Rab Men's Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket Review
As someone constantly chasing epic trails and high-altitude adventures, I'm always seeking gear that's up to the task. I've put the Rab Men's Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket through rigorous conditions—brisk alpine mornings, rugged climbs, and everything in between. Here's how it stood up to the test.
The Verdict:
The Rab Cirrus Flex Jacket is impressively versatile, providing excellent insulation and mobility for active pursuits. While not ideal for extremely windy or harsh cold conditions on its own, it excels as part of a layering system during dynamic adventures.
What We Like:
Outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio with PrimaLoft® Silver Luxe™ insulation
Excellent breathability from Thermic™ fleece panels
Thoughtfully designed pockets and packability
What We Don't Like:
Limited wind protection in stretch panel areas
Non-adjustable hood struggles in windy conditions
Athletic fit runs slightly small; sizing up recommended
Specs:
Insulation: PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Luxe™
Fabric: Pertex Quantum 20D recycled polyamide ripstop
Panels: Thermic™ stretch fleece
Weight: Approximately 14 oz (size Medium)
Pockets: Two zipped external hand pockets (left pocket doubles as stuff sack), two internal drop-in pockets
From my first outing in the Rab Men's Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket, I knew I had found something special. Its sleek, athletic cut feels tailored for mountain movement—hugging the body snugly to trap warmth without restricting my range of motion. During brisk mornings around freezing, the jacket provided ample warmth over just a simple base layer. However, when temps dropped significantly or during breaks, an extra outer layer was needed.
Breathability & Performance
The Cirrus Flex shines brightest during high-output activities. The Thermic™ stretch fleece panels under the arms and along the sides offer superb breathability. On tough climbs and steep scrambles, I rarely experienced overheating or dampness—this jacket breathes exceptionally well. The downside, though, is reduced wind resistance; gusty conditions easily penetrate these stretch panels, making an extra windproof layer crucial on exposed routes.
Fit and Comfort
One critical note is sizing—the athletic fit runs slightly tight. Typically comfortable in medium sizes, I found sizing up essential to allow proper layering underneath. Definitely try this jacket on first if possible.
The insulated hood fits comfortably beneath a climbing helmet and kept me warm without blocking visibility. However, its semi-elasticated design lacks adjustability, making it less effective in windy conditions when a tighter fit would have helped.
Pocket design deserves special mention—two generously-sized zipped hand pockets are perfect for essentials, and I loved that the left pocket also serves as a stuff sack, a critical feature on multi-day adventures. The internal drop-in pockets added handy, quick-access storage for items like gloves and snacks.
Durability & Packability
In terms of durability, the Pertex Quantum ripstop fabric stands up impressively to typical outdoor abuse. After months of abrasive contact with rocks and brush, it still looks nearly new, though I wouldn’t push its limits too far against sharp edges. Packability is also excellent; it compresses to roughly the size of a small loaf of bread, though slightly bulkier than ultra-compact competitors.
Overall, the Rab Cirrus Flex Jacket is a standout performer for active adventures, blending warmth, mobility, and versatility. While it won't replace your heaviest winter gear, it undoubtedly earns its spot as a go-to layer in diverse mountain conditions.
