Our honest Rab Cirrus Alpine insulated jacket review after testing this lightweight and versatile jacket in a range of conditions

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After some chilly and snowy escapades, we look at how the Rab Cirrus Alpine jacket fared on outdoor adventures.

The Alpine Insulated Jacket is from Rab’s Cirrus range which uses recycled materials in the outer lining and insulation. It’s designed to be a multi-functional active midlayer or standalone jacket for climbing, skiing and hill walking.

I’ve been putting this jacket to the test over the last months and this is what I’ve found.

What Does Rab Say about the Cirrus Alpine Jacket

The Rab Cirrus Alpine jacket is a lightweight all-rounder insulated jacket, designed for hikes and cold weather climbs.

It’s made from 100% recycled synthetic PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Luxe for a warm, down-free alternative. The insulation is water-repellent, easily compressible and recycled.

The ripstop shell is made with 100% recycled Pertex®, 30D and has a DWR finish for increased weatherproofing.

It also has a brimmed under-helmet hood, two handwarmer pockets and one chest pocket, an adjustable hem and a separate stuff sack.

• Weight – 455 grams
• Fit – Regular
• Insulation – 100% recycled PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Luxe™
• Main fabric – Recycled 30D nylon Pertex Quantum with DWR
• Stuff sack – separate stuff sack
• Under helmet elasticated hood
• Pockets – two handwarmer and one chest pocket

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How I Tested the Rab Women’s Cirrus Insulated Jacket

I’ve tested the Rab Cirrus jacket through winter in temperatures down to -10°C. It’s accompanied me on snowy hill climbs, camping trips and bikepacking adventures, in some wet and snowy conditions through the Lake District National Park.

I’ve worn it on top of multiple layers on really chilly adventures and under a rain shell in heavy rain and snow.

Rab Cirrus Jacket Review

Warmth 4.5/5

When it comes to warmth, the Rab cirrus is pretty warm for a lightweight jacket. The high-loft PrimaLoft insulation is tightly packed to lock in heat. The easy stretch cuffs and adjustable hem also help to stop any of your body’s heat from escaping.

The thick insulation has wind-stop capabilities helping to protect again any wind chill and keep you toasty.

Once you get moving, it can be difficult to regulate your body temperature and you may find the jacket too hot when exerting yourself.

The under-helmet hood isn’t adjustable but it’s quite a snug fit as it’s designed to go under a helmet. Along with the fleece-lined chin guard on the zip, it helps to keep you warm and cosy.

With this in mind, it is a lightweight insulated jacket so isn’t ideal for extremely cold temperatures. But, I’ve found for hikes and bikepacking trips through winter in the Lakes, it’s been ideal.

Comfort 4/5

I have found the Alpine insulated jacket to be extremely comfortable. The regular fit allows plenty of freedom of movement when hiking and camping.

The waist hem doesn’t rise up which keeps you feeling warm and comfortable when lifting your arms.

Although the hood isn’t adjustable, it’s a snug fit and the wire-brimmed front helps to keep it in place. Along with the fleece-line chin guard, the hood feels comfortable with not much bulk or risk of falling down.

There’s plenty of room to layer up underneath and not feel too constrained by your layers.

I sized up with this jacket to be able to layer underneath, however, I now think that wasn’t necessary. There’s plenty of movement and the bigger size feels a little too big so I suggest sticking with your usual size.

Weight & Packability 3/5

Coming in at 455g, the Cirrus is on the heavier side even compared to other synthetic insulated jackets. Features like the brimmed hood and fleece-lined chin guard will add to the weight in order to provide more comfort.

Considering this it still packs down pretty small. In the separate stuff sack, it compresses down considerably and is easy to fling straight into my bag.

Durability 4/5

I’ve had a few Rab products over the years and have found them to be pretty durable. The Cirrus Alpine jacket lives up to the same standard.

The Pertex Quantum ripstop shell has a tightly woven down-proof structure and a DWR outer, protecting the insulation from light rain and increasing its longevity.

Breathability 3/5

The Rab Cirrus Alpine compromises breathability for warmth, so it’s not best option for strenuous outdoor activities in milder conditions. When the weathers dropped below freezing, you’re good to go.

The thick insulation, elastic cuffs and regular fit don’t allow much air to escape or enter. This means you can easily work up a sweat on the uphills with this jacket. It’s great for keeping warm but you may find it best to strip off when on the move.

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Green & Vegan 3.5/5

The PrimaLoft insulation is made from 100% recycled materials as a cruelty-free alternative to down.

In fact, the whole Cirrus range from Rab is made with recycled face fabric and lining. Great news for the planet!

The Verdict 4/5

A versatile and comfortable insulated jacket made with recycled materials. It’s warm and packable for adventures in the hills but lacks breathability for strenuous activities.

Where to Buy the Rab Cirrus Insulated Jacket