|---|---|
| Insulation | 800-fill recycled European goose down (hydrophobic) |
| Fill Power | 800 FP with Nikwax® water-repellent treatment |
| Outer Fabric | Pertex® Quantum Pro (20D), windproof and water-resistant |
| Baffle Design | Zoned boxwall in core, stitch-through on arms |
| Weight | ~500g (Men’s Medium) |
| Packability | Packs into included stuff sack |
| Pockets | 2 handwarmer, 1 internal zipped security |
| Hood | Helmet-compatible, down-filled, adjustable |
| Fit | Slim/alpine cut |
| Price (RRP) | £310 / $375 |
Materials & Technology
- Pertex® Quantum Pro: A tightly woven 20D nylon with a PU coating, offering excellent windproofing and light precipitation resistance. It’s highly abrasion-resistant while maintaining a soft hand feel.
- Recycled 800-fill goose down: Responsibly sourced European down treated with Nikwax® fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic finish, ensuring the jacket retains loft even in damp conditions.
- Body-mapped baffles:
- Boxwall construction around the core preserves loft and traps heat in high-exposure areas
- Stitch-through baffles on sleeves and sides reduce bulk and boost mobility
Together, these materials create a jacket that’s both ultralight and expedition-capable.
Real-World Performance
We tested the Rab Electron Pro across Scottish winter belays, frosty bivy nights, and shoulder-season hikes in the Alps. Here’s how it performed in the wild:
Warmth
- Keeps you warm in -5°C to -15°C conditions when static
- Exceptionally toasty when layered over a midweight fleece
- Retains warmth even when exposed to damp fog or melting snow
Weather Resistance
- Pertex® Quantum Pro sheds wind effortlessly
- Light snow and drizzle bead and roll off; not fully waterproof but highly protective
- Hydrophobic down maintains loft after extended exposure
Mobility & Fit
- True-to-size with an alpine cut—trim through the waist with pre-shaped sleeves
- Allows for a baselayer and light midlayer beneath
- Moves well with you—whether scrambling, belaying, or setting up camp
Packability
- Compresses easily into the included stuff sack
- When packed, it fits into a 3L drybag or larger frame bag
- Ideal for bikepackers, alpinists, and ultralight tourers needing warmth without bulk
Features & Detailing
- Down-filled helmet-compatible hood with front and rear adjustment
- Two YKK® handwarmer pockets lined with microfleece—glove-friendly
- Internal security pocket ideal for electronics or snacks
- Dual hem drawcords to seal in heat
- YKK® VISLON® front zip with insulated storm flap and chin guard
- Elasticated cuffs with slight stretch to fit over light gloves
What’s missing? Not much—though some would appreciate a two-way zipper for belaying in harness.
Use Case Scenarios
| Activity | Performance |
|---|---|
| Alpine climbing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winter hiking/backpacking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Basecamp and belay wear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cold-weather commuting | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Bikepacking (sub-zero) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
It’s not a shell replacement, but for dry cold conditions, there are few jackets this light that deliver so much reliable warmth.
Compared to Similar Jackets
| Jacket | Rab Electron Pro | Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody | Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Power | 800 FP | 800 FP | 850 FP (w/ Coreloft in zones) |
| Weight (M) | ~500g | ~530g | ~415g |
| Shell Fabric | Pertex® Quantum Pro | Pertex® Quantum | Arato™ 15 |
| Hydrophobic Down | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Price (RRP) | £310 | £360 | £360+ |
Verdict: The Electron Pro offers standout value and durability. It’s slightly heavier than the Cerium but far more rugged and better suited for UK winter weather or mixed alpine use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✔️ Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- ✔️ Zoned construction balances loft and mobility
- ✔️ Windproof, weather-resistant shell
- ✔️ Helmet-compatible down hood
- ✔️ Sustainable fill and PFC-free DWR
- ✔️ Packs small—great for mountain and travel use
Cons
- ❌ No two-way zipper for belay access
- ❌ May be too warm for milder conditions
- ❌ Slim cut may feel tight over heavy base/midlayers
- ❌ Not a full waterproof shell substitute
Final Thoughts
The Rab Electron Pro Jacket remains one of the best down jackets for serious mountain use—bar none. Whether you’re at a snowy belay, a frosty trailhead bivy, or layering up after a long gravel climb, the Electron Pro has the warmth, weather protection, and packability to justify its place in your winter kit. Built for real users with real goals, it’s a workhorse in a world full of show ponies.
With sustainable fill, bluesign®-approved fabrics, and Rab’s mountain-tested construction, it’s also a statement piece for anyone who values performance and environmental responsibility.
