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Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 - Women's Review

This is a remarkably weatherproof stretchy hardshell that feels more like a softshell
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Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 - Women's Review (Durable enough for a rough day of backcountry skiing!)
Durable enough for a rough day of backcountry skiing!
Credit: Justin Duvenik
Price:  $310 List
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Manufacturer:   Rab
By Lyra Pierotti ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 16, 2024
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 9
  • Weather Protection - 30% 6.0
  • Mobility and Fit - 20% 9.0
  • Venting and Breathability - 20% 9.0
  • Weight - 20% 7.3
  • Features and Design - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is an impressively comfortable, stretchy, breathable hardshell jacket that holds up unreasonably well to unreasonable weather. The soft feel and light weight of the material did not initially signal to us that this would be a burly, weatherproof shell layer, but our field tests confirmed it. There are a few panels on the arms and body that are made of a stiffer, more durable and weatherproof fabric, further improving our confidence when the going gets really rough. Get the scoop on how it stands up to the competition in our review of the best women's hardshell jacket.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Durable
Breathable
Simple
REASONS TO AVOID
Fewer overall features
Less versatile
Editor's Note: On April 15, 2024, we updated this review after reassessing this jacket.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Women's Hardshell Jacket
Top Pick Award
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$450 List
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Bottom Line The soft feel for a hardshell jacket, delivering comfort and breathability in a comfortable, athletic layerBurly and still lightweight, with thoughtful features that make it very versatileThough not the most affordable hardshell we've tested, its value is high due to its durability and versatilityThis hardshell is rugged and ready for harsh mountain conditionsThis is a tough three-layer shell at an impressively lightweight
Rating Categories Rab Kinetic Alpine... Arc'teryx Beta AR J... Patagonia Triolet -... Mountain Equipment... Outdoor Research Mi...
Weather Protection (30%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Mobility and Fit (20%)
9.0
8.5
8.0
7.0
5.0
Venting and Breathability (20%)
9.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
Weight (20%)
7.3
6.9
5.6
7.2
7.6
Features and Design (10%)
6.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
5.0
Specs Rab Kinetic Alpine... Arc'teryx Beta AR J... Patagonia Triolet -... Mountain Equipment... Outdoor Research Mi...
Measured Weight 12.5 oz 13.4 oz 16.4 oz 12.9 oz 11.7 oz
Material 3L recycled polyester knit face with PU membrane and recycled polyester backer/Proflex N40d 3L Gore-Tex (body)
N80d 3L Gore-Tex Pro (arms)
3L 75D 100% recycled polyester Gore-Tex shell with a waterproof/breathable barrier and DWR finish 3 layer DRILITE STRETCH 20D fabric with fluorocarbon free DWR AscentShell 3L, 100% nylon 20Dx45D mechanical stretch ripstop with 100% polyester 30D woven backer
Pockets 1 internal chest, 2 hand 2 handwarmer, 1 internal chest 2 external chest, 2 hand, 1 interior mesh bucket 1 internal chest, 2 hand 2 external chest, 2 hand (jacket stuffs into left pocket)
Pit Zips No Yes Yes Yes No
Helmet Compatible Hood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Category Lightweight
regular fit
Midweight
regular fit
Midweight
regular fit
Lightweight
regular fit
Lightweight
slim fit
Drawcords 3 hood, 2 waist 4 hood, 2 waist 3 hood, 2 waist 3 hood, 4 waist 3 hood, 1 waist
Adjustable Cuffs Yes, Velcro Yes, Velcro Yes, Velcro Yes, Velcro Yes, Velcro
Harness and Hip Belt Compatible Yes, high pockets Yes, high pockets Yes, high pockets Yes, high pockets No
Two-Way Front Zipper Yes No No No No
Length of back, from base of neck to bottom 26 in 26 in 26 in 28 in 27 in
Warranty Policy Guarantee covers the original owner with proof of purchase, for the usable lifetime of the product Practical lifetime warranty - Material or workmanship defects will be replaced or repaired at Arc'teryx's discretion Ironclad Guarantee Fully guaranteed to the original owner against defects in components, materials and workmanship. Infinite Guarantee

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is a highly breathable, stretchy, comfortable, and weatherproof shell that holds up impressively well in heinous mountain weather.

Performance Comparison


rab kinetic alpine 2.0 for women - stormproof and ready for anything in the italian dolomites.
Stormproof and ready for anything in the Italian Dolomites.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

Weather Protection


The Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 jacket feels like a softshell jacket with the performance of a hardshell, which is a win-win for certain days in the mountains. Indeed, it is an upgrade of one of our favorite softshells of all time from Rab. The Proflex fabric is weatherproof and stretchy, allowing for freedom of movement and protection from the elements. This fabric still tests at 10,000 HH, which is a standard measure of the water pressure required to penetrate the fabric. This rating is problematic, however, because it really doesn't say much about the reality of battling the elements. This is best determined through field testing.


When we got our hands on this coveted jacket, we were both excited and apprehensive–and somewhat doubtful that it would live up to its claims. It feels soft and supple, which is not what we expect a burly hardshell to feel like. We decided to take it out on a big backcountry ski day with one of the worst weather forecasts of the season in the Pacific Northwest–which is saying a lot given the reputation winters have in the Cascades. We were skeptical enough that we packed a backup hardshell. In this corner of the world, it is not uncommon to carry two hardshell jackets when the weather gets rough.

As we rounded our first objective, the storm really started pounding, and we were headed straight into it. The temperatures were rising, and as we descended, the snow became heavier and wetter. We motored on, climbing back up into cooler temps. So far, so good. Several ski laps later and still dry, we finally determined it was time to bail on our traverse and return — it was just too gnarly to get through the two remaining passes. Retracing our steps, the temperatures climbed again, and the precipitation took a turn for the wetter. On our last descent, our garments were covered in wet snow, dripping. Peeling off the shells revealed only the typical leaks around the cuffs and hood from the sideways blowing snow and rain: No precipitation made it through the jacket itself. When compared to our hardshell pants which were fully saturated with water, this soft hardshell jacket proved that it could really hang with the best of them.

rab kinetic alpine 2.0 for women - the excellent cinches at the hem, which tuck into the fabric to...
The excellent cinches at the hem, which tuck into the fabric to protect from snow and ice buildup, ensure a well-adjusted seal against any storm.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

Mobility and Fit


The Kinetic stunned us with its weather protection, something we were not anticipating from such a soft and supple hardshell jacket. What we certainly were expecting, however, was an excellent range of motion and comfort. The Kinetic delivered as expected in this category. It feels as soft and cozy as a sweatshirt. The cut is fitted enough to reduce bulk and ensure the jacket moves with you wherever you go. The stretch fabric then further ensures you can move in any direction you wish.


The smooth and simple design feels good in motion. The zippers are few, just two hand pockets and an internal chest pocket, which helps to maximize the amount of soft and supple fabric instead of stiff and awkward zippers. Rab also used smaller waterproof zippers, reducing the amount of overall fabric and storm flaps needed — elements that often functionally stiffen a jacket. The jacket's thoughtful design and cut further enhance its mobility; in particular, the asymmetrical cuff puts a little more fabric down the back of your hand to ensure coverage even with your arms overhead, like when swinging your ice tools or grabbing a handhold.

rab kinetic alpine 2.0 for women - tucked into the rab kinetic alpine 2.0, we were cozy and ready for...
Tucked into the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0, we were cozy and ready for anything.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

Venting and Breathability


We expected the Kinetic to breathe well, and this proved true in our tests. This is a lightweight shell designed for high-output activities. The same soft fabric that ensures excellent range of motion should also provide excellent breathability. The thickness of the fabric is just right to balance protection from the elements and breathability when generating a lot of body heat. There are no pit zips, but the fabric was sufficiently breathable, and we did not miss them.


There are two fabric types in this jacket. There is a stiffer material in areas of high wear and exposure to the elements—the arms, hood and side panels—and a softer type elsewhere. Presumably, this softer fabric not only moves a little more fluidly but also breathes a bit better. We appreciated that this was extended throughout the chest. Some jackets will have a burlier fabric along the chest as well, but for the female physiology, expelling heat via the chest is crucial. Though there is a thin liner along the chest, it is also light and breathable, and the fabric in this zone helped to shed heat where we produced it most rapidly.

A material's breathability can impact how dry you remain. If your jacket doesn't breathe and you're going hard enough to generate some body heat, you can get sweaty and feel wet from the inside. This is the grand irony of hardshell jackets. Conversely, when a jacket is highly breathable, sometimes body heat pumping through the jacket can help keep the whole situation dry, even if the fabric doesn't get the highest waterproof rating out there. These are the variables that show up in real field testing. With the Kinetic, we were dry at all aerobic speeds and body temperatures, in all kinds of burly weather.

rab kinetic alpine 2.0 for women - no pit zips in this one, just some generous pockets which could help...
No pit zips in this one, just some generous pockets which could help with ventilation. We didn't miss the pit zips; the Kinetic is highly breathable already.
Credit: Lyra Pierotti

Weight


At just over 12 ounces for a size small jacket, the Kinetic is solidly a mid-pack performer in weight. It is a relatively lightweight jacket, but the stretchy fabric is not as lightweight as some more plasticky-feeling shell materials.


The Kinetic has minimal but thoughtful features, which ensures the jacket remains as lightweight as possible. There are not many zippers, which can add significant weight–but there are just enough to provide maximal utility.

rab kinetic alpine 2.0 for women - light and breathable enough to be our go-to for ambitious days with...
Light and breathable enough to be our go-to for ambitious days with terrible forecasts.
Credit: Jonathon Spitzer

Features and Design


One of the first things we noticed in the features of this jacket was how well our phone battery survived on cold days in the chest pocket. We love chest pockets, but often on the coldest days this is a hard place to carry our phones due to the exposure to cold–especially if we are skiing or otherwise at relatively high speeds moving forward, with cold air rushing over the front of the jacket. The chest pocket on the Kinetic is fully internal to the jacket–it is its own full pocket sewn to the inside of the shell fabric of the jacket. No wonder our phone survived better, it has two layers of fabric insulating it from the elements! Very clever and highly functional, we think.


The Kinetic's main zipper is bi-directional, allowing you to unzip it from the bottom. This is super useful for tucking in layers when wearing a backpack or adjusting a harness. It also has two elastic adjustment points at the hem and three in the hood. These are all operational with just one hand and carefully sewn or tucked in out of the elements ensuring they do not get iced up in stormy conditions–another very thoughtful design feature. The hood also has a supple brim that gives it enough structure to help keep precipitation out of your eyes. It is helmet compatible and cinches around the face closely with the elastic running along the inside of the hood.

rab kinetic alpine 2.0 for women - we love a shell we can unzip from the bottom to access harnesses and...
We love a shell we can unzip from the bottom to access harnesses and buckles quickly.
Credit: Justin Duvenik

Should You Buy the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0?


The Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is an excellent hardshell jacket for vigorous mountain activities. This jacket offers excellent weather protection, indeed better than anticipated, with a svelte and comfortable fit. The stretchy fabric allows a closer fit than stiffer hardshell jackets while still allowing excellent range of motion. This still is not the best choice for a long expedition or conditions where you may be required to hunker down in bad weather for a while, but for fast-and-light missions where challenging weather is guaranteed, we think this jacket is a great companion.

What Other Hardshell Jackets Should You Consider?


The Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is a stellar hardshell for high-output activities. If you're looking for the hardshell to get you to the summit of Denali, however, you will want to consider a more traditional 3 layer jacket with a lean toward weather protection and less of an emphasis on breathability. If you're headed for some real-deal winter expeditions, check out the super-burly Arc'teryx Alpha SV. For similar stretch and breathability, check out the .

Lyra Pierotti